Smart lipo vs bodytite for skin tightening? What's more effective? (photo)

Question

I met with 2 PS one uses smart lipo, the other trad lipo with bodytite finish, for U/L abd under general. 59, no stretch mrks or crepy skin, but a lil loose (see pics). The SL PS was surprised at my age :-), he said if it did sag, I could follow up with a TT at a later date if it bothered me. What is the better procedure for lax skin? Both PS are bd cert, and have good reviews. I did feel like I had a better consult with smart lipo, but think the bodytite is newer tech - more effective? Thx!!

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Bodytite is a radio-frequency treatment which serves to tighten skin. This accomplished by subdermal heating of the collagen fibers which can cause tightening as well as stimulate fibroblast activity for collagen deposition. This can be combined with liposuction (but does not necessarily need to be). 
The fat removal component is no different than traditional liposuction. For those patients with excess fat in the absence of skin laxity Bodytite does not necessarily hold an advantage over more traditional liposuction. However, in patients with laxity or in whom there is a concern for worsening laxity post liposuction, a radio-frequency tightening will help.
With regards to your specific question, Bodytite demonstrates a 30% tightening (vs. 7% liposuction, SmartLipo 15%). This result can take as many as 3 months to become evident.
Ultimately, every surgeon has a preference (often determined by the device he/she has access to). However, irrespective of tech, a skilled and experienced surgeon should be able to deliver results with the tool of his/her choosing. Comfort with the surgeon is more important than any tech. Remember...drivers win races...not cars.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs a TT for best results, but Renuvion would be a better choice than bodytite for this if you weren't to do a TT. You need a formal evaluation by an expert in body shaping and contouring to determine what is best.  Traditional liposuction awake and smart liposuction are old methods and do very poorly for tightening skin or significant skin tightening or contouring.  Small problem areas can be improved slightly by these methods.  The best in body contouring not only removes fat with energy devices like VASER ultrasound but also internally heat the skin with radio-frequency devices such as J PLASMA/RENUVION, InMode BodyTite, ThermiRF to heat the under surface of the skin and tighten it at the same time as fat removal. These combinations are called 4D HIDEF VASER contouring and can only be done by a well . trained body contouring specialist. At the same time fat should be harvested, PRP and stem cells added and injected into muscles or indentations/cellulite to get body shaping and contouring.  This is known as a brazilian butt lift when you inject the fat to the buttock for contouring and lifting, but fat can also be used in areas such as the chest/breast, arms/shoulders, calves and face.  Cellulite should also be treated with cellfina, sculptra, subcision and/or fillers such as bellafill, renuva synthetic fat, or sculptra.  If skin is very loose before surgery then it will need to be removed such as lower abdominal skin (tummy tuck/abdominoplasty), breast skin (breast lift), arm skin (brachioplasty).  Overall you need a full assessment, but simple liposuction alone will not tighten skin and needs a combination of various methods -- fat removal, skin tightening, defining, fat grafting, skin removal -- to get the best in body contouring and body sculpting.  Dr. Emer.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, from the pictures you provided it looks like you would benefit from SmartLipo and BodyTite since you do have some excess fat deposits. BodyTite does not remove fat, you are likely a great candidate for BodyTite if you are looking for a minimally invasive procedure that provides detailed improvements for a tighter, smoother and more youthful skin. SmartLipo is a minimally invasive and incredibly effective way to remove stubborn deposits of fat. Combining these two treatments will give you maximum results to where you might not need a tummy tuck. I suggest an in-person consultation with a board-certified surgeon to discuss your options.

Robert Setari, MD · Answer

Both adjunct treatments are excellent treatments. Both can be used under local anesthesia. Neither one is usually satisfactory for the reduction of significant fat by itself and needs to be used in conjunction with liposuction.
SmartLipo was FDA approved in 2006. Overall it is a safe procedure with a less than 1% complication rate in the hands of well trained physician. I was one of the first doctors using it in Beverly Hills. I have treated thousands of patients in the past 12 years with great success and have had no complications. You can expect abut 50-87% more skin tightening compared to traditional liposuction.
BodyTite was FDA approved in 2016. It is newer technology and the studies indicate that it does provide more skin tightening than SmartLipo - approximately 17-20% more than SmartLipo. It does require a more experienced physician as it can cause surface skin burns if not used appropriately. It is also usually a more expensive procedure, Lastly, it melts enough fat that some liposuction to remove the excessive melted fat is usually recommended.
Since it is almost double the price I usually recommend BodyTite only if maximal skin tightening without surgery is required. For the average patient SmartLipo is more than sufficient for great results.
Without a proper evaluation it is difficult to determine, but just based on your inquiry and from your pictures it appears that you are a good candidate for either procedure. If maximal skin tightening is your goal then BodyTite would be a better choice.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

for fat removal, i would suggest Smartlipo which most of us, do not use general anesthesia, so the recovery is much quicker. Almost all of my patients return to work the next day. you do get some skin tightening from Smartlipo. however, if you are only concerned about skin tightening only, and don't want fat removal, then perhaps Body Tite may have an advantage.david berman md

Smart lipo vs bodytite for skin tightening? What's more effective? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Extensive Experience with Both SmartLipo and BodyTite

Answer: Extensive Experience with Both SmartLipo and BodyTite

Answer: You appear to have excellent skin tone and probably don't need body tite

Answer: You appear to have excellent skin tone and probably don't need body tite

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.

Smart lipo vs bodytite for skin tightening? What's more effective? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Extensive Experience with Both SmartLipo and BodyTite

Answer: Extensive Experience with Both SmartLipo and BodyTite

Answer: You appear to have excellent skin tone and probably don't need body tite

Answer: You appear to have excellent skin tone and probably don't need body tite

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.