What is Smart Lipo or Cool Lipo?

SmartLipo and CoolLipo are lasers used to melt fat. They do this by rupturing the cell membranes of the fat cells causing the contents to be liquified. At the same time, they help coagulate the small blood vessels in the area so there is less bruising than traditional liposuction AND heat the overlying skin so that a tightening effect occurs.

This results in smoother results with tighter skin with less downtime than traditional liposuction. Compression garments must still be worn - but ONLY for 2 weeks! 

The only difference between SmartLipo and CoolLipo are the wavelengths. However, a major patent infringement lawsuit has just been entered by Cynosure (SmartLipo) against the manufacturer of CoolLipo. It looks like SmartLipo may be the only game in town for quite awhile. If CoolLipo survives the lawsuit. . .it may play a larger role in this market.

Both lasers use tumescent anesthesia and tiny cannulas (300-600 microns. . .about 1mm). CoolLipo is 15W but SmartLipo is releasing an 18W version. The original model was 6W then went to 10W. Both lasers can be followed with suction to achieve quicker results. I prefer power-assisted liposuction with very small cannulas in order to preserve the benefits of the laser.

Since we use tumescent anesthesia, patients are awake for the entire procedure. We have our patients walk 2 miles on the day of the procedure and 4 miles each day thereafter. Most of our patients only take a couple of days off of work. This is much different than what is experienced following traditional lipo.

After filling the area requiring treatment, like the abdomen or neck, with a dilute anesthetic fluid a laser fiber is inserted to heat up the overlying skin as well as help seal blood vessels and melt fat cells. A small suction cannula is then inserted to suck out excessive fat. This procedure combines tumescent liposculpture with a laser to ensure optimal results and tight overlying skin.

Dr. Virginia Stevens of Hypatia Clinic in Woodinville, Washington talks about Cool Lipo Laser Lipolysis