Liposuction, Liposculpture & Lipotransfer

Tumescent Liposuction with Smartlipo™ Laser

The most recent and exciting development in liposuction surgery is the introduction of laser-assisted liposuction called Smartlipo™. Although new to the United States, the Smartipo laser’s technology was used and tested in Europe, Asia and South America for several years.

Many of you read about this new laser-assisted liposuction device in People Magazine when it was FDA approved in November of 2006. The Smartlipo laser system utilizes a tiny laser fiber that is inserted through the fat layer and liquefies fat cells, resulting in gentler and more efficient fat removal. One exciting aspect of Smartlipo is its ability to stimulates new collagen production by creating a controlled heating directly under the skin. This causes the skin to contract in areas that have previously been difficult to treat such as the neck, arms, medial thighs, ankles, and knees.

Dr. Burke combines the SmartLipo Laser system with tumescent liposuction where necessary to help “sculpt” or recontour the body, removing unwanted subcutaneous fat from specific areas including the abdomen, love handles, neck and cheeks, upper arms, hips, buttocks, and knees. Although not for weight loss, your fit in clothes and shape improve as stubborn fat deposits, resistant to diet and exercise are removed. The SmartLaser Laser assisted procedures may be done under local anesthesia alone. Conscious sedation is available depending on your needs. Recovery is usually rapid.

Lipotransfer, which involves use of the fat harvested during liposuction and transferring small amounts to other parts of the body including the face, may also enhance your cosmetic results by filling in deep grooves and folds and restoring lost tissue support which occurs as part of the natural aging process.

View Liposuction, Liposculpture & Lipotransfer results photos

Who is a Candidate

• If you have excess subcutaneous fat, which is resistant to diet and exercise.
• If you wish to change the contours of your body, and neck (under the chin), cheeks, upper arms and armpits, abdomen, love handles, saddle bags, upper legs, inner thighs, and medial knees.
• If you are of near normal weight and desire contour changes. This procedure is not a substitute for weight loss. Cellulite will not be cured by liposuction.
• Improved techniques now allow larger amounts of fat removal. Liposculpture can be useful in heavier persons as well.

Intended Result

• Improvement in the contour and proportion of the treated areas.
• A more flattering figure or physique, in or out of clothing.

View Liposuction, Liposculpture & Lipotransfer results photos

Procedure Description

• The procedure is done on an outpatient basis.
• Conscious sedation is usually used for comfort and safety.
• Large volumes of fluid are infused into the area to be treated to help liquefy the fat. Small suction tubes (cannulas) are inserted through very short incisions placed in inconspicuous locations near fat deposits and excess fat is removed.

Recuperation and Healing

• The patient goes home with a compression garment (or tape) covering the treated areas. Compression for the first 6 weeks is necessary for maximum aesthetic results. You will be given a compression garment to wear.
• Initial discomfort is usually controlled with oral medications.
• Bruising and swelling usually subside in 2-4 weeks. The final result takes shape over 3-6 months.

View Neck Liposuction results photos

Other Options

• Additional procedures that may enhance the result are tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast reduction, thigh lift, and arm lift (brachioplasty).

Note

• The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can only be determined at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.