Liposuction Q&A

Dr Voss - could you please explain about SmartLipo?

Jessica

Dear Jessica,

I have personally seen complications with Smartlipo, the patient had denting but absolutely no skin tightening.

I have been approached by another pt that had Smartlipo on the neck and has third degree burns as a result.

Recently, I performed laser lipolysis on the right half a person's abdomen. She had severe stretch marks and loose wrinkled skin over her entire belly. I was very aggressive with it and could feel the skin heat up on top. She is a perfect study to see if laser lipolysis really does shrink the skin. Unfortunately, after one month I can see no difference between the two sides, it may take longer, I will keep you posted.

Julie Voss, M.D.

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I was just wondering if you could give me an est. on liposuction on lovehands and what is the big difference between liopsuction and a tummy tuck.

Thank you,
Laura

Dear Laura,

Liposuction of the hips (which most people refer to as lovehandles) run $3500 to $5500. There are many differences between liposuction and a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Liposuction the way I do it, is under local anesthetic and very comfortable for the patient. If there is a fat pad that bulges out, then I can take that fat out. The fat is removed with a very small straw-like instrument. After the fat is removed the patient gets up and walks out- no gurney or wheelchair assistance- no-one would ever think you just had liposuction as you walk out- you act very normally. Tummy tucks are a much more serious affair and require many weeks to recover from. Tummy tucks are for muscle weakness problems and people how have terrible stretch marks.

Julie Voss, M.D.