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The Complete Guide to Minimally Invasive Liposuction (SmartLipo™)

Do you feel like you’ve tried everything to lose belly fat but nothing seems to work? Are you looking to get rid of those stubborn fat pockets but the thought of getting liposuction scares you? We get it. Many patients come to Finesse Cosmetic Surgery seeking results as good as traditional liposuction but with a less invasive approach and quicker recovery time. If this sounds like you, Smart Lipo could be the remedy you’ve been looking for.

What is Smart Lipo?

SmartLipo™ is a laser-assisted liposuction procedure. Unlike traditional liposuction, SmartLipo uses smaller incisions and laser technology to liquefy fat cells, minimizing extensive tissue disruption. This result is minimized scarring, reduced discomfort, and quicker recovery time. This means you can get back to your busy life much faster. 

This treatment can be used to sculpt many parts of the body, including the:

  • abdomen
  • flanks
  • thighs
  • saddlebags
  • arms
  • knees
  • back
  • bra bulge
  • areas of loose or flabby skin.

On top of removing stubborn fat, the laser energy in SmartLipo can stimulate collagen production in the treated area. This added benefit can help tighten the skin after fat removal, reducing the appearance of sagging or loose skin.

If you are a busy professional, a full-time parent, or both, SmartLipo will help you achieve your ideal body without the long recovery time associated with traditional lipo procedures. 

Benefits of SmartLipo

SmartLipo offers plenty of benefits: 

Minimally invasive procedureReduced downtimeEnhanced body contouringStimulates collagen productionTightens skinLess bruising and swellingLess risk of complications compared to traditional liposuctionLocal anesthesiaQuick recovery timePrecise targeting of fat cellsSuitable for various body areasImmediate results with ongoing improvement

Which is Better, SmartLipo or Liposuction? 

While both SmartLipo and traditional liposuction can get rid of stubborn fat, SmartLipo’s less invasive method with faster recovery and potential skin tightening could be perfect if those things matter most to you. 

Surgical liposuction might be better for larger areas or if you need a lot of fat removed. However, we recommend talking to a board-certified plastic surgeon to figure out what’s best for your body sculpting goals.

Look at the comparison table below to see the differences between the two lipo procedures. 

SmartLipoTraditional Liposuction
Procedure Minimally invasive liposuction with laser technologySurgical liposuction
AnesthesiaLocal anesthesia (awake)General anesthesia (asleep)
Incision SizeSmaller incisions (less than 1/8 inch)Larger incisions (1/2 inch or more)
Fat Removal MethodLaser liquefies fat cells for easier suctionSurgical instruments break up and suction fat cells
Tissue DisruptionMinimal disruptionMore extensive tissue manipulation
Bleeding & BruisingPotentially reduced bleeding and bruisingMore bleeding and bruising are expected
Skin TighteningMay stimulate collagen production for skin tighteningNo skin tightening effect
Recovery TimeQuicker recovery (1-2 days)Longer recovery time (days to weeks)
DowntimeMinimal downtimeSignificant downtime required
Targeted Fat RemovalYes, targets specific fat depositsYes, but may be less precise
Risk of InfectionLower risk due to smaller incisionsHigher risk due to larger incisions
CostMay be slightly more expensiveMay be slightly less expensive

What to Expect During Your SmartLipo Treatment

SmartLipo is typically performed under local anesthesia, meaning you’ll be awake but comfortable during the procedure. Your surgeon will start the procedure by making a tiny incision, usually less than 1/8 inch, in the designated area. Through this incision, they’ll insert a thin cannula equipped with a laser fiber. 

The laser emits targeted energy that liquefies the fat cells, making them easier to remove. This laser energy can also penetrate deeper tissues, stimulating collagen production for skin-tightening benefits. 

Using the same cannula, the liquefied fat is gently suctioned out. The entire procedure typically lasts one to two hours, depending on the size of the treatment area and the amount of fat being removed.

SmartLipo Recovery Timeline

SmartLipo offers a faster recovery compared to traditional liposuction. Here’s what you might experience after your SmartLipo treatment at Finesse Cosmetic Surgery:

Immediately After

  • After the procedure, you’ll spend some time in a recovery area at our clinic before going home with a trusted companion.
  • Expect initial swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the treated area, which should gradually improve over the next few days.
  • Your Finesse surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort.

1-3 days

  • Swelling and bruising will be most noticeable during this period.
  • Wearing a compression garment as instructed by your surgeon will help minimize swelling and aid healing.
  • You may experience some tenderness and discomfort, but pain medication should help.
  • Rest is important during this time, but gentle activities like walking are encouraged to promote circulation.

4-10 days 

  • Swelling and bruising should start to decrease noticeably.
  • You may gradually increase your activity level, but avoid strenuous exercise until cleared by your surgeon. 
  • Discomfort should continue to improve, and you may no longer need pain medication.

After 10 Days

  • Most swelling and bruising should be significantly reduced.
  • You should be able to resume most daily activities, including work.
  • Your surgeon may recommend continuing to wear the compression garment for a specified time to optimize results and minimize temporary skin laxity as the body adjusts.

Common Side Effects of SmartLipo

While SmartLipo is generally safe, common side effects can occur, including:

  • mild swelling
  • bruising
  • temporary numbness
  • minor discomfort or pain
  • redness at the treatment site
  • risk of infection
  • skin irregularities
  • temporary fluid buildup
  • light scarring
  • skin sensitivity

These side effects typically improve over time, but consult your Finesse surgeon if they persist.

How Much Does SmartLipo Cost?

The cost of SmartLipo can vary depending on several factors, including the clinic’s location, the surgeon’s experience, and the areas being treated. Generally, prices are competitive and can fit various budgets. For an accurate estimate tailored to your needs, it’s best to consult with our experts at Finesse Cosmetic Surgery to get a detailed estimate of the cost of your treatment. We also make our services affordable for everyone through our financing options. 

Why Choose Finesse Cosmetic Surgery for SmartLipo? 

Experienced Expertise: Led by Dr. Arthur Shektman, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in Boston, our team ensures you receive the best possible care and results.

Proven Track Record: For 18 years, Finesse Cosmetic Surgery has proudly served the greater Boston area. Our commitment to patient satisfaction and exceptional outcomes has earned us recognition as the Best of Waltham for Cosmetic Laser Surgery.

SmartLipo Authority: We are one of the busiest SmartLipo centers in the region. This means that our clinic has a wealth of experience in performing the procedure effectively and efficiently. As a Boston-area Cynosure® preceptorship site, we actively train other physicians on the SmartLipo procedure. 

Commitment to Safety: We are proud to have earned the prestigious Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval, demonstrating our dedication to the highest standards of patient safety and care.

Conquer those stubborn fat pockets today – call us to book a consultation. We serve patients in and around Waltham and Boston, MA, including Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, Somerville, and the greater Boston area.

SmartLipo Before and After

Finesse Cosmetic Surgery is proud to showcase the amazing results of our SmartLipo patients. Check out our Results Gallery to see more real patient transformations. You’ll find inspiring examples of people who have achieved:

  • A flatter, more sculpted abdomen
  • Reduced love handles and flanks
  • Improved body definition
  • Increased confidence in their clothing