Smart lipo is a new body sculpting technique which claims to get rid of fat with less pain and a quicker recovery time than with standard liposuction. Smart lipo uses a laser light to ‘melt’ away fat cells and is designed to be more efficient and easier on the patient. It has just been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The heat and light from the laser breaks up the fat cells, liquefying them. A small cannula can then be inserted into the area and the fatty liquid can be removed. The actual hand piece itself is smaller than the one used in the more usual form of liposuction, making the incisions required smaller - the actual hand piece size is around as big as a pencil lead. The heat that is generated by the laser during the surgery cauterizes the blood vessels as it works - this means less bruising for the patient, and effects of the surgery wear off sooner. As the surgery does not involve breaking up the fat, Smart lipo can be performed under local anaesthesia rather than general.

Unfortunately, the costs for the new procedure may be prohibititive for some right now as they are higher than with standard liposuction. The surgery is also only suitable for smaller areas of fat and not large-volume areas.

Popularity: 48% [?]