SmartLipo Explained

SmartLipo is laser-assisted lipolysis. A thin laser fiber is passed under the skin and delivers thermal energy that melts fat before it is aspirated, and that same heat is intended to stimulate collagen. Dr. Smith does not use it.

The energy he uses instead is ultrasound. VASER is third-generation ultrasound-assisted liposuction: ultrasonic energy fragments the fat and emulsifies it before it is aspirated, which matters most where the tissue is fibrous. He uses it in virtually every liposuction case, because it reduces blood loss and because its deep tissue tightening adds a contouring advantage. The reduction in blood loss was reported as 7.5-fold by Garcia O and Nathan N in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2008 (PMID 19083558). He also performs power-assisted liposuction.

Where the skin needs tightening as well, he uses radiofrequency: BodyTite on the body, FaceTite and AccuTite on the face and neck, and Morpheus8 at the skin surface. BodyTite delivers bipolar radiofrequency between an electrode on an internal cannula and a second electrode resting on the skin above it, so the energy concentrates in the plane being treated, and the temperature is read at the probe rather than inferred from the skin.

Smartlipo, like other energy-assisted liposuction methods, is traditional liposuction with the addition of heat, in this case generated by laser energy.

Smartlipo, like traditional liposuction, uses a small suction tube to remove fat and can be done under different types of anesthesia.

The difference is the laser fiber, which delivers heat as the fat is removed. VASER differs again: its energy is ultrasonic rather than thermal, and it works by fragmenting and emulsifying the fat so that it is easier to aspirate, which matters most in fibrous tissue.

Practices that offer Smart Lipo market it for the following areas:

• Abdomen: Refine a protruding belly or “spare tire” around the midsection.
• Flanks/”Love Handles”: These stubborn sides often resist diet alone.
• Back: “buffalo hump”, bra bulges, and back fat

• Thighs: Thigh fat can resist exercise more than other areas. The “saddle bags”, or outer thighs, are a particularly popular treatment area.
• Arms: Upper arm fat can respond to Smartlipo, which removes fat and applies heat intended to tighten skin.
• Jawline/Neck: Chin and jowl treatment can sharpen the jaw angle and improve the neck profile.

At practices that offer SmartLipo it is an outpatient procedure, so it involves no hospital stay or overnight admission. In most cases it takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the treatment area.

It is usually performed under local or twilight anesthesia rather than general anesthesia, which means the patient can stay awake during the procedure.

A slender instrument draws out fat and delivers laser energy through incisions about 3 to 4 mm long. Patients who have the procedure report pulling and pressure while it is performed, stinging as the numbing injections go in, and soreness in the treated area for several days afterward.

Absorbent pads and compression dressings are applied to the incisions afterward, which helps minimize swelling and lets the anesthetic solution drain.

Where it is performed, patients are advised not to drive themselves home afterward.

Dr. Smith performs liposuction in his QUAD A accredited operating room at the Ritz Tower, and works only with board-certified anesthesiologists for cases under sedation or general anesthesia.

Providers who perform SmartLipo generally expect over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol to cover any lingering pain after the first couple of days. Anyone prescribed narcotic pain medication after a procedure should not drive, because it is both dangerous and illegal.

Recovery after laser-assisted liposuction calls for rest. Strenuous activity is off the list for the first day.

Dr. Smith's liposuction patients, whether traditional, power-assisted, VASER or BodyTite, typically recover quickly with the recovery protocols the practice uses.

The incisions made during laser-assisted liposuction are minuscule. The marks they leave fade over time but are permanent.

In general, most patients can get back to their regular work schedules within a mere 48 hours. It’s normal to see some swelling and bruising post-procedure.

Major swelling usually subsides within the initial couple of weeks, while less severe swelling could stick around for a few months. Any bruising you notice should fade away within 7-10 days.

After liposuction, Dr. Smith gives detailed instructions for the treated area. Follow those instructions, including the garment schedule and any advice about massage. For body liposuction, compression is worn for 4 weeks. For chin liposuction, it is worn for 48 hours straight, then at night for 5 nights.

In today’s age, more and more men are turning towards aesthetic procedures to achieve their desired body image.

Smart Lipo targets common problem areas for men, including stubborn abdominal fat that persists despite diet and exercise, and excess fat in the chest area.

Dr. Smith has extensive experience treating male patients and plans each case around the individual physique.

In men Dr. Smith prefers VASER, because male connective tissue tends to be tougher and the ultrasonic energy breaks up that fibrous tissue before the fat is aspirated. He adds BodyTite where the skin also needs tightening.

Cellulite, characterized by a dimpled appearance on the skin, is a common concern for women; men are rarely affected with this issue as it is related to circulating estrogen levels. Smart Lipo may be advertised as an innovative approach to cellulite treatment.

Laser energy is described as breaking down the fat cells involved and stimulating collagen. Cellulite is caused by fibrous bands tethering the skin to the tissue beneath it, so a treatment aimed at fat does not necessarily release those bands.

Smart Lipo is not Dr. Smith’s choice for cellulite. For these cases we prefer some combination of BodyTite, Avéli, and Sculptra depending on the individual.

Gynecomastia, or enlarged male breast tissue, can be a source of self-consciousness for many men. Smart Lipo is sometimes marketed as a treatment for gynecomastia.

Laser-assisted liposuction can address excess fat in the chest. Glandular tissue generally needs direct excision rather than liposuction.

In gynecomastia Dr. Smith uses VASER without exception, because male breast tissue is naturally fibrous and the ultrasonic energy emulsifies it before aspiration. He adds BodyTite where the skin needs tightening, and excises glandular tissue directly, since liposuction removes fat rather than glandular tissue.

Dr. Smith treats gynecomastia regularly and will talk through which approach suits your anatomy at your consultation.

Aging, genetics, or weight gain can lead to the development of a double chin or sagging skin in the neck area. Smart Lipo can be offered as a solution for chin and neck contouring.

Laser-assisted liposuction can reduce fat deposits under the chin and apply heat intended to tighten skin. Dr. Smith does not use SmartLipo for this. He uses FaceTite and AccuTite radiofrequency, and Morpheus8 at the skin surface, alongside liposuction of the neck and jawline.

Known as one of the leading authorities on aesthetic surgery and cosmetic injectable treatments, Dr. Darren Smith has carved a distinctive niche for himself in New York’s competitive medical landscape.

Dr. Smith is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, with extensive training and experience in aesthetic surgery. He has completed fellowship training in both aesthetic surgery and craniofacial surgery, and he uses that background to plan each case around the individual patient.

Dr. Smith’s approach to patient care is as individual as the patients he treats. From the first consultation, where personal goals are discussed, through post-operative care, Dr. Smith stays involved at every step.

He tailors each liposuction plan to the patient's anatomy. His practice is on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

• Who is an ideal candidate for Smart Lipo?
• What areas can Smart Lipo treat?
• How is Smart Lipo different from traditional liposuction?
• Does Dr. Smith perform SmartLipo?
• What results can I expect after Smart Lipo?
• What is recovery like after Smart Lipo?
• How long will Smart Lipo results last?
• What if I have excess skin after weight loss?

Who is an ideal candidate for Smart Lipo?

Patients of normal body weight seeking refinement of stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise alone. Good skin elasticity means less risk of loose skin post-procedure.

What areas can Smart Lipo treat?

Smart Lipo is marketed for nearly any area amenable to contouring, including abdominal love handles, back, arms, thighs, and even the jawline. Dr. Smith treats those same areas with the techniques he does use, and designs each plan around the patient's anatomy and goals.

How is Smart Lipo different from traditional liposuction?

SmartLipo adds a laser fiber that delivers heat to melt fat before it is aspirated. VASER, which Dr. Smith uses, applies ultrasonic energy instead, fragmenting and emulsifying the fat before aspiration, which matters most in fibrous tissue.

Does Dr. Smith perform SmartLipo?

No. Dr. Smith does not use SmartLipo. He uses VASER ultrasound, power-assisted liposuction and BodyTite radiofrequency. Fees for those are quoted individually after a consultation and depend on the number of treatment areas and the anesthesia plan. Financing is available through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.

What results can I expect after Smart Lipo?

Full results are expected at three to six months. Most of the swelling settles over the first few weeks, and lighter swelling can persist for a few months. The final contour is apparent once the swelling has fully resolved.

What is recovery like after Smart Lipo?

Most patients resume normal activities within about 48 hours after laser-assisted liposuction. Bruising and swelling are expected. Bruising usually fades within 7 to 10 days, major swelling settles over the first couple of weeks, and lighter swelling can last a few months. Dr. Smith’s body liposuction patients wear compression for 4 weeks. For chin liposuction, compression is worn for 48 hours straight, then at night for 5 nights.

How long will Smart Lipo results last?

Fat cells removed during liposuction do not come back, but the fat cells that remain can enlarge if you gain weight. Results hold best when your weight stays stable, and aging continues to change the treated area over time.

What if I have excess skin after weight loss?

Laser heat is intended to stimulate collagen, but it may not tighten skin that is significantly lax. For skin laxity Dr. Smith uses BodyTite, FaceTite and Morpheus8, and in some cases a skin excision procedure. He can make recommendations based on your situation.

Whether you are looking to refine your contours or reduce a stubborn pocket of fat, Dr. Smith will tell you what is realistic for you.

Contact the office at the Ritz Tower to schedule a consultation. Dr. Smith will go through the liposuction techniques he uses and tell you which approach fits your anatomy and goals.

The technologies he does use each have their own page: VASER liposuction for the ultrasound step he uses in virtually every case, and BodyTite for the radiofrequency he adds when the skin needs tightening.

Dr. Smith’s practice is located at the Ritz Tower, 111 East 57th Street, Ground Floor, New York, NY 10022, in Midtown Manhattan. The office welcomes patients from across the five boroughs, the tri-state area, and well beyond.

Choosing where you have surgery matters as much as choosing who performs it. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or traveling in for a consultation, you’ll find a practice that treats every patient with the precision and discretion that have made Manhattan a destination for plastic surgery patients from around the world.