If the fat tissue pockets in the body do not respond to diet or exercise, an individual may consider SmartLipo instead of traditional liposuction plastic surgery. SmartLipo is a minimally invasive body sculpting treatment based on a laser technique to target unwanted fat deposits and permanently eliminate fat.
Board certified plastic surgeons at MBody provide SmartLipo laser liposuction to patients in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and other cities in this part of the country.
Avoiding General Anesthesia
SmartLipo is popularly called “Awake Liposuction” because it allows the patient to remain conscious throughout the procedure and be aware of their surroundings. The procedure is usually performed using only local anesthesia and mild sedation. Only the targeted area of the body is numbed while the fat reduction procedure is performed.
Typical risks associated with general anesthesia are avoided with SmartLipo. Some patients may have an underlying health condition, which can increase the risk of surgery when they are under general anesthesia. A few patients may also experience poor reaction to general anesthesia. These risks are simply avoided when a patient chooses SmartLipo instead of traditional liposuction plastic surgery.
General anesthesia will usually entail additional costs because it involves the services of an anesthesiologist or a registered anesthetist nurse. They will have to be present throughout the surgery in order to monitor the patient’s response to anesthesia. SmartLipo avoids this requirement because the patient is awake through the surgery.
Patients increasingly prefer ‘awake’ procedures such as SmartLipo because they feel they are more in control of their body, and the pre-surgery stress is much reduced when they know the procedure only involves local anesthesia and mild sedation. Furthermore, the post-operative recovery is faster and avoids the typical temporary discomfort and side effects associated with general anesthesia.
How does SmartLipo Work?
Following the application of local anesthetic and sedation, the surgeon will create very small incisions in the targeted fat deposit areas. A thin tube will be inserted through the incisions to reach the deeper layers of stubborn fat tissue. A laser fiber is delivered through the tube, which will disrupt the fat cells selectively, and make it easier to suction out the fat in a less invasive manner.
As the liquefied fat is gently suctioned out, the body contours in the treated area will become slimmer and more even looking. SmartLipo also helps to stimulate the collagen fibers in the dermis, leading to skin tightening. Therefore, patients will not have to worry about sagging skin and dimpling following the fat reduction from specific areas. Some studies have shown that skin elasticity can improve by as much as 57 percent with SmartLipo.
The procedure results in minimal scarring and poses minimal risk of post-op complications because it is less invasive. Busy moms and working people prefer SmartLipo because the recovery period is short, and they can quickly resume their normal routine.
Experienced plastic surgeons Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin receive patients from Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and nearby areas for SmartLipo.
For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit
Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Fredricksburg, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Maryland Richmond, VA and surrounding communities.
