Smartlipo MPX™

Smartlipo vs Traditional Liposuction

There are many reasons why Smartlipo may be the right choice for you.

• Surgery is performed under local anesthesia, without the need to recover from general anesthesia.
• Laser coagulation of blood vessels leads to decreased bruising after surgery and a quicker recovery.
• Laser energy delivered to the deep skin surface can promote skin tightening.
• 1 mm laser cannula and micro-liposuction cannulas lead to smaller incisions than what is needed for conventional liposuction.
• The procedure is safe and effective for focused areas of excess fat, such as the abdomen, waist (love handles), chin, thighs, hips, arms, knees, and male breast.

Your Laser Liposuction Procedure

Laser liposuction melts targeted areas of body fat with a low-energy laser fiber that is inserted through a cannula, which is a thin, hollow tube that breaks up and extracts unwanted fat. The liquefied fat is then suctioned away. In addition to facilitating fat removal, the laser may also be helpful in tightening skin in the treated areas.

During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your cosmetic goals, review your medical history, and examine you to determine if liposuction is right for you. Our surgeons personalize each patient’s treatment plan to their specific goals and physical attributes to achieve satisfying results. Sometimes, Dr. Chang or Dr. Clarke might suggest other cosmetic procedures such as a facelift or a tummy tuck to be performed in conjunction with or instead of liposuction surgery to give a patient the enhancements they desire. Many women also choose to combine liposuction with breast augmentation to enhance their breasts after pregnancy or major weight loss. If combining procedures is right for you, your surgeon will discuss your options during your consultation.

Recovery & Results

Immediately after your liposuction surgery with Smartlipo MPX, treated areas are wrapped in compression garments to minimize swelling and encourage an attractive, compact shape. You will need to have someone drive you home to accompany you after surgery. Because the laser technology reduces bleeding and damage to surrounding tissues, most patients can return to their normal routine after 2 to 3 days of restricted activity, although experiences vary.

After recovery, liposuction patients often enjoy a firmer, more sculpted body contour. Results are long lasting, since fat cells do not grow back after liposuction. Be aware that remaining fat cells can enlarge if you do not maintain a healthy diet and continue your exercise regimen.

Find Out More

Save $50 on your consultation or call us at (410) 740-9330, and you’ll soon discover what makes Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery a top destination for revealing your inner beauty.

If you have more questions about Smartlipo MPX or any other body contouring procedures, please visit any of the following pages—Liposuction, Tummy Tuck or Mommy Makeover—for answers to common questions about these treatments.

SmartLipo MPX FAQs

Who is a good candidate for SmartLipo MPX?

SmartLipo MPX, like all forms of liposuction, is not a weight loss procedure. Rather, it is meant to treat stubborn pockets of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. Strong candidates for SmartLipo should meet the following requirements:

• Be in good overall health
• Have a BMI within 30% of their ideal body weight
• Kept their weight stable for at least 6 months
• Have good muscle tone
• Frame their expectations realistically
• Avoid smoking

What areas can be treated with SmartLipo?

SmartLipo can treat all the areas traditional liposuction can, as well as some smaller areas other techniques cannot address. Common areas to treat with SmartLipo include:

• Neck
• Jaw line
• Inner arms
• Breasts
• Bra line
• Abdomen
• Love handles
• Inner thighs
• Outer thighs
• Knees

Can SmartLipo address cellulite?

While it is not guaranteed, many patients do notice a reduction in cellulite after SmartLipo. You should not go into treatment expecting this, but it could be a nice side effect.

Will the fat removed return in another part of my body?

No, the fat cells removed from your body are gone permanently. However, if your weight is not stable or you change your diet and exercise routine, you may gain weight after SmartLipo, which can be interpreted as the fat returning to other parts of the body.

Is SmartLipo painful?

Compared to traditional liposuction, SmartLipo is much less painful. However, there is still some degree of pain involved. The procedure is done under local anesthesia because the process itself is not very painful. After the procedure, soreness tends to develop. Most patients compare this to how they feel after a tough workout at the gym. Keep in mind that everyone experiences pain differently, so we cannot perfectly predict your experience.

Will I need to stay in the hospital?

No, SmartLipo is an outpatient procedure, and since there is no need for general anesthesia, you are in and out quickly. You are free to recover at home. 

What are the key benefits of SmartLipo?

• You avoid general anesthesia and hospital fees
• Recovery is quick, lasting only a few days for most
• There is less pain when compared to traditional liposuction
• In addition to removing fat, it can tighten the skin
• It is able to treat areas of the body traditional liposuction cannot

How long will the procedure take?

This depends on the size of the area being treated, how much fat is removed and if you want to treat multiple areas. Most treatments take 1.5 to 2 hours. 

How much does SmartLipo cost?

This varies based on the size of the treatment area, how much fat you want removed and if you choose to treat more than one area. We will discuss the cost with you at your consultation. 

How many treatments will I need to get the best results?

With SmartLipo, you do not need maintenance treatments, unlike non-surgical options. Once your treatment is complete, the results are permanent. However, if you gain weight or decide you want to reduce your fat cells more, you are welcome to get SmartLipo again once you are healed.