Smartlipo - Frequently Asked Questions

Orange County, California

What is Smartlipo?

Smartlipo is a laser body contouring technique 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. The fat cells are ruptured by the laser and turned into a liquid that is absorbed by the lymphatic system and excreted as water by the kidneys, usually by the next day. Take a look at our
before and after pictures.

Who is a good candidate for Smartlipo?

Some people 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.  People who have a healthy diet and exercise regularly, but are unable to reduce fat in certain areas are good candidates for Smartlipo. Smartlipo is not meant to drastically reduce a person’s body weight. Instead, it is used to correct thicker areas such as the thighs, neck and jaw line, and arms. Therefore, people who are in shape or only slightly overweight are ideal Smartlipo patients.

What is the difference between undergoing traditional liposuction and undergoing Smartlipo?

Traditional liposuction surgery requires bigger openings in the skin near the area that is being treated. The fat stays solid during this procedure and is suctioned using a vacuum. This is much more distressing for the surrounding tissues than Smartlipo, and bleeding, bruising, scarring, and stitches are more common with traditional liposuction..

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

How long does the Smartlipo procedure take?

Most Smartlipo surgeries last 45 minutes to an hour for each area treated. Patients may have to wear an elastic bodysuit, also known as a compression garment, after the surgery in order to reduce swelling.  With Smartlipo, most people can return to work just a couple days after the surgery.

Is a laser used in Smart-liposuction?

Yes. The lasers are used to tighten the skin by promoting collagen growth after fat is removed from underneath it. For some, especially younger people, the skin will tighten on its own. But, for those whose skin has the possibility of appearing loose after the procedure, a laser can shrink the skin from its underside.  The laser will work through the incisions that are already made for the liposuction cannula.

Is Smartlipo safe?

Because of the minimally invasive nature of the Smartlipo procedure, there usually are very few to no side affects after the surgery. And because just local anesthesia is required during Smartlipo it makes the procedure much safer. General anesthesia, which is used in traditional liposuction, makes the potential complications potentially more likely because of the complex nature of general anesthesia.

You can learn more about Liposuction myths by clicking here to read about our blog entry.  You can also visit our Smartlipo website to find out more.

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.  He is the only triple board certified plastic surgeon in the Newport Beach and Orange County area to have been trained in and to use this new technology.
Contact him today for a confidential confidential consultation about Smartlipo.

 

Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center
Douglas Hendricks, MD, FACS
280 Newport Center Drive, Suite 120
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Email Us or call us at 949.640.9570 to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Hendricks.

Newport Beach plastic surgeon Douglas L. Hendricks, MD, FACS. Centrally located to provide cosmetic surgery for patients in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine and all of Orange County.

Orange County Smartlipo - Image of Model

Patient Comments

A thousand thank-yous would not be enough to thank you for all your kindness and support.

Katie B