SINCE the evolution of liposuction, it has become the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the US to date. In the Philippines liposuction was introduced by the Belo Medical Group, led by noted dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Vicki Belo.

From the traditional liposuction to the tumescent technique, the procedure has evolved through the years, and liposuction has become a popular cosmetic surgery trend.

Today it has become even better and more sophisticated with SmartLipo, a bloodless, state-of-the-art procedure that uses laser on the surface of the body part where there is unwanted fat. The laser then goes through the skin and makes the fat cells burst, melt and become loose, making the unwanted fat easier to get rid of. The laser, which seals the blood vessels, also allows skin contraction, so there’s no more loose skin after the procedure.

The technology was acquired by Dr. Belo after returning from a trip to Milan, Italy. The Belo SmartLipo procedure uses a pulsed laser system whose energy is delivered through fiber optics straight to the body’s targeted fat cells. A red helium neon laser shines underneath the skin to act as a guide, allowing the surgeon performing the procedure to be aware of what specific area he is working on. The laser dissolves or liquefies redundant body fat with heat.

Belo SmartLipo works in two ways. Using the laser to directly heat the fat cell, it causes the fat cell to rupture and release all the fatty oily solution it contains. Once the fat is melted, it can either be left alone, allowing the body’s natural lymphatic system to excrete the fat over four months, or the fat can be suctioned out for immediate results.

The procedure is done under sedation and lasts two to four hours, depending on the area being treated. The heat generated by the laser helps constrict the blood vessels, making the procedure less bloody. The patient will experience less pain and bruising after the treatment. It also helps to make the overlying skin contract better. Post-operation recovery is also faster.

SmartLipo can stand alone and a patient may not opt to do suction after. In these cases, the treated area is subjected to several sessions of Lipolite treatment to enhance the excretion of the melted fat via the lymphatic system. If no suction is done, results are seen in four months, after which the patient can decide whether to do another treatment or not.

The advantages of Belo SmartLipo are easier painless removal of fat; better skin contraction; less bruising and swelling; and a much shorter recovery time. Results will be evident after only a few days, when the patient will notice a significant change in his/her body. However, real change comes only after six weeks, when most of the swelling is gone and the final contour will be visible.

Patients are usually very pleased with the results of the procedure. By eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, one can help maintain a slimmer figure or a leaner physique.

Celebrities who have undergone the SmartLipo procedure include Ai-Ai de las Alas, Eula Valdez, Claudine Barretto, Joyce Jimenez, Ara Mina, Mylene Dizon, Paolo Contis and Bobby Andrews.

For questions: 844-2939, info@belomed.com.

The boss of 9-to-5

LIZ CLAIBORNE built her fashion business by catering to the needs of working women. Over the years, the brand deserted them, as did much of the fashion industry. When Claiborne died Tuesday, at 78, her company was trying to woo them back.

The lowdown on SmartLipo

SINCE the evolution of liposuction, it has become the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the US to date. In the Philippines liposuction was introduced by the Belo Medical Group, led by noted dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Vicki Belo.

Mandy Moore is all grown up

WHEN Mandy Moore steps out of her black Prius and bounds into a tiny speck of a restaurant in Los Feliz, not a hipster on the block flinches. Sure, her toffee bangs are partially covering her eyes—but you’d expect someone might make a correlation between the girl on the street and the enormous photo of her plastered on a giant billboard just a few yards away, towering over Vermont Avenue.

Today’s celebutantes can’t hold candle to Lady Di

Tina Brown offers this observation about celebrities and their larger-than-life mien: “I have a theory that you physically change by being looked at.” In fact, she continued, one’s head appears to grow in proportion to one’s body. “Hillary [Rodham Clinton’s]...is like something on a Macy’s carnival float. Angelina Jolie’s head—I’m sorry, it’s vast.”

Gab Fab: Another round of birthday cheers

AH, to be young and free....

These celebrities I talked to recently celebrated their birthdays and they all agreed to not only celebrate the day they were born but also to celebrate life in general. The result? They are all very well-rounded and intelligent individuals whom I had fun talking to.

Let’s meet them one by one....