Difference Between Smart Lipo and Ultrasound Assisted Liposculpture?

Question

What is the difference between Smart Lipo and ultrasound assisted Liposculpture?

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
There are an overwhelming number of devices claiming to be the best to help you achieve the body contour you want. Cute names and aggressive marketing campaigns aside, here is what you should know..
SmartLipo is a laser based device. The laser is pointed at the tissues under your skin to melt the fatty tissue and (supposedly) to tighten the skin. The laser also burns whatever else you point it at, including blood vessels, though- the company claims this is an advantage, as by coagulating these vessels you may bruise less... I have used these laser based devices, and in my opinion it is more difficult to achieve a reliably good result, and they are not as safe to use as other alternatives. There has never been a well done study proving that they tighten skin better than other alternatives, and most plastic surgeons view these laser devices as "gimmicks".
The VASER uses ultrasound energy to emulsify the fat via cavitation. This process is more specific for fat than the lasers are, and therefore blood vessels and nerves are less likely to be injured than with laser devices. It is my opinion that it is always better to leave the OR with as many blood vessels as you entered it with if possible. While I certainly have seen poor outcomes from VASER when used by inexperienced surgeons, all other things being equal, I think it is a superior technology if the measures are safety and effectiveness.
In the final analysis, however, your outcome and experience will depend most on the surgeon, NOT the machine. Find a surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery that you like and feel you can work with. This, and not the device he/she chooses is what is most likely to give you what you want.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

"Smart Lipo", although I don't think it's all that smart uses a laser to heat the skin and fat.  The fat is then removed via standard liposuction cannulas.  In ultrasonic liposuction a cannula that transmits ultrasonic waves is used to create cavitation and streaming which bursts the fat cells releasing the fatty acid which is then removed via the same cannula.
I'm a fan of ultrasonic for secondary liposuction and difficult areas such as the upper back in males.  But I'm not a fan of "smart lipo" because I think that heating the dermis causes damage to the skin.  I've seen some bad results from it.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

There are many different kinds of liposuction. Like cars they all can get you to your destination. I am not a big fan of the Smart lipo. The concept is interesting but the reality is that the results are no better than traditional liposuction. It is supposed to melt the fat and tighten the skin. Melt fat-yes. Tight skin- not really. Ultrasonic or usually Vaser, is a different way to perform liposuction. It lysis the fat using high frequency ultrasound and because of the heat generated, may tighten the skin.

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD · Answer

Ultrasonic Liposuction relies on ultrasonic waves, transmitted beneath the skin via a wand-like device, that liquefy fat so that it is easier to remove. For obese individuals, large volumes of fat can be removed during a single procedure.
Smart Lipo uses laser light to liquefy fat and tighten the surrounding skin. It involves less downtime and side-effects than traditional liposuction and is particularly good for small areas of fat deposits

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Both laser assisted liposuction (SlimLipo, Smartlipo, and Coolipo) and ultrasound assisted liposuction dissolve fat before suction is used to remove the fat. Liquefied fat is easier to remove.
Both technologies also heat the tissues beneath the skin which has the additional benefit of causing the skin to tighten after the fat is remolved-a major advantage over standard liposuction which often leaves loose skin behind.
The major difference between the laser techniques and the ultrasound technique is the size of the probe used to dissolve the fat. The laser fibers are very tiny the ultrasound probe is much larger.
Because of the power and the size and rigidity of the ultrasound probe most doctors only uise it on the abdomen for fear of causing skin burns when using it on curved areas like the hip and thighs.
The tiny laser fiber can be used in more regions.
If you have a very large amount of fat on your abdomen only, then Ultrasound will work well for you.
On the other hand if you are thinner and have multiple body areas that need to be sculpted then the laser may be better.
Laser assisted liposuction is very new and you must be careful to find a board certified plastic surgeon who has a lot of experience using the laser.
See before and after photos of SlimLipo.

Difference Between Smart Lipo and Ultrasound Assisted Liposculpture?

Answers (5)

Answer: There are many different types of liposuction

Answer: There are many different types of liposuction

Answer: SlimLipo and SmartLipo dissolve fat with laser, UAL uses ultrasound to dissolve fat

Answer: SlimLipo and SmartLipo dissolve fat with laser, UAL uses ultrasound to dissolve fat

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Difference Between Smart Lipo and Ultrasound Assisted Liposculpture?

Answers (5)

Answer: There are many different types of liposuction

Answer: There are many different types of liposuction

Answer: SlimLipo and SmartLipo dissolve fat with laser, UAL uses ultrasound to dissolve fat

Answer: SlimLipo and SmartLipo dissolve fat with laser, UAL uses ultrasound to dissolve fat

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.