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SmartLipo MPX - Another First at Innovations Medical
Innovations Medical was the first practice in the Texas to offer the SmartLipo MPX™ procedure, and as of today is the only SmartLipo MPX™ provider within the Dallas city limits. Dr. Bill Johnson also combines SmartLipo™ with Vaser® & Vibro Lipo technology. Combination treatments have provided exceptional results for our patients in need of this type of procedure.
“The MPX really changes the game. It is much faster and more complete than previous SmartLipo versions at removing fat. However, the most exciting thing is the rapidity of skin tightening. Often you can see it shrink as you do the procedure. Previous SmartLipo devices did a good job on skin tightening, but SmartLipo MPX sets a new standard.” Bill J. Johnson MD, MMM
What can be Treated with SmartLipo™?
SmartLipo can be used on almost any area of the body, including the chin, neck and face. SmartLipo’s ability to perform detailed contouring in small areas make it ideal for treating areas that previously have been difficult or impossible to treat with liposuction. Additionally, the skin tightening that occurs enhances the results in any area treated. SmartLipo makes an excellent combination with Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) and Thermage® for treating skin dimpling and looseness. Some common treatments areas are:
- Face and chin
- Neck
- Upper and lower abdomen
- Inner and outer thighs
- Upper and lower back
- “Saddlebags”
- Arms
SmartLipo is ideal for small fatty deposits in any area. It also adds an important tool to treat slender persons who previously were difficult to treat with standard liposuction techniques. SmartLipo is greatly superior to mesotherapy and other techniques used to address small fatty areas. The Vaser technique is more appropriate for larger fatty areas that require the removal of greater amounts of fat. SmartLipo can then be added afterwards to tighten the skin after the removal of large fat deposits.
Does SmartLipo™ Require Anesthesia?
SmartLipo is performed using a type of local anesthesia known as Tissue Infusion Anesthesia (TIA). When using TIA a special fluid is injected into the treatment area. The fluid contains a local anesthetic along with other medicines to decrease bleeding. Medicine is also added to decrease swelling and pain after the procedure. Some minor pain does occur during the infusion process. The SmartLipo procedure itself has little or no pain.
After the procedure you will probably be given a mild prescription pain medication. However, many patients require only ibuprofen or Tylenol for pain control. Post procedure pain tends to be the worst on the second day after surgery. Most persons experience some soreness but little or no post procedure pain.
What are the side effects of SmartLipo?
In addition to the soreness mentioned above, there are a few side effects with the procedure. It is quite common for the treatment areas to drain after the procedure. The fluid that drains contains small amounts of fat that did not vaporize during the procedure. In order to allow the drainage and prevent infection (a rare side effect), the tiny incisions used for the procedure are allowed to close on their own. Bruising is another potential side effect.
Swelling is common after the procedure and can last for up to 2-3 weeks. Usually the swelling is gone after a few days. When performed on the face or neck, it is not uncommon to have some mild slurred speech from the anesthetic. This can also last 2-3 weeks, but usually is less. Other side effects are listed on your consent form and are rare.
What are the pre-procedure instructions?
It is recommended that you eat only a light meal before your procedure. If the procedure is in the afternoon, a normal breakfast and a light lunch is best. Patients are given an antibiotic to take before the procedure and the day afterwards. Sometimes, you may be given a mild sedative or pain medication to take before you arrive at the office. When pre-medication is given, it is important to have someone else to drive you. It is better if you do not loose a lot of weight before the procedure. This can lead to loose skin and make tightening the skin more difficult. In order to avoid excess bruising, it is best to avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs for one week prior to the procedure.
What are the post procedure instructions?
After the procedure you will be given compression garments to wear in the treatment area for 3 weeks post procedure. This includes a chin and neck support (worn for one week) when that area is treated. You will be asked to return to the office the day after the procedure to change your dressings and check the drainage.
You will be asked to return again in 3-4 weeks to recheck the treatment areas and repeat pictures. It is also possible that “touch-up” treatments will be recommended at that time. Instructions will be given for managing and changing your dressings at home. Finally, it is important that you eat a healthy diet to maintain the improved body shape. We recommend anti-oxidants be added as vegetables or a supplement.
Who can have SmartLipo?
Although almost anyone can have SmartLipo, there are a few persons who cannot. Persons on anti-coagulants (blood thinners) such as coumadin should not have the procedure. The procedure should not be done on someone who has an infection in the treatment area. Patients with heart failure or severe kidney or liver disease should not have the procedure.