Cellulaze Vs Slim/ Smart Lipo?

Interesting question. Today I did both on the same patient. She had saddlebags and extra fat on the posterior thigh, and grade II (mild) cellulite on the upper lateral thigh/hip area. Cellulaze involves the use of a special laser fiber that fires sideways. It is used close to the undersurface of the skin to cut the tethering fibrous bands when it is moved back and forth in the side-firing direction, and to tighten the skin when it is used facing upwards against the undersurface of the skin. This is done under computer control that prevents the local temperature from exceeding whatever it is set for, in this case between 42 and 45 degrees centigrade. Smart Lipo is used on the same platform (Cellulaze is an add-on upgrade to the Smartlipo Triplex platform) but with a fiber that radiates in all directions. It is used deeper to melt the fat throughout the subcutaneous space. So first step was to do the Cellulaze and free up the skin, release the bands and tighten the skin. Then the standard Smart Lipo laser fat melting was done deeply, and then the treated, melted fat was gently extracted with a blunt, multi-hole cannula. Now that we have had almost two years of experience with Cellulaze, I can extend the indications to do both at the same time, Cellulaze and laser-assisted Smart Lipo liposuction. When we first started out, I only did one one or the other at the same time. It can really improve the result of Cellulaze cellulite treatment to add lipo, either at the same time or later.

Clinical treatments offer the most effective and longest lasting results.  We can now offer improvements that should last at least 2-3 years. My office also recommends three different procedures: ThermiSmooth, VelaShape 3, and Cellfina or Cellifina Platinum.  ThermiSmooth is a #noninvasive treatment that uses very controlled #radio frequencies that deep heat target tissues and stimulate #collagen growth, improving the appearance of cellulite.  A series of three to six treatments are needed for the best results.  #Thermismooth may also be used to treat fine lines or wrinkles.
VelaShape 3 is a non-invasive treatment combining #massage rollers, a vacuum to elevate the target# tissue, infrared lights to heat the target tissue, and bi-polar radio frequencies which guide the heat; all together helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite. I suggest over six sessions, one week apart.  The combination of these technologies causes the connective tissue under the skin to heat up, stimulating collagen growth, #improving cellulite and skin elasticity.  #VelaShape 3 may also be used for eliminating fat cells around the stomach and thighs.  
Cellfina is the newest FDA approved treatment for cellulite.  Unlike the others, #Cellfina it is a one-time, minimally invasive procedure  in which a safe, small needle-like tool is inserted to the target tissue to break apart the excessive fibrous connective tissue that causes cellulite.  There is minimum #downtime and the amazing results from one treatment last at least two years, longer than any other cellulite treatment. Cellfina #Platinum combines other non-surgical treatments for optimum #results. Seek more information to learn if you are candidate for these #treatment #options by consulting in-person with a board-certified Plastic Surgeon.

In my practice, I often see patients who ask this question. These two procedures address 2 different issues:SmartLipo is a laser lipoplasty technique, which means it is used to reduce stubborn, bulging fat deposits. Because of the laser heating, it also tightens skin to some degree but it does not address celluliteCellulaze uses a very specific and unique laser which fires the beam at angle, not just straight from the end of the laser wand. Because it is directional, it can be used just under the skin to treat cellulite in 3 ways - smooth fat lumpiness (NOT reduce big bulges), cut fibers causes dents and to tighten skinBoth are excellent treatment options for the issue at hand. 

Cellulaze and Smart Lipo can be performed with the same Smart Lipo Triplex Laser but different fibers/wavelengths are used. Smart Lipo is used when a patient needs fat reduction and skin tightening. Cellulaze is a three part process for each 5 cm x 5cm sector a Cellulite. First I will melt the bulging fat, then I will release the septae, and then I will treat the skin

Thank you for your question.  I can tell you have done your research and are asking a very good question.  The technology between Smartlipo and Cellulaze are very similar.  In fact, the company (Cynosure) sells them both together within the same unit. 

Some similarities:


They both use a 1440 nm laser wavelength to target fat reduction (Smartlipo > Cellulaze).

They both use a safety device called Thermaguide to constantly monitor the temperature underneath the skin.  (The Thermaguide is a must for patient safety in my opinion.) 

They both use a very tiny laser canulla to perform the procedure underneath the skin. 

They both can be performed under local anesthesia if requested.

They both create skin tightening (Cellulaze > Smartlipo).

They both have a relatively fast patient recovery.


Some differences:


The key difference between Smartlipo and Cellulaze is the ability of the Cellulaze laser fiber to split the laser energy at a 90 degree angle.  This allows the surgeon to direct the laser energy in different directions to accomplish different goals.

With Cellulaze, the directional side firing laser allows for better skin tightening and, most importantly, the ability of the laser to cut the fibrous bands that are causing the indentations seen in cellulite.

The new Smartlipo Triplex has two additional laser wavelengths (1064 nm and 1320 nm).  Two wavelengths can be used during the same procedure using the new Smartlipo Triplex laser.  The 1440 nm wavelength has a much greater ability to reduce fat and the 1064 nm wavelength targets blood vessels to significantly reduce the amount of bruising.

Since Cellulaze does not have the 1064 nm wavelength, there is more bruising than with Smartlipo.


There are more similarities and differences between Smartlipo and Cellulaze but these are the most important.  I hope this helps.

Best wishes! 

Dr. Vinyard