Is Smart Lipo safer? Why don't more surgeons do it?

Question

I have been considering smart lipo because I felt it was "safer", no need to go under, recover more quickly. Now I am not so sure. I keep reading it can burn your insides. I know the importance of a board certified plastic surgeon- that is a must for me but I guess I am wondering why so many top board certified plastic surgeons do not do smart lipo?

David Amron, MD · Answer

Liposuction in the U.S. is primarily done by board certified plastic surgeons or board certified dermatological surgeons. The dermatological surgeons usually approach it using local anesthesia where the patient is conscious, whereas plastic surgeons usually conduct the procedure using general anesthesia. Smart Lipo is a tool that is used to get you to your endpoint. Yes, in the wrong hands there can be problems and irregularities, as with any tool used. I encourage you to look less for the tool that is being used, and more in terms of placing your trust in the right surgeon.

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Smart lipo is a type of tumescent lipo (sometimes called awake lipo). The procedure has all of the same steps as tumescent lipo which is very safe and adds one extra step - a laser step in which a laser fiber is fired into the fat layers. So, smart lipo has all of the same risks as tumescent lipo plus the risk of getting burned by the laser. This makes tumescent lipo without a laser safer than tumescent lipo with a laser. The risk of getting burned might be low in experienced hands, but it's not zero.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Tumescent liposuction is the technique to which all other methods are compared. It is safe and effective. First there is injection of fluid into the fat that causes blood vessels to shrink and gives pain relief which minimizes the amount of additional anesthesia required. All of the other techniques use tumescent fluid, and are followed by the suction component of the tumescent liposuction. The only difference is that laser, smart, jet, power, tickle and all of these other tools add a step in between the tumescent and the suction to melt or otherwise break up the fat. This extra step is not necessary to achieve good results, it adds risk, and is often a gimmick.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

There is a potential for burns with smart lipo.  I would look at reviews and before and after pictures, and I think you can determine who may be the true expert.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Safety of liposuction has nothing to do with the "smart lipo", liposuction in the right patient can be done awake or under anesthesia. There is a lot involved with liposuction and it is best to have an in person consultation to discuss all options

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Smartlipo is extremely safe, as is all types of liposuction, if it is done by someone who is very experienced and talented in performing the procedure.  There are many people who claim to do liposuction but only do a few cases month or year.  You want someone who is doing this daily and has all the devices and can decide what tecnique is best for your own individual body type and shape.  I suggest a consult with the best and most experienced person, not just anyone.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

Smart lipo really just refers to the use of a laser to help melt the fat and heat the skin to promote tightening. You still have to have the fat sculpted out to achieve the desired result. The removal of the fat is one of the most important aspects of the procedure. The use of small cannulas, a powered device, excellent positioning, awake but relaxed state, and a very experience plastic surgeon are all very important components of the procedure. Smart lipo laser adds costs and time to the procedure so these play into why some surgeons don't use it. There are additional improvements in the results when the laser is utilized but clearly the most important component is surgeon technique and experience.

Victor Michalak, MD · Answer

As a surgical procedure, the gold standard in safety is Tumescent Liposuction.it can be combined with several technologies including SmartLipo to improve results in some situations and some anatomic treatment sites.  There is no question that adding any heat generating or freezing technology to the liposuction procedure will increase risks compared to Tumescent liposuction alone.  Depending on the judgement of your liposuction surgeon those added risks may be justified to improve the results. This wil vary from patient to patient.

Steven Svehlak, MD · Answer

Safety of any liposuction, whether it be SMART, VASER, etc., is dependent on the surgeon (and his/her experience) and not necessarily the technology.  SMART liposuction uses laser technology.  This can cause burns both internally and at the surface skin if it is not used correctly.  I have evaluated many patients who have had overzealous treatment with SMART liposuction with poor outcomes...scarring and irregular contours.  Most types of liposuction can be done under local anesthesia.  My decision to do liposuction under general anesthesia vs. local anesthesia is based on the amount of areas be treated at one time (more areas would most likely receive general anesthesia), and my assessment of whether the person would tolerate a local anesthesia. Recovery with any technique is pretty much the same.  People do not heal faster (or recover faster) because of a certain technology being used.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Smartlipo is a safe,
effective minimally invasive procedure that will remove unwanted fat deposits
while tightening the skin. Consult with your surgeon to find out if this is the
best procedure for you. Good luck!

Is Smart Lipo safer? Why don't more surgeons do it?

Answers (10)

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