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

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.