Will Smartlipo Get Rid Of My Stubborn Belly Fat?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in learning more about SmartLipo and laser body sculpting.  I workout regularly and have a small amount of belly fat that I cannot seem to get rid of. I am 5’ 4” and weigh 127 lbs so I am anything but fat.  But this small amount of stubborn belly fat will not budge no matter what I do.

A: Someone of your lean body frame is actually the ideal liposuction patient…the person who has made a reasonable effort and can just not change the genetics of their fat distribution. Liposuction was originally developed to treat spot fatty areas that are resistant to diet and exercise although its use has widely expanded today for the more convenient removal of larger amounts of fat. Removal of localized abdominal fat can be one of the most rewarding areas for liposuction.

When it comes to liposuction, the the techniques have evolved into a variety of energy-driven methods to initally loosen the fat to help make the vacuum extraction process easier and more efficient. Laser is one of those technologies and the name Smartlipo is a tradename from the manufacturer who developed the initial laser liposuction devices. The heat energy generated with its use can help liquify fat fofr improved results if done properly. The key issue with Smartlipo is to realize that it still is invasive surgery and is not something done magically from the outside, a common public misconception about it.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana