Have you seen all those ads for SmartLipo – the new procedure that melts fat? It’s being touted as “the revolutionary alternative to liposuction,†one that is safer and more affordable than the traditional procedure. But a spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) tells FatFighterTV, “Patient Beware.â€
Here’s what I found out:
The FDA approved SmartLipo in 2006. While traditional liposuction vacuums out pieces of solid fat through a tube, SmartLipo uses a laser to melt fat which is then removed through a tiny incision. The company that developed the technology says the procedure offers the best results with less trauma or downtime.
SmartLipo patients only need local anesthesia. The procedure doesn’t take long – an average of 2-3 hours. And you can go back to work in just two days.
Sounds pretty enticing, right? So why are doctors concerned?
“It is being done by any physician who can buy the machine,†explains plastic surgeon, Ricardo Rodriguez, MD, ASPS spokesperson.
That’s right – some physicians are performing this procedure without proper training. That’s frightening!
The result? Dermatologist, Christopher Moeller, MD, tells me, “We have seen many patients who have been scarred and damaged because the person treating them didn’t know how to do it right. A lot of patients don’t know that the doctor who is treating them or owns the spa or office is actually an ER doctor, family doctor, or obstetrician.”
Rodriguez says when SmartLipo is in untrained hands, the damage to the patient can be difficult or impossible to correct.
SmartLipo is still relatively new, but solid data should be coming out soon. Rodriguez recommends waiting until then to have the procedure.
“Think of it like a new drug whose best dosage hasn’t been worked out yet,†he says. “Too little and you don’t get enough of a good result; too much and you get undesired side effects.â€
If you don’t want to wait for the results of research, it’s critical you do your homework. Experts stress you should only have the procedure done by a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who has received additional training in using the device.
If the doctor is not board certified or doesn’t have specific SmartLipo training – Beware.
Wow that is pretty scary. It is really important to research your surgeon. I’ve been looking for info on lipo methods online and I’ve read several similar stories about burns from SmartLipo. Do you know anything about Vaser Lipo? I guess it uses ultrasound waves to break up fat instead of a laser. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Leila
Hey Leila,
I would think the Vaser Lipo may have some of the same concerns as the Smart Lipo – that it’s getting in the hands of doctors and others who haven’t had the proper training. I would suggest contacting the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to see what they’ve heard.
Sahar
Many dermatologist and plastic surgeons are fighting to monopolize this procedure in order for then to make all the $$$$. It is true that is a fairly new procedure, but a well trained physician,(don’t matter specialty) can do it. The procedure also is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor and let him explain the procedure to you including complications.