Skin tightening is another benefit that has been mentioned more frequently as of late. Simple fat removal can’t address poor skin elasticity in older patients, so to achieve good results with liposuction, the skin must contract to a satisfactory degree after the procedure.

Makers of laser liposuction platforms have claimed that their systems can produce noticeable skin tightening after liposuction – but much of the time, they do not cite any clinical evidence to support these claims.

Dr. Barry DiBernardo, a New Jersey plastic surgeon, recently published a study that evaluates the skin tightening effects of laser liposuction.  The study compares SmartLipo to traditional liposuction.  The doctor enrolled 10 subjects who presented both unwanted abdominal fat and a mild to moderate degree of loose skin.  Each subject underwent liposuction alone or laser assisted liposuction on a randomly selected side of the body.

When patients were evaluated 1 month and 3 months post-operatively, a noticeable difference was documented in skin shrinkage and skin tightening. “The mean skin shrinkage ratios were significantly higher on the laser-treated side than on the suction side,” the doctor noted.

When seeking a liposuction procedure, the most important factor to consider is always the operator.  A qualified surgeon will provide the best results in the safest manner.  Dr. Cuzalina and Dr. Koehler offer the SmartLipo procedure at the AAAHC certified outpatient surgery center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Contact Tulsa Surgical Arts for more information.

• Smartlipo versus Conventional Liposuction: The difference
• Target Areas With SmartLipo Laser Liposuction
• Smartlipo Before & After Pictures

Smartlipo works with a very small cannula, or tube, approximately 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm in diameter containing a laser fiber is inserted into the skin. The cannula is moved back and forth delivering the laser’s energy to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and easily drain away. The laser energy also interacts with the dermis, resulting in collagen shrinkage.

Learn more about SmartLipo in Tulsa, Oklahoma

A: There is no best method because each platform has particular benefits.  For example, water-assisted liposuction is said to be effective for removing a large volume of fat, while laser liposuction is great for precise body contouring.  Remember, the operator is the most important factor.

Q: Why do I keep hearing about new liposuction methods?

A: Plastic and cosmetic surgeons are trying to set themselves apart with more advanced liposuction techniques. You will often hear about “reduced downtime” or “reduced trauma to surrounding tissues” in the marketing for all of these procedures; just know that any proven liposuction technique will utilize the same basic tools as the standard tumescent liposuction procedure.

Q: Can I get liposuction anywhere on my body? What is the most common area to treat?

A: Many people are surprised to learn that liposuction can be performed on so many areas of the body. The abdomen and thighs are probably most common, but you can also get liposuction below your chin or even on your ankles.

Q: What type of doctor is most qualified to perform liposuction?

A: See a board-certified cosmetic surgeon for your liposuction.

Q: Is liposuction “minimally-invasive” like some of the advertising says?

A: The techniques have improved over time, making recovery quicker and incisions smaller, but liposuction is still cosmetic surgery. It’s not like getting a quick Botox injection.

• Learn more about SmartLipo at Tulsa Surgical Arts
• Learn more about Liposuction in Tulsa, Oklahoma

People who undergo liposuction aren’t necessarily overweight.  In fact, many are actually in good shape.  But at a certain age, a shift occurs regarding weight fluctuations.  It doesn’t matter if we run on the treadmill, use the elliptical, lift weights, or practice Yoga and Pilates, we still may have unrelenting dimples, bumps and bulging areas. They don’t go away! The saddlebags (big puffs on the outer thigh) often don’t respond to exercise or diet.

Smart Lipo is a less invasive liposuction procedure that requires relatively little downtime. Some patients even walk out of our office by themselves soon after treatment.

The Smart Lipo platform uses a cannula fitted with a fiber-optic laser that melts the fat cells as it moves back and forth, making them easier to suck out. The cannula is so tiny it causes minimal trauma to the area so there is a lot less bruising and swelling than with traditional Lipo. In some cases the incision is so small it doesn’t even need stitches.

Generally patients take the day off after the procedure and go back to work after that. Patients have minimal discomfort and can take a pain medication, but most don’t need it.

While Smart Lipo provides a very effective method of body contouring, the most important ‘tool’ in the process is the operator.  Seek a qualified practitioner such as Dr. Cuzalina, Dr. Koehler, or Dr. Swetnam.

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Dr. Koehler and Dr. Cuzalina were recently interviewed on Fox News regarding SmartLipo, as the first doctors in Tulsa to use this technology.

SmartLipo combines traditional liposuction with the use of a YAG laser. The main advantage is that a smaller liposuction cannula is used, there is potentially less bruising and bleeding, and possibly better skin tightening.

Currently, the laser is most effective in treating small deposits of fat. Traditional liposuction or ultrasonic liposuction using tumescent anesthesia is still frequently used, especially when large amounts of fat need to be removed.