1. What is SmartLipo^TM Laser Body Sculpting?
2. Who is a good candidate for SmartLipo^TM Body Sculpting?
3. What risks & complications are associated with SmartLipo^TM Body Sculpting?
4. What results can I expect from my SmartLipo^TM Body Sculpting treatment?
5. Are SmartLipo^TM results permanent?
6. What do I need to do to prepare for my SmartLipo^TM treatment?
7. How much will my SmartLipo^TM treatment cost?

Q:

What is SmartLipo^TM Laser Body Sculpting?

A:

The SmartLipo^TM procedure is the first laser-assisted liposuction procedure available. SmartLipo^TM was approved by the FDA in November of 2006 and has quickly been labeled the cutting edge procedure in cosmetic surgery. With SmartLipo^TM, a hollow, pen-sized instrument called a cannula is inserted into a minor incision made by the surgeon. The cannula uses a small laser to liquefy the fat cells in an area and drain them away. Because the cannula is only about 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm in size (approximately the size of a spaghetti noodle), SmartLipo^TM is a less invasive procedure, reducing the risk of bruising and promoting a quicker recovery. In addition, the cannula’s laser acts as a visual guide, helping the surgeon make more precise movements than typical Liposuction. The cannula uses a 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser to liquefy fat cells and simultaneously coagulate small blood vessels, limiting bleeding and swelling. A hollow cannula is also used to suction out the fat cells with less tissue damage. This laser technology provides for a less painful and faster recovery process with a significantly lower risk of infection and side-effects than traditional liposuction. See the Pre and Post Treatment Protocol sheet for more information on what to expect from this treatment.

SmartLipo^TM is a “body sculpting” treatment, not a weight loss program. SmartLipo^TM is primarily designed to dissolve small pockets of cellulite and fat that cannot be eliminated through exercise alone. While SmartLipo^TM, may reduce the measurements of the treated area and may also provide a skin tightening effect in the treated area, this treatment will not produce results equivalent to a face lift or tummy tuck. Please consult carefully with the Elase physician to ensure that your expectations are accurate.

Q:

Who is a good candidate for SmartLipo^TM Body Sculpting?

A:

Almost anyone can be a good candidate for SmartLipo^TM. In general, the ideal candidate: (1) is in good health, exercises regularly and is within 25 lbs. of his or her ideal weight; (2) has one or more areas of local body fat deposits that have responded poorly to diet and exercise; and (3) is bothered by these fatty areas and is motivated to get rid of them permanently.

The ideal candidate also has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 30. At your consultation, the Elase physician or his assistant will calculate your BMI. Candidates with a BMI of over 30 will not likely see significant results from the SmartLipo^TM Laser Body Sculpting treatment.

Q:

What risks & complications are associated with SmartLipo^TM Body Sculpting?

A:

In many ways, SmartLipo^TM is safer than traditional liposuction. The SmartLipo^TM procedure was approved by the FDA in November of 2006, and a serious life-threatening complication has never resulted from SmartLipo^TM. That is because SmartLipo^TM is performed under local anesthetic—not the much more risky general anesthesia. SmartLipo^TM has been performed thousands of times since being brought to North America in 2005 and has shown itself to be one of the safest cosmetic surgeries available.

Common post-treatment symptoms include:

• Mild to severe swelling & bruising
• Discomfort & pain
• Temporary or permanent numbness of the treated area
• Scars at the incision points

Risks of this procedure include:

• Waviness, wrinkling or dimpling of the skin
• Lumps or firmness under the skin
• Asymmetry – it is very difficult to achieve complete symmetry. If there is a significant asymmetry, a secondary or touch-up treatment may be necessary. Charges for additional treatments are at the discretion of the physician.
• Skin burns
• Seroma formation – a temporary fluid formation under the skin, much like the feeling of a waterbed. If you experience this, please contact the physician.
• Breast implant rupture – if you have implants there is a small risk of damage to the implant during surgery.
• Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
• Infection – if you experience symptoms such as fever, increased redness, or drainage containing puss, please contact the Elase physician.
• Pulmonary Embolism – this is a rare, but potential complication of all surgery procedures.
• Secondary touch-ups – touch-ups may be necessary to achieve full results and do not indicate error or negligence on the part of the surgeon. Charges for touch-ups are at the discretion of the surgeon.
• Wearing tight fitting clothing such as underwear, bras, belts, buckles, items with waistbands or that constrict in any area will affect your result and may cause permanent distortion of the treated area.

Q:

What results can I expect from my SmartLipo^TM Body Sculpting treatment?

A:

You can expect to see a smoothing of unwanted fat deposits and slight skin tightening of the treated area. Results are not equivalent to plastic surgery treatments such as a face lift or a tummy tuck. Results will generally be seen immediately, but as with traditional liposuction, full SmartLipo^TM results may not be visible for up to a year. The more fat that was removed, the longer it will take to achieve maximum results, as your body needs to adapt to a more significant shape change.

Q:

Are SmartLipo^TM results permanent?

A:

Yes. Once fat cells are destroyed, your body will not create new ones. But, to compensate, your body may gain more weight in other areas. We recommend that after you go through the SmartLipo^TM procedure, you maintain a regular exercise routine and healthy diet. Our staff is happy to assist you in putting together a maintenance program.

Q:

What do I need to do to prepare for my SmartLipo^TM treatment?

A:

To achieve the very best results possible from your treatment, we recommend that you maintain a regular exercise program and healthy diet prior to your procedure. This will allow us to target only those areas that will react best to the SmartLipo^TM procedure. Refer to the Elase Pre and Post Treatment Protocol sheet for detailed information on how to prepare for your treatment.

Q:

How much will my SmartLipo^TM treatment cost?

A:

Exact prices must be given by an Elase physician or consultant. In general, SmartLipo^TM is more cost effective than traditional liposuction. Prices are based on the size of the areas being treated.