The SmartLipo fat reduction treatment received clearance from the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) in November 2006. The technique involves the use of a laser to rapidly dissolve the fat and tighten the surrounding skin almost anywhere in the body. The majority of individuals have minimal bruising and are pain free. After the procedure a pressure dressing or a compression garment is placed depending on the location of the treated area. The compression garment helps to decrease the swelling. The bruising disappears in 2-3 days and all individuals are able to resume their normal activities within 24 hours. NO GENERAL ANESTHESIA is needed. A technique called Tumescent Anesthesia is used. The area of the liposuction procedure may stay numb for 36 hours. Recovery is quick.

The tumescent technique offers a long list of advantages over traditional liposuction techniques. With smoother results, fewer complications, and faster recovery, tumescent anesthesia may be the reason liposuction is the number one surgical procedure in the United States

In liposuction before the tumescent technique, larger incisions were made in the fatty areas for insertion of long cannulas (long hollow needle with holes at the end). The cannulas that were inserted through the skin were typically quite large compared to the cannula size options available today. The traditional technique typically required general anesthesia, possibly causing a longer recovery time, and increased risk of blood loss or reaction to anesthesia. Also, skin irregularities are more frequently encountered with traditional liposuction.

With tumescent liposuction, one or more small incisions the size of the tip of a pen may be made. Because of this, less invasive micro-cannulas can be used. Furthermore, the newer tumescent liposuction technique and the micro-cannulas allow for a more gradual, targeted, and metered treatment, and a more gradual and controlled removal of fat. This enables the surgeon to contour the area more effectively.

A solution of lidocaine (a local anesthetic) is injected into the fatty area along with a solution to constrict the blood vessels (typically epinephrine). The lidocaine is absorbed by the fatty tissue and causes the tissues to become swollen and firm. A large area of fatty tissue can be numbed using this technique, allowing for a large area of liposuction to be performed. The epinephrine causes the blood vessels to constrict or shrink which limits blood loss during the procedure and provides for a longer-lasting numbing effect. Smoother skin, decreased inches, improved bodysculpting with fewer complications are the result.

Tumescent liposuction provides several advantages over the original liposuction:

• Using local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia eliminates prolonged recovery, nausea, allergy risks and other general-anesthesia-related side effects.
• Able to utilize fine laser assisted liposuction techniques to allow for skin tightening and smoother results.
• The recovery time is shorter and there is less blood and fluid loss.
• Use of antibacterial lidocaine may reduce the chance of infection.
• The swelling or tumescence of the fatty deposits amplifies the targeted areas for liposuction, thus reducing the risk of a secondary procedure.
• The new cannula design with tumescent liposuction reduces bruising and swelling after surgery.
• Smaller incisions result in less scarring.

The average cost for SmartLipo treatment can be between $2000 - $8000 depending on how many areas and the size of each area to be done.