Aqualipo™ Surgery Day. What Can I Expect?

For the vast majority of patients (90%), Dr. Bassin recommends performing the Aqualipo™ procedure as a straight local procedure, in which the patient is entirely awake.  In certain cases, Dr. Bassin may find it necessary to recommend an anti-anxiety and pain pill based on perceived comfort level.  Before the procedure starts, the skin will be marked and photos will be taken. A small injection of Novocain will be placed on the skin, and a 1.5 millimeter hole (the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen) will be paced for access to the fat layer.  Dr. Bassin will infuse tumescent anesthetic (numbing fluid) into the fat.  This numbing fluid is formulated with salt water or IV fluid, with the addition of Novocain and ephenephrine.  Most patients describe this as a “weird” sensation because the fat has no nerve endings.  Patients, once numbed, are able to have the Smartlipo™ laser portion of the procedure performed completely pain free.  Dr. Bassin makes two distinct passes with the laser.  The first pass, typically set at maximum energy, concentrates on the deep fat compartment and focuses on complete liquefaction of the fat.  This laser pass will also coagulate, or seal, the blood vessels, which ultimately results in less bruising and swelling.  A second pass with the laser is then performed.  This pass is concentrated on the area right under the skin. By applying laser energy, or heat, to the deep skin structure, neocollagenization, or the process of building new collagen occurs, which results in the dramatic skin tightening seen with the SmartLipo™ procedure.  Once the laser portion of the procedure is finished, Dr. Bassin will then aspirate, or suction, the liquefied fat with the use of the Body Jet. This portion of the procedure is also performed pain free.  Patients are welcome to hold the tubing to see the liquefied fat flowing outwards.  Patients are also welcome to bring a family member into the procedure area for comfort.  Once the procedure is concluded, Dr. Bassin asks the patient to stand up so that both he and the patient can review the results and correct any asymmetries that may be readily apparent.  After that, patients are discharged to go home within fifteen minutes. 

How do I get started with Aqualipo™? 

If you want a private consultation about how to get your Body by Bassin at the SmartLipo™/Aqualipo™ Center of Florida, simply request an  appointment online or call any of our five convenient locations: Melbourne, Florida office at 321-255-0025, Orlando, Florida office at 407-851-3888, Vero Beach, Florida office at 772-778-5383, Tampa, Florida at 813-872-7800, or The Villages, Florida office at 877-333-3223