Smartlipo®

Smartlipo®, an innovative enhancement to traditional liposuction, gives San Jose and Palo Alto, California patients of Dr. Daryl K. Hoffman a less invasive alternative to tumescent liposuction alone. People travel from throughout the Bay Area, including Campbell, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Redwood City and Woodside, for this approach that requires less recovery time and has a decreased risk of complications.

A True Liposuction Expert Serving You in the Bay Area

Dr. Hoffman has extensive experience with body contouring procedures and also offers tumescent liposuction and VASER® LipoSelection®. As a Stanford-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Hoffman is highly skilled and dedicated to providing an understanding and supportive atmosphere for his patients who are considering their cosmetic surgery options.

To learn more about the best liposuction options for you in the Bay Area, request your consultation with Dr. Hoffman online or call us at (650) 325-1118 (Palo Alto) or (408) 371-1118 (Campbell) to schedule an appointment.

Are You an Ideal Candidate for Smartlipo?

Smartlipo is ideal for individuals who have smaller areas of excess fat they would like to slim down or sculpt. Candidates also need to be nonsmokers (or willing to quit) and in good enough health to safely undergo surgery. For patients in the Bay Area, liposuction with Dr. Hoffman is a quick, comfortable procedure that produces excellent results.

How Much Does Smartlipo Cost in San Jose?

The average cost of Smartlipo in the Bay Area varies from patient to patient. The specific cost of any procedure is subject to several factors, such as the area or areas being treated.

Liposuction
 Before & After Photos

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Liposuction Case 72 Before & After Front | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
Case: 1 of 8

For the 43-year-old patient depicted above, her goal was to achieve a slimmer look with less visible cellulite. Opting for liposuction to abdomen and inner/outer thigh area, as well as cellulite treatment to buttocks and thighs to not only slim but improve laxity in skin.  Read More
Liposuction Case 67 Before & After Left Side | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
Case: 2 of 8

This patient, a 37-year-old mother who had experienced a C-section, decided to opt for a Smartlipo 360 procedure to proactively reshape and redefine her body. Being a busy mother, she wanted an effective body-sculpting solution to address the excess fat in her inner thighs and mon pubis area.  Read More
Liposuction Case 40 Before & After View #1 | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
Case: 3 of 8

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Liposuction Case 34 Before & After View #1 | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
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Liposuction Case 33 Before & After View #1 | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
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Liposuction Case 32 Before & After View #1 | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
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Liposuction Case 31 Before & After View #1 | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
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Liposuction Case 30 Before & After View #1 | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.


Struggling with Cellulite?

Cellulaze helps smooth cellulite on the thighs and buttocks with lasting results.

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Cellulaze<sup/>™ helps smooth cellulite on the thighs and buttocks

What Is Smartlipo?

One of the many benefits of Smartlipo is that it may be performed under local anesthesia, eliminating the risks and grogginess that can be associated with general anesthesia. After the target area is prepared with tumescent fluid, Dr. Hoffman makes a small incision through which he inserts a tiny tube containing a laser fiber. This tube, known as a cannula, is moved gently under the skin as the laser ruptures fat cells for easier removal. Smartlipo also has the added benefits of:

  • Sealing blood vessels at the site, thereby reducing swelling, bleeding, and bruising for a faster recovery
  • Encouraging the production of collagen and effectively tightening the skin,1 minimizing the appearance of loose skin that can be associated with traditional liposuction

The Smartlipo procedure usually takes only an hour or 2, depending on the number of areas to be addressed. Typically 1 to 2 days of rest is ideal, and in almost all cases only a single treatment is required to achieve optimal results.

Common Liposuction Treatment Areas

Smartlipo is known for its versatility in targeting stubborn pockets of fat throughout the body. Some of the more common treatment areas include:

Abdomen

Smartlipo for the stomach and abdomen leads to a flatter mid-section and more well-defined curves.

Liposuction Case 58 Before & After View #1 | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
Liposuction Before and After by Dr. Hoffman in Palo Alto & Campbell, CA
Liposuction Case 58 Before & After View #2 | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
Liposuction Before and After by Dr. Hoffman in Palo Alto & Campbell, CA

Thighs

Stubborn pockets of fat on the thighs are a common source of frustration for many people. Smartlipo is effective for the thigh area, including the inner and outer thighs (saddle bags) as well as the front and back.

Liposuction Case 34 Before & After View #1 | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
Liposuction Before and After by Dr. Hoffman in Palo Alto & Campbell, CA
Liposuction Case 34 Before & After View #2 | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
Liposuction Before and After by Dr. Hoffman in Palo Alto & Campbell, CA

Double Chin

Patients interested in chin liposuction can benefit from Smartlipo on the neck and jawline. Smartlipo erases a double chin and creates a more youthful contour from the face to the neck.

Liposuction Case 56 Before & After View #1 | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
Liposuction Before and After by Dr. Hoffman in Palo Alto & Campbell, CA

Upper Arms

Smartlipo on the arms trims “bat wing” fat and accentuates the biceps.

Smartlipo 360

For our Bay Area patients looking to target multiple areas, Smartlipo 360 treats back fat and love handles in addition to the abdomen and flanks for 360-degree body contouring.

Liposuction Case 60 Before & After View #1 | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
Liposuction Before and After by Dr. Hoffman in Palo Alto & Campbell, CA
Liposuction Case 60 Before & After View #2 | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
Liposuction Before and After by Dr. Hoffman in Palo Alto & Campbell, CA

Hips

Smartlipo effectively removes localized fat pockets to contour your hips and complete your look.

Liposuction Case 23 Before & After View #1 | San Jose & Palo Alto, CA | Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
Liposuction Before and After by Dr. Hoffman in Palo Alto & Campbell, CA

What Are the Biggest Differences Between Smartlipo and Liposuction?

Smartlipo is an effective alternative to traditional liposuction, but the 2 procedures are sometimes both used as complementary therapies. Smartlipo’s tiny, laser-tipped cannula is much more precise than the cannulas (tubes) used to suction fat during traditional (sometimes called tumescent) liposuction. Other differences include:

  • Anesthesia: Smartlipo procedures require only a local anesthetic. Most traditional lipo patients are given general anesthesia, which increases the risk of complications.
  • Recovery time: Patients generally need a full 7 days of recovery following traditional liposuction. Smartlipo patients, on the other hand, are often back to work after 2 days of recuperation.
  • Incisions: A larger incision is needed for traditional liposuction. Smartlipo’s incision is so small that it does not require stitches. Larger incisions increase bruising and the need for a post-surgical tube for fluid drainage.
  • Skin condition: The laser energy used during Smartlipo results in tighter skin.1 In traditional liposuction, loose skin may remain after fat is removed.

Commonly Combined Procedures

Smartlipo often enhances the results of other plastic surgeries, whether to improve contours or to repurpose the fat for natural-looking volume across the body (such as in a natural breast augmentation). It is commonly paired with the following procedures:

Dr. Daryl Hoffman

Dr. Daryl Hoffman

Dr. Hoffman is a board-certified and Stanford-trained plastic surgeon serving the San Jose, Palo Alto, and Campbell, CA, areas. He is known for his warm approach, modern techniques, and exceptional results. He takes pride in using his more than 20 years of experience in plastic surgery to offer advanced surgical approaches to the women and men he treats. Learn how he can help make your aesthetic goals a reality.

Meet Dr. Hoffman

What Is Smartlipo Recovery Like?

Smartlipo typically requires minimal downtime and causes only minimal discomfort, although patient experiences vary. Following surgery, you will be ready to return home very soon after your treatment to begin the recovery process.

Being prepared for what to expect before, during, and after Smartlipo can ease your healing and recovery:

Preparing for Smartlipo Surgery

Before your procedure, we recommend drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest. You should avoid over-the-counter blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and Ibuprofen, as well as Vitamin E and fish oil. If you’re a smoker, it’s essential to stop smoking several weeks prior to your procedure. You can also take these steps:

  • Get medications filled prior to surgery
  • Prepare your home for recovery (set up a comfortable area where you can easily access medication and recovery items)
  • Take time off work (approximately 2 to 3 days)

What To Expect During Your Recovery Period

While every patient varies, here’s a general overview of what to expect as you heal and recover from your procedure:

  • Minor swelling and bruising for a few days up to 1 week (gradually dissipates)
  • Incisions and scar management (keep incision sites dry and clean; use recommended scar solutions)
  • Showering and bathing (showering is permitted the day after treatment; baths are OK after incisions are sealed)
  • Exercise/exertion (resume exercise and rigorous activities after 2 weeks)

Tips for a Successful Recovery

  • Wear compression garments to encourage healing and prevent blood clots
  • Take gentle walks to promote circulation and avoid blood clots
  • Use prescribed medications to ease discomfort

Enjoying Your Results

Initial Smartlipo results are visible within about 2 weeks (once swelling subsides). Final results can take 6 to 12 months but are well worth the wait. You can preserve your results by maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.

Will Fat Grow Back After Smartlipo?

The results of Smartlipo body contouring are long-lasting; once fat cells are removed through liposuction, they will not re-grow. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and get regular exercise so that you can enjoy an improved appearance for years to come.
Smartlipo Before and After
Smartlipo Before and After
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

A Reputation Built on Results

Among the best decisions I ever made was to go to Dr Hoffman. I was embarrassed--and more than just...
Caring, compassionate all around. The entire staff is amazing! Dr. Hoffman will help you achieve the...
Dr Hoffman and his office staff are always processional. Your expertise and exceptional care have made...
My results are beautiful and my confidence has returned Dr Hoffman and his Staff provided Exceptional...

A Few More Smartlipo FAQs

Because there are several different types of liposuction, it is normal to have questions about the advantages of a specific procedure and what sets it apart from other forms of lipo offered in the Bay Area. Some of the most frequent questions asked include:

Q: Can Smartlipo correct cellulite?

Although the skin tightening benefits of the Smartlipo procedure can sometimes improve the appearance of cellulite, other options might be better for addressing this concern. Dr. Hoffman frequently performs Cellulaze™ treatments on their own or in conjunction with Smartlipo to improve the look of bumpy skin caused by cellulite.

Q:  Is Smartlipo worth it?

Absolutely! Smartlipo earns an impressive 84% “Worth It” rating on the medical review site RealSelf. Patients appreciate that they can achieve significant fat removal within a single treatment that requires less recovery time. Visible bruising and swelling are minimal, and results are transformative and long-lasting.

Q: Will my skin sag after Smartlipo?

Smartlipo’s use of unique laser energy typically results in tighter skin following treatment. However, depending on the severity of loose skin, some patients may benefit from additional skin-tightening treatments.

Q: Is Smartlipo painful?

The procedure itself is not painful, thanks to the local anesthesia that numbs the area completely. Some soreness is normal for the first few days of recovery, but most people find they can easily control this with prescribed or even over-the-counter pain medication.

Q: How long will my results last?

Your body will not grow new fat cells after your Smartlipo treatment, but the cells that remain can expand. This is why it is important to maintain good eating habits and an exercise routine. With a healthy lifestyle, your Smartlipo results can last indefinitely.

Q: Are there any non surgical alternatives?

Yes, depending on your goals and treatment areas of choice. We offer CoolSculpting®, which uses intense cold to freeze fat cells, and ZERONA®, which uses laser energy to reduce fat on the midsection, hips, and thighs. SculpSure® is another noninvasive fat reduction treatment we have added to our practice that uses laser energy. If you are interested in reducing fat on the upper neck that causes a “double chin,” we offer KYBELLA® injections. These solutions can be a convenient, effective alternative for certain patients. Dr. Hoffman can help you decide on the right approach for your body.

Q: How much weight do you lose with Smartlipo?

Smartlipo is not intended to be a weight loss procedure. Instead, think of it as a cosmetic body contouring complement to a healthy lifestyle. You won’t see major movement on the scale. In fact, you may see a slight uptick for the first few weeks due to swelling. This will eventually subside and leave you at or just below the weight you were before surgery.


1 McBean, Jason C., Katz, Bruce E., Laser Lipolysis: An Update, Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology: 2011; 4(7): 25-34.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140909/

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