Why did I get burned during SmartLipo treatments?

All lasers generate heat. SmartLipo is only to be operated while under the skin. Some trainers originally said to char a white 4 X 4 occasionally to clean the fiber. . . but that practice has been removed. Now that the laser is NEVER fired when outside of the body, burn risks are greatly reduced. We were fortunate to never have any burns before this recommendation was changed.

The most recent data from Cynosure indicates that the dermis can start to burn at 42 degress Celsius. I delegate one assistant to monitor the skin temperature with an infrared thermometer throughout the laser portion of my procedures to make sure we do not approach this threshold. This is particularly important in smaller areas, which can heat up quickly (thinner patients, chin, jaw, and over bony prominences). Ice is also on hand to rapidly cool an area if it heats up too quickly. We have not had any burns using this practice.

Any burn can scar. Since you started treatment immediately, you should be able to recover optimally. Since we can't see how you actually looked, it's difficult to say how you'll end up.

Remember to follow the treatment advice exactly as prescribed. You have one chance to heal optimally. Keeping it clean and moist (with Biafine or other topical medication - NOT pond water!) is always a good start.