At the Lifestyle Center here in Clayton, want to help patients look their very best through state-of-the-art non-invasive care and minimally invasive therapy. While traditional liposuction and body sculpting have proven effective for many patients, we feel that SmartLipo® is an ideal, minimally invasive fat reduction and removal treatment that can make you look trimmer and slimmer.
Let's take a moment to consider this excellent treatment alternative to traditional liposuction and what the recovery process is like for patients.
About SmartLipo®
SmartLipo® (also known as laser lipolysis) is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove select pockets of fat from a patient's body. This is accomplished through the use of a special laser that liquefies the fat cells of the treatment area. Once the fat is liquefied, it is carefully removed using a thin metal tube called a cannula. By doing this, the fat is safely removed and the patient's overall body contour is enhanced.
How SmartLipo® Differs from Traditional Liposuction: Recovery Advantages
SmartLipo® uses a much smaller cannula than traditional liposuction, which means that the procedure is less invasive and does less damage to the patient's underlying tissues, which includes smaller incisions. The reduction in pain and soreness also has to do with the use of laser technology, which makes fat removal easier and also prevents nerve damage in the treatment area.
Many patients who undergo SmartLipo® actually report an improved recovery experience overall, with less bruising, discomfort, and swelling when compared to traditional liposuction. For the vast majority of patients, they will be able to return to almost all normal, everyday activities after one week.
First Days After SmartLipo®
Grogginess and soreness are common after SmartLipo® and is to be expected. Patients will be given prescription pain medication or recommended over-the-counter pain relievers to take as needed. A compression garment may also be provided depending on the treatment area to aid in comfort post-treatment.
Patients are asked to avoid strenuous physical activities, whether at work or at home. This will give the body proper time to heal and will prevent any adverse side effects or complications from occurring. If only minor SmartLipo® was performed, patients should be able to return to work after only a day or two. More time for healing will be required the larger the treatment area.
First Week After SmartLipo®
During the first week of recovery, patients will return to the practice for follow-up visits. This will help ensure that the results are going as planned. Patients should notice reduced swelling, soreness, and bruising by the end of the first week. Any issues with numbness in the treatment area should also be resolved by this time, or near resolved. Patients may be asked to keep wearing their compression garment depending on their rate of recovery.
What SmartLipo® Patients Can Expect In the Weeks Ahead
As the weeks after SmartLipo® go by, patients will notice an improvement on the initial results that were achieved after the initial procedure. Sometimes patients will be advised to avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks, though this depends on the extent of the procedure. Patients are encouraged to eat right and stay healthy to help promote the best body contouring results going forward.
Learn More About SmartLipo® and Advanced Aesthetic Care
If you would like to learn more about SmartLipo® and your other options for advanced body contouring, we encourage you to contact our laser skin care and rejuvenation center today. Dr. Richard Moore looks forward to your visit and discussing your options for care in greater detail.
