Smartlipo Laser Liposuction for Fat Removal in Atlanta

How Smartlipo Works

Performed safely and comfortably with local anesthesia, the Smartlipo is a surgical laser-assisted fat removal procedure that is far less invasive that traditional liposuction. Getting Smartlipo includes:

• A Small Incision: A tiny incision about ⅛” is made to provide access for a micro-cannula that houses the laser fiber.
• Heating and Liquifying the Fat: During the procedure, the heat generated from the laser melts the unwanted fat cells beneath the skin.
• Suctioning Out of the Fat: Once the fat cells are liquefied, they are gently removed by suction.
• Collagen Stimulation: An added benefit of the thermal heat of the laser is the body’s natural reaction to produce collagen, which tightens the tissue and skin in the treated area.

Smartlipo’s laser fat removal and skin-tightening effect delivers noticeable results that improve the patient’s natural shape.

Who is Smartlipo for?

Smartlipo is ideal for individuals close to their target weight but struggling with stubborn fat that has proven resistant to diet and exercise. It’s a minimally invasive, targeted body contouring option, perfect for healthy adults within 20-30 pounds of their ideal body weight.

Patients that find high levels of success with Smartlipo include:

• Individuals with Targeted Fat Deposits: Smartlipo is effective for people looking to address localized fat in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, bra roll, and chin, where traditional methods may fall short.
• Healthy Adults with Stable Weight: Ideal candidates are those who maintain a stable weight and are within 20-30 pounds of their goal weight, as this treatment is designed for contouring — this is not a weight loss procedure.
• Those Seeking Skin Tightening Benefits: Because Smartlipo stimulates collagen production, it’s an excellent option for individuals who want to reduce fat while also firming and tightening the skin, especially in areas where skin elasticity might be a concern. Individual skin tightening can vary from patient to patient.
• Those Seeking Minimally Invasive Solutions: For those who prefer a less invasive alternative to traditional liposuction with a faster recovery time, Smartlipo offers minimal downtime with results in as little as 4 weeks.

At Vital Living Healthcare, we personalize each Smartlipo procedure based on their unique goals.

Risks & Side Effects of Smartlipo

Smartlipo is a safe and FDA-approved treatment with a low risk of complications when performed by a trained physician. This minimally invasive laser fat removal procedure features significantly less tissue trauma and downtime as compared to traditional liposuction. However, all procedures carry some risks.

Common Risks & Side Effects

• Mild Swelling & Bruising
• Pain, Discomfort or Tenderness
• Numbness or Tingling
• Scarring at Incision Area

Uncommon Risks & Side Effects

• Burns or Discoloration from the Laser
• Skin Laxity following a Large Amount of Fat Removal
• Lumps, Bumps or Dimpling
• Fluid Accumulation Below Skin (Seroma)
• Bleeding or Infection

In extremely rare cases — particularly when patients are inactive following the treatment — patients who receive Smartlipo or any surgical procedure run the risk of forming blood clots post-surgery. Following post-surgery movement and aftercare guidelines helps minimize this risk of this development — especially when working with an experienced physician.

Patient safety is of utmost importance to Dr. Cox and the entire medical team at Vital Living Healthcare. We provide detailed pre- and post-procedure guidelines to reduce any risk and/or side effects allowing for a speedy recovery.

What Patients Can Expect From Smartlipo

Initial Consultation

Patients interested in Smatlipo laser liposuction for fat removal at Vital Living Healthcare can expect a comprehensive complimentary consultation with Dr. Cox to discuss their aesthetic goals to determine if they are a good candidate.

If the patient is a good candidate for Smartlipo, Dr. Cox will discuss the recommended treatment options and provide a reasonable expectation of results post-procedure.

As one of the first physicians trained with the Smartlipo device in 2007, Dr. Cox has performed thousands of Smartlipo procedures helping patients achieve the results they’re looking for.

Getting Smartlipo

Leading up to the procedure Smartlipo patients should stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle. If the patient is a smoker, they should stop smoking at least 6 weeks prior to getting Smartlipo, as it can impede your healing and increase your risk of complications.

A week before getting Smartlipo, patients should discontinue the use of any daily supplements, fish oils, NSAIDs (Aspirin or Ibuprofen), Vitamin E, or herbal supplements.

The procedure itself will take anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 or more hours, depending on the areas being treated. Because patients are awake during the procedure, many patients choose to bring earbuds to talk on the phone or listen to music while Dr. Cox performs their procedure.

Expected Results

Immediately following your Smartlipo procedure, you can expect swelling, tenderness, and some drainage, which usually subsides within 24-48 hours. Recovery times for swelling and tenderness can vary depending on the individual. Most patients notice a significant reduction of fat in the treated area within a few days, with gradual improvement over time. Final results, including skin tightening, are typically seen within 4-6 months following your Smartlipo procedure.

Adherence to post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Cox and his team is essential for achieving optimal results. These aftercare instructions typically include:

• Wearing a Compression Garment for up to 4-6 weeks
• Recommended but Not Required: Lymphatic Drainage Massages
• No Strenuous Activities for 1-2 weeks
• Low-Impact Exercise can be resumed in 3-5 days as is comfortable