FAQ'S

Who is a candidate for Smartlipo™?
Patients with areas of localized fat that do not respond to diet and exercise are candidates for Smartlipo. Dr. Chatson would evaluate each area of concern and assess the fat content, contour, and skin tone. Due to Smartlipo’s ability to promote skin tightening, patients with moderately loose skin who might not be candidates for traditional liposuction can now undergo Smartlipo with very good results.

How is Smartlipo™ performed?
Smartlipo is usually performed under local anesthesia. Anesthetic solution is gently infused into the area to be treated. A fine laser probe of 1-2 mm size is passed into the treatment area and laser energy is transmitted to the fat cells and to the undersurface of the skin. The fat cells rupture from the energy and fat is absorbed by the body or easily suctioned away. The skin tightens in response to the laser energy thus producing a better, long-lasting contour.

Which areas can be treated with Smartlipo™?
Smartlipo is an effective treatment for localized fat almost anywhere in the body. Fat deposits in the abdomen, hips, and thighs are commonly treated. Smartlipo is also very effective in treating fat collections in the chest, back, arms and knees. Localized fat in the neck is also very well treated by Smartlipo.

How many Smartlipo™ treatments are required?
Only one Smartlipo treatment is required for most patients.

How long do Smartlipo™ results last?
If a patient maintains his or her weight after Smartlipo treatment, the results are long-lasting.

What is Smartlipo MPX?
Smartlipo MPX is the latest version of the Smartlipo technology and this is the device used by Dr. Chatson. Smartlipo MPX combines two laser wavelengths with a blended effect that efficiently liquefies fat and tightens the skin through collagen remodeling.

What is a laser and why is it used?
Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It is a cutting-edge technology used effectively in many areas of medicine and surgery where precise delivery of energy is needed. Smartlipo creates a safe light beam that actually liquefies the fat cells and also heats the undersurface of the skin to allow for the most precise and effective means of body contouring. The laser energy also seals small blood vessels and capillaries so that bruising is minimized and recovery is faster.

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What are breast implants made of, and where are they placed?
Implants are silicone shells filled with saline (salt water). They are placed behind each breast, underneath either breast tissue or the chest wall muscle. Placement behind the chest wall muscle offers a few advantages over placement beneath the breast tissue only. These include reduced risk of capsular contracture (post-operative tightening around the implant) and less interference with mammogram examinations. Possible disadvantages include need for drainage tubes and elevated pain in the first few days following surgery.

Should women who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant wait before undergoing a breast lift or breast reduction?
Women planning to have children are advised to postpone surgery, since pregnancy and nursing can counteract its effects by stretching the skin. However, the procedure should not affect your ability to breast-feed. Breast reduction surgery is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed, since many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples are removed.

Is there much post-operative pain from a breast lift?
Breasts will probably be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for a few days but this will pass. Numbness in the breasts and nipples should lessen as swelling subsides, although occasionally it lasts for months or even permanently. Stitches are removed after one to two weeks, and many patients return to work then.

How long does recovery take?
Most patients feel tired and sore after surgery, but this usually passes in a day or two and many patients return to work within a week or two. Any post-operative pain, swelling and sensitivity will diminish over the first few weeks. You should avoid heavy lifting for three to four weeks and only gentle contact with the breasts should occur for six weeks.

Does breast surgery cause scarring?
Yes, although scars can be hidden with a bra, bathing suit or low-cut top. During surgery, incisions are made in inconspicuous places on the breast to minimize scar visibility (in the armpit, in the crease on the underside of the breast, or around the areola, the dark skin around the nipple). Scars do fade with time.

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What problems can a facelift correct?
A facelift can reduce signs of aging (wrinkles, lines, sagging skin, drooping brow) by removing excess fat, tightening the underlying muscles, and redraping the skin around the neck and face.

Can facelifts be combined with other procedures?
Facelifts can be done alone or in conjunction with a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping.

I would like to improve the look of my neck, not my face. Do I need a facelift?
If your problem areas are limited to the neck, you may elect to undergo a more conservative procedure called a “necklift.”

I’ve heard that the best candidates for facelifts are in their 40s and 50s. Are older patients eligible?
Most facelift patients are in their 40s-60s, but facelifts can be done successfully on people in their 70s or 80s as well.

Are there any special concerns for men?
Men may have to shave behind the neck and ears where areas of beard-growing skin have been repositioned.

When can I go back to work?
Most patients return to work about ten days to two weeks after surgery.

Will my scars be visible?
Scars are usually hidden by the hair or the natural creases of your face and ears. In addition, they will fade as time passes and should be scarcely visible.

Will I need another facelift in the future?
Patients sometimes repeat the procedure in five or ten years. But the effect of a single facelift is long-lasting; years after surgery, you will look better than if you had never had a facelift.

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