What is SmoothShapes?
SmoothShapes is an FDA-approved cosmetic treatment most often used to reduce the appearance of cellulite and smooth and tighten skin. It is often used in conjunction with SmoothLipo or other lipoplasty procedures to provide additional body shaping and improve possible sagging skin from the procedure.
How does SmoothShapes work?
SmoothShapes uses a combination of laser and light energy, vacuum massage and a patented roller system to increase collagen production, circulation and lymphatic drainage in the designated treatment area. The dual lasers used in SmoothShapes liquefy the lipids found in subcutaneous fat cells, while also increasing fat cell wall permeability to allow these lipids to be eliminated. The suction massage and rollers are used to enhance this elimination by encouraging increased lymphatic drainage.
Liquefying and eliminating some of the lipids in a patient’s subcutaneous fat allows these cells to shrink, thus reducing bulges that cause unsightly cellulite and dimpled skin. At the same time, enhanced collagen production works to repair brittle structures that pull on the skin, which increase the severity of dimples and uneven texture.
What are the advantages of SmoothShapes over other similar procedures?
• Pain-free, comfortable sessions
• Effective, convenient and safe
• Extended 4-8 month period before maintenance sessions are needed
• No known serious risks or lasting side effects
• Patients can return to work or daily activities immediately with no recovery period
Who is a candidate for SmoothShapes?
Patients that are in good health and are not pregnant are ideal candidates for SmoothShapes. Those who have conditions that may be worsened by enhanced lymphatic drainage, such as congestive heart failure or certain types of asthma, should consult with their physician to determine their candidacy.
How is the procedure performed?
This cosmetic procedure can be administered by a spa professional or a cosmetic physician and is performed on an outpatient basis without topical numbing creams or anesthesia. During the session, patients lie comfortably on a massage-type table while the SmoothShapes provider delivers laser and light energy and suction massage to the treatment area by moving the apparatus over the skin. A SmoothShapes session will generally take about 50 minutes and there is no downtime or activity restrictions needed after receiving treatment.
What is the recovery like?
There is no recovery period needed after this safe, comfortable procedure. Patients who have any sort of discomfort can use over the counter pain medications or ice packs, but this is rarely necessary.
What will my results be like?
Patients generally notice a gradual tightening of the skin and reduction of cellulite as they progress through their eight-session SmoothShapes series. The results are considered long-lasting, but temporary, which means maintenance sessions are generally required four to eight months after the initial treatment series, with some patients reporting one year between maintenance treatments.
What are the risks?
While some patients may experience redness or warmth in the treatment area immediately after completing a SmoothShapes session, these effects subside in less than an hour. Other than these minimal effects, there are no known risks for patients receiving SmoothShapes who are in overall good health.
Is the SmoothShapes procedure approved for use in the U.S.?
Yes, the FDA has approved SmoothShapes to be used in the United States.
Is the SmoothShapes procedure covered by insurance companies?
Insurance companies generally will not cover any cosmetic procedure that is not considered medically necessary, which includes SmoothShapes. Patients who do not want to pay for treatment up front, or who cannot pay up front, should discuss financing options or payment plans with their SmoothShapes provider.
How much does SmoothShapes cost?
The cost of receiving SmoothShapes in your area will be determined by a number of factors, including geographical area and individual provider fees; however, the average cost for a series of 8-12 SmoothShapes treatment sessions is between $2,000 and $4,000.
Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.
By DermaNework.org Staff
Updated: August 21, 2009
