New Lipo Procedure Melts Away Fat

Dieting does not always get rid of fatty bulges. That is why liposuction is so popular, but a newer version of liposuction may give you results sooner and more safely.

Alexis Tino wanted a flat belly, but dieting could not get rid of the bulge.

"Skinny jeans are in this season. They don't look so good with a belly hanging over," she said.

Tino came to Dr. Robert Gotkin for a new type of liposuction called Smartlipo.

"The Smartlipo is so far and away more superior to the previous techniques that we had and it's almost comparable," Gotkin said.

With traditional liposuction, fat is broken up and then sucked out of the body. But with the new Smartlipo procedure, there is no suction.

Smartlipo uses a laser that, in a way, melts fat. The beam ruptures fat cells like bursting a bubble. Gotkin said smart lipo is more precise and safer. Plus, officials said the recovery is faster and much less painful than traditional liposuction.

"They're back to their usual activities much more quickly than they ever were before," Gotkin said.

Tino was back to work in no time. Officials said it takes about four months before the swelling goes down and the belly is completely flat.

"It's just nice that you can go in your closet and put anything on and everything will look good," Tino said.

Smartlipo tends to cost the same as other liposuction techniques. Health officials warn people that any decision for plastic surgery should be made in consultation with your primary physician.