SmartLipo and Tumescent liposuction are two popular options available to patients wishing to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure to remove excess fat from various parts of their body.
Both are quite effective, and some surgeons recommend a combination of the two approaches for some patients to achieve maximum results.
About SmartLipo SmartLipo purports to use laser technology to break up the fat tissue underneath the skin and encourage collagen production.
The technique involves no invasive procedure and thus does not result in any of the scarring associated with other methods that require incisions.
The treatment can be used on a variety of parts on the body, including the stomach, thighs, buttocks, arms, face, and neck.
A local anesthetic will be applied to the treatment area, and then the laser device will be utilized from outside of the skin to break up the flab underneath.
It turns into a liquid substance that is naturally released by the body over time after the procedure.
It typically takes about two months to see the final results.
Tumescent Liposuction This is a traditional liposuction method, but the fatty layer is injected with an anesthetic mixture that causes the tissue to become rigid and to swell.
This allows the surgeon to have much greater control and precision.
Your doctor inserts a device called a cannula through a cut, which he or she then maneuvers back and forth, sucking out the extra flab to be removed.
You will experience a longer period of downtime with this option, and typically will be able to return to a non-labor-intensive job after about three days.
Physical activity such as exercise should be restricted for at least a week.
After the operation, you can experience some pain and swelling, although the injection you receive during the procedure will lessen the pain you would otherwise experience.
If you have liposuction anywhere other than on your face, your doctor will likely recommend that you wear a compression garment.
This will speed up the healing process and lower the risk of infection and discomfort.
As with any kind of liposuction procedure, it's important to remember that although the results are technically permanent, you will certainly re-gain the extra tissues if you do not exercise and eat a healthy and balanced diet.
And of course, choose a doctor who is highly qualified and experienced, and whom you feel comfortable with.
Always follow his/her advice on pre-surgery and aftercare precautions to minimize the potential of complications and side-effects.