Smartlipo®: Your Questions, Answered

Liposuction procedures are the second most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S. In 2017, nearly 250,000 Americans underwent liposuction, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you’re considering liposuction, Smartlipo® might be the solution for you. These are all the answers to common questions about this state-of-the-art procedure.

What you can expect from the liposuction procedure and how to maintain its slimming results.

What Is Smartlipo?

Like liposuction, SmartLipo uses liposuction methods to eliminate problem fat from the body. What sets it apart is the use of laser technology. SmartLipo uses both liposuction and laser technology to help our Virginia Beach clients remove the fat and tighten the skin at once.

To perform SmartLipo, Dr. Vendetti will insert a small cannula (small tube used in liposuction) into the skin near the targeted area. Since the cannula is so small, local anesthesia should be sufficient to keep you comfortable through the procedure. Our clients love that general anesthesia is not required and they don’t need to “go under” to get impressive slimming results with SmartLipo. Through the same cannula, Dr. Vendetti will release laser energy that will liquefy the excess fat. Once liquefied, it is much easier to remove the fat. The cannula will then suction the destroyed fat cells and your SmartLipo procedure is completed.

How Does Smartlipo Work?

A thin tube containing Smartlipo laser fiber is inserted through a small incision into the patient’s targeted fatty areas. The laser fiber melts fat and removes it with gentle suction. Targeted treatment is administered through three wavelengths, which:

• Disrupt fat
• Coagulate blood vessels
• Stimulate collagen production
• Improve skin elasticity

Can SmartLipo Help Me?

SmartLipo can help remove fat from a number of areas on the body. Our Virginia Beach clients that may benefit from this procedure may have excess fat on the following areas:

• Midsection or abdomen
• Legs
• Thighs
• Love handles (hips)
• Arms
• Buttocks
• Back
• Neck

As you can see, SmartLipo is an effective fat reduction treatment for many different areas of the body.

How Long Is Recovery?

Because Smartlipo is a minimally invasive procedure only requiring local anesthesia, recovery time is very short. While some light bruising may occur, you’ll be able to return to normal activities within a few days. You should, however, avoid strenuous exercise for at least one week post-procedure.

Should I Follow a Special Diet?

Though liposuction may seem magical, the results won’t last if you practice unhealthy eating habits. Generally, patients should strive to incorporate healthier foods into their diets, including:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins

At the same time, patients should limit their intake of sugars, simple carbohydrates and saturated fats.

Do I Need to Make Any Lifestyle Changes?

A common misconception about liposuction is that patients can return to the same habits that led to their decision to have the procedure. You’ll have to commit to living a healthy lifestyle to maintain liposuction’s slimming results by doing things like:

• Reducing stress
• Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle
• Following an exercise regimen
• Drinking plenty of water

How Can I Minimize Bruising?

1 week prior to the procedure, avoid:

• Alcohol
• Aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E and St. John’s wort

3 to 5 days prior to the procedure, take oral:

• Arnica tablets
• Bromelain tablets

After the procedure:

• Ice the area for 20 minutes on and off for 3 days
• Continue taking oral arnica and bromelain tablets for 7 days

How Can I Ensure the Best Results?

Although the incision site is small, it can become infected when not cared for properly. Keep the area clean by applying antibiotic ointment until you’re healed and swapping drainage pads and bandages frequently the day after the procedure. Reduce inflammation by consistently wearing your compression garment for one week post-procedure.

SmartLipo Results

We’re finally getting to the best part of SmartLipo. Sure, the minimally invasive nature is impressive, the downtime is improved, and the science behind it is pure genius. However, the results of SmartLipo are the true reason why we are now offering this treatment.

The combination of liquefying the unwanted fat and suctioning the destroyed fat helps make fat reduction a no hassle procedure. Since fat is physically removed from your body, you will notice an immediate change in appearance of the target area. It will appear flatter and tighter. As your body continues to heal, you will continue to see the slimming, contouring results over the next several months.

Reshape Your Body and Your Life With Smartlipo

If you’re considering liposuction treatment in the Virginia Beach area, contact Virginia Surgical Arts. Dr. Vendetti proudly uses Smartlipo, the most advanced liposuction technology, to achieve excellent results for all his patients. Request your consultation appointment online or by calling (757) 430-7690 today!