By Liz Zuliani
The biggest turn-off for anyone considering liposuction has to be the fact that the procedure is supremely invasive, dangerous and the recovery period is painful and lengthy.
Despite it being a faster and lower effort solution to get rid of unwanted body fat than diet and exercise, it does come with significant risks. Mainly due to the powerful anesthetics used for the procedure. We all remember actress Kathy Griffin’s heart stopping on the medical table during her liposuction procedure because of her body’s reaction to the anesthetic.
There’s a new non-invasive, non-surgical liposuction technique that uses a fat-zapping laser to melt away cellulite, love handles, double chins and flabby arms in less than an hour. Even traditional liposuction didn’t promised to get rid of cellulite.
The laser vaporises fat and tightens the skin. It’s called SmartLipo and is available in Australia. Patients are given a local anesthetic before the treatment and stay conscious the entire time. A small incision is made to the treatment area, but doesn’t require stitches or leave a scar. You’ll be back in the office before your lunchbreak is even over.
The downside: minor swelling, tenderness and bruising for a few days or longer. As with any operation, there’s a risk of infection. And in rare cases, patients experience an infection as a result of blood collecting under the skin. You should also ask your surgeon if they’re willing to cover the cost of a second procedure if you experience lop-sided results.
How does it work?
A small tube one to two millimetres in diameter containing a laser fibre is inserted into the skin and moved back and forth, delivering the laser’s energies to the fat cells. The action causes the cells to rupture so they’re easily drained away. The laser also interacts with the skin, making collagen shrink hence the skin tightening.
SmartLipo is a truly innovative way to get rid of excess fat deposits and improve your body contours, but it’s also important to note that the treatment is by no means a substitute for proper diet and exercise, or a solution to obesity.
You should still discuss your reasons for wanting the procedure with your surgeon as well as your expectations and desired outcomes.
SmartLipo is available in NSW at the Sydney Institute of Plastic Surgery , in Victoria through Dr. Chris Moss.