With the summer fast approaching, many people are beginning to get in shape. If your dedication to diet and exercise has never wavered, but you are not seeing the results you want, you have options. Luckily, technology and medicine allow us to develop new, safe, and quick ways to get the body we want. While traditional liposuction has always been an option, most people are hesitant to undergo an invasive medical procedure. “Instead, many patients are now looking to smart lipo,” NJ top plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Berlet explains. Smart lipo is a great new option for those people looking to quickly achieve their body goals for the season. Read on to learn a little more about the procedure.
What is SmartLipo™?
Smartlipo is a new procedure for fat removal. It is minimally invasive.
Smart Lipo is also known as laser lipolysis or SmartLipo. It is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser energy to sculpt the desired body contour. There are other lipolysis techniques involving radiofrequency energy, ultrasound energy, and injections. However, laser lipolysis is the most commonly used technique because it is the most effective.
SMARTLIPO™ procedure breakdown
For most clients, the procedure takes around two hours. However, we should note that this depends on what areas are being treated, how many, the size of these areas and how much fat needs to be removed.
Because this procedure is performed under local anesthesia without a sedative, you will be awake. While you won’t feel any pain, you may feel pressure during the procedure as the liquefied fat is being suctioned out. You can reasonably expect that each trouble region being worked on will take an hour. Therefore, if you are targeting your stomach and chest, the procedure shouldn’t take more than two hours.
Recovery timeline & tips
Recovery with smart lipo is much faster than traditional liposuction. Immediately after your procedure, you will be able to get back to day-to-day life. Your surgeon will likely recommend that you stick to lighter, easier activities, however, downtime decreases significantly with this procedure. In other words, unlike the downtime for anesthesia recovery and a possible overnight stay with traditional liposuction, you’ll be able to get back to your regular routine quickly. Treatment with SMARTLIPO reduces tissue trauma and pain after the procedure while eliminating the need for significant recovery time. Most patients are able to return to deskwork one to two days after the procedure, and some even return the same day, depending on the treatment area.
Tips for recovery
- Listen to your surgeon. Your body is unique. After your procedure, your surgeon will provide care instructions that are specific to you and your unique procedure. While learning some general tips online can help, make sure you do not deviate from your doctor’s guidance. He or she knows best what you need to recover quickly and safely.
- Do not touch the area. It can be tempting to remove your bandages earlier, touch the treatment area, or otherwise, adjust the treated area for your comfort. Make sure you do not irritate the incision on the treated part of the body. This can lead to infection.
- Clean the treatment area according to your surgeon’s instructions. Again, your surgeon will provide specific instructions. After the designated time, you should clean the incision area with non-comedogenic, fragrance-free soap.
- Do not overexert yourself. While this procedure does typically yield less recovery time, that doesn’t mean you should push yourself to more strenuous activity. Take the time that your body needs to properly heal. Limit running and other forms of strenuous exercise until your doctor has given you the green light.
Choosing the right plastic surgeon matters
Dr. Anthony Berlet has been performing cosmetic weight loss procedures for over 20 years. He helps patients in the northern New Jersey and New York City areas determine which procedure is right for them, deciphering their unique circumstances and guiding them to a healthier lifestyle. Along with his team of caring and dedicated medical professionals, Dr. Berlet prioritizes your health and desired outcome while ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the journey. From your initial consultation to your healthy recovery, the team at Berlet will be alongside you the entire way. “Smart lipo,” NJ doctor Berlet says “…might be the right solution for you.” Reach out to us today to learn more about this procedure.