SmartLipo®: Recovery from Minimally Invasive Body Sculpting

Here at Full Spectrum Dermatology, we want to make sure the patients at our Fullerton facility have the latest in state-of-the-art care. When it comes to body sculpting, that means using SmartLipo®, an advanced and minimally invasive alternative to traditional liposuction. Among its many advantages over traditional liposuction is the easier healing process. We want to look at the basics of SmartLipo® recovery right now.

What is SmartLipo®?

Also referred to as laser lipolysis, SmartLipo® is a minimally invasive form of body sculpting that uses state-of-the-art technology. It's ideal for targeting select pockets of fat from the body that may be difficult to remove with traditional liposuction.

In order to properly target these problem areas, SmartLipo® uses laser technology to liquefy the fat cells in the treatment area. This makes the fat easier to extract using suction from a small cannula (a sterile metal tube).

How does SmartLipo® differ from traditional liposuction?

Traditional liposuction uses a much longer cannula than the one used in SmartLipo®, and laser technology is not part of the traditional liposuction treatment.

Easier Recovery from SmartLipo® Than Traditional Liposuction

Thanks to the smaller cannula and the laser liquefaction of fat, SmartLipo® proves far less invasive to patients, meaning that healing is much faster and tends to be much easier on patients. Nerve damage in the treatment area is far less likely thanks to the laser technology that is used, and instances of bruising, swelling, and discomfort are also minimized thanks to the laser system.

The First Days After SmartLipo®

In the first days of SmartLipo® recovery, patients can expect a certain amount of fatigue and soreness. This is normal, and this discomfort can be easily addressed with over-the-counter pain medication. Sometimes prescription pain relievers will be given as needed. Swelling and some degree of bruising is also to be expected.

In order to ensure optimal healing, patients should refrain from strenuous physical activities, such as heavy lifting, exercise, and sexual activity. Patients can resume serious physical activity when given the okay by their surgeon. In essence, rest is the most important part of the first days of SmartLipo® recovery.

The First Week After SmartLipo®

SmartLipo® patients will have returned to the practice for a follow-up visit by the end of the first week. This allows us a chance to monitor progress and make sure that patients are healing okay. Questions and concerns can be voiced during the follow-up or addressed to the practice before and after the initial follow-up visit if that are any urgent needs that have to be treated.

By the end of this first week, both swelling and bruising should begin to abate, and pain should be minimal as well. Patients may notice numbness in the treatment area. While this will last for up to a few weeks, rest assured that it will diminish with time.

The Weeks After SmartLipo®

As SmartLipo® patients continue to heal, they will be able to return to more and more of their normal daily activities. It's best to take this conservatively in order to prevent complications and to ensure that side effects fully subside as soon as possible. By the end of the first few weeks, bruising should all be gone and only minimal swelling should be present. Other follow-up visits will be schedule as needed to continue to monitor the quality of the patient's recovery and results.

Learn More About Advanced Body Sculpting

For more information about SmartLipo® and how it can help you achieve a more ideal body contour, it's important that you contact our cosmetic dermatology center today. The team at Full Spectrum Dermatology looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you look your very best in the process.