Liposuction: Q&A

Ask a Question

I Am Considering Getting Some Lipo Done. Whch is Better? SmartLipo or Traditional?

I have had 2 different consultations. ( Regular lipo and Smartlipo ) each Dr says their technique is better. I was told Smartlipo can get rid of more fat than traditional lipo. is that true? The smart lipo seems to be a liitle more expensive. Any advise would be appreciated.

Tags:

Comment on this

14 Doctor Answers | Asked by rdelgado

Doctor Answers (14)
Community Comments (0)

Which lipo is better ?

Simple > It is the technique and the technician - Not the machine A good surgeon with a good technique will get good results in almost all the patients (Also please keep in mind that selection of the patient is also important).

Is SmartLipo better than Traditional Liposuction?

Dear rdelgado, The most important factor to consider when choosing a liposuction technique is not the technique itself but, rather, the judgment, skill, and experience of the physician performing the liposuction. A highly trained and skilled physician (ie. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologic Surgeon) can achieve excellent liposuction results in a properly selected patient with a variety of techniques including traditional tumescent liposuction,... more

Smart, smarter, smartest lipo: know the facts

Smart lipo is one of many liposuction techniques that uses a laser; this adds expense and risk. Keeping in mind that laser lipo is still liposuction, and all liposuction is surgery, the most important thing is the surgeon not the device that he or she uses.

Smart Lipo or Traditional Liposuction

Liposuction method is not nearly as important as liposuction surgeon. Find the plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of liposuction procedures each year. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

What kind of liposuction is best?

The liposuction technology is not as important as the expertise of the plastic surgeon providing the service. While there may be some additional skin tightening benefits with the SmartLipo if performed correctly, there are also higher risks of thermal injury and subcutaneous scar formation. The difference between SmartLipo and "regular" lipo is usually not that significant. If they were honest with you, most plastic surgeons would agree that SmartLipo is a nice marketing tool... more

Smart Lipo Versus Traditional Liposuction

While both techniques (when performed by a highly competent surgeon) have their advantages, traditional liposuction remains the gold standard in most plastic surgery practices. Smart Lipo uses a laser to help break up the fat which is then 'suctioned' out through a small instrument. The results can be very good if the surgeon is experienced with this technique. Traditional liposuction uses a cannula (instrument used to suction out the fat) and large volumes of fluid to... more

Liposuction and technique

I personally am not enamored by the Laser lipolysis devices (i.e Smartlipo). But I will say that it is not the wand but the magician waving the wand that creates the magic. In other words, a good surgeon can get good results with a machine he/she is comfortable with.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

When You Want Cheap Liposuction With Equally Cheap Results, Go With Laser Lipo.

Laser liposuction has earned such a bad reputation because of many patients needing to get their poor results fixed, therefore it is one of the cheapest lipo techniques and mainly seen in shady chain lipo clinics or with inexperienced docs. To be fair, anyone can be proficient at a particular technique of liposuction if doing enough cases and with good technique. I also consider traditional liposuction as outdated with less than good results since it is usually done under gen. anesthesia... more

David Hansen, MD

19 reviews

Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

www.DrDavidHansen.com

Liposuction, so many choices, which is smart?

It is hard for a prospective patient to make a decision about body contouring with liposuction. Traditional liposuction is the gold standard still. A lot of companies aggressively promote their machines, including lasers, ultrasound, freezing, non invasive fat melting, etc. As a board certified plastic surgeon in private practice, I used most of these. Remember, these are tools in a plastic surgeon's tool box. The biggest tool is between the surgeon's ears, and this decides what to use to... more

Smart Lipo does work

The original Smart Lipo laser machines left many patients and surgeons dissatsfied with the results. This was due to a wavelength and power that could not break down the fat well. It was time consuming and tedious. The latest SmartLipo Triplex machine uses a wavelength that is much more absorbed by fat, making it a much faster machine for laser lipolysis. In addition another problem with SmartLipo is that too many of the machine were sold to "surgeons" that were not... more

Hello

In our practice we do conventional Liposuction and Vaser liposuction. They are both very good procedure. It’s not which one is better it all depends on the age of the patient, weight and cost. If you’re young and tight skin Conventional lipo will give you good results. If you’re older we would recommend Vaser liposuction. Vaser liposuction is ultra-sonic sound waves that detach the fat cell from the regular cells and we are able to remove a little more fat with... more

Smartlipo versus traditional liposuction

Hello, It's not the machine, it's the surgeon that counts! There is no evidence in our scientific journals to suggest that laser lipolysis is better than traditional liposuction in any meaningful, clinical result. The same can be said for power, ultrasound, and Vaser assisted liposuction. Your results rest squarely on the shoulders of the operator performing the surgery. I would be sure that the surgeons you've had consults with are certified by the American Board of... more

Smart Lipo Is Only Smart If You Avoid It

Smart lipo, slim lipo, vaser lipo, laser lipo, are truly all just marketing ploys. There was a survey done of all Certified Board Plastic Surgeons asking how many used one of these alternate methods compared to traditional liposuction. Of the 100% surveyed, 90% said they only used traditional liposuction. Of the 10% who used alternate techniques, when asked what the advantages of smart lipo, etc. are, the answer was marketing. Traditional lipo is safe, proven, and... more

SmartLipo versus Regular Lipo

There are so many types of lipo advertised I can see how it would be difficult to decide. In my opinion, all the "gadgets" of liposuction offer little benefit. Also, they tend to cause scarring. All too often, doctors have bought a "laser" to get into liposuction, and the patient ends up with scarring of the overlying skin. The best results with the least chance of scarring are with very small cannulas and a doctor who has done hundreds of cases. You are smart to be asking these... more