Can I Lose Weight With SmartLipo?

SmartLipo is a cosmetic procedure that involves the toning and tightening of fatty deposits on the body. In the ever-increasing drive for bodily perfection, SmartLipo is becoming the quick-fix solution for those extra vanity pounds that just won't melt away. Rather than targeting the removal of actual pounds, it focuses on the improvement of specific target areas.

Procedure

• SmartLipo uses lasers to dissolve fat cells in specific regions of fatty deposits, resulting in a less invasive form of fat removal when compared to other popular cosmetic procedures. According to an article on Online Surgery, SmartLipo is performed by inserting a small laser under the skin and using the energy from the laser to rupture non-regenerative fat cells. "The procedure results in less bleeding and swelling because the laser causes blood vessels to coagulate, or clot, immediately on contact." The duration of the procedure is 30 to 45 minutes, and a local anesthetic is applied prior to the process.

Pros

• SmartLipo is an excellent solution to individuals striving to get rid of unseemly fat pockets that won't disappear, even after long periods of diet and exercise regimens. According to Online Surgery, it is ideal for treating small areas in which fat excesses exist. Post-surgery pain is generally mild, with bruising that disappears within 2 to 3 weeks. Extra skin can be transformed into a taut canvas by undergoing SmartLipo and following the necessary dietary and exercise prescriptions.

Cons

• SmartLipo is not meant to cure obesity or to promote weight loss. According to Online Surgery, candidates should be within 25 pounds of their ideal weight and have skin with some elasticity to avoid damage after the procedure. The procedure aids in the removal of fat cells in targeted areas, not in the shedding of excess weight. People with certain medical conditions are also not recommended for the surgery; checking with a cosmetic surgeon is the best way to discern a possible candidacy.

Cost

• According to an article on Online Surgery, the procedure is fairly inexpensive, ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 per session, with optimal results occurring 2 to 3 months after the procedure. Medical insurance does not cover the procedure since it falls under the heading of cosmetic surgery.

Maintenance

• According to the medical staff writers of Locateadoc.com, SmartLipo is "a cosmetic procedure that requires ongoing maintenance to enjoy long lasting results." The article recommends eating a reasonably portioned diet high in fiber and antioxidants with regular exercise to avoid regaining weight and fat, which can return without appropriate care. Generally, a physician will monitor progress and make the necessary adjustments in diet, exercise, and overall health in order to retain the new look that SmartLipo provides.