SmartLipo: Laser-Assisted Liposuction for Body Contouring

SmartLipo is a laser-assisted liposuction technology used to remove localized fat and contour selected areas of the face and body. At VENUS MD in Huntington Beach, Dr Francois Bui offers SmartLipo for appropriately selected patients seeking surgical body contouring in Orange County.

SmartLipo combines laser energy with liposuction. The laser is used within the fatty layer, followed by removal of selected fat through liposuction. Dr Bui personally evaluates each patient to determine whether SmartLipo or another liposuction technique is appropriate for the patient’s anatomy and treatment goals.

For a broader overview of treatment options, learn more about liposuction and body contouring at VENUS MD.

What Is SmartLipo?

SmartLipo is a form of laser-assisted liposuction. During the procedure, a small laser fiber delivers controlled energy beneath the skin in the treatment area.

The laser energy is used as part of the fat-treatment process, after which unwanted fat can be removed with a liposuction cannula.

SmartLipo is therefore different from nonsurgical external laser treatments marketed for fat reduction. It is a surgical liposuction procedure that physically removes selected fat.

What Areas Can SmartLipo Treat?

SmartLipo can be used for localized fat in many areas of the face and body, depending on the patient’s anatomy and treatment goals. Treatment areas may include:

  • Face
  • Chin and jawline
  • Neck
  • Arms
  • Abdomen
  • Waist and flanks
  • Back
  • Hips
  • Thighs
  • Knees
  • Other localized areas of unwanted fat

Dr Bui determines which areas are appropriate for treatment after evaluating fat distribution, skin quality, overall contour, and the patient’s goals.

SmartLipo and Skin Tightening

One reason patients research SmartLipo is the potential for tissue contraction associated with laser energy.

Some patients may experience improvement in skin contraction following laser-assisted liposuction. However, the degree of tightening varies and should not be considered equivalent to surgically removing loose skin.

Patients with substantial skin laxity may obtain a better result from a procedure such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, facelift, or neck lift depending on the treatment area.

VENUS MD emphasizes realistic expectations rather than promising a specific degree of skin tightening from SmartLipo.

SmartLipo vs Traditional Liposuction

Both SmartLipo and conventional liposuction remove unwanted fat.

The main difference is that SmartLipo incorporates laser energy into the procedure before or during fat removal. Conventional liposuction does not require laser energy.

Neither approach is automatically better for every patient. The appropriate technique depends on the treatment area, amount and distribution of fat, skin quality, anatomy, and desired contour.

Dr Bui may recommend SmartLipo when he believes laser assistance is appropriate for the individual treatment plan.

SmartLipo vs Laser Liposuction

SmartLipo is a type of laser liposuction.

“Laser liposuction” or “laser-assisted liposuction” describes the broader category of liposuction procedures that incorporate laser energy. SmartLipo refers to a specific laser-assisted liposuction technology.

Patients who want to understand the broader procedure can also read about laser liposuction at VENUS MD.

Is SmartLipo the Same as Nonsurgical Laser Fat Reduction?

No.

SmartLipo is surgical liposuction. Fat is physically removed from the body through a liposuction cannula.

Nonsurgical laser or light-based fat-reduction treatments do not perform surgical suction removal of fat. Because these procedures work differently, their expected results, recovery, and potential risks also differ.

Who Is a Candidate for SmartLipo?

SmartLipo may be appropriate for patients who have localized areas of unwanted fat and want improvement in body or facial contour.

Ideal treatment depends on more than the amount of fat present. Dr Bui also considers:

  • Overall health
  • Treatment area
  • Fat distribution
  • Skin quality and elasticity
  • Amount of loose skin
  • Previous procedures
  • Patient goals and expectations

Liposuction is intended primarily for contouring rather than significant weight loss.

What Happens During SmartLipo?

Treatment begins with evaluation and marking of the areas to be contoured.

Tumescent solution containing local anesthetic is introduced into the treatment area. The SmartLipo laser fiber can then be used within the fatty layer, followed by removal of selected fat through liposuction.

Dr Bui controls the location and extent of treatment according to the patient’s anatomy and planned contour.

At VENUS MD, liposuction is performed awake using tumescent local anesthesia without general anesthesia in nearly all appropriate patients.

What Is SmartLipo Recovery Like?

Recovery varies depending on the areas treated, amount of fat removed, and extent of the procedure.

Swelling, bruising, tenderness, firmness, and temporary changes in sensation may occur. Compression garments may be recommended for certain treatment areas.

Many patients can resume light activities relatively quickly, although strenuous exercise and other activities may need to be restricted during early healing.

The final contour is not immediate. Swelling gradually decreases and the treated tissues continue to settle over time.

Are SmartLipo Results Permanent?

Fat cells removed through SmartLipo are permanently removed from the treated area.

However, SmartLipo does not prevent future weight gain. Remaining fat cells can enlarge if weight increases, potentially changing the contour achieved with surgery.

Maintaining a relatively stable weight helps preserve the result.

Normal aging, pregnancy, changes in skin elasticity, and other factors can also alter body contour over time.

What Are the Risks of SmartLipo?

SmartLipo is a surgical procedure and carries potential risks.

Possible complications can include bleeding, infection, fluid collections, contour irregularity, asymmetry, changes in sensation, scarring, skin irregularities, and other risks associated with liposuction.

Because SmartLipo uses laser energy, thermal injury is an additional consideration.

Dr Bui evaluates the planned treatment and discusses relevant risks and alternatives during consultation.

How Much Does SmartLipo Cost in Orange County?

SmartLipo pricing depends on the treatment area, number of areas treated, extent of fat removal, and individualized surgical plan.

VENUS MD publishes starting prices for several common liposuction treatments:

Abdominal liposuction — from $3,000
Arm liposuction — from $2,500
Chin and neck liposuction — from $2,500

Consultations are complimentary. After evaluating the areas being considered for treatment, Dr Bui can provide an individualized treatment recommendation and price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SmartLipo real liposuction?

Yes. SmartLipo is laser-assisted surgical liposuction in which selected fat is physically removed.

Is SmartLipo the same as laser lipo?

SmartLipo is a type of laser-assisted liposuction. “Laser lipo” is a broader term that can be used for different technologies, so patients should determine exactly what procedure a provider is describing.

Can SmartLipo tighten loose skin?

Laser energy may contribute to some tissue contraction in selected patients, but the amount varies. SmartLipo cannot replace procedures designed to remove significant excess skin.

Can SmartLipo treat the chin and neck?

SmartLipo can be used in appropriately selected facial and body treatment areas, including localized fat around the chin and neck.

Is SmartLipo for weight loss?

No. SmartLipo is primarily a body-contouring procedure for localized fat rather than a treatment for obesity or significant weight loss.

Does SmartLipo require general anesthesia?

At VENUS MD, liposuction is performed awake using tumescent local anesthesia without general anesthesia in nearly all appropriate patients.

SmartLipo Consultation at VENUS MD

VENUS MD is a physician-led plastic surgery and medical aesthetics practice in Huntington Beach serving Orange County. Dr Francois Bui personally evaluates patients considering SmartLipo, laser-assisted liposuction, and other body-contouring procedures.

The goal is an individualized treatment plan based on the patient’s anatomy, safety considerations, treatment goals, and realistic expectations.

Consultations are complimentary.

VENUS MD
7561 Center Ave, Suite 32
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
714-839-8712