Smart Lipo Vs. Liposuction on Upper Arms and Love Handles

Smart lipo uses a laser to liquefy the fat, which is then suctioned out. Skin tightening is often the biggest issue with lipo of the upper arms. Proponents of smart lipo claim that it produces better skin tightening but this has never been proven in any published study, so either technique should be satisfactory.

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 and, yes, it can be done on the #upper #arms.
There are three types of #Vaser Lipo. Each benefit patients differently depending on their needs. Vaser Lipo  is capable of removing fat from resilient areas providing a smoother and slimmer results. It is common for reducing love handles, extra skin along the bra line or flanks on many female patients. Additionally, it is often applied to the reduction of male breast surgeries, called gynecomastia surgery. Meanwhile, Vaser Hi-Def  targets both deep and superficial fat cells which is found around muscle tissue. This is suggested to tone and defined rather than reduce fat when not necessary. Finally, Vaser #4D, although similar to Vaser Hi-Def works well with the existing muscle tissue.. However, it results in more natural appearing definition to those areas, being treated. Vaser 4D is often applied to treating abdominal region to improve definition.  Additionally, it's not uncommon for Vaser Liposuction to combined with fat transfer which removes and transfers fat to another area of the body.
It's best to begin consulting with a board certified plastic surgery to learn if you are a candidate for liposuction. 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 #vaser #liposuction.

I'm sorry that you were unsatisfied
with the results of your previous liposuction procedure -- I'm sure that was
very frustrating. The good news is that SmartLipo is a gentler approach, which
means it requires less downtime. In most cases, SmartLipo patients are able to
get back to office work in a fraction of the time of their counterparts who
undergo traditional liposuction. SmartLipo also has the ancillary benefit of tightening
skin, thanks to its laser energy. By causing the skin to contract and collagen
to regenerate, you may see improved results for your upper arms and love
handles. I recommend seeking a surgeon near who is experienced with SmartLipo
to learn more about the results you may expect.

SmartLipo is laser assisted Liposuction. Its probably better to research
who is doing your procedure. Smart doctors have learned how to use
technology to get the desired result. We combine both technology now.
Liposuction using Smartlipo permanently destroys & removes the
treated fat cells. After Smartlipo, we use micro-cannula and Power Assisted Liposuction to actually remove the fat. Adults do not
create new fat cells. You should see the results immediately when the fat is removed. One of my patients recently had SmartLipo
but had poor results and was burned! She said "I didn't know that my
cosmetic surgeon was not a Plastic Surgeon" We had to fix her abdomen
and other areas damaged by the laser. Cost should not be the only
criteria for selecting your Plastic Surgeon. Experience and training
matters a lot. Non Plastic surgeons (cosmetic surgeons) tend to charge
less than Plastic Surgeon. Below are other criteria to use when
selecting a Plastic surgeon.Questions to ask (Answering NO is a big red flag)1) Are you a plastic surgeon? (Do you know difference between cosmetic surgeon & plastic surgeon)2) Are you board certified in Plastic Surgery?3) Will the procedure be performed at a fully accredited procedure room or ambulatory surgery center4) Do you have hospital privilege to perform liposuction or SmartLipo? 5) Do you offer complication insurance (it does happen, it better to be safe)The
most important decision is to do your homework well. Any doctor can
offer SmartLipo. Its your duty to know who is doing your procedure. Its better to choose a Smart Doctor. Good
luck.

The discomfort following surgery can be controlled well with anti-inflammatories.  Arnica helps decrease the bruising.  Based on the pictures you have sent, you would be a good candidate for a repeat attempt at liposuction.

Good and interesting question. It depends on the layer of fat that was left from the previous lipo and what is now causing the fullness. Many people think that anything remaining that is full and wiggled is always fat. But it may be looser muscle or skin. While the most important thing is the surgeon and how complete or aggressive they are choosing to be I do feel that the smart lipo laser can be more complete it emulsification of the fat before extraction and has the potential to thermally get more skin retraction. BUT!!! Be be very careful because it also has the potential to cause more problems in the wrong hands or without the proper judgement about whether the patient should or can benefit from it. It is possible that the previous surgeon took out exactly the right amount and got the correct amount of skin tightening and what is remaining should not be approached with trying to get more out or more skin retraction. One of the worst mistakes is to be too aggressive.

Picky82,
Smartlipo is probably your answer. Since you have already had liposuction and did not see the results you were looking for, the Smartlipo MPX may be what you need. In addition to melting the fat, the Smartlipo also helps tighten up the skin.
This could give you improvement in your arms and your abdominal area. The recovery from Smartlipo is generally quicker than traditional liposuction. However, every patient is different. I have had some Smartlipo patients go back to work the next day and then others that take a few days to get up and going.
Good luck with your surgery.

Hi there-
Having used every form of liposuction available, including laser liposuction, I believe the very best option for the areas you mention is the VASER. It is more effective and (I believe) safer than the laser units and much more effective in these areas than liposuction alone.
Good luck!

I'm sorry that you didn't get the results you wanted from your prior liposuction procedure. Smart Lipo is a gentler approach, which means less discomfort and downtime.  Have you considered a non-surgical fat reduction treatment such as CoolSculpting? From your picture, you appear to be a very good candidate for this procedure. Requiring no surgery and no downtime, CoolSculpting effectively targets stubborn fat in the upper arms and love handles. 
CoolSculpting uses cold to freeze and kill fat cells permanently, however, the temperature never gets low enough to cause damage to the skin, nerves, vessels or other tissues. An applicator is used with a cooling suction that is applied to a targeted area on the body. It is left on for approximately one hour while the patient comfortably reads, watches a movie, or takes a short nap. The results take effect over a 60-90 period. The treatment can be repeated if necessary. The best part is that you can resume your regular daily activities immediately following your procedure. 

It appears that you have arm laxity after liposuction. This is very common with traditional liposuction since at best it contracts skin at 8%. Smart lipo might be better but at this point you're better off with Bodytite since its proven to tighten skin 40% and works very well in the arms. Published plastic literature supports this fact. (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery January 2017). Regarding the flanks the use of Vaser would probably work the best in the proper experienced plastic surgeons hands as it will break up the scar tissue.