Video: Liposuction Basics With Dr. Bruce-Geddes
Video Transcription
Hi, I’m Dr. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, and today we are going to be talking about the differences between SmartLipo laser liposuction and regular liposuction.
The consultation process for both liposuction and SmartLipo begins with the patient coming in for an in-office examination. During this time, we will discuss the areas of the patient’s body that they’d like to improve, and what we can do in order to achieve their desired results. We also talk about realistic expectations given the patients current body characteristics. We’ll discuss surgery day, send in some prescriptions, perform any necessary lab work, and then schedule their surgery.
When the patient comes in on surgery day we start by giving them a little bit of medicine to make them relax. Next, we begin the tumescent portion of the procedure where a predetermined amount of diluted anesthetic, or numbing fluid, goes into the targeted fat areas designated for removal. This tumescent fluid plumps up the fat layer and separates the fat from the important structures down below. It makes it easier for us to remove the fat in a very controlled, even manner. That’s the basics of regular liposuction.
If we’re doing the SmartLipo laser liposuction, a laser fiber is also inserted into the target area along with the tumescent fluid. The laser works to liquefy the fat, gently heating it so its removal is easier and causes less trauma to the body.
Most healthy individuals are good candidates for liposuction or SmartLipo. The ideal candidate will have a decent amount of localized fat that we’re able to really pinch and grab a hold of. Individuals who are massively overweight or obese are not good candidates right away. We suggest that those individuals should focus on losing weight through diet and exercise, and save liposuction for sort of fine tuning any “stubborn” body areas that resist weight loss in that manner. Patient who have questions on their candidacy should come in for a consultation. We can evaluate you and tell you if you’re a good candidate or not.
Another thing that’s very important is a patient’s skin elasticity. When we remove fat through liposuction, we need to make sure that the skin has enough elasticity to recoil back and not be left sort of loose and hanging. This is another issue your provider will discuss with you during your consultation.
Many prospective patients have questions about the recovery process. The simple answer is recovery time does differ from individual to individual. However, SmartLipo generally has a shorter recovery time compared to traditional liposuction. I’ve had patients come in the day after their procedure in high heels and a mini skirt, walking around just fine. Other patients are still stuck in their pajamas and needing to take it slower. Overall, most people will feel back to normal within a week and can get back to their regular diet and exercise.
Post-procedure, we always highly encourage patients to continue to eat well, exercise regularly, and sleep well. Living a healthy lifestyle ensure that the best results of liposuction are maintained, and we really strongly encourage it.
A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.