Body Contouring FAQs
SmartLipo™
Q: How long does the SmartLipo™ procedure take?
A:The SmartLipo™ procedure takes an average of 2 to 3 hours per session.
Q: How many SmartLipo™ treatments are required?
A: Most patients typically require only one treatment. Each SmartLipo™ session may last from 45 minutes to one hour for each area treated. SmartLipo™ can also be used for “touch-ups” and revisions to previously treated areas.
Q: Does SmartLipo™ treat cellulite?
A: The SmartLipo™ procedure will improve the body’s shape and may reduce cellulite to a certain degree.
Q: What is the long-term outcome for most people?
A: Most patients can see results immediately following the SmartLipo™ procedure and they can expect their skin to return to normal within three months.
However, as with traditional liposuction, you will need to practice patience since the full SmartLipo™ results may not be visible for up to a year. The more fat that was removed, the longer it will take to achieve maximum results, as your body needs to adapt to a more significant shape change.
Q: Do I have to stay in the hospital?
A: No. SmartLipo™ is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. You won’t be required to stay in the hospital, since recovery from SmartLipo™ works best within the comfort of your home.
Q: What if I’ve already had regular liposuction?
A: SmartLipo™ may be extremely effective for improving upon body areas that have been previously treated with traditional liposuction. With the SmartLipo™ procedure your doctor can further sculpt or contour those areas on the body that have “droopy” skin, especially if you are a relatively thin, healthy person who wants additional toning and tightening.
Q: What are the main advantages of SmartLipo™?
A: SmartLipo™ advantages:
- The smoothest, best body-contouring results.
- It entails only a short recovery time.
- Minimal discomfort is involved.
- It is safer than traditional liposuction.
- It tightens the skin around the treatment area.
- It is more affordable than traditional liposuction.
- The results are permanent.
Q: Can SmartLipo™ work on areas that regular liposuction can’t?
A: Yes. Since the aiming beam at the tip of the SmartLipo™ laser allows the doctor to know exactly where he or she is at all times, the procedure is very precise. As such, SmartLipo™ is very effective in body areas that are not suitable for traditional liposuction, such as the face, neck, back and knees.
Q: Does the SmartLipo™ procedure hurt?
A: Since the SmartLipo™ procedure is performed under local anesthesia, there is very little pain or discomfort involved. You may feel a minor stinging sensation and an impression of tugging at your skin during the SmartLipo treatment, but these discomforts are minimal.
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VASER® LipoSelection
Q: What is VASER® LipoSelection? How does it differ from traditional liposuction?
A: VASER® LipoSelection is an advanced body contouring procedure that selectively removes unwanted body fat. An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, VASER® LipoSelection uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology designed to gently reshape your body. What distinguishes the VASER® LipoSelection procedure is its ability to differentiate targeted fat from other important tissues — such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Innovative VASER® technology breaks up fat while preserving these other important tissues to promote smooth results and rapid healing.
Q: How does VASER® LipoSelection work?
A: First, the area to be reshaped is filled with a special saline solution that helps numb the site and shrink the blood vessels (to minimize blood loss and reduce bruising). This solution wets and fills the area to be treated, making it easier to break up fatty tissue with the VASER® System’s ultrasound energy. Then a small probe transmits sound energy (similar to that used for cataract removal from the eye) to break up fatty tissue on contact while preserving other important tissues. Finally, the liquefied fat is removed through a gentle suction process designed to minimize damage to surrounding tissues.
Q: What body areas can be treated with VASER® LipoSelection?
A: Doctors have experienced great success in treating all of the following areas: abdomen, thighs, knees, buttocks, hips, back, arms, male and female breasts, love handles, chin, neck areas and just about any other body part you need treated.
Q: How much fat can be taken?
A: There are limits to how much fatty tissue can be safely taken from the body. One way to get a good idea for yourself is to stand and bend from the waist. The amount of ‘loose-hanging’ fat you can easily grab above / below your waist will approximate what can be removed. Bear in mind that this procedure is not intended as a weight loss solution. The goal is to create a slimmer silhouette. You may not notice a significant amount of weight loss, but you should be pleased with your slimmer new shape.
Q: Where is VASER® LipoSelection performed?
A: VASER® LipoSelection is performed in a clean or sterile environment. Some possible options are in a doctor’s office, an outpatient surgery center or a hospital. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia (awake), I.V. sedation, or general anesthesia. You and your physician will decide the best type of treatment for you.
Q: How soon will I see my results? What is the recovery time?
A: This varies with the extensiveness of the procedure—the amount of fat removed, the number of sites treated, and so on. Many patients report that they see results immediately after the procedure with the final result at around 3 to 6 months. It is important that you establish realistic expectations through discussion with your doctor.
Q: What about future weight gain / fat migrating to other areas?
A: This is a common misperception. Following your VASER® LipoSelection procedure, should you experience weight gain or loss, it will tend to be proportionately distributed over your entire body. Once you have fat removed, it is gone and, assuming a healthy lifestyle of proper diet and exercise, it will not return or migrate. However, because fat is necessary to a healthy body, some essential fat layers in any given site remain untreated. If you do gain a significant amount of weight, the remaining fatty tissue will expand. Normal aging changes can also be expected.
Q: How can I be certain VASER® LipoSelection is right for me?
A: If you are frustrated by the resistance of certain body areas to diet and exercise, VASER® LipoSelection can provide a solution. If you are healthy and seeking a fast, low-pain solution to losing stubborn fat deposits, the VASER® LipoSelection procedure could be your answer. Although there are limit to the amount of fat that can be removed, your doctor can assist you with your decision about potential areas for sculpting, anticipated results and the recovery process.
LipoLife
Q: How does LipoLife at Aguirre Specialty Care work?
A: The LipoLife procedure involves an innovative combination of laser and suction technology for increased fat removal and reduced body trauma. The laser disrupts pockets of fat while the vacuum simultaneously sucks them out, leading to reduced procedure and recovery time.
Q: Is there any downtime with LipoLife?
A: Thanks to LipoLife’s minimally invasive technique, downtime is greatly reduced compared to traditional liposuction. Patients can generally return to daily activities in one to two days and exercise within two to three weeks.
Q: When will I see my results?
A: You will be able to observe your LipoLife fat reduction immediately following the procedure, although optimal results will be seen after full recovery.
Q: Are my results permanent?
A: Yes, since fat cells are removed from the treated area, results are permanent. Fat will not return to the treated area if weight is gained following the procedure, however it may be accumulated elsewhere on the body.
Q: How can I get started with LipoLife at Aguirre Specialty Care?
A: To learn more, or see if LipoLife in Denver, CO might be right for you, schedule your consultation today!
View before and after photos of all body contouring services.
