WHAT IS SMARTLIPO?

Are you curious about liposuction but wary because of recovery involved? Consider Smartlipo. Smartlipo is an advanced form of liposuction that doesn’t just remove fat. It can also “shrink wrap” skin around muscle. See some of the results for yourself.

Best of all, Smartlipo is a laser-assisted minimally invasive procedure, so recovery can be quite mild. Here’s what you can expect from the Smartlipo recovery process.

The Smartlipo Procedure

Smartlipo is a minimally invasive surgery that uses an instrument approximately the size of a pen. The incisions made during the Smartlipo procedure are very small and do not normally require sutures. It is normal—even positive—for the incisions sites to drain anesthetic solution. More drainage from the incision sites usually means less swelling and bruising.

Since Smartlipo utilizes local rather than general anesthesia—you’re not unconscious for the procedure—many people feel okay to drive immediately following their procedure. However, most doctors caution against operating any machinery, including automobiles, because the local anesthetic used during the procedure can cause numbness and drowsiness. It is best to have someone drive you home so that you can take time to rest for at least 24 hours after the procedure, and you should have someone help you change your bandages.

Because the effects of the local anesthesia from the procedure can persist for up to 36 hours, many people feel little pain by the time it wears off. Tylenol or another over-the-counter medicine is usually sufficient for any residual pain. Avoid aspirin and other blood thinners, as well as smoking, so you don’t have an increased risk of excess bleeding.

What to Expect Immediately After Smartlipo

Immediately following your Smartlipo procedure, the priority should be taking it easy and getting lots of rest. For the first 24 hours you should refrain from any activities.

In addition to covering the incision sites with absorbent pads, your surgeon may also apply compression bandages that should help to reduce the swelling and encourage the drainage of the anesthetic solution. In some cases, people may experience light headiness or dizziness when the compression bandages are removed.

You can resume your normal diet, but you should eat light meals for the first 48 hours after the procedure. To prevent dehydration, you should drink ample amounts of water or juice, and you should also limit your intake of alcohol for 48 hours after the procedure.

In most cases, people can return to light work within one to two days, but it is normal to experience discomfort and fatigue for a couple days after the procedure. It is best not to resume physical activity until at least one week after Smartlipo.

There may be some swelling and bruising, but you can expect that to subside in a few weeks. After swelling goes down you should apply hot compresses and massage and stretch the area to limit the appearance of lumps. You’ll also want to wear compression garments for two to four weeks to help smooth out the skin. Avoid hot tubs, the ocean, the pool and the bath for at least four weeks after your procedure.

Although most people are pleased with their results immediately following the surgery, it may take up to four months to achieve the maximum skin tightening.

Smartlipo Follow-up Visits

As a part of your recovery process, your doctor will schedule follow-up visits. The first follow-up visit typically occurs on the day after the Smartlipo procedure. During this initial visit, the doctor will examine the affected area and incision sites to ensure that the drainage is appropriate.

Future follow-up visits are needed to determine whether the procedure area and incision sites are healing. It is important that you do not skip any of these follow-up visits because at these visits the doctor will be able to identify any adverse effects from the procedure, such as scarring and/or infections.

If you’re ready to look and feel your best, request an appointment at Advanced Surgeons. Our expert surgeons will let you know if Smartlipo is right for you, or help you choose a more suitable option.