Smartlipo is considered a safe and effective procedure for fat removal. Smartlipo liposuction performed by Dr. Gustav Lo in Petoskey, Traverse City & Naples is an FDA-approved cosmetic procedure and the lasers used are safe for clinical use . There’s little risk of infection and scarring is generally minimal to none.

Smartlipo (laser-assisted liposuction) in Traverse City, Petoskey, & Naples

Q: How long do the results last?

Unless a patient experiences excessive weight gain or loss in the future, Smartlipo is considered a permanent fat loss procedure. Patients who maintain or make positive changes to their diet and exercise should see long-lasting results.

Q: What happens if I gain weight after liposuction?

Patients who gain weight post-procedure may notice fat deposits appearing in new and untreated places on their bodies. For example, a person who treats their outer thighs and hips may find that their regained weight is in their stomach.

Q: Can Smartlipo liposuction get rid of cellulite?

Smartlipo isn’t designed to treat cellulite. Smartlipo can, however, eliminate stubborn fat deposits and help tone, sculpt, and reshape a person’s body.

Q: Does Smartlipo liposuction tighten skin?

Yes, Smartlipo does help to tighten the skin. Studies show the treated skin tightens from 15-30% after the procedure. This is because the lasers used in Smartlipo heat the skin, producing collagen – nature’s anti-aging supplement.

Q: How long is the downtime after Smartlipo liposuction?

Unlike invasive, traditional liposuction, the downtime, pain, and discomfort of Smartlipo is significantly less. Smartlipo is an in-office procedure, and we advise taking two days of rest. Most patients can work and exercise within 3 days post-procedure.

Q: Is Smartlipo painful?

Many patients report little to no pain with Smartlipo. Because Smartlipo is performed under local anesthesia, the pain or discomfort (if any) may produce a short-lived stinging sensation. To ensure that our patients are comfortable, we numb the treatment area and offer additional pain medication for those who need it.

Q: What is the difference between Smartlipo and traditional liposuction?

Smartlipo uses a laser to heat and melt fat, which is then gently suctioned away. Traditional liposuction does not melt fat; instead, instruments are used to mechanically break up then suction the fat away. When compared to traditional liposuction, Smartlipo is less traumatic with almost no bleeding, promotes the growth of collagen for tighter, smoother skin, and has a shorter recovery time.

What we tell our patients: Smartlipo is a much easier version of traditional liposuction. When you want dramatic fat reduction in your stomach, thighs, or love handles, it’s the ideal treatment. Performed in-office.

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Laser liposuction with Dr. Gustav Lo since 2008

At Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center, Dr. Gustav Lo uses Smartlipo’s laser technology and gentle liposuction techniques to remove unwanted fat, balance body shape, and leave the body in better proportion.

Abdomen
Thighs
Flanks
Arms
Legs
Knees
Neck

What is Smartlipo?

Smartlipo is an FDA-approved form of laser-assisted lipolysis or cosmetic surgery used to alter the shape and appearance of a person’s body. Unlike traditional liposuction, Smartlipo is an in-office procedure that combines heat and laser energy to break fat cells apart and smooth and tighten the skin. Smartlipo is performed with tumescent or local anesthesia which offers a quicker recovery and smoother result than traditional liposuction. Multiple body areas can be treated at once with laser liposuction.

The most advanced body contouring and laser liposuction in Northern Michigan and Southwest Florida

When you come in to Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center for a consult on laser liposuction, here’s what you can expect:

Experience. Dr. Lo has performed thousands of Smartlipo procedures on the body and a few thousand on the face.
Overall consult. Weight gain and body changes are common as we age due to depleted testosterone and thyroid levels. And after menopause, lack of estrogen leads to weight gain. At RegenCen, our medical division of CSLC, we can balance your thyroid and hormones levels to help maintain your success. RegenCen also offers the Skinny Shot and NAD infusions which help boost metabolism. Your long-term weight loss and success is our goal.
Smooth, dramatic results. Check out our liposuction before and after photos and we have many more in the office to share.
Real testimonials. Many of our team members have had laser liposuction treatments and can show you their results and tell you about their liposuction treatment and recovery.

The steps of Smartlipo liposuction body contouring

1. Consultation 2. Pre-Procedure Instructions 3. Procedure 4. Post-Procedure

1. Consultation

We’re here for you! Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss goals, expectations, potential benefits, and possible risks of the Smartlipo. At the same consult, we can go over common alternatives like Coolsculpting, BodyTite or surgical tummy tucks.

A person who has mild to moderate skin laxity (loose or sagging skin) or unwanted fatty tissue on their abdomen (sometimes called menopause belly), or fat on the hips, thighs, or love handles is often times a good candidate for Smartlipo. We commonly do gentle liposuction on fatty deposits along the bra line, under the chin and around the knees as well. And BodyTite and Smartlipo are used to treat gynecomastia.

A person’s treatment eligibility is determined by a number of factors, including:

general medical history
current medications
medical issues/pre-existing conditions
drug allergies
previous surgeries

Prospective patients may be photographed, as well. These photos will serve as a reference point for follow-up appointments.

2. Pre-Procedure Instructions

After your complimentary consultation, a pre-operative appointment is scheduled with Dr. Lo. Before liposuction, patients are provided with a list of pre-procedure instructions to ensure treatment goes smoothly.

Patients may be advised to:

avoid tobacco for 2 weeks before the procedure
stop taking blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs for two weeks prior to the procedure
shower and wash with provided Hibiclens beforehand
arrange for transportation to and from the office on the day of treatment
get prescriptions filled for during and after the liposuction

3. Procedure

On the day of the Smartlipo treatment in Petoskey or Traverse City, you will come to Cosmetic Skin and Laser Center and the liposuction treatment is performed in our in-office medical surgical suite. Patients generally take a mild sedative and a painkiller one hour before the treatment.

Then, they use laughing gas during the 2-3 hour Smartlipo treatment as needed. Dr. Lo will use a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area through small (2mm) skin punctures. Once the treatment area is numb, a fiber optic laser is placed through the same skin punctures.

Using heat and energy, Smartlipo treatments heat, liquify, and destroy fat cells. The laser increases collagen production and shrinks and tightens the skin. Gentle suction is performed after the energy to remove the fat and sculpt your new shape. The Smartlipo procedure, from start to finish, shouldn't take more than 2-4 hours to complete.

4. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure, patients are provided with specific aftercare instructions. Patients are also asked to wear a compression garment that’s similar in function and construction to a Spanx Bodysuit for two weeks.

Everyday activities such as walking and taking trips to the store are encouraged within a couple of days post-procedure.

Most patients can return to work after three days and resume their normal exercise routine in just a couple of days.

Follow up appointments are continued at RegenCen until your healing is complete.

Results are visible within a week and improve for 6-12 months, as the skin continues to tighten. Venus (a treatment involving mild external RF heat and PEMF) improves the healing time and regenerates collagen production. Most of the before and after photos of liposuction on our websites were taken 6-8 weeks after the treatment.

Pros and Cons of Smartlipo liposuction

✔ Pros

Smartlipo liposuction offers a number of advantages over traditional liposuction and tummy tucks.

in office procedure
minimal recovery
dramatic fat reduction (70% average)
no drains, stitches, or long incisions
natural skin tightening
no general anesthesia

✗ Cons

Any procedure has risks and Smartlipo liposuction is not excluded. Potential risks include:

side effects of anesthesia and meds
infection (very, very, very rare)
temporary swelling
temporary bruising
wearing a compression suit for two weeks

Smartlipo and BodyTite vs. Traditional Liposuction

Smartlipo laser liposuction and BodyTite are similar to traditional liposuction in that they are procedures meant to get rid of excess fat. However, unlike traditional liposuction, Smartlipo liposuction and BodyTite are much less traumatic - traditional liposuction uses a larger cannula to remove fat whereas Smartlipo and BodyTite liquefy fat cells prior to removal for a smooth, less invasive procedure. Smartlipo and BodyTite also have regenerative benefits. The heat promotes the growth of collagen for tighter, smoother skin, and has a shorter recovery time than tradition liposuction.

“Let’s face it: Our fat distributes differently as we age, even if our weight stays the same. Combining bioidentical hormone replacement with gentle liposuction has really helped me maintain my body shape and weight through menopause.”

– Lee, RN & Injection Specialist

Google Patient Review

“Warm, bright and welcoming environment. The whole staff has great energy and are very encouraging and comforting. Knowledgeable and talented as well. Thank you so much!”

Alisa W.

Smartlipo Laser Liposuction Before and After Photos at
Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center

Smartlipo Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions

Is Smartlipo safe?

Do I have to maintain a diet afterward?

While Smartlipo targets and reduces fat cells, the best way to maintain this new and contoured shape is by maintaining your weight long term through diet and exercise.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a healthy eating plan features an adequate amount of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products, includes a variety of protein-packed foods (e.g. poultry and lean meats, beans and peas, eggs, soy products, etc.), is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and sugar, and stays within a person’s daily calorie needs.

How long do the results last?

What happens if I gain weight after liposuction?

Can Smartlipo liposuction get rid of cellulite?

Does Smartlipo liposuction tighten skin?

How long is the downtime after Smartlipo liposuction?

Is Smartlipo painful?

What is the difference between Smartlipo and traditional liposuction?

Can Smartlipo reduce fat under my face and neck?

Absolutely! Smartlipo is one of the most effective ways to treat stubborn fat and loose skin on the jawline. Laser Lift utilizes the Smartlipo laser energy to liquefy and permanently remove fat in the jowls and under the chin while tightening the skin simultaneously.

These treatments are often combined with PDO Novathreads, Morpheus8, Sculptra, or Ultherapy for an overall “nonsurgical facelift.”

How do I maintain my results after liposuction?

Some of the primary benefits of getting liposuction are our follow up treatment options. Smartlipo permanently removes fat but of course a healthy diet and exercise program is necessary to avoid gaining weight after liposuction.

Many liposuction patients have aging hormonal imbalances like low T (testosterone), low thyroid (free T3, T4, TSH), or an imbalance in estrogen/progesterone. We offer hormonal testing and treatment at our regenerative division, RegenCen, to help our patients maintain their weight.

In addition we offer Venus, a treatment combining PEMF with radiofrequency heat, to generate new collagen and firmer, smoother skin.

Where is Smartlipo offered?

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Smartlipo (laser-assisted liposuction) in Traverse City, Petoskey, & Naples

Laser liposuction with Dr. Gustav Lo since 2008

What is Smartlipo?

The most advanced body contouring and laser liposuction in Northern Michigan and Southwest Florida

The steps of Smartlipo liposuction body contouring