Product summary

Launched in the North America by Cynosure, the SmartLipo® device uses a laser system to break down fat.

Laser Lipolysis, this laser-assisted liposculpture treatment breaks down the membranes of the fat cells, transforming them into an oily substance (liquid fat) that may be removed through low-pressure suction or absorbed and eliminated by the body itself.

The procedure is significantly less traumatic than traditional liposuction (i.e. less bruising and quicker recovery times) and involves practically no loss of blood, (due in equal parts to the type of anaesthesia used and the heating effect of the laser which causes coagulation of the blood).

In addition, the low level laser energy helps to stimulate collagen production in the skin resulting in skin tightening.

Technical specifications

1064 nm Nd:YAG pulsed laser

How does SmartLipo work?

Under local anaesthesia, a small puncture or incision is made in the skin and the laser light is conveyed through the insertion of a micro-cannula (with a diameter of 1mm) into which an optical fibre has been inserted; this conducts the Nd:YAG laser beam emitted by the system in ultra short pulses (causing minimal heating). The surgeon is able to see where the end of the cannula is at all times due to a visible red light that shines through the skin from an additional guidance optical fibre housed within the micro-cannula. The surgeon can then move the cannula is a fan-like pattern to effectively and evenly liquefy the fat in the treatment area.

Due to the small size of cannulas used (1mm) this liposculpture treatment is considered to be minimally invasive when compared to traditional liposuction techniques, meaning that delicate areas such as the face, forearms, upper abdomen and knees can be treated using this method.

The fat is then disposed of via the body’s natural processes, or it can be removed via a syringe or low-level suction through the already created incision. Any liquified fat that is not aspirated (sucked out) and is simply left to the body to process.

License status

American FDA approval for laser lipolysis granted 31st October 2006.

Should be used by

Trained doctors and surgeons only.

What is SmartLipo used to treat?

The Smartlipo® device can be used to remove small areas of stubborn fat, resistant to diet or exercise, (a total of 500mls - about the size of a can of coke can be realistically removed in one treatment session), and works best on LOCALIZED ie. SMALL AREAS of the body including:

· under the chin e.g., double chin,

· under the upper arms e.g., bat wings,

· the inner knees,

· the lower mid-abdomen e.g., mommy tummy,

· fat around the bra strap region

How long does SmartLipo treatment last?

The results are seen gradually over a number of weeks, though it may take up to four months for the maximum effects to be seen. This is because your body continues to process and naturally remove the released fat until none is left. However, right from day one most people can feel the treated area(s) as already having less fat when squeezed between the fingers.

In addition, because the laser releases heat when it is fired, it results in gradual skin contraction in the treated area, so you are not left with loose skin once the fat has disappeared.

Results achieved with this procedure can be permanent as long as a sensible diet and exercise is maintained to avoid future weight gain.

Side effects & risks of treatment

Expect minor swelling, bruising or tenderness for a few days or longer.

Rarely infection and haematoma (collection of blood underneath the skin) can occur following treatment.

Asymmetrical (lop-sided) results and minor scarring can be long term risks associated with laser lipolysis using Smartlipo®.

Not to be used in

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is not a cure for obesity, so those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 will not be suitable candidates.

Treatment regime

More often than not, one treatment session per area is considered to be enough, however it all depends on the amount of fat to be removed, and if it is felt that the final result (after 4 - 6 months) needs improving on or not.

Cost of treatment

The cost for Smartlipo® treatment depends on the size of the area(s) being treated. Only one (or two smaller areas) can be treated in a treatment session under local anesthetic.

Typically one area of the body, (such as the chin or upper arms), will cost about $3,000.

Clinical Results

(All before and after photographs are real patients, your results may differ).
Images are patients treated by Dr. Beveridge

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VIDEO of SmartLipo Procedure; Neck:

(Dr. Goldman)
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VIDEO of SmartLipo Procedure; Abdomen:

(Dr. M. Bruck, on "The Early Show")
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VIDEO of SmartLipo Melting Fat:

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Clinical papers:

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial comparing laser-assisted lipoplasty with suction-assisted lipoplasty.
Prado A, Andrades P, Danilla S, Leniz P, Castillo P, Gaete F.
Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006 Sep 15;118(4):1032-45.

Submental Nd:Yag laser-assisted liposuction.
Goldman A.
Lasers Surg Med. 2006 Mar;38(3):181-4.

Laser lipolysis using a novel 1,064 nm Nd:YAG Laser.
Kim KH, Geronemus RG.
Dermatol Surg. 2006 Feb;32(2):241-48; discussion 247.

Analysis of laser lipolysis effects on human tissue samples obtained from liposuction.
Badin AZ, Gondek LB, Garcia MJ, Valle LC, Flizikowski FB, de Noronha L.
Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2005 Jul-Aug;29(4):281-6. Epub 2005 Jul 19.

Histologic evaluation of the pulsed Nd:YAG laser for laser lipolysis. Ichikawa K, Miyasaka M, Tanaka R, Tanino R, Mizukami K, Wakaki M. Lasers Surg Med. 2005 Jan;36(1):43-6.

Laser Lipolysis: Flaccidity Control
Dr. Ana Zulmira Diniz badin, Dr. Lea Mara Moraes, Dr. Luciana Gondek, Dr. Marlon Gouveia Chiaratti
Aesth. Plast. Surg. 26:335-339, 2002

Laserlipolysis: Liposuction using Nd-Yag Laser
Dr. Alberto Goldman, Dr. Diego E. Shavelzon, Dr. Giullermo S. Blugerman
Rev. Soc. Bras. Cir. Plást. Sâo Paulo v. 17 n. 1 p. 17-26 jan/abr. 2002