LipoLite™ faq's


How does LipoLite™ work?
How effective is LipoLite™?
Is LipoLite™ right for me?
Which body areas can be treated?
What about cellulite?
Does it hurt?
Will I need to take time off work?
When can I expect to see results?
How many treatments will I need?
What must I do before treatment (pre-operative care)?
What must I do after treatment (post-operative care)?
Advantages of LipoLite™
Safety and Complications
Cost
Am I in safe hands?


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Results

Some photographs of typical results that are obtained from LipoLite™ can be seen here.
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How does LipoLite™ work?
LipoLite™ uses a fine cannula (1mm diam.) to deliver a safe , powerful laser to heat fat cells causing them to breakdown. The fat deposits are simply absorbed by the liver and disposed of naturally, or suctioned off at the time of the procedure. At the same time, the laser seals off minor blood vessels and stimulates collagen production to give a smooth, sculptured finish.

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How effective is LipoLite™?
LipoLite™ is perfect for eliminating the common 'problem areas'... tummy, knee, underarms, buttocks, back and chin. The overall result depends on the severity of the area to be treated, but dramatic improvements are usually seen approximately six weeks after treatment - with final results after four months. Although new to South Africa, LipoLite™ has been used extensively in the USA, Europe and the UK with excellent results.

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Is LipoLite™ right for me?
LipoLite™ will be right for you if:

You don’t have a lot of time to spend in recovery. LipoLite™ patients are typically back at work within one to two days following the procedure.

You don't want loose skin as a result of the procedure. Many patients of traditional liposuction find that their skin does not adjust to the reduction of fat deposits and this often results in unattractive "droops". These patients often require skin lifts that can lead to scars and a less than desirable result. LipoLite™, however, stimulates fibroblasts as well as collagen formation in the skin, resulting in tightening and smoothing, completely eliminating skin drooping.

You’ve worked hard to eat right and exercise, yet you still can’t lose those “love handles” or other fat deposits you consider unsightly. Human fat, or adipose tissue, can be very hard to get rid of through exercise and diet alone. LipoLite™ can be a relatively simple solution to remove stubborn fat permanently.

You want a procedure that is FDA approved. – The LipoLite™ device was approved in November of 2006, and today is one of the fasting-growing, safest procedures in the cosmetic surgery field.

To be a good candidate for LipoLite™, you should have realistic expectations about the procedure’s capabilities. And while LipoLite™ can improve your appearance and self-confidence, it won’t necessarily match your mental ideal, nor will it cause other people to act differently toward you. Before you decide to have LipoLite™, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Irvine during your consultation visit.

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Which body areas can be treated?
Anywhere that the body stores fat can be treated - typically, chin, underarms, back, flanks ("love handles"), buttocks, thighs (inner and outer) and knees.

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What about cellulite?
Cellulite is effectively fat with hardened cell walls. If you remove the fat, you remove the cellulite!

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Does it Hurt?
No! A local anaesthetic is applied to the area to be treated and the procedure is virtually painless.

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Will I need to take time off work?
You will need to take the day of the procedure off, but can return to work the next day.

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When can I expect to see results?
Results will be seen within two to three days (i.e. after the swelling has settled) as we aspirate (suck out) some of the fat at the time of the procedure. The fat that is not sucked out will be absorbed by the body and excreted over the next four months. The skin will also firm and tighten with time.

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How many treatments will I need?
This depends on the size and severity of the area to be treated. Dr Irvine will advise you on this at your initial consultation. We aim for just one treatment.
A maximum of three areas can be done at one time, and it will take approximately three hours to do so.

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What must I do before treatment (pre-operative care)?
Avoid blood thinners including anti-inflammatories as they will lead to bruising. No other special precautions are necessary.

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What must I do after treatment (post-operative care)?
1. You will need to wear an elasticated garment on the treated area for two weeks.
2. Take a course of anti-biotics.
3. No strenuous excercise for two weeks.

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Advantages of LipoLite™
Cheaper:   LipoLite™ is typically cheaper than traditional liposuction as the procedure is quicker and does not require general anaesthesia.

No 'loose' skin:   Traditional liposuction can leave loose skin where fat has been removed. The LipoLite™ process has the advantage that the laser stimulates collagen production under the skin, causing the skin to tighten and firm.

Little or no downtime:   The LipoLite™ process is minimally invasive, and does not require a general anaesthetic. This means that you can drive in and drive out and back at work within a day or two with minimal discomfort. For minor procedures, it may be possible to be back at work the same day.

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Safety and Complications
In normal circumstances there is no health risk associated with LipoLite™. As a GP, Dr Irvine will assess your suitability at your initial consultation.
Minor bruising or discomfort may occur in the short term. Antibiotics are given for five days after the procedure to prevent infection.

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Cost
This depends on how many areas you are having treated and will be discussed at your initial consultation.  A rough estimate of the cost involved is shown here.

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Am I in safe hands?
Dr Irvine is a highly regarded GP working in the Benoni area. She has been involved in aesthetic medicine for a number of years now. She was trained in the UK to use LipoLite™ and is the local trainer for LipoLite™.

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Results

Some photographs of typical results that are obtained from LipoLite™ can be seen here.
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