Liposuction and Plastic Surgery Information - Smartlipo machine launched by Cynosure

Smartlipo machine launched by Cynosure

Monday, 22 January 2007

Cynosure, the Massachusetts based medical laser company, has unveiled its smartlipo machine, promising less invasive procedures, shorter recovery times and lower complications than with conventional liposuction.

Conventional liposuction involves injecting the treatment area with a solution that liquifies the fatty tissues and then sucks the fat and liquid out with a vacuum assisted cannula. Smartlipo works by inserting a micro laser under the skin in the treatment area, and using the power of the laser to liquify the fatty tissue. Once liquified, the fatty tissue is excreted by the body's lymphatic system, with no need for vaccum assisted removal. Consequently, the incision required for smartlipo is much smaller than that required for conventional liposuction, and the patient requires just a local anaesthetic for the procedure.

“We would call it revolutionary,” said Michael Davin, CEO of Cynosure. “It pretty much melts fat away, with only a minimal invasive procedure.”

Because of the smaller size of the tool used for smartlipo, it can also be used for more targeted areas of fat removal, allowing very precise liposculpture.

An added bonus of smartlipo is that the thermal energy emitted by the laser also tightens the skin in the treatment area, thereby avoiding the excess skin problem that can sometimes result from liposuction or extreme weight loss.

The smartlipo machine, approved by the FDA late 2006, will be sold to plastic surgeons for $94,500.

About 500,000 Americans undergo liposuction each year, although the market is expected to grow in size as a result of the patient benefits offered by smartlipo technology.

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