SmartLipo is an incredibly safe procedure with very few risks or complications. Since its approval by the FDA in 2006, there has not been a documented serious or life-threatening complication associated with the procedure. However, as with all surgical procedures, there is potential for some risks and complications. Board certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Hendricks is highly skilled and experienced in dealing with these potential complications should they arise.

SmartLipo is an outpatient procedure, often taking little more than an hour to perform. It is minimally invasive, requiring only small incisions, and works with the body’s natural healing process to achieve results. Small incisions do not require stitches, allowing you to leave the office with no more signs of surgery than a band aid. This minimizes your risk of infection, scarring, and removes the need for additional visits.

Anesthesia and SmartLipo

SmartLipo is often preformed under local anesthesia. While much safer than general anesthesia, there are still some small risks associated with local anesthetics such as allergic reactions or failure to completely numb the area to be treated..

• Excessively Large doses of localized anesthesia can, in very rare cases, cause nervous excitability, convulsions, or coma. These instances occur in a nominal number of all people who undergo any type of local anesthesia each year.

Other SmartLipo Complications

In addition to risks associated with local anesthesia, some patients may experience minor complications while recovering from the surgery itself, including:

• Minor swelling or bruising may last for a few days
• Minor scaring can result in asymmetrical results
• Infections at the site of the incision can occur in rare cases

Like complications with local anesthesia, these issues are also very rare. In fact, SmartLipo is considered one of the safest plastic surgery options available today.

Dr. Hendricks has been specially trained to perform SmartLipo surgery in a safe and effective way. If you live in Newport Beach, California and are interested in learning more about SmartLipo, its advantages, as well as potential risks, please contact the office of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for an initial consultation.