Latest procedure is less invasive and leaves little scarring

 

Traditional fatty tissue extraction methods including liposuction made it difficult to treat areas such as the face, upper abdomen, inner thighs and forearms. But now, one of the latest procedures on the market — aptly named Smartlipo — is designed to target these areas more effectively.

 

Smartlipo, also known as the laserlipolisi technique, uses a micro-laser cannula.

 

Under this technology used in countries such as Japan, Australia, Germany and France, no suction of fats is involved as a long pulsed laser targets fat cells for destruction instead.

 

The oily contents of these fat cells are then naturally drained via the body's lymphatic channels. Smartlipo is ideal for anyone of a medium to a slightly large size who wants to contour his or her body. It can treat areas such as the waist and hips, too.

 

A typical Smartlipo session, which can take about one-and-a-half hours, goes like this: The areas to be treated are marked out before they are infiltrated with a diluted solution of local anaesthetic. The micro-laser cannula is then inserted into the skin via tiny keyholes for the laser to target fat cells. After the treatment, the patient wears a compressive garment to stabilise the skin.

 

Dr Yim, who practises the Smartlipo treatment, calls it a "more elegant procedure", compared to traditional or existing methods.

 

Before the 1970s, fatty tissue was removed from the patient's body in lumps through large incisions, meaning extensive scarring was unavoidable. In the 1970s, methods such as liposuction and liposculpture came about and these started using cannulas to remove large quantities of fat through smaller incisions.

 

However, such methods had their disadvantages, including blood loss, long-term bandaging and even rupturing of the veins. In addition, general or epidural anaesthesia had to be used during these treatments.

 

According to Dr Yim, Smartlipo is minimally invasive and leaves less bruising and bleeding because the laser heats and coagulates the blood vessels during the treatment.

 

The laser's thermal effect on the skin's collagen also prevents skin from sagging or becoming loose after the treatment. As a micro cannula is used, the incisions are tiny enough not to leave any significant scarring behind.

 

Lastly, less downtime is needed and Smartlipo patients can get back to their usual activities almost immediately after a session. 

For more information on Laser Lipolysis, click here.