Smartlipo Laser
Liposuction in Louisiana

The Smartlipo Triplex laser utilizes fiber optic technology to melt fat and tighten overlying skin. The procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia, which is dispensed through a tube inserted through a tiny needle prick with minimal discomfort to the patient. Within one minute, the treated area becomes numb. After the anesthesia cannula is withdrawn and a cannula the size of angel hair pasta enclosing the Nd:YAG laser is inserted, the Smartlipo Triplex’s thermal energy gently melts fat cells on contact.

The Smartlipo Triplex laser also creates multiple tunnels underneath the skin, severs lax mattress string-like fibers (which are the primary cause of cellulite), and heats the overlying skin which stimulates it to contract. The Smartlipo Triplex laser is then removed, and a tiny tube is inserted to “wet vac” the liquefied fat cells from the body. Since fat cells never regenerate in adults, the physique contouring by Smartlipo laser liposculpture is lasting. Even if a patient gains weight after Smartlipo, fat will not readily be deposited in those previous stubborn areas, but it will be more evenly distributed throughout the rest of the body.

Smartlipo laser liposuction is safer than traditional liposuction because the risks of bruising and bleeding are drastically decreased. Since traditional liposuction requires a larger surgical instrument and a more aggressive procedural technique than Smartlipo, the propensity for deep bruising and bleeding is far greater with the traditional lipo method. Heavy bleeding may result from the rupture of larger vessels due to the pushing and pulling of the metal rod during a traditional liposuction procedure. Because of the internal trauma experienced during the procedure, the recovery time for conventional liposuction is typically many days to weeks. With traditional liposuction’s state-of-the-art successor Smartlipo Triplex, laser liposculpture is a gentler procedure requiring only a small cannula by which laser-generated heat destroys fat cells with minimal bleeding and therefore a short downtime.*

The results from Smartlipo laser liposuction are more pleasing and refined than what can be achieved by traditional liposuction. Although traditional liposuction removes fat cells, the result often leaves an uneven texture on the skin’s surface. In contrast, the numerous tunnels created by Smartlipo collapse to produce a smooth and even skin texture.* A new matrix of taut fibers is also formed by Smartlipo, and the overlying skin of the treated area is tightened for an overall appealing, contoured result which improves over time. Therefore, not only is unwanted fat removed from areas resistant to diet and exercise by Smartlipo, but also the skin’s surface is firmer and smoother.*

Cynosure’s Smartlipo Triplex has been called the “gold standard” of laser liposuction, and those who undergo Smartlipo procedures are some of the most satisfied patients benefiting from the ever-growing field of laser-assisted fat removal and body sculpting. Laser liposuction became popular when Smartlipo was released in 2007 and presented a safer alternative to traditional liposuction with less downtime. With Smartlipo, a patient can return to work within a day or two after the procedure, and with smaller areas, there is no downtime.

In 2009, Cynosure released a new laser, the Smartlipo MPX, which emits two different wavelengths to safely maximize fat liquefaction and skin tightening properties. The MPX's revolutionary blending of laser wavelengths has recently been upgraded with the introduction of the 1440 wavelength in the Smartlipo TriPlex, which is unrivaled in its ability to melt fat faster and more efficiently than ever before by far.

Cellulaze long-term cellulite reduction takes full advantage of the 1440 laser's power while directing the laser beam both forward and at a right angle, thus enabling the specific buldges and depressions of cellulite to be smoothed as the overlying skin is tightened. The improvement in appearance is both remarkable and long lasting after only one treatment under local anesthesia. Additionally, this same technology is used to treat loose neck and jowl skin as never before possible.

Cynosure continues to be the leader in laser lipo technology as the number of successful treatments and satisfied Smartlipo and Cellulaze patients continues to grow.

Why choose laser over water or cold fat removal? Consider a simple “science project.” Take three strips of bacon and place one in a hot frying pan, another in water, and the third strip of bacon on ice. The first will quickly shrink and become firm, while the other two will become either soggy or cold. In response to the controlled laser-generated heat of Smartlipo TriPlex, fat melts and weak, ineffective internal fibers are broken while supportive connective tissue and overlying skin shrink and become firmer and stronger through new collagen formation.

There is absolutely no reason to go under general anesthesia for liposuction. With the development of tumescent anesthesia which administers fluids mixed with local anesthesia directly into the treated area, the need for profound sedation has been eliminated. In addition to tumescent anesthesia, a common method used for mild sedation is an injection of the safe and widely-used sedative Versed coupled with an injectable pain medicine. With standard monitoring of vital signs, patients—awake but very relaxed—are able to assist the surgeon by turning and positioning themselves as needed. After Smartlipo, the patient usually remembers little or nothing of the event.

Statistics substantiate that serious complications are extremely rare with tumescent anesthesia. In a large study of over 14,000 patients who had procedures using tumescent anesthesia, not one serious problem arose during or after surgery. Therefore, with this advancement in local anesthesia, Smartlipo laser liposculpture is a safe, walk in-walk out procedure which requires only a short recovery time.*

Although many specialties within medicine make claims to exclusive expertise at times, when it comes to lasers and liposuction procedures, the specialty of dermatology has had a particularly prominent place. Dermatology is the only specialty which requires formal liposuction training in its residency programs. The very first physician to use a laser in a medical procedure—the designated father of lasers in medicine and surgery—was a dermatologist. Tumescent anesthesia—the standard, essential local anesthesia technique which makes Smartlipo laser liposuction an inherently safe and almost bloodless procedures—was developed by a dermatologist. Many of the pioneers of conventional and Smartlipo laser liposuction within the United States, who initially refined and popularized the techniques which have made liposuction such a safe and predictably successful procedure, have been dermatologists.

When selecting a cosmetic surgeon to perform Smartlipo laser liposuction, choose an expert with years of experience. A cosmetic surgeon with an extensive background in conventional liposuction has the advantage of refined technical skills and is able to apply this invaluable knowledge to advanced Smartlipo laser liposculpture procedures. These conventional techniques may be likened to the technical knowledge needed to successfully implode a skyscraper. Just as different types of explosives are strategically placed in layers from top to bottom to collapse the building safely and uniformly, so the experienced surgeon uses conventional liposuction techniques after laser-generated liposuction to uniformly collapse the skin overlying the area from which fat has been removed. The combination of Smartlipo and traditional liposuction provides the best result possible.

For national recognition of expertise, also look for cosmetic surgeons who are members of the AACS (American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery) when considering Smartlipo. The AACS was formed in the 1980’s to provide a platform for experts in all aspects of cosmetic surgery to share their knowledge and experiences with their peers. Fellows of the AACS must meet a high standard coupled with proven experience. The specialties represented in the AACS include dermatology, cosmetic surgery, ENT cosmetic surgery, as well as oculaoplastic surgery and gynecology. Over the years, the AACS has been the catalyst for notable advances in cosmetic surgery and the networking of cosmetic surgeons from across the country. When searching for a Smartlipo surgeon, the AACS’s website—www.cosmeticsurgery.com—is an excellent place to start.

Another indicator of expertise is to seek physicians who have been recognized by the actual manufacturer of Smartlipo for their exceptional expertise and success. In 2009, Cynosure, the maker of Smartlipo, chose four cosmetic surgeons in the United States and designated their facilities as Centers of Excellence to train other cosmetic surgeons in advanced Smartlipo laser lipo procedures. Two of these facilities were located in New York, one in Denver, Colorado, and the forth was the only Center of Excellence located in the South—in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, centrally located between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The surgeons in these selected facilities have years of experience in the art of both conventional liposuction and the innovative state-of-the art Smartlipo laser liposculpture.

What factors should be considered when shopping for Smartlipo services?

• Choose a board certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. Dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons are the only specialists who have received specific training in cosmetic surgery procedures.
• Find a cosmetic surgeon who is a fellow of the AACS (American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery).
• Certified physicians with at least fifteen years of cosmetic surgery experience and a background in conventional liposuction are preferred.
• Seek word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied Smartlipo patients of qualified surgeons.
• Request before and after pictures of actual Smartlipo patients of the surgeon.
• Choose a physician who listens to you, addresses your questions and concerns, gives you realistic expectations, and only recommends Smartlipo if you are a qualified candidate.
• Make sure that you not only understand the details of the Smartlipo laser liposculpture procedure but also the pre and post requirements as well.
• Consider practices outside your hometown area for added privacy.
• Since Smartlipo requires local anesthesia, arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Smartlipo TriPlex laser liposculpture is offered by QnA Cosmetic Surgery. Nestled in the heart of downtown Ponchatoula, QnA Cosmetic Surgery was chosen by Cynosure, the maker of Smartlipo, as one of four Center of Excellence facilities in the U.S. to train other cosmetic surgeons in advanced laser lipo techniques. This premier procedure has transformed many patients throughout the U.S. and Louisiana—including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Louisiana’s Northshore. Dr. Benson’s Smartlipo success comes from years of experience, knowledge of up-to-date techniques and procedures, and sincere concern for the comfort and satisfaction of his patients.

Contact us today to discuss the Smartlipo procedure and to schedule your consultation. Dr. Benson and his highly-qualified staff look forward to providing advanced cosmetic procedures specific to your needs for a happier, more confident you. We’re here to serve you—whether you are in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, or Louisiana’s Northshore.

From ankles, inner knees, thighs, and saddle bags to love handles, abdomen, chest, and neck, Smartlipo TriPlex laser liposculpture gets rid of unwanted fat and tightens lax skin that diet and exercise cannot. Because of its safety, versatility, cost-effectiveness, and permanent success, Smartlipo TriPlex has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed across the United States. Quite simply, Smartlipo TriPlex laser liposculpture has revolutionized the art and science of body sculpting.