Smart Lipo
Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SmartLipo called anything else?

SmartLipo is also referred to as laser lipolysis, laser lipo or LipoSmart. All these terms refer to the same technology and treatment.

Is SmartLipo a treatment for obesity?

No. Both SmartLipo and traditional Liposuction are not appropriate for significant weight loss. Diet and exercise are the best approach to treat obesity.

Where can I have SmartLipo treatment?

In London and Nottingham. You can have a consultation with a botonics doctor at any of our clinics, but SmartLipo needs to be done in specially configured facilities.

How quickly can I return to work after SmartLipo?

While we advise clients to not have any commitment for a couple of days after treatment, many clients actually return to work a day or two after SmartLipo treatment.

Is the fat removal permanent following SmartLipo?

Yes. Your body will not produce any new fat cells to replace the ones melted by SmartLipo. However, you still need to maintain a healthy diet since excess calories will result in a swelling of other remaining fat cells in the body.

Are there any hidden extras in the SmartLipo treatment?

The only potential extra costs for you could be a short course of antibiotics. Otherwise, the price quoted to you by botonics includes the consultation, SmartLipo treatment, clinical photographs, all follow up visits and all applicable taxes.

What ages can be treated with SmartLipo?

All ages can be treated. Provided you are reasonably healthy, age is really no restriction. People aged 18 – 80 have benefited from SmartLipo. Good results depend more on your level of physical activity, health and skin tone than biological age.

Is SmartLipo new technology?

No. SmartLipo has been used to successfully treat thousands of clients worldwide since 2000. It is new to the UK having been introduced in late 2006. We were among the first to offer the procedure and are still one of the most experienced in the country.

What areas can be treated with SmartLipo?

SmartLipo can be used to improve virtually any pocket of fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. This includes areas traditional Liposuction could not treat, such as the backs of the arms, the inner thighs, the upper part of the abdomen and the neck/jawline. SmartLipo is able to treat these areas because it is minimally invasive and less traumatic, so the delicate nerves and blood vessels undergo significantly less trauma.

Can SmartLipo treatments be repeated?

Yes. Unlike traditional Liposuction, the same area can be treated in successive sessions. In fact, when larger areas of fat need to be addressed, a course of SmartLipo treatments is likely the best option to sculpt the final result. You must wait two months to see the full affect of your treatment after which additional treatments to the same area are possible. Your botonics doctor can discuss the best course of treatment for you.

How long will I need to be in bandages after SmartLipo?

You will need to wear support garments or bandages for about two weeks after SmartLipo treatment. Traditional Liposuction ruptures veins creating haematomas (blood clots) that require compression bandages to be worn for four weeks or more. This is highly inconvenient for the client. SmartLipo seals the veins through laser pulses, virtually eliminating haematomas and the need for compression bandages. Bruising and swelling is also significantly reduced under SmartLipo treatment.

Is there any reason I could not be treated with SmartLipo?

Yes. You need to be in generally good health, ideally carry out regular exercise, have good eating habits and your weight should not exceed 25% of your ideal weight. Your blood, heart, liver and kidneys should be free from any disorders and your should not be taking any anticoagulants or be diabetic. You should not be taking steroids or anti-inflammatory medications for more than a few days. Your full medical history will be discussed with your botonics doctor during your consultation to confirm that you’re suitable for SmartLipo treatment.

How quickly will I see results after SmartLipo treatment?

Provided you have aspiration, the bulk of the results are visible in two weeks. Immediately after SmartLipo treatment, you will be a bit swollen from the anaesthetic and trauma to the fat cells. This will go away in 24 – 48 hours after SmartLipo. Any residual melted fat will be absorbed and eliminated through your body’s natural metabolic processes over a period of two months after SmartLipo. We recommend that you have several sessions of lymphatic drainage massage after your procedure, to help speed the results and reduce the swelling.

How long does SmartLipo treatment take?

Since it is minimally invasive and done under a local anaesthetic, SmartLipo treatment usually takes less than an hour per area treated. We ask clients to allow anywhere from one and half to three hours from arrival time at the clinic until they are on their way home. You are awake during the entire process and all you will feel is some tugging and pressure as your botonics doctor sculpts the fat melting laser around the treated area. Note, however, that because of sedatives and local anaesthetic, you may feel a bit shakey after the procedure and so you should not drive a car within 24 hours.

What will happen during SmartLipo treatment?

A micro-incision is made to allow the 1mm flexible, optic fibre to be inserted under the skin into the fat pocket to be treated. A laser (hence the term laser lipolysis) is then sent through the optic fibre, guided round the trouble spots where it melts fat cells while leaving all the other healthy cells intact. The laser then fires 10,000 pulses per second at three different spectrums. The first pulse melts the fat cell, the second pulse seals the blood vessels to minimise bleeding and the final pulse stimulates collagen to tighten and tone the skin. Contrast this with traditional Liposuction which effectively scrapes the fat using a 3-6mm metal cannula leaving a visible scar, subcutaneous hollows, internal bleeding and loose skin

Can I be treated with SmartLipo on the same day as my consulation?

No. Though SmartLipo is minimally invasive and low risk, it is still a serious medical treatment and we require our clients to consider all the alternatives and risks before proceeding. If both you and your botonics doctor are happy to proceed following your consultation, your SmartLipo treatment can be booked in for the next available slot after your consultation.

Can I have SmartLipo if I have an under active thyroid?

Provided your hormone levels are stabilised by medication then yes you can still have SmartLipo treatment.

Can SmartLipo be used to treat fat deposits under the eyes?

No. Surgery or mesotherapy injections are the only solution to fat deposits under the eyes

Do I have to visit a hospital for SmartLipo?

No. SmartLipo procedures are undertaken at our botonics clinics in Harley Street and Nottingham. These are private and discrete doctors surgeries

How much does SmartLipo cost?

Much less than traditional Liposuction. The exact cost will depend on the extent of the treatment. Most people find that a single SmartLipo session is all they need. If a large volume or several areas need SmartLipo, a multi-session treatment course and pricing plan tailored to your specific needs can be designed during your botonics consultation. Financing is available for SmartLipo treatments.

What happens to the fat melted by SmartLipo?

Most of it is aspirated (suctioned) out as a last step in the procedure. The walls of the fat cells are melted by the laser lipolysis and they are converted into a thick, oily liquid. The liquid that is not aspirated on the day is eliminated naturally through your lymphatic and blood systems over the subsequent few weeks. Traditional Liposuction scrapes the fat and vacuums it out, leaving subcutaneous hollows and loose skin.

When can I have SmartLipo treatment?

For the convenience of our clients, we offer evening and weekend consultations, so you don’t have to take any time off of work. SmartLipo procedures can take place Monday through Friday.