But Dr. Jensen takes liposuction and makes it better by including laser energy. This is laser-assisted liposuction, also called SmartLipo, and our patients from all over the Wasatch Front love its fat busting prowess.
What is SmartLipo?
SmartLipo is laser-assisted liposuction that utilizes the laser not only to dissolve the fat for more efficient removal, but also to tighten the skin in the process. In laser-assisted liposuction lasers are added to melt fat, coagulate blood vessels to reduce bleeding and subsequent bruising, and to tighten the skin.
How does it tighten the skin?
Like other laser procedures that target the dermis, the underlying layer of the skin, SmartLipo lasers stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. These two proteins are responsible for providing support and structure to the skin. The heat from laser energy stimulates this production increase in what is known as a “wound-healing response.”
What’s the procedure like?
Laser-assisted liposuction is performed with the patient under only local anesthesia. First, the target area is injected with tumescent solution (a combination of saline solution with small amounts of local anesthetic and epinephrine). This solution numbs the area and constricts the blood vessels.
Next, Dr. Jensen inserts the laser fiber is inserted through a small incision made in the skin. The laser heats the fat and surrounding skin, melting the fat while tightening the skin. After the heating, he removes the laser fiber and replaces it with a thin cannula that he moves around to suction out the dissolved fat.
Fast recovery times
Since there is so much less trauma associated with SmartLipo, patients often don’t even require pain medication the evening after their procedure. They can drive the next day and return to work only one or two days later.
Want to get smart with those pockets of unwanted fat for 2021? Call us at Dr. Jensen’s, (385) 300-8026, and set up a consultation for laser-assisted liposuction.