Joel Schlessinger, MD

SmartLipo is usually done in conjunction with tumescent liposuction, which is done without general anesthesia. In fact, the reason that it was started was safety concerns with general anesthesia, which has a certain amount of people who don't wake up after surgery (remember Kanye West's mom?).

So, this doctor just hasn't taken the time to learn how to do the right method and/or send one of his staff to learn. Without learning it, you can't do the tumescent method.  You will also miss out on the great things that accompany the tumescent method:

• little or no bruising
• quick recovery in a day or two
• minimal pain after the procedure
• less risk of complications

My suggestion: Find a dermatologist in your area that does tumescent liposuction and go there. Good luck!