One liposuction device does not always fit all

Evan Sorokin, M.D. answers: Is Vaser Lipo better than Smart Lipo?

Is the Vaser lipo better than the Smart lipo system?  Can someone tell me what's the difference and what type usually works best for getting rid of fat around the belly and chest?


Evan Sorokin, MD
14 months ago

Vaser is a type of ultrasound assisted liposuction while Smartlipo is laser assisted liposuction. Both systems are ways of getting rid of unwanted fat deposits. They work very differently.

With Vaser, soundwaves are used to break up fat. With Smartlipo, laser light is used to destroy the fat. Just like both a helicopter or a plane can be used to travel to different places, either of these technologies can get you to the same endpoint.

Ultrasound is usually utilized for removal of larger areas while Smartlipo is typically utilized for smaller areas. Thus, I would not say that one of these technologies is "better" than the other as they are both used for body sculpting and each has advantages and disadvantages.

I would find a surgeon who offers both, as there are many plastic surgeons who will tell you that one is far superior to another just because it is all they offer. Most true plastic surgeons are going to understand the fundamentals of liposuction and be able to explain to patients which subtype of liposuction will work best for them.

These days there are so many non-core "cosmetic" surgeons offering Smartlipo or Vaser after literally taking weekend courses and buying a machine. The patient needs to be careful to find a physician who has performed thousands of procedures and can offer all types. I hope that this information helps.

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