Smart lipo - Use of Catheter?

Question

Please, someone from the Atlanta, GA area tell me if you DO NOT use a catheter for Smartlipo procedure. Is it absolutely necessary? I don't have that much fat to remove from my abdomen. I'm 119 lbs, in excellent health and shape. Thanks so much.

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Smart lipo is a three step process which begins with the administration of a numbing medicine (tumescent anesthesia) directly into the area being treated, follows with treatment of the fat with the Smart lipo laser, and finishes with extraction of the lasered fat and underlying fat with standard liposuction cannulas. None of these steps can be omitted from the procedure and none of them require the use of catheters.In surgery, the two types of catheters most commonly used are intravenous catheters (IVs), and bladder catheters. IV catheters are routinely used to deliver fluids, antibiotics and sedatives when they are necessary for the procedure. For small volume lipo cases, they are sometimes optional as a safety precaution in case medications need to be given quickly for any reason. For larger cases and other types of procedures, they are typical. Bladder catheters are not routinely used for liposuction.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Body contouring/liposuction has evolved over the past years and is not just about fat reduction but more so about sculpting and defining. In patients who have smaller problem areas, you want an energy based device to help melt fat and tighten skin. as well, it helps to define and shape the musculature. This type of liposuction requires a specialized body contouring specialist who is trained in 4D hi definition procedures and can do fat removal with both deep and superficial liposculpture. Please see an expert for sculpting and defining procedures, whos practice is dedicated to these types of surgeries. Best, Dr. Emer.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. In my region, using a urinary catheter during in-office Smartlipo procedures is very uncommon. That would only be necessary under general anesthesia for more extensive cases. Best wishes.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

SmartLipo is, by definition, laser-assisted liposuction. It uses a laser fiber which is inserted into the fat layers of the skin to “melt” the fat in the area, making it easier for the actual cannula removal of the liquid fat. On occasion, some will not do the second part – the actual removal of the fat – but all laser lipo devices have a cannula which is the laser fiber. There are other devices out there where people claim lipo this or that which has nothing to do with actual liposuction or laser liposuction and although some get results, they are not the same as when lipo or laser lipo is performed.  Please consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon and learn all the facts and have the right procedure for you based on what is needed and what will work best for you.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you mean bladder catheter, then I would say I almost never use one during surgery that is ambulatory.    Be more specific if you mean something else.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

SmartLipo is a form of liposuction. By definition any liposuction will need to have a catheter or cannula to remove the fat from under the skin. SmartLipo uses a very small fiber to deliver the laser that will liquefy the fat cells. After this is bone, a liposuction cannula is introduced in order to remove the liquefied fat. There is no way of delivering the laser light is the fiber is not introduced under the skin.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

Smart lipo - Use of Catheter?

Answers (6)

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