What is smartlipo and how is it different from traditional liposuction?
Smartlipo is the trade name for a laser developed by Cynosure for laser liposculpture. Traditional liposuction is a two step procedure. First, fluid containing two medications, lidocaine and epinephrine, is injected into the area where the liposuction will be performed. Second, cannulas attached to suction are inserted and fat is removed. The removal is traumatic but effective. Smartlipo is a three step process. First, the fluid is injected into the tissue. Second, the laser is inserted into the same tissues, melting the fat and cauterizing blood vessels. Third, the suction cannulas are inserted to remove the now melted fat. The removal is much less traumatic, which results in less pain, faster recovery, less bruising and less swelling. In addition to these benefits, the heat generated by the laser improves skin contracture over traditional liposuction.
