Body Sculpting - Smartlipo & VASER Lipo

Smartlipo™ and VASER®: Frequently Asked Questions

What are Smartlipo™ and VASER® Liposelection?

At Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, Dr. Walter uses Smartlipo™ and VASER® to remove unwanted bulges created by excess localized fat deposits. These form due to hereditary factors (familial traits) and gender (male versus female). A small laser (Smartlipo™) or Ultrasound (VASER®) containing probe is inserted into the area to be treated to melt the fat. Removal of the melted fat is accomplished with another probe inserted through tiny skin incisions placed in inconspicuous locations and attached to a vacuum pump. The synergy of these two devices allows Dr. Walter to efficiently remove fat and tighten skin during the same procedure. The combination is superior to laser lipolysis or liposuction alone. At Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, we also provide Mesotherapy and LipoDissolve (an alternative way of sculpting fat). As one of the first spas in Massachusetts to perform these procedures, we now have a range of treatments for body sculpting, meaning you have the most choices and the best results!

Which areas can be treated?

At Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, we treat almost all areas where excess fat is a concern. The most common area we treat is the abdomen, followed by “love handles” and the outer thigh area, commonly referred to as “saddle bags” or “riding breeches”. Other areas we treat are double chins and jowls, arms, hips, buttocks, inner thighs, ankles, and knees. For men the procedure can be used to correct gynecomastia (enlarged breasts).

We also provide treatment for excessive sweating in the armpits (hyperhydrosis of the axilla). Are you wearing black all the time or avoiding certain activities or events because of possible embarrassment from sweat stained armpits? Combining Smartlipo™ with VASER® to treat your hyperactive sweat glands can be life changing!

Who is a good candidate for Smartlipo™ and/or VASER®?

Athletic individuals who are already on an exercise program and of normal body weight are considered ideal for this treatment. Usually they have done just about everything possible to lose the unwanted localized fat accumulation. No matter how many sit-ups one does, spot exercising will not selectively reduce local areas of fat. Also, patients can be moderately over-weight and still be candidates for this procedure. In general, the most important thing is that they have realistic expectations of what can be achieved. Age by itself is not a significant factor. Many patients who are in their 60’s and 70’s have been delighted with the outcome. The patient should generally be in good health without significant medical problems. This technique is not a substitute for weight loss, however many overweight patients can be happy with an improvement in contour.

Is this a dangerous procedure?

As with any medical procedure, Smartlipo™ and/or VASER® are associated with certain expected side effects such as bruising, swelling, and temporary numbness. Although irregularities of the skin are possible following Smartlipo™/VASER®, at Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC we minimize this side effect by using the tumescent technique. As judged by current worldwide experience, Smartlipo™ and VASER® are amazingly safe. Serious complications such as blood clots, infection and allergic reactions are extremely rare. Most of the dangers associated with traditional liposuction are related to the type of anesthesia (general) that is used. Surgical procedures of the skin and subcutaneous fat are safest when performed using local anesthesia with the patient awake. You will be awake during the entire time of the procedure.

Where are the Tumescent Smartlipo™/VASER® procedures performed?

At Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, we have a special room set up for this procedure. Oral medications may be used to decrease nervousness (anxiety) before the procedure for patients who wish to be awake, but relaxed.

What is the recovery period?

The recovery time varies with how many areas are treated and the type of activity the patient intends to resume. Most patients are performing routine duties the next day, but in some cases a few more days of recovery time may be necessary. At Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, we find that soreness is minimal for the first 24 hours and usually occurs between 2 and 5 days after the procedure. Extra-strength Acetominophen (Tylenol) is usually sufficient to control the discomfort. A few patients may request stronger pain medication, and this can be made available.

Will there be bandages?

Special compression garments are worn under clothing for 2 weeks. Gauze or sanitary napkins are used for the first several days to absorb the drainage of the anesthetic fluid, and then regular Band-Aids are used. The garments are almost invisible under most clothing. Patients who have had their chin and neck done will wear a chinstrap for two days.

Will the fat regrow?

Our current scientific understanding is that once puberty is reached, with rare exceptions no new fat cells develop. The fat cells either swell or shrink in size depending on weight gain or loss. When fat cells are removed from a treated area, they do not return. The patient’s new more pleasing silhouette is permanent. If weight is later gained or lost, the change tends to be distributed proportionately over the entire body.

What will happen to the excess skin?

Skin is a dynamic organ, which has elasticity and in most cases is able to shrink and re-accommodate to the new body contour. Additionally, Smartlipo™ and VASER® both gently heat the tissue and stimulate collagen, which promotes skin tightening. At Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, Dr. Walter combines the two techniques for optimal effect. Hence there should be no need for future surgery to tighten skin (tummy tuck).

Can the procedure be repeated?

Yes. There is a maximum limit to the amount of fat that can be extracted during any one operation. You may want to have more removed at another time. Generally we ask that you wait six months to allow complete healing before repeating the procedure in any one particular area.

When will I notice the results?

At Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, we find that about 90% of patients can actually see at least some improvement in their silhouette immediately after the procedure. However, because of the slow resolution of post procedure swelling, the full results following Smartlipo™/VASER®, especially full skin tightening, usually requires 3 to 6 months to achieve.

Will I lose weight?

Weight loss may be minimal because fat weighs very little (a quart weighs about 2.2 lbs). The difference will be seen primarily in the way your clothes fit you. You will lose inches and look slimmer. The appearance of stretch marks and cellulite may improve. In general, body weight after the procedure will be similar or slightly less that your weight beforehand if diet and exercise levels remain unchanged. This procedure is not the answer to weight problems.

What are the alternatives?

Although diet and exercise help with weight reduction, the body’s shape may stay relatively the same without Smartlipo™, VASER®, liposuction or similar procedures. Direct surgical removal, such as a tummy tuck, is possible, but may result in large scars. The last alternative is to elect no treatment at all—leaving “well enough alone”.

What are the limitations of Smartlipo™ and VASER®?

Areas of cellulite (“cottage cheese” texture) may be changed little by Smartlipo™. Everyone is somewhat asymmetrical—symmetry may not result from the procedure. Although the results of Smartlipo™/VASER® are often quite impressive, it is not realistic to expect perfection. A patient should be willing to accept 50% improvement in order to be considered a candidate for Smartlipo™/VASER®, although at Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, many patients achieve 60% to 80% improvement. Additional information can be found at www.smartlipo.com and www.vaser.com.

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