A newer procedure called SmartLipo promises to melt away inches in no time, with your body changing right before your eyes.

It's relatively new to the Pittsburgh area, and it's already making a big impact.

Video: Watch Michelle Wright's Report

The procedure promises no down time, with doctors saying patients can get up, get dressed and drive themselves back to work.

SmartLipo uses a laser to make the fat disappear. WTAE Channel 4 Action News anchor Michelle Wright traveled to the Rejuvenation Center in Wheeling, W.Va. for a preview of the procedure.

Karen Anderson, 38, and a mother of three, said she wanted to make a change in her life so she tried SmartLipo.

"I'm hoping to get rid of 10, 15 pounds extra," she said. "Mid-section. That's its home, and I don't want it to be there anymore."

Debbi Habursky, 51, said it has been an ongoing battle with her stomach since her son was born 15 years ago.

"I'm hoping to have a better looking stomach," she said. "I'm hoping to be able to buy clothes easier, more self-confidence and feel more comfortable."

Michelle Decrease, 37, doesn't have much time for herself while raising two active boys and working full time.

"I'll join (the YMCA) for a little while, work out, don't see results," she said.

All three women decided to try SmartLipo to regain control of their bodies.

Dr. Stephen Mills offers the procedure at the center in Wheeling and said results come without the pain.

"The difference is no general anesthesia, which is a huge benefit," he said. "It works across the age groups, young, middle and as we're getting older."

The first step is marking and photographing. The doctor then injects a fluid under the skin that helps numb the area and prepare the fat.

During the next step, a Smart laser is worked under the skin and zaps the fat, liquefying it.

"I can feel the fat kind of melting that giggling kind of feeling," said Anderson.

Finally, Mills uses a power-assisted lipo tool to vacuum out the fat and the fluid. The fat disappears right in front of your eyes.

"I don't feel any pain," said Anderson. "I've had two surgeries, feel very sluggish. I don't have any of that."

Two weeks later for Anderson's follow-up visit, the results are there and she is more than happy with them.

"I'm just very excited," she said. "I'm so pleased. I'm so pleased with the results."

Right after Decrease's procedure, she was able to drive herself to work.

"It's proof that there is very little or no down time just like they advertise," she said.

Habursky, along with Anderson and Decrease, is also happy with the results she got.

"It took, literally, 15 years off me," she said.

The cost is about $3,500 for the procedure. If you need more or less, the price changes, and there's a discount for more than one area.

The procedure got FDA approval in 2006, but plastic surgeons aren't ready to say whether they endorse it.

It can be performed on anyone who is healthy. And remember, it targets hard to lose areas but is not a cure for overall weight loss.

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