TUMESCENT LIPOSCULPTURE
The technique of suctioning out excess fat from just under the skin using hollow tubes (cannulas) with blunt ends results in "sculpting" the body by removing excess fat. It has evolved over the past 40 years to become a very safe and excellent technique. It was developed in Europe in the 70's and brought to the United States by a group of dermatologists in the early 80’s. The development of the "tumescent" technique of liposuction in the late 80’s significantly improved liposuction safety and patient satisfaction in a number of ways. This technique allows us to use dilute local anesthetic solutions to anesthetize the areas to be liposculpted. This means the patient can be sculpted comfortably without the use of general anesthesia or IV sedation, but with mild oral sedation as a supplement. As long as the surgeon is careful to follow the well-defined guidelines as to how much local anesthetic is safe (based on the patient's body weight), tumescent liposuction is extremely safe with very little bleeding and very mild post-procedure pain. Dr. Menkes has been performing liposuction for many years and with little to no complications thus far. He has high patient satisfaction.

Tumescent Liposculpture highlights:

• Safe, excellent results
• Tumescent technique developed over 20 years ago
• Only local anesthesia required
• Minimal discomfort and downtime

SMARTLIPO TRIPLEX
SmartLipo is the latest, most advanced liposuction technique available and consists of an FDA approved laser-assisted liposuction procedure that is less invasive and results in a shorter recovery time. The key distinction of laser-assisted liposuction is the improvement in the preparation process for the removal of fat cells. Since the cells are instantly liquefied by the laser, the size of the cannula (hollow tubes inserted into the treatment areas) required to remove the fat cells is significantly smaller. Laser-assisted liposuction allows for a very small incision and overall less invasive procedure. So, not only is the experience improved, pain is minimal and the recovery time is considerably faster as compared to traditional and tumescent liposuction, with most patients returning to their normal activities within 1-2 days. Another advantage to Smartlipo is that it encourages your skin to produce more collagen, which tightens the tissues under the skin, therefore allowing for a more sculpted and defined look.

Smartlipo Triplex highlights:

• Newest liposuction technique
• Laser assisted procedure to liquefy fat cells before removal
• Smaller incision, less invasive
• Minimal pain, improved experience
• Fast recovery time, usually 1-2 days
• Produces collagen to tighen tissues and skin

Body areas ideal for liposuction:

• Face, neck
• Arms, underarms
• Chest
• Abdomen, hips, waist
• Upper back
• Thighs (outer and inner aspects)
• Knees
• Ankles

Smartlipo Benefits:

• Safe and consistent
• Less invasive than traditional surgery
• Offers the smoothest, best body-contouring results
• Short recovery time
• Minimal discomfort
• Procedure tightens the skin to create a more sculpted and defined look

It's important to understand what liposuction can achieve in the way of results. Realistic expectations are an important step toward overall satisfaction with the procedure. Fortunately, with SmartLipo, the results are amazing. Ever since liposuction was invented, there have been issues with the quality of the fat removal and the final results. Dimpling, rippling, bumps and pockets have all been problems cited with traditional liposuction techniques. However, with SmartLipo, the results are nearly flawless. The laser process allows Dr. Menkes to apply the process evenly to all areas being treated, using the laser as a guide. There is virtually no guesswork, like there used to be with older liposuction techniques. Therefore, there is very little chance of too much, or too little fat being removed. This precision allows for an evenly treated area, which improves even further as the recovery time elapses and skin shrinks around the site.

SmartLipo is performed as an out-patient procedure at The Menkes Clinic under local anesthesia. You won’t be required to stay in the hospital, since recovery from SmartLipo works best within the comfort of your home. The procedure takes an average of 2-3 hours per session. Since the SmartLipo procedure is performed under local anesthesia, there is very little pain or discomfort involved. You may feel a minor stinging sensation and an impression of tugging at your skin during the SmartLipo treatment, but these discomforts are minimal. Most patients typically require only one treatment. SmartLipo can also be used for touch ups and revisions to previously treated areas.

Most patients can see results immediately following the SmartLipo procedure, and they can expect their skin to return to normal within 3 months. However, as with traditional liposuction, you will need to practice patience since the full SmartLipo results may not be visible for up to 1 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.

Almost anyone is a good candidate for SmartLipo. In general, you should be in good health, exercise regularly and within 25 lbs. of your ideal weight. You should have one or more areas of local body fat deposits that have responded poorly to diet and exercise. Dr. Menkes will confirm whether you're a good candidate for Smartlipo after discussing your medical health and SmartLipo expectations.

An ideal Smartlipo candidate:

• In good medical health
• Lives a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise
• Desires body-contouring results
• Doesn't want excess skin after the procedure
• Wants a more affordable procedure
• Seeking permanent fat removal results

Smartlipo Triplex is FDA approved and one of the safest procedures in the cosmetic surgery field. The use of a local anesthesia results in less bleeding and bruising and has a quicker recovery time with immediate healing. If you experience persistent or increasing redness or swelling, contact our clinic for proper instructions.

After your Smartlipo procedure, and the anesthesia has worn off, you may feel aches and pains that resemble the same feeling you have after a vigorous workout. But unlike traditional liposuction, recovery time is very fast, with most patients returning to normal activites in 1-2 days.

A compression garment will be applied to the treated area and you will need to wear it for approximately 24 hours a day for 1 week, then reduce down to only evenings for another week. Some fluids may leak from the small incisions and this normal for the first 24 hours. Simply cover theses areas with fresh gauze as needed. Avoid vigorous exercise for the first 2 weeks. Your skin will return to normal after 3 months and continue to tighten over the next year.