What is Smartlipo?

Smartlipo is a liposuction surgery that uses a small laser fiber to melt away fat in areas of the body. The laser is inserted through a 1 to 2 mm incision in the skin with a tube. The fat cells are broken down by the laser and liquefied, which allows the fat to exit the body through the incision or natural excretions that are usually completed by the next day.

Click to view Dr. Hendricks performing Smartlipo neck procedure

What's the difference between traditional liposuction and Smartlipo?

Traditional liposuction surgery requires larger incisions to be made around the area that is being treated. Fat stays solid during this procedure and is sucked out using a vacuum. This is much more traumatic for tissues than Smartlipo, and bleeding, bruises, scarring, and stitches are common afterwards.

Smartlipo's laser stimulates collagen growth, which can tighten skin after the Smartlipo surgery. This prevents the skin over the area from appearing loose, as it can after traditional liposuction. Smartlipo allows the Dr. Hendricks to be more accurate with fat removal, because the guiding light of the laser can be seen underneath the skin. Smartlipo also has a much shorter recovery time than more invasive traditional liposuction.

How long does Smartlipo take?

Most Smartlipo surgeries usually take 45 minutes to an hour. Patients may have to wear an elastic bodysuit after the surgery in order to reduce swelling, but most people can return to work after only a few days.

Who is a good candidate for Smartlipo?

People who have a healthy diet and exercise regularly, but are unable to eliminate fat in certain areas are good candidates for Smartlipo. Some people will have areas on their body with more fat than they would like no matter how carefully they watch what they eat or how often they exercise. Smartlipo is not meant to drastically reduce anyones weight. Instead, it is used to adjust the way areas like the thighs, face, and arms look. Therefore, people who are in shape or only slightly overweight are ideal Smartlipo patients.

Is a laser used in liposuction?

Yes, lasers are used sometimes to tighten the skin after fat is removed from underneath it. To some extent, especially in younger people, the skin will tighten itself. But a laser can be used to shrink the skin from its underside, through the incisions made for the liposuction cannula. This is often done on the neck or chin area.

How long does Smartlipo take?

Due to the minimally invasive nature of Smartlipo, there are few to no side affects after the surgery. Only local anesthesia is needed during Smartlipo, which makes the surgery much safer. General anesthesia is used in traditional liposuction, making complications more likely. Less than one percent of Smartlipo surgeries have complications, compared with ten percent of traditional liposuction procedures.

Newport Beach SmartLipo Surgeon Dr. Hendricks has been specially trained to use the new liposuction techniques. He has performed hundreds of surgeries and has helped many people achieve the look they desire. Contact him today for a confidential consultation about Smartlipo.