On Wednesday, November 15, 2006 we performed the first cases in the US with the new SmartLipo device (two prototypes have been in the US for around a year to aid with FDA evaluation and approval). Visitors from Canada, Italy, and Brazil were on hand for this event. The most experienced laserlipolysis surgeon in the world, Dr. Alberto Goldman, was present and provided valuable input on the utilization of this exciting modality. Since then we have performed over 500 cases and trained scores of physicians. Patients from across the country and around the world have come to The Ferguson Clinic for SmartLipo.

We were chosen as one of 10 research and training sites for this new modality. SmartLipo offers the chance to carry out minimally invasive liposculpture treatments (the cannulas have a diameter of only 1 mm), in a decidedly less traumatic manner compared to traditional techniques under local anesthesia.

LASERLIPOLISIS® is an advanced technique for removing localized adiposity in the areas that are normally resistant to dieting and physical exercise; a laser-assisted liposculpture treatment with a totally revolutionary concept.

The Smartlipo laser provokes the breaking up of the membranes of the adipose cells, transforming them into an oily substance that is absorbed and eliminated in a natural manner.  The results give rise to a harmonious body shape in a short time, without the secondary effects of more aggressive procedures. Smartlipo is ideal for medical professionals who carry out adiposity therapy with liposuction, liposculpture, tumescent liposculpture and who wish to extend their therapeutic offering.

The Advantages of Smartlipo:

• Reduced recovery times
• Minimal risk of side effects
• Less invasive and traumatic technique compared to traditional methods
• Safety for the patient and the operator
• Minimum interference in the patient's social life

How does the SmartLipo™ procedure work?

A small fiber, less than one third of a millimeter in diameter, is placed within a 1 mm tube, or cannula. A small needle is used to introduce the cannula through the skin into the layers of fat. The tip of the cannula where the fiber protrudes emits laser light.
This laser light ruptures the fat cells. The tip of the fiber also emits a small amount of heat. When this heat is rubbed against the undersurface of the skin, the dermis, it causes tightening of the skin. This is very similar to other topical treatments such as Thermage™ or Titan™, except, since it is directly on the undersurface of the skin where collagen is formed it is much more effective and efficient. The two cannulas on the left are typical abdominal liposuction cannulas. All SmartLipo procedures are performed with the ones on the right.

Does the procedure hurt?

At The Ferguson Clinic we perform this procedure under local anesthesia in our state-of-the-art procedure suite. Oral medication may be given to the very anxious patient, but this is rare. Despite this, most patients are able to drive themselves home. The areas to be treated are filled with a local anesthetic custom-formulated to not only numb the area but decrease bruising, swelling, and encourage rapid healing. We encourage patients to bring books, magazines, or IPods™ for use during the procedure. We had one school teacher grade papers during SmartLipo™.

When can I expect to see results?

We do not normally suck out the fat and tissue following the procedure, except in the neck, as there is right slight swelling that will be visible. This causes increased bruising in the neck, but we can easily assist you with covering it with makeup. Most patients will see changes in the volume of the treated area within 3-4 weeks. This volume change will continue for up to 8 weeks. In some areas the tightening of the skin is immediate. The long-term tightening begins approximately four to six weeks after the procedure and will continue for up to six months. This patient is 4 weeks out.

What body regions can be treated with SmartLipo™?

We have treated all areas of the body successfully that have been treated with traditional liposuction in the past. This includes the abdomen, flanks, thighs, knees, neck, and breasts. Because of the precision of the device, areas not normally treated with liposuction have also been successfully treated with SmartLipo™, including around the bra straps, upper arms, elbows, calves, jowels, and cheeks. We have also successfully performed many procedures on patients who have had prior liposuction but are dissatisfied with the results. It is not uncommon to find demarcation between treated and untreated areas with liposuction, tunneling of the liposuction cannulas, and loose skin left over from liposuction. These have all been effectively treated in our office with SmartLipo™.

How many treatments will I need?

Admittedly, during the first 1-2 weeks that we were becoming familiar with the technique we were somewhat conservative. Most of those patients have required a repeat procedure. Since then, few patient have required more than one treatment session. The sessions last anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours depending on the volume and number of areas to be treated.

Do I have to do anything post-treatment?

One of our primary goals at The Ferguson Clinic is to provide maximum results with minimal interference in your daily life. We place no limitations on your activity after SmartLipo™. All patients are given compression garments to use for the first 24 hours. These are used primarily to hold absorbent gauze over the small holes used to introduce the cannulas. For the first 12 to 24 hours, there is drainage released from ruptured fat cells. After this it is at the patient's discretion as to the utilization of the garment. We encourage exercise 24 to 48 hours after the procedure to encourage uptake of the fluid in the treated areas. All but one individual in our clinic (including Dr. Ferguson) has undergone this procedure. Each one returned to work immediately after the procedure (“I gave them the rest of the day off, but they were so happy they wanted to stay.”-Dr. Ferguson).

Does SmartLipo™ replace liposuction?

We will occasionally use mild liposuction to harvest fat for implantation in the lips and other areas of the face. For larger volume areas we have perfected a technique combining SmartLipo™ and PALS (power assisted liposuction). PALS uses a cannula around the size of the SmartLipo cannulas that gently oscillates and removes fat. Because the fat has already been treated with the laser it easily comes out without the trauma, pain, and downtime of traditional liposuction.

Does SmartLipo™ provide lasting results?

The human adult does not regenerate fat cells. Once a fat cell has died it does not come back.

Is anyone a candidate for SmartLipo™?

Any patient without substantial cardiac or endocrine problems is a candidate for SmartLipo™. Although we have used SmartLipo™ for high-volume fat removal, we do not encourage this practice. We will usually start the patient on a diet and exercise program prior to undergoing the procedure. This not only improves the safety but enhances the effectiveness of the treatment. We also provided dietary and herbal supplements that will increase healing and decrease swelling and bruising.

Does SmartLipo™ treat cellulite?

Cellulite formation is very complex. We have seen substantial improvement in cellulite with SmartLipo™. However, these results cannot be guaranteed.

Can other procedures be performed with SmartLipo™?

Absolutely. We are globally sought out to perform SmartLipo™ of the face and neck with our facelifts. This substantially decreases the amount of trauma to the skin, thereby decreasing bruising, swelling, and healing time. It also helps us sculpt areas in ways never imagined possible before. This provides a much more natural look. In selected patients we have been able to perform a LipoLift™, a minimally invasive alternative to a facelift, and even minilifts.