Related Sub-topics

Smartlipo Plus

...additional procedures for added benefit

Accent XL radiofrequency treatments. - Accent XL is a non-invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to create heat in the skin and underlying fat. The energy can be delivered only to the skin with a bi-polar hand piece if fat reduction is not needed or up to 4cm into the fat with a uni-polar hand piece if fat reduction is desired. Heat creates a biochemical signal in the tissues to stimulate collagen growth and dehydrates the fat cells causing some of them to atrophy. Accent treatments are virtually painless, and cause no downtime. If maximal tissue tightening is the goal then a series of 2-5 Accent XL treatments beginning 1-2 weeks post Smartlipo at 1-2 week intervals would be ideal. Each treatment session requires approximately 15 minutes per area.

Fractional Skin Resurfacing

Stretch marks have been traditionally very resistant to treatment with topical techniques. The only true way to remove them is to excise them during an abdominoplasty or similar operation. However, significant improvement can be achieved using a fractional erbium or CO2 laser either at the time of the Smartlipo procedure or afterwards. The laser places tiny treatment zones into the dermis of the stretch marked skin in a screen like pattern which creates heat and inflammation. This results in new and better organized collagen and therefore a diminished appearance. Downtime is approximately 7-10 days until the skin is fully healed. Fractional skin resurfacing can be done anywhere on the body and works particularly well on sun damaged skin like the face and chest.

Mini-Facelift in Conjunction with Neck Smartlipo

Sagging neck skin and certainly excess neck fat can be treated with Smartlipo. However, there is definitely a limit to how much the skin will tighten in response to the laser energy. Also, Smartlipo is not usually done on the cheek. In cases where maximal improvement to the cheek and neck is desired in a minimally invasive setting under local anesthesia a mini-facelift can be performed. The incision is placed in front and behind the ear and is designed to be as hidden as possible. Excess skin is elevated and excised and the underlying fatty layer (SMAS) is tightened as well.

Abdominal Smartlipo with mini skin excision

There is a limit as to how much the skin of the abdomen will tighten in response to the Smartlipo procedure. When maximal improvement is desired in the lower abdomen with a minimally invasive procedure under local anesthesia a low skin incision can be made to remove some loose skin. If a C-section scar is present it would likely extend 1-2 inches more on each side.