Dear Dr. Seckel, I am considering liposuction and have read about the new smartlipo and lipodissolve. Are these new procedures safe and effective? Why is liposuction better with a laser? Thank you, Margaret, Boston, Massachusetts
Dear Margaret,
Smartlipo and lipodissolve are new techniques for dissolving and removing fat. The technique was pioneered by Dr Goldman in
What is new about smartlipo and lipodissolve is that a tiny cannula with a small laser (about the size of a pencil tip) is inserted into the fat layer beneath the skin. The laser heats and dissolves the fat into a liquid. The liquid fat is then suctioned out using a small suction tube or cannula. In
The benefits of smartlipo and lipodissolve that are claimed by Cynosure, the company that makes the laser are:
Less trauma
Less bleeding
Improved skin tightening after the fat is removed
Quicker recovery
Smartlipo and lipodissolve are new techniques and we are waiting long term studies of safety and effectiveness in this country, although the experience in
In my opinion the most promising aspect of this new technology is the skin tightening effect of the laser. One of the major limitations of traditional liposuction has been the failure of the skin to tighten after liposuction. Loose skin left after liposuction has often required surgical skin tightening.
Theoretically the heat produced by the laser during the laser “lipodissolve” procedure will also tighten the skin. If this skin tightening component of smartlipo and lipodissolve pans out this will be a revolutionary advance in liposuction. Stay tuned.
For further information on plastic surgery, lasers, and non surgical skin rejuvenation read Save Your Face or contact me.
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