Step by Step Smartlipo
Laser Assisted Liposuction
Smartlipo's pulsating laser beam has a photo-mechanical effect rupturing the fat cells' membrane. Also it has thermal effect which melts the fractured fat cells and coagulates small blood vessels which reduce the bleeding to minimum. Both effects together (Photo-dynamic and Thermal) will give the skin tightening results.
1- Melting the loose fat
2- Lasering the superficial fat and tightening the skin at the same time
Figure 2 - Smartlipo laser treatment, lasers the superficial fat.
The areas to be treated are marked with a special pencil and each is divided into segments of 5x5cm. A small incision 1-2mm is made with a micro-scalpel in which the local anaesthetic is injected. The local anaesthesia is carried out via longitudinal infiltration of the subcutaneous fatty tissue in anything from ten to twenty directions in order to form a network.
The optical fibre of the laser is inserted into the same incision created for the infiltration of the anaesthetic solution. Its transit through the skin is monitored by means of the guiding light on the laser device itself. The actual treatment begins by slowly moving forwards lengthwise following the lines traced on the skin and trying to constantly maintain the same speed of movement.
Over the last two years Dr Al-Ayoubi has taken the Smartlipo treatment further and developed his own technique for patients with much larger areas of fat. This combines Smartlipo and gentle suction at the same time.
The deep fat is lasered first followed by the superficial fat and finally the fat is suctioned out. This produces great results and is relatively painless. Dr Al-Ayoubi always reminds his patients that it is not possible to have any procedure without some discomfort, but this is a very good and safe procedure.
The skin tightening in some areas like hips is immediate patients often like to see results straightaway, they don't like to be told that it can take many months. It is also done under local anaesthetic so there is no need for a general anaesthetic or to stay overnight which also means that it can be done on patients who aren't suitable for a general. There are no stitches, just a very small incision that heals very well and quickly. By three or so months the patients can see the final result.
Does it require admission to hospital?
No, the Laserlipolysis treatment does not require hospitalisation or even a general anaesthetic as it is carried out in the clinic. The post-treatment marks like haematomas and inflammation - common to other methods of surgical body modelling - are considerably reduced.
Method
- Treatment is carried out in a sterile environment.
- The areas to be treated are marked with a special pencil, and lines are traced outwards from one single point in which the local anaesthetic is injected.
- The local anaesthesia is carried out with a peristaltic B&S bottle via longitudinal infiltration of the subcutaneous fatty tissue in anything from ten to twenty directions in order to form a network.
- The optical fibre of the laser is inserted into the same incision created for the infiltration of the anaesthetic solution.
- In order to facilitate the insertion of the cannula, a small incision must be made with a micro-scalpel.
- The laser is then turned on and the optical fibre is inserted into the adiposity. Its transit through the skin is monitored by means of the guiding light on the laser device itself.
- The actual treatment begins by slowly moving forwards lengthwise following the lines traced on the skin and trying to constantly maintain the same speed of movement.
Results
At the end of the treatment the fatty tissue will be more compact and have greater tone without any surface irregularities. Due to the lipolysis effect produced by the laser, the body contours improve day by day, providing the results within 1 to 2 months post-treatment. However, it usually takes between 3 to 4 months to see the final results, which vary individually between clients.
Laserlipolysis allows for recovery and the patient can return to a normal lifestyle after treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
This very much depends on the amount of fat to be removed from each area. More often than not one treatment will achieve the desired effect. The recommended amount of fat removed from one area is approximately 250/300cc.
How long does a treatment take?
Treatment takes 1-2 hours depending on the number of areas. Most patients can return to work the following day after treatment.
Could I have an even result with Smartlipo treatment after fat reduction?
NO, it is actually the Smartlipo treatment that can be used to treat asymmetrical shaping, as the surgeon can apply differing amounts of varying laser energy to different areas so he can sculpture the body shape with the laser.
SmartLipo Laser beam targeting fat cells membrane only
Below graphics are courtesy of DEKA Laser System, Italy.
1- The laser beam, inserted into the hypoderma by means of the cannula, affects the adipocytes and surrounding tissues.
2- - Thanks to the photo-mechanical effect, part of the laser energy ruptures the membrane of the adipocytes closest to the end of the fibre.
3- In some cases the adipocytes are not destroyed immediately. Nevertheless, the laser energy still manages to alter the permeability of their membrane causing them to swell which leads to their destruction within a month or two.
The final result is produced by the reduction in the number of fatty cells, with a reduced blood loss thanks to the coagulation of the small blood cells during the operation.
Skin Retraction and Tightening Split Abdomen using Smartlipo
As the above control study shows, the left lower abdomen area lasered with the Smartlipo MPX system has a significant skin tightening effect.