Which is better, Vaser vs Smart Lipo?

Hi!

I'm not sure if it is possible to say one technology is "better" than another. However, here are some useful points to consider (and bear in mind that I have tried them both in my practice):

The VASER uses ultrasound energy, which when properly applied to the tissues, is highly specific for fatty tissue emulsification. This means that nerves, blood vessels, and skin are at low risk of injury—a great benefit. The blood supply to the skin and other tissues is minimally disturbed—and this is evident in the material removed during the procedure; the amount of blood seen in a VASER case is remarkably less than in liposuction cases where other technologies are used. VASER probes are blunt and at least 2.9mm in diameter, so the risk of penetration of the abdominal wall is quite low in the hands of a well-trained and experienced plastic surgeon.

The laser-assisted technologies uses laser frequencies that are not as specific for fat as the ultrasound energy of the VASER is, meaning that the energy emitted from the device can be nearly equally damaging to fat, nerves, blood vessels, and skin. The company says this is a benefit, as the device will coagulate blood vessels so there is less bruising; but as a plastic surgeon, I think that preservation of the nerves and blood vessels is in my patient's long term best interests considering that there is very little bruising with the VASER in any case. Finally, the laser filaments are narrow, pointy, and the tip gets quite hot—I am concerned that this creates a significant risk of penetration of the abdominal wall, leading to bowel injury upon skin penetration.

The final remaining point to make is that the companies that produce laser assisted liposuction devices claim that these devices are a patient's best option because of the promise of "skin tightening." This improved skin tightening over other techniques (including the VASER) has simply not been seen by any responsible and unbiased practitioner or in any well done and honest study.

So, in my opinion, the laser assisted devices offer no advantage over the VASER, and expose the patient to significant added risk. That's why I now have only a VASER and have gotten rid of my laser assisted device.

I hope that helps.


 

Vaser liposuction, also known as Vaser #lipo, LipoSelection or Liposuction, is an advanced body #contouring procedure that selectively removes unwanted body fat. An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, #Vaser lipo uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology designed to gently #reshape your body. There are three types of #Vaser Lipo. Each benefit patients differently depending on their needs.
What distinguishes the Vaser lipo procedure is its ability to differentiate targeted #fat from other important tissues; such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Innovative VASER #technology breaks up fat while preserving these other important tissues to promote smooth #results and rapid healing.
The Smart lipo method uses laser energy with less trauma to the body than traditional liposuction. A stainless steel wand is used with #Smart Lipo to emit the laser energy  at a higher wavelength which also produces a lot of heat. Smart Lipo's metal wand is limited in flexibility preventing the ability to target all areas of concern. It also becomes extremely warm as a result of the metal conducting such high wavelengths potentially burning and damage to the area being addressed and neighboring non-fat tissue. 
It's best to begin consulting with a board certified plastic surgery to learn if you are a candidate for a liposuction procedure. If so, you will then learn more about which #technique will work best for you and your goals. It is important you select a plastic surgeon who is #board-certified and has a great deal of experience with #liposuction. Aside from checking board-certification, it is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision. Always discuss your issues and concerns with the Plastic Surgeon during and following your consultation. Information that you read online may not apply to your personal situation.

I have both and still use both, but in general I use more vaser for larger volumes and smart lipo for specific finite areas. I see more skin retraction with smart lipo ,but it will not replace the need for a tummy tuck if you have a lot of extra skin and can give a worse result if that is attempted. In the right patient, both give really excellent results.