Experience shows that this method is not as "smart" as it may seem at first glance. In this article, we want to warn against Smartlipo and explain why ordinary liposuction is a safer treatment for you.
Smartlipo (laser lipolysis) is a method of liposuction that has become more common in recent years. It is often marketed as a gentle method of fat removal, promising short downtime after surgery.
Smartlipo is a form of liposuction where a laser is used to break down fat cells. The laser is attached to a cannula, which is inserted under the skin. With the help of heat, the fat "melts", which is then sucked out of the body.
The theory behind this method is that the laser will contribute to smoother fat removal with less damage to surrounding tissue. However, the reality is different.
Smartlipo is often presented as a less invasive procedure with a simpler post-operative course compared to ordinary liposuction. This seems appealing. The truth is that Smartlipo is at least as invasive and requires at least as long a recovery time.
In our work, we see several cases where Smartlipo has produced uneven and unsatisfactory results. One of the biggest challenges with Smartlipo is the heat generation itself. It can damage the tissue and give unpredictable results. In addition, heat damage can occur in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Among the worst cases we have seen, the skin has suffered necrosis. This means that the skin in the treated area has not been able to withstand the treatment and has died due to the heat damage. This results in very unsightly scars and irregularities that are difficult to correct.
For patients who have tried Smartlipo and suffered serious complications, the solution is extensive surgery. The goal is to try to correct the damage, but often the damage can be irreparable and impossible to fully correct.
The short answer is no. Smartlipo is often presented as a more gentle method with less downtime, but this is misleading. The heat generated by the laser can damage the tissue being treated, resulting in serious burns to the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
The effect of the treatment is unpredictable and can cause unevenness in the skin. Traditional liposuction without the use of heat is a safer and more predictable procedure when performed by a plastic surgery specialist.
Norwegian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (NFEP) and the Norwegian Society of Plastic Surgery (NPF) have warned against Smartlipo.
Several unscrupulous companies offering this treatment have been sued for misleading marketing. Norsk Pasientskade (NPE) has also received several complaints about treatment with Smartlipo carried out by unscrupulous companies.
It's important to be critical of clinics that believe Smartlipo is a safer and gentler treatment than ordinary liposuction.
The large and serious clinics in Norway do not perform Smartlipo. This is because the method is not considered a reliable or safe solution. If Smartlipo had been superior to traditional liposuction, more clinics would have adopted it.
The reality is that the results and safety of this method are highly unpredictable. That's why most reputable surgeons and clinics choose to stick to traditional liposuction, which offers consistent and predictable results.
If you're considering fat removal and liposuction, ordinary, traditional liposuction is the safest option today. This method has been used for many decades, has been rigorously tested and is proven to be safe and effective. When performed by a plastic surgery specialist in a certified operating room, traditional liposuction provides safe and effective results.
Specialist in plastic surgery is a protected title and it is not permitted to call oneself a specialist in plastic surgery without formal specialist approval from the Directorate of Health. It can be difficult to find the serious players and navigate the offers that exist. Some rogue operators take advantage of this by using wording that makes them appear competent, despite lacking formal competence.
It is important to ensure that you are treated by a qualified plastic surgeon with good experience of liposuction. Ask if your surgeon is a member of the Norwegian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (NFEP). Membership of the NFEP guarantees that the surgeon is a specialist in plastic surgery, has the necessary formal expertise and follows strict professional standards.
If you have undergone Smartlipo and are not satisfied with the results, it is recommended that you contact a specialist in plastic surgery for a non-binding consultation. It may be possible to improve the results with ordinary liposuction, fat grafting and occasionally other operations. This requires a lot of experience and will not always provide complete correction.
Smartlipo may seem tempting and alluring, but experience from the professional community shows that this method is not as safe and predictable as ordinary liposuction.
We therefore recommend that you choose a safer method. Make sure that your surgeon is a specialist in plastic surgery and preferably a member of the Norwegian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (NFEP).
For more information about liposuction and other plastic surgery procedures, please contact us for a consultation. consultation.
