Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Procedures

Q: I’ve decided to have Smartlipo. How do I choose the best surgeon to do my procedure?

There are many physicians advertising Smartlipo . While it may seem that one is as good as the next, in reality, there is a huge disparity when it comes to results. A recent study of medical centers doing bypass surgery found that those centers that perform the most procedures get the best results. The same is true of centers doing Smartlipo / tumescent liposculpture (liposuction ). When one chooses a center for Smartlipo / liposculpture (tumescent liposuction ), one should look at the number of procedures performed…to a point. Because time and care is needed to get the best results, as well as experience, it is important that the physician doesn’t rush through the procedure. In general, one should choose a physician who has done a minimum of 500 procedures, and at least 20 per month on an ongoing basis. Not only is important to have experience, it is also important that the physician maintains his skills on an ongoing basis. At BodyCare, Dr. Stratt has performed Smartlipo / liposculpture (tumescent liposuction ) on well over 1000 patients, and has performed over 3000 procedures on individual body areas. He averages 27 cases a month, or 80 individual body areas every month. Dr. Stratt limits the number of procedures he does which ensures that he won’t “rush through” a procedure and get poor results, yet it enables him to keep his skills optimal.

What type of Doctor can do Smartlipo / liposculpture (tumescent liposuction)?

A: While it is commonly held that only plastic surgeons are qualified to perform liposuction, in truth, Smartlipo / liposculpture (tumescent liposution ) is a multi-disciplinary specialty. Liposuction was first developed by Dr. Fisher in Rome, Italy. He specialized in Gynecology. Dr. Iluiz and Fournier developed the cross-tunneling technique and were general surgeons. Dr. Klien, a dermatologist, developed tumescent anesthesia. Smartlipo / liposculpture (tumescent liposuction ) is truly a multi-disciplinary specialty. In fact, some of the best liposculpturists are Emergency Physicians.
Unlike other surgical techniques, Smartlipo / liposculpture ( tumescent liposuction ) doesn’t involve any cutting (except for very small 2-3mm holes) or suturing (stitches). It is a very unique procedure. While there are plastic surgeons who perform Smartlipo / liposculpture (tumescent liposuction ), completing a fellowship in plastic surgery does not, necessarily impart the skill set necessary to get excellent results in Smartlipo / liposculpture (tumescent liposuction ). In fact, Dr. Stratt has “repaired” many other surgeon’s “mistakes”. One example is shown below. The first picture is a patient who had traditional liposuction under general anesthesia using the “old fashioned” technique using large canulas. Notice the unsightly indentations and grooves. With the skill of an artist, Dr. Stratt was able to “repair” the damage.


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