SmartLipo vs. Traditional Liposuction

NEW YORK, NY, June 28, 2012 (Press-News.org) Statistically, liposuction is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the US and the world. It is so popular, that everyone is looking to capitalize on the seemingly insatiable demand for liposuction not only in the US, but also around the globe.

One way that industry seeks to capitalize on the liposuction craze is by inventing new liposuction techniques. One of the more recent liposuction techniques that has gained tremendous popularity is SmartLipo. How does SmartLipo compare to traditional liposuction? Read on and find out.

What Is SmartLipo?

In traditional liposuction, the area to be treated is injected with a large amount of fluid that contains local anesthetic and epinephrine (adrenaline) that causes blood vessels in the area to constrict. Then small incisions are made and a metal tube called a cannula is inserted. Suction is applied to the tube, drawing out fat and some other tissues.

SmartLipo adds laser energy to the traditional liposuction procedure. The SmartLipo cannula has a diode laser on it. This laser has the ability to melt fat and lyse--explode--fat cells.

Promised Benefits of SmartLipo

One limitation of this procedure is the amount of damage it causes to other tissues in the treatment area, such as blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. This can lead to significant discomfort, swelling, and a prolonged recovery period, even in the best case scenario.

Another limitation is that traditional liposuction does not address the problem of skin in the treated area. Many times, if the fat is removed, skin may not contract, leaving a patient with hanging, empty skin instead of a fat pocket, which is not generally considered a cosmetic improvement.

SmartLipo claims to have countered both these problems. Ostensibly, the laser damages fat cells and makes them easier to remove without damaging other tissues in the area. In addition, the laser causes thermal injury to the skin in the treated area. This stimulates a healing response in the skin which may cause it to tighten.

Does It Work?

Some doctors are firm believers in the power of SmartLipo, while others claim it is a gimmick. The difference between surgeons that get results with SmartLipo and those that don't may be, like many aspects of plastic surgery, dependent on a surgeon's technique.

The best course of action for patients considering liposuction is to find a surgeon that they feel they can trust and let the surgeon select the liposuction technique that the surgeon thinks works best.

If you are looking for more information about liposuction in New York City, please visit the website of Juva Skin & Laser Center at http://www.juvaskin.com.