Studies show no difference for method of liposuction

Benjamin Van Raalte, MD answers: Smart Lipo vs. Traditional Liposuction on upper arms and love handles

I'm 5'2", 110 lbs, and Asian. I had Liposuction on my upper arms in 2004 and never really saw the results I was looking for. Will Smart Lipo on this area and love handles be any better, in results and downtime? I remember awful downtime before and would like to avoid it.


Benjamin Van Raalte, MD
10 months ago

A study in Plastic in Reconstructive Surgery compared results of Smart Lipo with tumescent liposuction. Patients had one side done by Smart Lipo and the other done by conventional liposuction. There was no difference.

A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing Laser-Assisted Lipoplasty with Suction-Assisted Lipoplasty.

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 118(4):1032-1045, September 15, 2006.
Prado, Arturo M.D.; Andrades, Patricio M.D.; Danilla, Stefan M.D.; Leniz, Patricio M.D., Ph.D.; Castillo, Paulo M.D.; Gaete, Fancy M.D.

Of course, the machine is expensive, and purchasers of the machine are hoping to acquire more patients.

Thermage can be done after liposuction for more tightening , but one fourth see no improvement with the rest seeing a mild to moderate tightening.

There is a mini arm lift that excises a small amount of skin in the axilla for further tightening.

Your skin tone looks reasonable, and although there are risks, your picture shows skin that should tighten on its own fairly well most of the time.

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