As this past weekend in the Bay Area proved, the sunshine (and the heat)are not going anywhere anytime soon. It’s probably safe to assume July will be even better, brighter and warmer. With the sun being much more a part of daily life our thoughts turn to summer activities, like the beach and bathing suits. 
If you aren’t quite at a point with your body that sporting a bikini sounds at all like a fun idea, there is an option available to you that provides a safe, affordable shortcut to a beach body you’d want to show off: SmartLipo liposuction.
Traditional liposuction comes with a reputation of being somewhat traumatic to the body and therefore sometimes a pain, literally, to recover from. At our GLOW Surgical Arts offices in Redwood City, our cosmetic surgeons utilize two newer, less invasive, techniques of liposuction -- power assisted lipo (PALS) and laser assisted lipo (SmartLipo). For the purposes of this blog, we’re focusing on the latter, but our cosmetic surgeons will be happy to discuss all of your liposuction options with you during your pre-procedure consultation.
SmartLipo is a relatively new technique, having only been available in the U.S. since 2006. There are several reasons the technique is growing quickly in popularity and why it’s one of the techniques we have chosen to make available to patients at GLOW. Among them:
Less invasive. The entire procedure is done with just tumescent anesthesia, so there’s no “going under” for the patient. In fact, the patient is kept updated by the cosmetic surgeon during the procedure. SmartLipo is done with a very small cannula (a tube approximately 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm in diameter) that is inserted into the skin. The cannula contains the SmartLipo laser fiber, and it is moved back and forth in the treatment area. Laser energy is delivered directly to the fat cells, which causes them to rupture and liquify.
How it works. In addition to the fat cells being destroyed by the laser energy, the laser also interacts with the dermis, which causes collagen shrinkage. With traditional lipo, this interaction doesn’t take place and can result in loose, saggy skin in the treatment area. With the additional laser interaction, SmartLipo typically avoids that effect. The SmartLipo laser also causes small blood vessels to coagulate, which means less bleeding, swelling, and bruising than a traditional liposuction procedure.
Quicker recovery. Not only is there less bleeding, swelling, and bruising with SmartLipo than traditional lipo, but because there is no “going under,” SmartLipo is very safe. At GLOW, we tell patients to expect about an hour long procedure for each targeted area. For example, should you and your cosmetic surgeon decide to target your lower abdomen, the procedure would take about an hour. That is why the technique has earned the nickname, “Lunch Hour Lipo.” The name is a little misleading, of course. While the procedure could easily be done during a lunch hour, we wouldn’t recommend going directly back to the office from our surgical offices. A few days of rest are a good idea, and strenuous exercise should be avoided for about two weeks post procedure. So, while a return to work directly after the procedure isn’t a good idea, you will be able to go back to work within days.
You could also very quickly sport that swimsuit and do a little showing off at the beach. You should be able to see positive results within a few days after the procedure, and hanging out on the beach isn’t a strenuous exercise. Feel free to start showing off whenever you feel like it -- usually within a couple of weeks patients are ready to do just that. We ask patients to wear a compression garment over the treated area of their body for about two weeks, so once that comes off... if the beach beckons, the beach beckons!
Is SmartLipo for you? We can discuss in detail whether or not you’re a good fit, and what kind of results you can expect during a pre SmartLipo body sculpting consultation at our Redwood City surgical offices. In general, if you’re in good health and have an area of your body that doesn’t seem to respond to diet and exercise, SmartLipo is an option. There is no need to remain frustrated about not quite being able to attain the beach body you had hoped to have ready for the summertime. SmartLipo is safe, the procedure is quick, you can be back to work within a couple of days, and yes, in a bathing suit on the beach within a couple of weeks. The sun isn’t going anywhere for a while, and SmartLipo just might be the answer to making sure you’ve got the body to fully enjoy it!
At GLOW Skin Revived, we do a lot of liposuction, particularly Smartlipo. Because of our interest in and experience with Smartlipo liposuction, we talk to many patients (and potential patients!) about the possible outcomes of this procedure, and its limitations.
Patients always want to know what the possibilities are. What areas can be treated, what will the area look like afterwards, will there be some weight loss, and will the fat come back are just a few of the questions we seem to get all the time. I suppose we could write several chapters dealing with the most frequently asked questions, but I’d like to focus on just one for right now: Will there be some weight loss after Smartlipo liposuction?
Let’s review the process. We all have problem areas (stomach, love handles, inner or outer thighs, bra rolls, or arms – to name a few) that don’t seem to respond to diet and exercise. For those fatty areas, Smartlipo liposuction may be an ideal treatment. The technique takes about an hour per area, can be done using local anesthesia, is safe and effective, and does not require much downtime. Most patients are back to work in 2-3 days, and getting back to most activities within a week to ten days.
We’ve found that patients with a relatively stable weight, a healthy, balanced approach to eating, and a sustainable exercise program tend to be good candidates for Smartlipo liposuction. The discipline that comes with eating well and exercising can be a key factor in enjoying the results of liposuction well into the future, and large weight fluctuations before or soon after the procedure can be confusing and counterproductive.
Ideal patients can be male or female, younger or older, and lean or somewhat heavy. While some may insist on limiting liposuction treatment to those within a certain BMI (body mass index) range, at GLOW, we treat our patients as a whole. In general, the leaner the patient and more defined the problem area, the better the result. It is fair to say that patients trending toward obesity and beyond are less ideal candidates, and there are some that are simply too large. In these cases, Smartlipo liposuction may simply yield no noticeable (or pleasing) results.
We always measure the volume of material removed during liposuction. This volume is comprised of a mixture of fat, cellular and non-cellular bodily fluids and tissues, and some of the tumescent anesthesia liquid that was used to enable the procedure. Let’s assume the weight of one (1) liter of aspirated (sucked out) material is equivalent to the weight of one (1) liter of water. That would equal 2.2 pounds per liter of material removed. If 3 liters were removed, that would equal 6.6 pounds.
This is a rough measure linking volume to weight. The amount removed during Smartlipo liposuction varies, depending on patient size, body composition, and treatment area number and size. We can remove as little as 25-30 ccs, or as much as 3 to 4 liters. The greater the amount removed, the greater the potential to have some measurable difference in overall body weight. Likewise, the lower the starting body weight, and the greater the amount removed, the greater the potential for some measurable change. Truly large, heavy patients are unlikely to experience any weight changes, even with the maximum amount removed.
At GLOW Skin Revived, an average Smartlipo liposuction treatment may involve three areas and 2.5 to 3 liters of material removed. We carefully document weights and body measurements, and take many photos, throughout the treatment process.
Interestingly enough, weights taken soon after the procedure may be the same or slightly higher than the pre-procedure weight. We track weights at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after the procedure, and almost always see a minor decrease in weight. This is almost always less than 10 pounds, and more frequently in the 4 to 6 pound range. Occasionally, we see little or no measurable weight change.
We also see decreases in body measurements and visible changes in before and after photos, and patients frequently tell us about clothes that are loose, or decreases in pant or dress size. As noted, the best results come with consistent exercise and activity, and a sustainable, healthy approach to eating.
So, can Smartlipo liposuction lead to weight loss? Yes*. Will it be dramatic? Probably not, and in some cases, there may be no measurable weight loss at all. As we’ve discussed before, liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It is, though, a great way to sculpt problem areas that just don’t seem to respond to diet and exercise.
If you’re ready to learn more about our Smartlipo liposuction results here at GLOW Skin Revived, contact us to schedule your complimentary consultation.
© GLOW Skin Revived and GLOW Skin Revived blog, 2011-2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to GLOW Skin Revived and the GLOW Skin Revived blog, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content
We're amused at the number of food analogies used to describe body areas: banana rolls, chicken cutlets, and rolls, to name a few. I particularly like "muffin top," that descriptive phrase attributed to the midsection that squeezes out of a snug (perhaps too snug…..) pair or jeans. You also have spare tires, love handles, bat wings, beer bellies, pooches, and bra rolls. The list goes on, as does our struggle to make these body areas just a little less noticeable.
Now that Summer is here, we're thinking of slowing down, vacation time, spending time on or near the water, and just having fun. You may have a special trip planned, or an upcoming wedding, and you want to look your best. Why not commit to finally getting closer to the look, and feel, you've wanted when clothed or otherwise?
There is no substitute for consistent, sustainable movement (otherwise known as exercise). We tell just about anyone who will listen that this does not have to be painful, boring, or stressful. It can be as simple as walking. How easy is that? Just walking 30 minutes three to four times a week will bring about noticeable changes in your energy levels, your overall fitness, and your underlying health. Overall weight and body composition are related to energy in (food calories taken in by mouth) and energy out (calories burned to sustain your physical machine). Why not walk, alone or with company, outside, and enjoy the relaxation and health benefits that naturally follow?
We'll cover food and nutrition in more detail later, but we can all find ways to simplify and improve our food choices. Try eating out less, using less processed or prepared foods, and avoiding fast food and high calorie sodas. Make a trip to the local farmers market, and load up on all the wonderful fruits and vegetables that are coming into season. Explore new recipes that are easy, delicious, and that call for real food ingredients.
You still may have unwanted areas of fat that just don't respond, though. For these areas, Smartlipo liposuction may be an excellent choice. Stubborn belly, flank, inner thigh, upper back, and arm fat may hang on long after you've made smart choices about nutrition and movement. We've had great success with a number of folks that simply wanted to focus on remaining trouble spots after adopting sustainable lifestyle changes. Check out our before and after photos to see for yourself.
At GLOW, we do everything we can to make this simple and easy. We offer free, no pressure and no obligation consultations, convenient scheduling options, and a team dedicated to helping you meet your goals. Our technique allows you to have Smartlipo liposuction on your areas of concern, recover in the comfort of your own home, and get back to most of your regular activities, including work, in just a few days.
Check out our special offer to learn more about why now might be a great time to have Smartlipo liposuction. As always, you can always contact us with any questions or comments.
By the way, let us know of some of your favorite slang terms for those problem areas! We're always up for learning something new.
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© GLOW Skin Revived and GLOW Skin Revived blog, 2011-2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to GLOW Skin Revived and the GLOW Skin Revived blog, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Don't we all dream of having that perfect bikini belly, a flat, sculpted abdomen you are proud to show off to the world. And we are willing to try just about anything to get it, especially if it does not involve dieting or exercise. There are pills, drinks, diet plans and " in only 10 minutes a day" equipment all promising that perfect swimsuit tummy. The latest craze, The Tummy Tuck Belt, suggests that 10 minutes twice a day is all it takes to lose inches from your abdomen and get tummy tuck results. It reminds me of the old adage "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
How do you move from dream to reality? We have said it in previous posts but it is worth repeating: There is no substitute for a balanced diet and exercise program. Forgot about "spot reducing." Doing 100s of crunches will develop abdominal muscles, but those muscles don't control the fat surrounding them, and can't signal that particular fat to burn off first. Bottom line, you won't see the results of all that abdominal muscle work if there is a layer of fat covering them. Any successful exercise program combines calorie burning cardio work with muscle strengthing. The result is an overall reduction in body fat combined with stronger, more defined muscles - giving you the lean, tight body of your dreams. Need help getting started? Check out our blog: Bathing Suit Season is Here! Get Up and Get Moving!
So lets say you have committed to a healthy diet and balanced exercise program, but after several months you still have a layer of fat that is preventing all your hard work from shining through. Laser assisted liposuction, (Smartlipo) may be the answer. Liposuction is not a weight loss solution, but it does allow us to sculpt the body by removing stubborn fat deposits in select areas. Maybe its more then just a bit of residual fat. Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty may be the right choice if loose skin, stretch marks or larger deposits of fat are your concerns. Not sure what is right for you? Contact us and schedule your complimentary consultation. We will be happy to discuss your concerns and work with you to develop a treatment plan.
© GLOW Skin Revived and GLOW Skin Revived blog, 2011-2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to GLOW Skin Revived and the GLOW Skin Revived blog, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
With the longer days, warmer weather, and clear skies of summer beckoning, thoughts turn to the outdoors, poolside, beaches and good times on vacation. We'll probably be wearing a little less and exposing a little more. Hopefully, that will be a good thing. But don't we all have a few concerns?
How many days at the gym have we logged, or time have we spent, discussing or thinking about food choices, only to have a bulge, roll, or soft spot that simply won't go away?
Exercise is great - the health benefits are manifold, and it is so easy to do. I really like the approach outlined by Gretchen Reynolds in her new book. This is very doable - and well worth it. We all have work to do, and competing priorities, but incorporating exercise into everyday life is possible.
Eating well is important - less processed food, no fast food, little or no sugar, more homemade meals, no sweetened beverages. All basic stuff, and again something that can be made routine.
Let's not forget genetics - that is, the body type and makeup you essentially inherited from your parents.
We'll address each of these topics in greater detail in later posts, but let's say you've nailed them all and still have those problem areas? Smartlipo liposuction may be a great option for you.
We've been using this technique at GLOW for five years now, and we've literally treated hundreds of patients and thousands of areas. The Smartlipo treatment is done under local anesthesia, and includes the use of a powerful laser to loosen fat deposits and heat stimulate the skin layers. Once the Smartlipo laser has been applied, a narrow suction tube is carefully used to sculpt the areas while removing excess fat.
Happily, this can be done in just a few hours, after which you are on your way home to rest. Most folks are back to work in 3-4 days, and exercising within a week. We do like you to wear a compression garment for up to 3 weeks, and we'll have you back for several Tri-Active massage treatments to enhance your final recovery and results.
The Smartlipo technique can be used for many problem areas. At GLOW, we commonly treat the abdomen (stomach), flanks (love handles), inner and outer thighs, arms, and portions of the back and chest. It also may be a great option for portions of the neck and chin.
Pictures are worth a thousand words:
Before: Flanks After: Smartlipo of Flanks
We've gained a wealth of experience with the Smartlipo technique at GLOW over the past five years, and we look forward to using it to provide outstanding results for patients in future.
If you're ready to learn more about Smartlipo, and how we can use our experience to help you, give us a call today.
© GLOW Skin Revived and GLOW Skin Revived blog, 2011-2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to GLOW Skin Revived and the GLOW Skin Revived blog, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Have you been thinking about having liposuction done? Do you have problem areas that just don’t respond to diet and exercise? If so, liposuction may be a smart choice for you.
Liposuction involves removing unwanted fat from defined areas using a variety of techniques. Most commonly, a dilute anesthetic solution is infused into the treatment areas to stiffen and anesthetize the tissues. Once this is done, the fat layers are manipulated with instruments to disrupt, alter, and remove fat cells and lipids. After the fat is removed and a smooth contour has been obtained, a compression garment is fitted over the areas and the recovery begins.
At GLOW, we use Smartlipo laser lipolysis to disrupt and alter the fat lying in between the skin and the deeper muscle layers. This powerful laser heats the fat cells and surrounding tissues, making them easier to remove. It also imparts a heat stimulus to the overlying skin, which can lead to gentle skin tightening. In addition, we have found that there is less bruising, less swelling, and an easier recovery after using the Smartlipo laser.
Immediately after using the laser, small cannulas (thin tubes) are used to remove (through suction) the fat cells and lipids in the treatment area. This important step often defines the final contour and outcome of the procedure, and requires careful attention to detail.
As for the original question….is liposuction for you? It may be. If you have a positive body self image, lead an active lifestyle, make smart eating choices, and are of good health….yet have bothersome areas (the stomach, love handles, arms, thighs, or hips), then it likely is a good alternative.
The best way to find out for sure is to visit with an experienced liposuction surgeon. At GLOW, liposuction using the Smartlipo laser lipolysis technique is one of our most popular procedures. We offer free consultations, and would be happy to visit with you, discuss your concerns, and offer any assistance we can.
Before Abdomen Liposuction After Abdomen Liposuction
© GLOW Skin Revived and GLOW Skin Revived blog, 2011-2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to GLOW Skin Revived and the GLOW Skin Revived blog, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.