Laser Liposuction (Smartlipo)
Laser Liposuction in Turkey, its average cost, Smartlipo procedure and everything you need to know about permanent fat removal are explained.
Laser liposuction cost is worth it when you consider what your body will achieve after the operation and it is between £1,050 and £3,600. Laser liposuction side effects are less invasive compared to other methods of Liposuction surgery, in other words, Smartlipo Laser is a safe method. Smartlipo results might not be immediately obvious after the surgery; however, when you complete the estimated duration for your full results, Laser liposuction before and after will have a huge difference that will satisfy you. You will be able to have a contoured body or face which will make you more masculine or feminine according to what you wish for. Smartlipo is very popular in Turkey. There are experienced cosmetic surgeons who work in famous clinics and they accept customers from all over the world. In Turkey, cosmetic surgeries are more affordable than in other countries.
What Is Laser Liposuction?
Laser liposuction surgery is also known as Smart-Lipo MPX. It is a modern technique of liposuction to get rid of stubborn fat cells without destroying but melting the fat. In other words, it makes the fat cells turn into a liquid-like form and drain away from the body of the patient naturally in the following months. This takes mostly 4-5 months to see the full results of Smartlipo. Laser liposuction surgery works with laser technology which shrinks the fat cells and fastens the procedure of fat removal. Unlike traditional liposuction or Vaser liposuction, general anesthesia is not used in Smartlipo. Only the area which will be operated gets local anesthesia. After the anesthesia, tumescent fluid is applied to reduce the risks of damage in tissues, blood vessels, or nerves. (The surgeon might decide to remove fat first with the traditional method then use laser treatment for better results for patients with excessive fat on the area. However, it is not commonly preferred.) Laser Liposuction is applied through a laser-assisted cannula which is illuminating the skin when it is inserted in the area. The cosmetic surgeon can control which area is getting treated easily thanks to that light. Laser-assisted Liposuction is a different procedure from Traditional or Vaser Liposuction. After the Laser treatment, the surgeon will not remove the fat cells from the body. In other words, Laser treatment shrinks the fat tissues and puts the body in a toned shape. By the time, the results will become even better due to the fact that the body of the patient will get rid of extra fluid in the body. After the treatment, you will not get any stitches because it heals very quickly. Smart-Lipo can also help getting rid of stretch marks or loose skin; however, it is not a scientifically proven fact. This thought is because of the fact that the laser energy heats skin cells while melting the stubborn fat. This heat on skin cells helps the skin to produce collagen. Collagen is a protein that helps the skin to look more healthy, firm, and younger. Collagen treatments are used in skincare routines and another form of laser-assisted treatment is used to recover wrinkles on the face. During Laser Liposuction, a similar effect is made on the skin and the skin on the treated areas can have a better appearance after the operation.
Areas That cCan be Treated with Laser Liposuction (SmartLipo)
Laser liposuction can be used to treat almost every area of traditional liposuction can. Due to it leaves less scarring, it is preferred on areas where minimal scarring can have better results such as the face and neck. Other areas that can be treated with Smartlipo are;
- Chest.
- Upper arms.
- Abdomen.
- Back.
- Hips.
- Thighs.
- Buttocks.
- Knee.
- Ankle.
Benefits of Smart-Lipo Surgery
- Smart-Lipo is not an invasive method, unlike traditional liposuction surgery. It does not disturb the operation area.
- The healing process is so much faster.
- There is no downtime after Laser-assisted Liposuction. The patient can leave the hospital almost immediately after the surgery.
- The results can be seen mostly immediately after the procedure. If not because of swelling, it takes maximum 3 months.
- Smart-Lipo does not include general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is used during the procedure. If the patient is looking for a procedure without general anesthesia, it can be preferable. Light sedation can be used during Laser Liposuction, as well.
- It causes less scarring, bruising, and swelling.
- Laser treatment also helps collagen to get produced and it causes the skin to tighten.
- Laser-assisted Liposuction can be used in many areas of the body such as the face, neck and chin, buttocks and hips, limbs, thighs, breasts, or chests.
However, there is a disadvantage to Laser-assisted Liposuction. Laser treatment does not remove fat cells from the body. If the patient gains weight, he/she can form more fat in the area again. Still, it will not be the same as it used to be before the surgery.
Laser Liposuction vs Vaser Liposuction
In this title, we compare and contrast Laser-Assisted Liposuction with Vaser Liposuction. There are pros and cons of Smart Liposuction and your surgeon will decide which method is best for you. The method of liposuction you should choose will change depending on the elasticity of your skin, health of your tissues, the area liposuction will be performed and the amount of the fat that should be removed. The differences between Vaser and Laser Liposuction:
- Smartlipo is performed with laser technology while Vaser Liposuction is performed with ultrasound energy.
- Both of the procedures are less invasive than Traditional Liposuction which is also referred to as Dry Liposuction. Smartlipo reduces bleeding during the liposuction surgery while Vaser Liposuction is more gentle to the tissues which help to reduce tissue damage. However, we can say the same for both of the procedures to a certain extent.
- In Vaser Liposuction, more amount of fat can be removed due to the fact that ultrasound energy causes fat tissues to meltdown, in other words, make fat tissues liquefy. This helps to increase fat removal.
- Laser Liposuction includes a smaller incision (2mm) while Vaser Liposuction’s surgical procedure involves a bigger incision which is around 8-10 mm. If you want to get liposuction surgery on a facial area, you can choose Smart Liposuction as the incision is more minimal.
- Smart Liposuction does not remove fat cells from the body which means fat cells remain in the area while Vaser Liposuction removes fat cells completely. However, an additional aspiration can be added to the procedure of Smart Liposuction.
- Results of Laser-Assisted Liposuction can be seen in 4-5 months whereas Vaser Liposuction has got immediate results. However complete results of Vaser Liposuction take up to 5-6 weeks.
- Smart Liposuction, unfortunately, is not that powerful on dense tissues such as the male chest or back whereas Vaser Liposuction can be preferred in those areas.
Laser liposuction vs tummy tuck is one of the topics patients want to learn about. Smartlipo is a procedure for the removal of stubborn fat tissues while Tummy Tuck targets extra skin tissues who become loose after weight loss or pregnancy. If you have extra skin + stubborn fat pockets, you can have a combination that consists of liposuction and tummy tuck. Your surgeon will tell you which method is appropriate for the best results in the first appointment.
Who Can Get Laser Liposuction Surgery?
- People who are over 18 years old: You should be over 18 years old to get any cosmetic surgery unless you have got approval from your family for the procedure. Even though it can be legally accepted when your parents approve the surgery, Cosmetic surgeons do not want to perform Laser Liposuction on patients who are under 18 years old due to the fact that people under 18 years old might not be able to make the correct decisions about their bodies in those ages and their bodies are still growing and their hormones are not stable due to this reason. Change of hormones might reduce the permanency of Laser-assisted Liposuction owing to the weight change.
- People who do not have any medical conditions that can increase risks of the procedure: If you are planning to get a Smartlipo, you should make sure that you are a healthy person. Some conditions such as diabetes might create bigger problems in the surgery. You should consult your cosmetic surgeon about your conditions and ask him/her if you are suitable for the procedure despite your condition.
- If it is not safe for you, your cosmetic surgeon will not perform Smartlipo on you or suggest another method of liposuction.
- If you have got allergies you should inform your cosmetic surgeons about your allergies, too.
- It is highly significant to note that, some prescribed/not prescribed medicines can increase the risks of the surgery. For example, aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding while nicotine-based medicine results in excessive fluid or infection. Before your surgery, you might have to stop taking some medicines.
- People who have realistic expectations and stable mental health: Many of us are not happy about our bodies and we want to change a part of our body. This is mostly caused by social media images or the celebrities we like. We choose ourselves a model, and we plan to become exactly like them. However, it is important to know that everybody has got different body types, different skin, or fat characteristics. This means you cannot plan your surgery by taking someone else as a goal. You should be realistic about your body and your Smartlipo surgery. During your Laser Liposuction surgery, you can only lose a certain amount of fat which is the best for your health. Your doctor will tell you what the goal is and how you will look like after the surgery.
- Another significant factor is that we should be mentally stable before Laser Liposuction surgery. If you have any traumas that affected your decision about liposuction, you should make sure that it is a decision you really want to and thought reasonably. After the procedure, you are going to have pain and you will take care of yourself for a while during the recovery period. You should be mentally ready for that process. Cosmetic surgeons want the best for their patients, you should be happy and healthy after your procedure.
- People who are in their ideal weight: Smartlipo is not a way to lose weight. You should be close to your ideal weight before your Smartlipo procedure. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) should be around 30 to have great results. You can try exercising and losing weight before your surgery; however, you will have better results from Laser-assisted Liposuction if you can maintain your weight for 6 months.
- People who quit smoking at least 6 weeks before their Smartlipo porcedure: Smoking is an unhealthy habit as we are all aware of. If you consider getting Laser Liposuction surgery, we recommend you to quit smoking before your surgery. Smoking increases the risk of infection and slows down the healing process.
- People who want to have a contoured body shape and get rid of their stubborn fat tissues: Many of the patients who have lost a lot of weight want to get Laser Liposuction surgery for their remaining stubborn fat tissues; however, if you have got extra skin which is sagging, Smartlipo, or any other method of liposuction is not suitable for you. You can consider skin tightening surgery. If you do not have extra skin or only a small amount of extra skin, you can get Smartlipo surgery. Laser Liposuction will make you have a toned and shaped body without those remaining stubborn fat tissues.
- People who look for a procedure with a local anesthetic: During Laser-assisted Liposuction surgery, you do not have to go under general anesthesia. The procedure of Smart-lipo includes local anesthetic or light sedation.
- People who maintain a healthy lifestyle: We have already mentioned the importance of being at an ideal weight before Laser Liposuction. However, you should maintain your weight stable even after the surgery. You can lose weight after your Smartlipo surgery, but you should not gain weight. Laser liposuction does not remove fat cells from your body, this means that you can gain weight in the areas again if you do not do regular exercises or eat healthily. If you have a healthy lifestyle before your surgery, it will be easier for you to keep going after the surgery.
Before Laser Liposuction (Smart-Lipo)
The first step of your Laser Liposuction journey is finding a clinic that will perform your Smartlipo surgery. There are many clinics or hospitals in the world that performs Smartlipo surgery; however, there are clinics that are not certified. They can perform wrong methods on the patients and can cause damage which will cost your health and a lot of money. We advise you to make sure that the clinic you will have your Laser Liposuction surgery to be certified legally and should have an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Even though you might not have serious side effects after the surgery, you might see asymmetrical results if your surgeon is not experienced enough. After you find a clinic for your Smartlipo procedure, you should get an appointment to talk with your surgeon. In this appointment,
- Bring your previous blood tests or other medical reports or tests:
Before your surgery, you will have blood tests to see if you are suitable for the surgery; however, if you show your previous tests, your doctor might have an idea about your conditions. We advise you to have a new blood test before going to the first appointment. If you have a deficiency in some nutrients or vitamins, you might have to use certain medicines before your surgery such as iron, Vitamin B12, etc.
- Bring medical reports that show the conditions you had or still have:
Some medical conditions can increase the risk of surgery. Your health and safety are more important than how you look, so your cosmetic surgeon might not want to perform Laser Liposuction on you if it is dangerous for your health.
- Tell your cosmetic surgeon which medicines you use on regular basis, which medicines you used in the past:
Some medicines might increase the risk of bleeding, irritation, or damage on skin or tissues and slow down the healing process, etc during cosmetic surgeries. It is quite significant to talk about your medical record with your surgeon before the surgery.
- Do not forget to mention herbal medicines or other kinds of treatments:
Some patients might not consider herbal drugs as medicine; however, you should still ask your doctor about them as well to prevent any unexpected complications.
- Mention your smoking, alcohol, or drug habits to your surgeon:
You should quit smoking, alcohol, or drugs before your surgery. You should talk with your doctor if you use any of those. Nicotine treatments are also risky for cosmetic surgeries.
- Ask your surgeon what kind of risks are expected in your Laser Liposuction surgery:
You should learn about every risk before your surgery and have realistic expectations from your Laser Liposuction treatment. We tend to neglect the risks of the surgeries when we want to achieve the look we dream of. However, your health is more important than anything in the world.
- Ask your cosmetic doctor how much fat you will lose after the Laser Liposuction surgery:
Every individual has got different body shapes, metabolism, and skin quality. You should ask your surgeon approximately how much fat you will lose. He will not be able to tell you an exact number; however, you will have a more realistic idea about what you will see after the surgery. Many patients expect more from Smartlipo surgery.
- Ask your surgeon to see Before-After images of the previous Laser Liposuction surgeries he/she performed:
If you see some examples of his/her previous surgeries, you can have more realistic expectations from your Smartlipo surgery.
The Procedure of Laser Liposuction
1) Signing a consent form:
You have to sign a consent form that consists of every step of your Laser Liposuction surgery. The form also includes risks and side effects and complications that might occur, the treatments, devices that will be used, solutions, and other kinds of steps are all mentioned. Signing this form means that you legally accept this surgery.
2) Marking the areas that will get Laser Liposuction:
Your surgeon will mark the areas that will be treated during your surgery to guide his path during the operation.
3) Applying local anesthetics or sedation and tumescent fluid:
Laser Liposuction has got an advantage over the use of anesthetics. It does not include general anesthesia. During the procedure of Smartlipo, you will get an incision which is around 1-2 mm using a micro-scalpel. Through that incision, your surgeon will inject local anesthetic and tumescent fluid. Local anesthesia will prevent you from feeling any pain during the procedure. In other words, you will not feel any pain during your Smartlipo procedure. Besides, tumescent fluid is a fluid that eases Smartlipo surgery. It makes the area wetter and this protects healthy tissues from getting damaged while it makes the Laser-assisted Liposuction cannula move easier in the area.
4) Applying Laser Liposuction treatment:
Laser Liposuction is performed with a cannula which has got laser energy (thermal energy) that heats the skin and fat cells. This cannula assisted with laser energy is placed through an incision in the body of the patient which directly targets the fat planned to be removed. The cosmetic surgeon performing the surgery moves this cannula with a metronomic lengthways movement under the skin. The light cannula produces can be seen clearly, so it enables the doctor to see which areas he/she is targeting, in other words, this light monitors the treatment. The thermal effect Smartlipo creates turns fat from a solid form to a melted form. Your surgeon can either use a suction cannula to suck out those melted fat tissues or leave it without removing. Commonly, it is left without the removal of the fat as the fat gets out of the body naturally. There are no stitches made after Smartlipo procedure. The incision heals very fast. They naturally heal a few days after the surgery. The procedure of Smartlipo takes 1-3 hours. It can be more or less than that duration depending on the number of areas and how wide the area is.
Recovery
Recovery from Laser Liposuctiton is going to be easier than you think. It is a procedure with fast healing. The laser liposuction method allows the patient to have less bruising and blood loss. Laser energy does not traumatize the tissues in the operation area. You will be able to go back to your daily life the next day. You can start working the following day and you can even start going to the gym one week after the surgery. (It can take 2 weeks depending on the areas treated.) During the recovery period, you will wear compression garments that help you to recover from swellings of the surgery. It will help the extra fluid and swelling to disappear. It is normal to have bruises and swellings after your Laser Liposuction. They will heal in a very short time.
Risks of Laser Liposuction Surgery
There are risks for every cosmetic surgery. Laser Liposuction has got some risks, too. However, the change of those risks is very low when the surgery is performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Side effects of Smartlipo are:
- Skin burn.
- Scarring
- Color change in the skin (Bruising or redness).
- Hematoma (Blood collecting under skin).
- Swelling.
- Seroma (fluid collecting under skin).
- Bleeding.
- Numbness.
- Lumps under the skin.
- Nerve damage.
- Infection.
- Blood clots.
- Unexpected reaction to anesthesia.
- Asymmetrical results.
Even though there are a lot of risks stated above about Laser Liposuction surgery, it does not mean that you are going to have all of the above during your Laser Liposuction. Mostly, surgeries are performed successfully and most of the patients have got results they are pleased with. You should not worry too much about your surgery while you consider every risk of the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Liposuction
Many people who consider getting cosmetic surgery have got a lot of questions on their minds. That is quite natural. Everybody is worried about their health and they want to have the best decision for themselves. You can ask as many questions as you want to the clinic you consult to have a better idea about the risks and what expects you during and after your Laser Liposuction surgery. We gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about Smartlipo.
How much does Laser Liposuction cost?
We cannot state a specific number for Laser Liposuction surgery. Every medical clinic or hospital has got different prices. Your insurance will not cover Laser Liposuction surgery due to the fact that it is an operation for esthetic needs instead of health issues. Smartlipo can be applied to many areas of the body and for every patient, different amounts of fat will be treated with laser treatment. This makes the price different even in the same clinic for different body parts. If you had previous unsuccessful surgery, you might need other surgeries or surgical methods which will change the cost, as well. In some clinics, travel costs, medicine, or blood test costs might be different. In the UK, the costs of Laser-assisted Liposuction starts from £3,500. If you have a low budget for your Laser Liposuction surgery, you can consider having your operation in Turkey, where there are greatly experienced cosmetic surgeons who perform Smartlipo on patients from all over the world.
Is Laser Liposuction a safe surgery?
Yes. Laser-assisted Liposuction has been performed for over 10 years. It is a method of liposuction that is approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and the MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), in other words, we can say that it is a worldwide approved technique. Laser Liposuction does not cause bleeding like other methods of liposuction because Laser energy targets fat cells. The nerves that are close to the area which is being treated with Laser-assisted cannula will not be damaged due to their color. Smartlipo causes less swelling or bruising as well. This means, the area treated gets less damaged by the procedure and recovery time is faster than other methods.
Does it worth having a Laser Liposuction surgery?
If you have fat pockets that you cannot get rid of, it is worth to have Smartlipo surgery. It is an effective surgery, it makes you help to get in a good shape which is contoured and defined. You will look better in your clothes and swimsuits after the surgery and you will never need to change to bigger clothes that do not show your body shape. However, if you have extra skin on your body after weight loss or pregnancy, you should consider getting skin tightening surgery.
Is Laser Liposuction painful?
No. Laser Liposuction is not a painful surgery. You will have anesthesia or sedative during the procedure. You will not feel any pain.
What kind of anesthesia is applied during Laser Liposuction surgery?
Local anesthesia is used during Laser-assisted Liposuction surgery. Sedatives can be used if the surgeon prefers to use it.
How long is the procedure of Laser Liposuction Surgery?
Smartlipo procedure is not a long surgery. It takes 1 to 3 hours depending on the patient’s needs.
Do I have to stay in the hospital for a day after my Laser Liposuction surgery?
No. After Liposuction surgery, you do not have to wait in the hospital. You will be able to return to your hotel or home a few hours later.
When can I start working after my Laser Liposuction Surgery?
If your work does not include extreme physical movements, you can return to work the following day.
When can I see the full results of Laser Liposuction?
Laser Liposuction surgery is a surgery that can have different results on each patient. It is declared that some of the patients can see immediate results after the surgery; however, Smartlipo unlike other methods of Liposuction surgery, shows its results after the recovery period. You will have swelling on the areas operated with Smartlipo surgery since liposuction treatment irritates the skin and makes the body to produce extra fluid. This is one of the most common side effects of the surgery; however, the swelling will pass by time. In 1-2 months you are going to have visible results and you will have a more defined and contoured shape by time.
When can I completely heal from Laser Liposuction surgery?
You will not get any stitches after the surgery. The small incisions that have been created during your Smartlipo treatment will heal in a few weeks. You will have swelling in the treated areas as well. However, Your body heals very fast after Laser Liposuction surgery. You will be able to do your daily activities shortly after the surgery.
Will I have scars after Laser Lipo?
No. You will only have small incisions that are 1-2 mm wide. Those incisions will heal naturally in a few days and disappear in 2-3 months.
Can I exercise after my Laser Liposuction surgery?
Yes. You can exercise shortly after your Smartlipo surgery. We advise you to walk regularly after your surgery. This will help you to recover faster from the surgery. You should start exercising 1-2 weeks later but you should be careful about your exercise program.
Can I get Laser Liposuction for my face?
Yes. Laser Liposuction is commonly preferred in facial areas. Since it is less invasive it can be preferred for the face. The cannula used in Smartlipo is smaller than the ones in other liposuction techniques. This can create better results in the facial area. Besides, laser energy helps to increase collagen in the skin. This will make the patient have a younger skin effect.
Can men get Laser Liposuction?
Yes. Many men preferred Smartlipo in the past. Both men and women can have Laser Liposuction freely.
Are there any other alternatives for Laser Liposuction surgery?
Yes. There are other alternatives for Laser Liposuction. They are:
- Traditional (Dry) Liposuction.
- Micro Liposuction.
- Water Assisted Liposuction (WAL).
- Power-Assisted Liposuction.
- Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (Vaser Liposuction).
Your surgeon will tell you what is the best method for your skin, fat tissues, amount of fat, the area that will be treated and expectations.
Are the results of Laser liposuction permanent?
Because Smartlipo does not remove fat pockets from the body, if the patient gains weight, the area treated can turn back to the pre-surgery state. In traditional liposuction, fat cells are removed from the body so they are unlikely to be the same as the previous look again. If the patient wants to protect the look after the surgery, he/she should keep a healthy lifestyle.
Should I wear compression garments or corsets after Laser Liposuction surgery?
Yes. It is advised to wear compression garments after every liposuction surgery, so you should wear them after your Smarlt surgery as well. The duration of wearing those garments are mostly one to two weeks. This will help you get rid of fluid and fat.
Can Laser Liposuction cause cancer?
Unfortunately, there are not any scientifically proven answers to that question either negative or positive.
Does Laser Liposuction affect fertility?
No. Smartlipo does not affect fertility. Smart Lipo uses laser energy that targets only fat tissues and heats the skin. It does not reach ovaries or other organs.