| |
Traditional LipoSuction |
SmartLipo™ |
| Anesthesia |
Uses general anesthesia or heavy IV sedation. Patient is unconscious. |
Only local tumescent anesthesia required. Patient is awake and alert. |
| Pain |
Moderate to severe post-liposuction pain requiring the prolonged use of prescription pain medication. |
Virtually painless procedure and mild recovery discomfort treated with ibuprofen or Tylenol. |
| Recovery |
Very long recovery. 1-2 weeks time off from work. Patients are often unable to return to full activities for several weeks. |
Easy recovery. Most patients are able to return to normal activities immediately or within a few days. |
| Scars |
Scars from incision sites can vary from small to several inches in length and are permanent. |
No unsightly scars. Most patients cannot identify any scars 12 months after the procedure |
| Bruising |
Moderate to severe bruising can occur due to the use of larger instruments and aggressive suction movements. |
Mild to no bruising. The laser coagulates blood vessels and smaller instruments are used causing less trauma |
| Return to Work |
Patients are often unable to return to work for one to four weeks. |
Return to normal non-strenuous work the same or next day. |
| Blood Loss |
Significant tissue trauma and blood loss requiring transfusions are possible. |
No significant blood loss. |
| Risks |
Significant complications are possible, including anesthesia reactions, organ puncture, infection, blood clots, severe hematomas, and contour irregularities. |
Extremely low rate of complications documented in medical literature. No direct deaths have been reported from this procedure. |
| Outcome |
Larger instrument sizes lead to higher risk of contour and skin irregularities. |
Smooth results with most patients seeing increased skin retraction and tighter tone. |
| Compression Garment |
Garment must be worn for four to eight weeks. |
Wear the compression garment for only one week. |
| Procedure Location |
Performed in hospitals or surgical suites. |
Performed in our office in Atlanta. |
| Costs |
Costs are usually much higher due to anesthesia and surgery center charges. |
Less than traditional liposuction. |
