What Is The Difference Between Traditional Liposuction And Smartlipo?
&srotate=0)
For most men and women, the aging process can bring about unwanted physical changes. Even younger patients may struggle with cosmetic issues related to certain life events – such as pregnancy or weight loss – or simply due to genetics alone. Whatever the cause may be, one of the most common and frustrating problems that men and women of all ages face is stubborn areas of fat. For many people, no amount of diet or exercise is sufficient to achieve their desired results, because the fat simply doesn’t respond in the same way as the rest of the body. Fortunately, liposuction offers patients the ability to finally rid themselves of these stubborn, unwanted fat deposits and get the sleek, smooth contour they’ve always wanted.
Board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Tamburrino is proud to offer both traditional liposuction and Smartlipo™, an exciting and innovative treatment, at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Doylestown, PA. Read on to learn more about how liposuction can help you achieve your ultimate aesthetic goals, and find out why Smartlipo, in many cases, may be a fantastic option.
How does liposuction work?
Liposuction is a fat reduction procedure designed to remove small to moderate deposits of unwanted fat from various areas of the body. Liposuction is considered a minimally invasive surgery due to its use of small incisions. During a liposuction procedure, the surgeon will insert a thin tube – called a cannula – through these incisions, break up the fat, and suction it out of the body. At the conclusion of the case, the incisions will be closed. On average, a liposuction procedure takes about an hour and can be performed under local anesthesia, though the length of the case and the type of anesthesia required depends heavily on the area(s) being treated and any additional procedures being performed simultaneously.
What is the recovery like after liposuction?
Following a liposuction procedure, patients should expect some level of discomfort, bruising, and swelling. Your doctor will provide you with postoperative guidelines and prescribe medications to help relieve your symptoms, most of which should subside in the first few weeks after surgery. One of the most important components of liposuction recovery is wearing compression garments. Patients are typically required to wear medical-grade compression garments at all times for several weeks after surgery, which is essential for promoting proper healing and reducing swelling. While you may notice some changes fairly quickly, your final results may not be visible for up to six weeks or more, as the swelling continues to resolve.
What is Smartlipo?
Much like traditional liposuction, Smartlipo is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure that is designed to remove stubborn fat and help patients achieve a smoother and more toned physique. Dr. Tamburrino is committed to offering patients the most effective, up-to-date, and innovative procedures available, and Smartlipo has a number of unique advantages for men and women seeking a minimally invasive body contouring treatment.
During a Smartlipo procedure, Dr. Tamburrino will make an incision near the target treatment area, through which the cannula will be inserted. While Smartlipo still requires the use of incisions and a handheld cannula, both are much smaller with Smartlipo than traditional liposuction. This makes the resulting scars tiny and barely visible, if at all. The fat is then suctioned out of the body, and the incisions are closed.
The major difference between traditional liposuction and Smartlipo is that Smartlipo utilizes laser lipolysis technology. When the cannula is inserted, the laser energy targets and liquefies the surrounding fat cells, making them much easier to remove. This results in less trauma for the patient and often leads to a quicker and more comfortable recovery when compared with traditional liposuction. In addition, the Smartlipo laser stimulates the production of new collagen, which can help patients' skin appear smoother, tighter, and more youthful after the procedure.
Where can Smartlipo be used?
One of the most advantageous aspects of traditional liposuction and Smartlipo is that the procedures can be used on a long list of areas, including:
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Flanks
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Neck/Chin
- Face
During your initial consultation at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Doylestown, PA, Dr. Tamburrino will take ample time to discuss your areas of concern, answer your questions, and explain your options at length before recommending a surgical plan that can help you address all of your concerns and achieve the most stunning result possible.
Am I a candidate for Smartlipo?
As with any surgical procedure, candidates for liposuction and/or Smartlipo should be in good health, be nonsmokers, and have realistic expectations for their procedure. Fortunately, most patients who are candidates for liposuction can also be considered for the less invasive Smartlipo procedure. Ideal candidates, and those who often enjoy the most dramatic and longest-lasting results, are:
- At or near their goal weight before the procedure
- Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet
- Maintain a healthy stable weight after the procedure
- Are not planning to become pregnant
The best way to find out with certainty whether or not you are a candidate for liposuction or Smartlipo is to be evaluated by a qualified, certified, and experienced plastic surgeon. Call the convenient Doylestown, PA location of Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Tamburrino, and rid yourself of that stubborn, unwanted fat once and for all!