Smart Lipo – Yay or Nay?

LASER LIPOSUCTION
Using a Smart laser to enhance traditional liposuction may sound like a scientific advance, but many doctors have their doubts. Six years ago, doctors began promoting the device as an efficient way to melt fat with high heat before removing it from the body. In reality, so-called SmartLipo and similar procedures add both time and money to the typical technique. First, a laser wand is inserted under the skin, then another tube vacuums out the fat. The benefit of the heat is better skin tightening, with more elasticity and less bruising, says Barry DiBernardo, a plastic surgeon in Montclair, New Jersey. The downside? “There is the added risk of burns, large scars, tissue hardening, and prolonged pain,” said Steven Teitelbaum, a plastic surgeon in Santa Monica, in a debate with DiBernardo at last year’s meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Studies show that most women spend more time shopping for shoes than chosen their surgeon.  Make sure he is board certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  A certification as a “Cosmetic Surgeon” can mean they attended a 3 hour class.

Plastic surgery involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a surgeon you can trust.  Choosing an ASPS Member Surgeon ensures that you have selected a physician who:

• Has completed at least five years of surgical training with a minimum of two years in plastic surgery.
• Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
• Operates only in accredited medical facilities
• Adheres to a strict code of ethics.
• Fulfills continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety.
• Is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

ASPS Member Surgeons are your partners in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Look for the ASPS Member Surgeon logo.

Be careful of a “special” or a “great deal”, there should never be “blue light specials” in plastic surgery.  Also remember that a great surgeon doesn’t need to spend a lot of money advertising, if he has weekly or monthly ads in magazines you should think twice.  If they got “Top Doc” it means they paid for that position.  You only get the opportunity for great plastic surgery once- everything after that is trying to correct someone else’s mistake.  Often times it can never be successfully repaired.

Don’t be fooled by his charming personality or his claim to be “an artist”.  You aren’t going to date him so his personality doesn’t really play into it.  Sometimes the most brilliant surgeons have very average or below average people skills.  Even if they give you patients to call for referrals it could be their family or friends.  Do most of your research on his work outside of his office.  Read the reviews online, call the Medical Board, check the public records for law suites and funny enough reporters for small newspapers such as the Dallas Observer usually have all the dirt lol