Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
805 El Camino Real, Suite A
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone: (650) 325-1118
Monday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
3425 South Bascom Avenue #100
Campbell, CA 95008
Phone: (408) 371-1118
Monday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
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. This innovative approach requires less recovery time and has a decreased risk of complications.
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.
What Is Smartlipo?
Smartlipo is an advanced form of traditional liposuction. One of the biggest advantages of Smartlipo is that patients enjoy a safer, more comfortable experience. The procedure’s key benefits include:
- Performed under local vs. general anesthesia, which enhances comfort, reduces grogginess, and minimizes risks
- Minimal bruising and swelling due to laser-sealed blood vessels
- Simultaneous skin-tightening and fat-removal for firmer, youthful contours
- Shorter procedure with a quicker recovery (1 to 2 days)
- Most patients benefit from a single treatment
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. Results are immediately visible, with continued improvement as the skin firms and heals.
A True Liposuction Expert Serving You in Silicon Valley and the Bay Area
Patients throughout Silicon Valley—including San Jose, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, Saratoga, Mountain View, and Menlo Park—choose Dr. Daryl K. Hoffman for his decades of plastic surgery expertise. Whether you’re seeking facial rejuvenation, body contouring, or breast enhancement, our Palo Alto and Campbell offices offer convenient, elegant settings designed to support your aesthetic journey.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
Hips
Smartlipo effectively removes localized fat pockets to contour your hips and complete your look.
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:
Smartlipo vs Nonsurgical Alternatives
When considering body contouring, patients often weigh the benefits of Smartlipo against popular nonsurgical treatments like CoolSculpting® and SculpSure®. While all three reduce stubborn fat, each works differently and offers unique advantages in terms of downtime, skin tightening, and overall results.
| Feature | Smartlipo | CoolSculpting | SculpSure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive (tiny incision + laser) | Minimally invasive (freezes fat cells) | Minimally invasive (laser heat destroys fat) |
| Recovery Time | 1–2 days of rest; resume activities in a few days | No downtime; mild soreness or numbness | No downtime; mild tenderness/redness |
| Skin Tightening | Yes. Laser stimulates collagen for firmer skin | No | Mild skin firming possible |
| Fat Reduction | Up to 30% in treated areas | About 20–25% per session | About 20–24% per session |
| Cost Differences | Higher upfront (surgical fees, anesthesia) but usually only one treatment is needed | Lower per session, multiple sessions usually required | Lower per session but multiple sessions may be needed |
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. HoffmanWhat Is Smartlipo Recovery Like?
Smartlipo typically requires minimal downtime and is well-tolerated, although patient experiences vary. In general, here’s what you can expect:
| Stage | What To Expect | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation (Before Surgery) | Stay hydrated, rest, stop smoking, avoid blood thinners & supplements. Fill prescriptions. Take 2–3 days off work. | Create a comfortable recovery space; stock needed items. |
| Day 1–2 | Mild swelling and bruising. Rest and wear compression garments. | Take prescribed meds, gentle walking for circulation. |
| Week 1 | Back to work and light activity. Showering is OK (no baths until incisions heal). | Keep incisions clean/dry; use scar care as directed. |
| 2–3 Weeks | Resume exercise and more strenuous activities (with Dr. Hoffman’s clearance). | Continue compression garments and hydration. |
| 6–12 Months | Final results visible with continued skin tightening. | Maintain healthy lifestyle to preserve results. |
Additional 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.
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
A Reputation Built on Results
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 safe?
Absolutely! Smartlipo is considered safe when performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Hoffman. The procedure uses laser technology through a tiny incision, and safety is further supported by accredited surgical facilities and proper anesthesia protocols.
Q: Does Smartlipo really tighten skin?
Yes. In addition to removing fat, the laser energy used in Smartlipo stimulates collagen production, which helps the skin contract and look firmer over time.
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?
With a healthy lifestyle, your Smartlipo results can last indefinitely. 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.
Q: Can Smartlipo remove belly fat?
Yes. Smartlipo is commonly used to target stubborn belly fat, along with other “trouble areas” such as the thighs, arms, and neck.
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.
Q: How long before I see results?
You’ll notice slimmer contours soon after treatment, with results improving as swelling subsides. Final results are typically visible within 3 to 6 months.
Q: Is Smartlipo permanent?
Yes! The fat cells removed during Smartlipo are gone for good. However, maintaining a stable weight with healthy habits is key to preserving your results long term.
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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