Difference between Smart Lipo and Tumescent Lipo?

Every liposuction procedure is performed with the tumescent technique (or superwet technqiue) that implies using a mixture of Ringer lactate or saline mixed with lidocaine and epinephrine and bicarbonate. This solution makes the procedure almost painless and with minimal bleeding. The Smart lipo procedure is usually performed at the end of a liposuction of any type, power assisted, Vaser or ultrasound assisted etc. The laser performed with the Smart lipo is used mostly to enhance skin tightening. Using only Smart lipo is usually only used in very small liposuction, such as the neck when there is not much fat. Best wishes.

Tumescent liposuction is a technique that places IV fluids combined with local anesthetics into the fatty soft tissues so that the procedure can be done awake or asleep. SmartLipo is laser assisted liposuction. The laser ruptures fat cells and enhances the skin tightening effect of traditional liposuction. Good luck!

Tumescent lipo is lipo conducted under local anesthesia. It's been around since the 1980s and gives excellent results, minimal bruising, fast recovery because of the ability of tumescent anesthesia to temporarily shrink blood vessels during and immediately after the procedure. In the 1990s, laser lipo was invented (smart lipo is a brand of laser lipo) and it involved passing a laser fiber through the fat layers during tumescent lipo right before the fat was suctioned out. Same anesthesia, same tumescent lipo, just an extra step added. Why bother with the laser? Good question. Will the skin shrink without the laser? Yes. Will you pay more for the laser? Yes. Can you smooth the skin out at the end of the procedure without a laser? Yes.

You are absolutely correct. Smart Lipo should be used prior to suction not after. Your plastic surgeon will explain to you what you already know to be true. Using the SL after suction is ineffective. Smoothing has nothing to do with the SL. Its surgical technique that matters when performing liposuction so you get a nice even result. Good luck and congratulations on doing your research.

Near all lipo is done with the tumescent technique (which is injection of fluid in to the fat). SmartLipo uses a laser to melt the fat and MAY tighten the skin, and is done with the tumescent technique also. See link below for examples. 

Smartlipo is a type of laser that applies thermal heat to both melt fat and tighten skin. In my practice, it is more often used along with conventional tumescent liposuction to get the best body sculpting possible. I have 10 years experience, and it is a fabulous tool if used for the correct indications. Consult a surgeon with a strong background using both approaches for best results! Best of luck with your decision!

Windell Davis-Boutte, MD