Smartlipo Triplex is the most-trusted laser liposuction system in the world because of its unique triple-wavelength technology, new safety features, and ability to reliably create smooth, sculpted silhouettes.
Smartlipo is a type of laser liposuction. Liposuction is a category of procedures that extract fat from the body. There are many different techniques and machines that can be used during liposuction, but just like with other tools, the result is mostly the person who performs the work, not the tool they prefer to use. Smartlipo is one of the most prestigious and well-respected brands of laser liposuction systems1. It uses the most advanced laser technology to sculpt the body safely and predictably.
SmartLipo Quick Facts
- 2-4 hour treatment time, depending on areas treated
- Minimal downtime and recovery
- Performed under local anesthesia
- One-time treatment designed for amazing results
What Can Areas Can You Treat With SmartLipo Laser Liposuction?
Abdomens With Excess Fat and Mild To Moderate Skin Laxity
Both women and men struggle with getting the flat stomach and cut abs they want. Smartlipo is unique in that the fat-melting laser2 helps remove stubborn excess fat and create lean lines, while the skin-tightening laser ensures you get the fit look you desire.
Many patients ask us if Smartlipo is a good tummy tuck alternative. There is no other procedure than a tummy tuck that can remove damaged excess skin and tighten torn or separated abdominal muscles. However, many patients don’t need either of those things to achieve the flat, toned tummy they want.
Love Handles & Muffin Tops
If your pants just don’t fit like they used to and you’re not feeling as slim and sleek as you used to, Smartlipo can help you recontour your shape. Love handles are a common complaint from fit men who have started weight gain as they age. This tends to be a problem area that guys have a very hard time losing through diet and exercise because it only takes a small amount of fat here to really throw off the proportions around your waist. The lasers in the Smartlipo system are ideal for creating an athletic shape and helping you stay lean.
Muffin tops can also make your proportions seem less flattering, turning the midsection from an hourglass into a pear or boxy shape. Often this fat wraps around to the lower belly pooch, creating a “spare tire” effect. This is a perfect area to sculpt with Smartlipo, and in fact is our most popular area to have treated, because it’s so difficult to lose through diet and exercise, and that’s made even harder as hormone fluctuations from babies and menopause tell our bodies to hold onto this fat.
Bra Rolls and Back Fat
Back fat can accumulate along the lower back, as a continuum of the love handles, which will distort the proportions of the lower body, making your butt appear flatter, smaller, and perhaps saggy. Or, it can accumulate throughout the upper back, typically in women this forms in rolls we sometimes call “bra fat” or “bra rolls.” Bra fat is difficult to lose because of its fibrous nature. These deep-set rolls are anchored in place by scar tissue and fibrous bands, making the fat hard for our bodies to access that fat to burn it off.
We typically blend the Smartlipo laser technologies with MicroAire power-assisted liposuction (PAL) to ensure the best results for this stubborn area. It is particularly advantageous to treat this area of the body under local anesthesia, because the patient is able to get into the optimal positions for us to sculpt the sides of the body and because these rolls often smooth out when you’re laying down, local (tumescent) liposuction allows us to view our results in a standing position during treatment so that we can ensure we’re getting the very best results from every angle. It becomes much harder to get this area right when the patient is under general anesthesia. You have probably noticed these rolls look better when you’re laying down or lift your hands up. Patients under general anesthesia typically have their arms out at 90-degree angles, making the rolls harder to see as they are treated. Again, standing the patient up towards the end of the treatment is the best way to visualize the results for this area and ensure a quality result.
Inner Thighs With Moderate Or Good Skin Tone
Inner thighs tend to have very thin skin compared to the rest of the body. When fat weighs down on this skin, it naturally leads to sagging. It’s best to try to prevent as much damage to that skin’s elasticity as possible, by removing excess fat here as early as possible. However, it’s also a good idea to bolster this skin with a skin tightening treatment whenever liposuction is performed. The laser skin tightening portion of Smartlipo actually works by getting your body to build new collagen, which creates thicker, stronger skin. So for inner thighs, we typically recommend a strong laser tightening treatment with the Smartlipo system whenever any fat is removed.
Outer Thighs & Saddle Bags
Some women have a genetic predisposition to holding pockets of fat on their outer thighs. Most women who suffer from this find that while they can lose weight and their overall body size shrinks, these “saddlebags” almost never disappear with weight loss. SmartLipo offers a simple way to recontour the shape of the thighs, and can also provide skin thickening treatments that help create a smooth appearance.
For cellulite treatments, the Cellulaze part of the SmartLipo platform is the ideal treatment. It treats the underlying causes of cellulite – cutting the fibrous bands that tether deep dimples to the fascia below, removing skin trapped within the bottom layers of the skin, and thickening the skin to reduce the orange-peel appearance. This can be combined with Smartlipo for a smooth, toned result.
Upper Arm Fat That Weighs Down Skin
Upper arm fat is particularly problematic because it weighs down skin that is generally thin and weak to begin with, creating permanent damage to that skin’s elasticity. The problem worsens in women after menopause, when hormones cause the area to lose even more of the bouncy collagen that keeps skin tight and toned. SmartLipo not only allows us to remove the excess fat but gives us the most aggressive skin tightening and thickening procedure beyond a full arm lift surgery. Arm lift surgeries leave large scars that run the length of the arm from elbow to armpit, making them an undesirable procedure for most patients. SmartLipo uses a laser to tighten the skin from below, causing the skin to build new collagen over time.
Chins & Jawlines With Excess Fat
SmartLipo is incredibly effective for removing excess fat in the chin and neck3. Because the laser allows us to first melt this fat and then suction it out, we’re able to remove all of the excess fat in this area with precision. Most of the time, and especially in any patient who’s in their 40s or older, excess fat in the neck will create some downward force on the neck skin, which creates permanent laxity, or looseness, in the area. This can be easily treated during a SmartLipo session using the PrecisionTX part of the SmartLipo system. This specialized handpiece offers the perfect laser wavelength blends to sculpt a tight, toned neck with a defined jawline.
How Does SmartLipo Treatment Work? What Can I Expect Day of Surgery?
SmartLipo Laser Liposuction
During the procedure, you should expect to feel nothing more than pressure, movement, and vibration. We use local anesthesia injected into the areas to be treated to ensure you’re numb throughout the procedure. You will feel the initial injection of that numbing fluid, but it works very quickly, so you’re numb right afterward and stay numb for several hours following the procedure. The medication and injections are very similar to what a dentist uses when filling a cavity.
Once your procedure is complete, usually about 2-4 hours later, you’ll go to the recovery room. You’ll be snuggled in warm blankets and offered snacks while you relax. When you’re ready to head home, we’ll walk you out a private entrance directly to your car. You’ll need to have a friend or loved one drive you home because of the medications.
On Surgery Day
Surgery day will be an easy, comfortable experience. Our patients have a fully private surgical suite, complete with a room for pre-op markings and photos, private bathroom, and private recovery room. You’ll start the day with markings and a discussion with your doctor about the procedure and results you want to achieve. You’ll receive some medication by mouth to relax you at this point. Then you’ll go to the bathroom and head right into the operating room (OR). Our OR is a state-of-the-art facility, but it’s been designed for patient comfort first. There’s a large overhead TV and music to entertain you throughout the procedure, although most patients enjoy talking with their physician and staff, instead.
- Recovery & Downtime: 1-3 days
- Numbing: Local anesthetic
- Cost: Discuss at your free consultation.
- Candidacy: Men and women within 30lbs of their weight goal who have mild skin laxity.
- Duration: Permanent
- Why We Love It: Minimally invasive fat reduction almost anywhere on the body
View More SmartLipo Laser Liposuction Before & After Results
More Before & Afters
“I feel so good about myself, and feel so healthy and renewed. Thank you so much. I am so grateful to you for all you have done for me.”
View My Story
“My confidence level is soaring, with guys, with work, with life. I owe so much to Dr. Chasin and Reflections. They gave me the gift of happiness. They are my friends for life.”
View My Story
“I have NEVER felt so confident in my life and so excited to start this new chapter. Did the cost set me back a little? Yes. But you can’t put a price tag on true happiness and it was worth every penny. ”
View My Story
Why Choose Reflections Center For SmartLipo Laser Liposuction?
Our talented physicians have hands-on experience with every device on the market and have shared techniques with doctors from California, Chicago, New Jersey, Toronto, Pennsylvania, New York, Atlanta, and Virginia. They have incorporated only the best technologies and the latest techniques for our Body Sculpting Center. Our clinical staff is headed up by a registered nurse who specializes in cosmetic medicine, ensuring that the highest clinical standards are maintained at every step of the process. Of course, results matter most of all, and our gallery of laser liposuction before and after photos above shows that we are New Jersey’s laser lipo experts.
You want a SmartLipo doctor who is experienced with producing the kind of results you’re looking for. Dr. Chasin has been performing laser lipo for over a decade and has hundreds of happy patients, many of whom allow us to share their photos and are willing to speak with others about their experience. Dr. Wix-Harris has several years of laser lipo experience and is known for her detail-oriented approach and sculpted athletic results. Both of these doctors spent a great deal of time learning from other physicians before they began performing SmartLipo on their own and continue to further their education and collaborate with other liposuction surgeons to improve their skills as new techniques and innovative treatments become available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smartlipo Treatment
- Who does SmartLipo work best for? Who is an ideal candidate for SmartLipo Laser Liposuction?
SmartLipo produces the best results in patients who are close to their ideal weight, with only small pockets of stubborn fat that diet and exercise aren’t working to remove. However, that doesn’t mean larger patients are not candidates for SmartLipo. We tend to ask patients to be around or at a BMI of 34 or lower. We sometimes make exceptions here for patients that are healthy enough to undergo surgery and have realistic expectations for contouring just one or a few areas. As you can see in our before-and-after photos, all kinds of patients can use SmartLipo to achieve their body sculpting goals.
Your complimentary consultation with one of our cosmetic physicians who specialize in laser lipo will include a full medical evaluation prior to surgery.
Age is generally not a limiting factor because we perform this procedure in such a gentle manner under local anesthesia. We’ve performed laser lipo on several patients in their mid-70s. We do ask that patients be at least 18 years old at the time of the procedure unless SmartLipo is being used to repair or correct a deformity or injury.
- What will my SmartLipo procedure cost?
We perform SmartLipo under local anesthesia in our private surgical suite, so the following fee ranges are the typical cost for SmartLipo, including all surgery and anesthesia fees, pre and post-op care, and recovery garments. An individual price quote is included in the complimentary consultation with the doctor.
- Can I finance my procedure?
Absolutely! Many of our patients finance their procedures. You can learn about financing options for Smartlipo here.
- What will recovery be like after SmartLipo? How long should I take off work? Exercise?
You’ll want to plan for 1-3 days off from work. Most patients have their procedure on either a Thursday or Friday so they can return to work on Monday. It’s rare that patients need longer than that off from work, but if your job is particularly strenuous, such as police officers, construction workers, etc., you will want to discuss an additional 1-3 days recovery, depending on what area(s) you have treated.
All patients will need to refrain from high-intensity workouts for 7-14 days following surgery, no matter which areas they have treated. Raising your blood pressure can increase swelling and bruising, which will delay your healing.
- How beneficial is SmartLipo?
Smartlipo is a laser body sculpting system which makes use of the triple wavelength laser technology in order to dissolve stubborn fat without the need for downtime like with traditional liposuction. It is safer and offers you a quicker recovery than traditional liposuction as well. Areas of the body that could not be treated with a normal liposuction procedure like the chin, flanks, neck, inner thigh, male breast, and bra fat can now be easily treated with SmartLipo.
Even though it is most effectively used for the treatment of small, localized deposits; you can lose up to 8 pounds of fat and it can be performed in combination with traditional liposuction when required. Depending on the area treated, your SmartLipo cost could range from $3,500-$6,500 depending on the treatment area. This amount can be lesser for smaller areas like the chin and more for larger areas like the abdomen.
- How many SmartLipo treatments do I need?
This revolutionary system offers you quick recovery with its safety and efficacy. Most people achieve their desired results with one procedure and do not require any secondary treatment. The best recommendation can only be gotten from your SmartLipo provider who can assess your problem areas and create the best treatment plan for you.
- Does SmartLipo hurt?
Incisions made during Smartlipo are very small, so there is less surgical trauma and less discomfort than traditional liposuction methods. We can also recommend ways to mitigate any discomfort afterward so that you can recover easily and without additional stress.
- What is the difference between SmartLipo and traditional liposuction?
SmartLipo or Laser Liposuction is a newer form of liposuction that helps many people contour their body. Although SmartLipo and regular Liposuction have the same end goal there are key differences between the two procedures.
Firstly, the technique for these two procedures is different. Traditional liposuction uses a small cannula to help break up the fat and suction it out from under the skin. This involves the use of physical movement by the doctor to get the fat out. SmartLipo uses a laser system that liquefies the fat, so it is easier to remove with the cannula.
Secondly, traditional liposuction is most beneficial for patients with good skin elasticity. It does not help to tighten the skin so it can leave some patients with dimpling or skin sagging, SmartLipo uses laser heat which helps in tightening of the skin
- Is laser liposuction right for me?
Almost anyone can be a good candidate for laser liposuction. In general, the ideal candidate: – Is healthy and gets regular exercise – Is within 30 pounds of their ideal body weight – Has fat deposits that don’t seem to respond to diet and exercise – Has good skin tone with reasonable elasticity – Is willing to work at maintaining the great results by keeping fit
- What happens during laser liposuction?
First, the area to be treated is marked by the doctor while the patient is standing to ensure that trouble spots are clearly defined. This is important as the contour of the body shifts when the patient reclines for the procedure, masking the problem areas the patient sees in the mirror every morning. During the treatment, we make tiny openings and inject a numbing fluid that makes the procedure comfortable, reduces bruising, and aids in the removal of the fat deposits. A laser fiber is inserted under the skin to liquefy the fat cells and heat the innermost structures of the skin, providing a noticeable lifting and tightening. Finally, thin suction wands called cannulas are used to remove the liquefied fat cells. Patients are back on their feet quickly, with most returning to work a day or two after the procedure and enjoying the results of the treatment.
- Will my results last?
Laser liposuction shouldn’t be viewed as a replacement for diet and exercise; rather all three should be seen as partners in success. At Reflections, we believe integrating regular exercise and smart nutritional choices is vital for getting the most out of the procedure and sustaining your results.
- Can I use laser liposuction to jump-start a healthy lifestyle or weight loss?
Laser liposuction isn’t a weight-loss procedure, and those looking to lose a significant amount of fat should be aware of the limitations of laser liposuction, namely that results are best when isolated to just a few areas, that results are always about improvement over perfection, and that we are limited by the state to a total fat volume per procedure maximum of 5 liters. All that having been said, we do believe that starting to feel good about yourself can be a positive catalyst to a lifestyle change – and we believe it because we’ve seen it in our patients. Liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, but it can help motivate you to make some changes and stick with them.
- What areas can be treated?
Laser liposuction can be used to remove fat and improve the contour of the skin all over the body, including the abdomen, love handles, flanks, hips, bra fat, back fat, arm, inner and outer thighs, and under the chin.
- Does laser liposuction hurt?
Laser liposuction is a well-tolerated and comfortable procedure. The patient is given a mild sedative and relaxes while the area to be treated is gently filled with a tumescent solution, which numbs it from the inside. Once the area is fully desensitized, the laser and suctioning commence. The patient usually relaxes and listens to music or watches videos as the treatment is being performed and experiences little to no discomfort.
- Why choose laser liposuction over traditional liposuction?
Laser liposuction has the significant advantage of being performed while the patient is awake using a special fluid to numb the treatment area and make the procedure comfortable. Being awake allows the patient to be moved into the ideal position during treatment, which increases safety and the quality of the result. Sometimes we will even stand a patient up during a procedure to see how the treatment area looks. Another big advantage is the fat melting and skin tightening provided by the laser, which allows for smoother, tighter, and more pleasing results than traditional liposuction methods. There’s also far less bruising, swelling, and downtime with laser liposuction.
- What happens before the laser liposuction procedure?
The laser liposuction process starts with a complimentary consultation, where you will discuss your body contouring goals with a physician. If it is decided that laser liposuction is right for you, we will schedule your treatment date. You’ll also be fitted for a compression garment that you will wear once the procedure is completed. In the weeks before the procedure, lab work will be performed to confirm that you have no underlying health issues and that you are a good candidate for the procedure. We always recommend getting a good night’s sleep the evening before the procedure.
- What happens just before and during the procedure?
Before you enter the treatment room, the doctor will mark the area to be treated with sterile colored markers to use as a roadmap during the procedure and will take a series of photographs. You will be given a mild sedative. You will then lie comfortably on a soft, warm treatment bed and we will use a small needle to inject local anesthesia into the incision sites to be used during the procedure. You may feel a slight pinching sensation, but these injections are generally painless and are often the only discomfort felt during the procedure. Next, the doctor will make a few tiny openings and the treatment area will be filled with a tumescent solution to make it numb. The doctor will then insert the laser fiber and make several passes to liquefy the fat and to lift, smooth, and tighten the skin. The fat and tumescent solution will then be suctioned out with small cannulas. Once the procedure is completed, absorbent pads are placed on the incision points and a compression garment is fitted.
- What happens after the procedure? Is there downtime is associated with laser liposuction?
One of the great benefits of laser lipo is how well it fits into people’s busy lifestyles. When the procedure is completed, you will be ready to be driven home. We recommend that you take it easy for the remainder of the day and get a good night’s sleep. A friend or relative must be with you for the first night overnight. Initial post-treatment discomfort is generally mild, similar to the feeling after a hard workout, and is easily controlled with oral medication, usually Tylenol, but a narcotic can be used if needed. Be aware that there will be a moderate amount of pink or red drainage in the first 24 hours post-procedure. This is normal. You will wear a compression garment for a few weeks to aid in the recovery and body contouring process. We also like to schedule a follow-up visit shortly after the procedure to monitor your progress. Any bruising and swelling usually subsides in a few weeks. The final result takes shape over several months as the skin continues to tighten long after the procedure has been completed.
- What’s unique about the Reflections Body Contouring Center?
The Body Contouring Center at Reflections is dedicated to one thing: body contouring. The team of experienced physicians and staff will anticipate and understand your every need, from the day of consult to the day of treatment. They will be there to guide you through the process of laser liposuction and share in the excitement of your results. Our laser lipo suite was created specifically for laser liposuction. Patient comfort and safety are the priorities. The main treatment room is spacious and connected to a bathroom and recovery suite for convenience and privacy. We provide our patients with a choice of watching TV or listening to music during the treatment. There is a comfortable waiting area for our guests with television and Internet access as well as a large retail mall nearby.
- Who shouldn’t have laser liposuction?
Patients are not candidates for laser liposuction if they are pregnant or breastfeeding, have insulin-dependent diabetes, have active or chronic liver disease or hepatitis, have coronary artery disease, unstable hypertension, bleeding disorders, or are on Coumadin/Heparin. Those patients with immune-related disorders such as HIV or who are allergic to lidocaine are also not candidates. If it’s determined you’re not a candidate for laser liposuction, we can offer many non-invasive FDA-approved alternatives such as Liposonix, SculpSure, and CoolSculpting.
- If my skin is too loose for laser liposuction, what are my alternatives?
Depending on the degree of looseness, options include noninvasive skin tightening technologies such as Exilis, Thermage, VelaShape, or Ultherapy. If non-invasive options aren’t adequate to address the issue, there are surgical options as well. Whatever the case, our physicians will help guide you to the best solution for your particular needs.
- Are you awake during SmartLipo?
You can be – or you can be asleep – that totally depends upon how your surgeon performs this procedure. At our practice, we usually use local anesthesia, where you’re awake but relaxed and numb. However, there is no reason you cannot do it under general anesthesia if you and your surgeon decide that’s the best option for you.
- Can I drive home after SmartLipo?
Whether you’ve had it under local anesthesia or general, you won’t be able to drive yourself home after SmartLipo. The reason is, you will be under the influence of medications that impair you, so you need a friend or partner to drive you home. We also ask that someone stay with you for the first 24 hours, just to help you sober up and take it easy for the first day. Most patients really enjoy having someone there to bring them food and help them relax.
- Can you do smart lipo twice?
You can – though you shouldn’t need to if things go well with the first procedure.
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Read MoreSources:
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- Katz B, McBean J; Smartlipo Multiplex- An Advanced System for Laser Lipolysis; www.cynosure.com. 2008, April.
- Collawn, Sherry: Smartlipo MPX sculpting of the body and face: Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2011 June; 13(4): 172-175.
- Zelickson B, Dressel T; Discussion of Laser-Assisted Liposuction; Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2009 December; 41(10): 709-713.
- Jason C. McBean, MD and Bruce E. Katz, MD; Laser Lipolysis: An Update, J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011 Jul; 4(7): 25–34. PMCID: PMC3140909
Dr. Mitchell Chasin is a Cosmetic & Laser Physician at Reflections Center. Dr. Chasin believes strongly that the best cosmetic physicians are those who are dedicated to mastering their craft through continuing education and collaboration with the industry’s top doctors.
