dermalase - laser & skincare clinic 88 Pretoria Rd, Rynfield, Benoni, Tel:  011 425 3946 & 011 425 3946 www.dermalase.co.za  Smartlipo/Laser Lipolysis   We are proud to say that Dermalase was one of the first clinics on the East Rand to introduce this procedure.  Our machine was bought and manufactured by the pioneers of Smartlipo who are based in Europe.   The advent of laser lipolysis enabled cosmetic surgeons and doctors to perform less invasive fat reducing treatments under local anaesthetic, offering patients an alternative to more invasive surgical liposuction for the first time. We take a look at this dynamic and exciting treatment.   Almost everyone has areas of fat on their body they just can’t seem to shift. Whether it is on their thighs, love handles, tummy, chin or arms, the market for fat reduction and body contouring procedures is one of the fastest growing areas of medical aesthetics. The gold standard procedure for these indications has always been liposuction (also known as lipoplasty, liposculpture, or lipectomy).      Traditional surgical liposuction was always done under general anaesthetic, however, and involved a six-week recovery period, and, although there are now other forms of liposuction, which can be done under local anaesthetic, it is the so-called ‘non-surgical’ options, such as laser lipolysis, which are rapidly growing in popularity.   Laser lipolysis is a relatively new treatment and is the closest you can come to liposuction without undergoing surgery. Designed to contour and improve the shape of the body, laser lipo is best suited to people who are a healthy weight but have areas of fat they can’t get rid of with diet and exercise alone.   Although it has been described as ‘lunchtime lipo’ laser lipolysis is classified as a minor surgical procedure and will involve some downtime, however its side effects are minimal when compared to traditional liposuction, which make it an attractive option for patients, especially as it is performed under local anaesthetic.   Laser lipolysis works by using laser energy (delivered by inserting a fibre-optic probe under the skin) to break up and liquefy the fat cells. The liquefied fat can be left to be naturally eliminated by the body however experience has shown that far superior results are gained by also using aspiration. Laser lipo is perfect for eliminating common and stubborn problem areas such as inner and outer thigh, tummy, jaw line and jowls. The overall results depends on the amount of fat in the area to be treated, but improvements are usually seen within approximately six weeks of treatment and continue to gradually improve up to four months post treatment. Generally one treatment is required per area treated however this often depends on the size and volume of the area to be treated. Like any procedure, laser lipo also has its risks and side effects. These include bruising and/or discomfort in the short term, both which typically disappear more quickly than other forms of liposuction.   Like other forms of liposuction, laser lipo is not a solution to obesity. It is designed to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat in specific areas of the body. It is also not a replacement for surgical liposuction, which may be a better option for some patients, however it does offer an alternative for many patients who do not want to go under the knife. The treatment can also be used in conjunction with surgical liposuction to refine results after surgery, where uneven results can be a side effect.   (Article courtesy of Medical Aesthetics)