Smart Lipo
Smart Lipo is a fat removal technique that uses laser technology to safely remove enough fat to fill a coke can. Smart Lipo fat removal is a much less invasive procedure than liposuction, and results in minimal discomfort during and after treatment. The risk of bruising or scarring is greatly reduced.
About Smart Lipo
Candidates for Smart Lipo fat removal should have realistic expectations of what can be achieved – the treatment is meant to sculpt specific, localised areas of fat. Smart Lipo results are excellent and natural-looking, but do become visible over time rather than instantly. Dr Maini or one of his team will be careful to discuss this with you at your consultation, evaluating your potential for results.
Smart Lipo fat removal is performed under local anaesthetic, rather than general anaesthetic as required for traditional liposuction. This means that there is far less risk involved, and also keeps downtime to a minimum. Once the treatment area is numb, a small incision is made to allow the insertion of a very fine cannula – less than 1mm in diameter – to accurately deliver laser light into the layer of fat just underneath the skin via fibre optic laser. The doctor moves the laser around gently in slow fanning movements. The energy from the Nd:YAG laser causes the walls of fat cells to rupture and the fat within to melt, allowing for optimal tissue remodeling and simultaneously sealing the blood vessels so that bleeding and bruising are minimized. An additional bonus of Smart Lipo fat removal is that, due to the heat of the laser, the body reacts by producing collagen, which tightens the skin in the months following treatment.
Because of the size and flexibility of the cannula, fat can be removed from almost any part of the body, and the incision made in the skin is so small that there is no need for stitching. While the full effects are revealed over the following months as the fat drains naturally away, visible improvements can be seen almost immediately. In the 3-4 months following the treatment the liquid fat begins to be metabolized by your body and drains away via the lymphatic system.
Patients can usually return to work within 24 hours of being treated, and tend to recover over a cup of tea before heading home. Pressure garments are worn for a week or less, as opposed to the 6-12 weeks for liposuction.
Smart Lipo advantages
Smart Lipo fat removal is performed under local anaesthetic, rather than general anaesthetic as required for traditional liposuction. This means that there is far less risk involved, and also keeps downtime to a minimum. Once the treatment area is numb, a small incision is made to allow the insertion of a very fine cannula – less than 1mm in diameter – to accurately deliver laser light into the layer of fat just underneath the skin via fibre optic laser. The doctor moves the laser around gently in slow fanning movements. The energy from the Nd:YAG laser causes the walls of fat cells to rupture and the fat within to melt, allowing for optimal tissue remodeling and simultaneously sealing the blood vessels so that bleeding and bruising are minimized. An additional bonus of Smart Lipo fat removal is that, due to the heat of the laser, the body reacts by producing collagen, which tightens the skin in the months following treatment.
Because of the size and flexibility of the cannula, fat can be removed from almost any part of the body, and the incision made in the skin is so small that there is no need for stitching. While the full effects are revealed over the following months as the fat drains naturally away, visible improvements can be seen almost immediately. In the 3-4 months following the treatment the liquid fat begins to be metabolized by your body and drains away via the lymphatic system.
Patients can usually return to work within 24 hours of being treated, and tend to recover over a cup of tea before heading home. Pressure garments are worn for a week or less, as opposed to the 6-12 weeks for liposuction.
Smart Lipo FAQs
What areas is Smart Lipo suitable for?
Candidates for Smart Lipo should have realistic expectations of what can be achieved. Smart Lipo is ideal for people of fairly average weight with stubborn areas of fat that they want removing.
Smart Lipo can be used to treat the following:
Double Chins
Love Handles
Inner Thighs
Hips
Upper Arms
Ankles
Upper and Lower Bellies (that are not too large)
“Smart Lipo laser lipolysis is well suited to small areas and is minimally invasive,” said Karen Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Laser Skin and Surgery Center of New York. “Early clinical trials suggest that patients experience rapid healing with little tissue trauma. Post-op results can be seen as soon as one week, with continued improvement over several months.”
Do I need to be put to sleep?
No, Smart Lipo treatment does not require a general anaesthetic
How long does a Smart Lipo treatment take?
A typical Smart Lipo fat reduction treatment will last between 60-120 minutes, and will be performed using local anesthetic. You may wish to take the day off work, depending on the site of the treatment. Most people return to work by the next day. For patients wishing to have more than one area treated times will increase accordingly.
How long do I need off from work?
You can return to a sedentary job the same day or next day after your Smart Lipo treatment.
How many Smart Lipo fat removal treatments will I need?
The number of sessions depends on the number of areas on the body you would like fat removed from and the amount of fat to be removed. Most patients wishing to treat one area will only require one Smart Lipo session. Dr Maini or one of his team will discuss what can reasonably be achieved for you in a session to ensure you will be satisfied with the procedure. Dimpling and rippling have been cited as problems resulting from traditional liposuction, but a major advantage of Smart Lipo is that these issues only very rarely occur.
Can Laser Lipolysis be used to treat obesity?
Smart Lipo (Laser Lipolysis) fat removal treatment is not designed to treat obesity.
How soon will I see the results?
The area will seem more compact immediately but will at times look fuller or the same size as before the treatment. Gradually, the body contours improve day by day, providing the expected results within 60 to 120 days. If a second Smart Lipo fat removal treatment is required it can be done no less than 4 months after the first procedure.
Smart Lipo aftercare
Patients should wear the special garment as advised. Adhere to a reasonable diet and exercise routine and have a follow up treatment as advised. You should always contact the doctor if there are any concerns. Smart Lipo Fat removal treatments are carried out by Dr Maini MRCGP and Dr Hamilton who are fully trained in the technique. Both doctors have the experience, knowledge and compassion to work with their patients prior to treatment in order to ensure patients’ expectations are realistic and results are as expected.
FDA approval
The Smart Lipo fat removal treatment received clearance from the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) in November 2006.
What our patients say
At Nottingham Laser Clinic we understand that making your decision as to whether or not you wish to go ahead with Smart Laser Lipolysis treatment is extremely important. Researching Smart Lipo and the clinics that offer it, you will inevitably stumble across many different places all trying to tell you how effective their treatments are. At Nottingham Laser Clinic we are honest about the results that can be expected from Smart Lipo, and who Smart Lipo would be right for. Our aim is to furnish you with the necessary facts to make an informed decision. Below are two testimonials from some of our patients who have undergone Smart Lipo fat reduction – we let the people who really know tell you what it’s like.
Doctor and Staff
“Dr Maini was absolutely wonderful. He explained everything clearly, precisely and confidently before, during and after treatment, consequently, any fears I may have had walking into the surgery were quickly allayed.”
Treatment
“The treatment was relatively easy, and although there were one or two moments of mild discomfort it was not painful. I drove home after the procedure and amazingly carried on my life as normal.”
Recommendations
“One week later, I have returned to the clinic with my lovely mum. She has decided to trust my recommendation and has come for a tummy procedure. Incidentally , my mum is 75 years young! Thank you to all the staff - your kindness, help and professionalism is inspiring.”
A. C. on Smart Lipo Fat Removal Treatment
Doctor and Staff
“The doctor was very funny, friendly and professional, all the staff were very kind, patient and willing to answer any questions - they really helped me to relax the whole time I was having the treatment. Everything was explained clearly and thoroughly."
Treatment
"I was surprised to find it was actually a pleasant experience! It was very quick; even the anaesthetic needles didn’t really hurt and the laser was fairly tickily."
Recommendations
"I would definitely recommend this treatment and this particular clinic because the staff were so welcoming and helpful. The standards were high and the treatment did not feel at all intrusive - I was able to walk out and enjoy the rest of the day.”
JOANNA W. on Smart Lipo Fat Reduction Treatment
