Would lipo or smart lipo be better?

Question

Is smart lipo, the one they don't put you under for... are they actually removing the fat? Also normally is smart lipo more expensive? Which lipo would give more even results? Which one is more expensive and why? I don't have much fat to suction. I workout quite a bit but want my lower abs to show. And I want my sides to be skinner.

Chad Deal, MD · Answer

Smart Lipo is just a marketing term for laser assisted liposuction. There are many different technologies to assist in liposuction such as lasers, ultrasound, water assisted, powered devices, etc. 
Laser assisted Lipo is an older technology that has some of the poorest results for skin retraction, or any other benefits for that matter. Ultrasound assisted Lipo is still around and considered the gold standard to remove the majority of fat and superficial fat for high definition results. The two best technologies for skin tightening are to be used in conjunction which is the Renuvion device and the body tite. If you truly do not have fat to remove and just want the skin reaction the best thing to do is only use the skin tightening technologies above and combine that with a micro needling RF device. All done while you are asleep.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The choice between traditional liposuction and Smart Lipo can depend on several factors, including your specific goals, the amount of fat to be removed, and your budget. Here are some key points to help you make an informed decision:

Traditional Liposuction:

Anesthesia: Typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

Fat Removal: Involves the mechanical suction of fat using a cannula.

Results: Known for providing consistent and even results, especially in larger areas.

Recovery: Usually involves a longer recovery period with more swelling and bruising.

Cost: Generally less expensive than Smart Lipo but varies based on the extent of the procedure and geographic location.

Smart Lipo:

Anesthesia: Often performed under local anesthesia, which means you are awake but the area is numbed.

Fat Removal: Utilizes laser energy to liquefy fat before suctioning it out. The laser also helps tighten the skin.

Results: Can provide more precise contouring and may result in smoother skin due to the skin-tightening effect of the laser.

Recovery: Typically involves a shorter recovery period with less bruising and swelling compared to traditional liposuction.

Cost: Generally more expensive than traditional liposuction due to the advanced technology and equipment used.

Which is Better for You?

Fat Amount: Since you mentioned that you don't have much fat to suction, Smart Lipo might be a better option due to its precision and skin-tightening benefits.

Even Results: Both methods can provide even results, but Smart Lipo may have an edge in smaller, more defined areas like the lower abs and sides.

Cost Considerations: While Smart Lipo tends to be more expensive, the cost can be justified by the shorter recovery time and potential skin-tightening benefits.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and goals. I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your specific situation and provide personalized advice.

Best regards,

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

Liposuction done by an expert in liposuction gives the best results regardless of what tool is used or what type of anesthesia is used. If you can't afford an expert, save up your money or finance it. It's far better than getting botched for a bargain basement price. If you're anxious, local with sedation is your best option for both comfort and anxiety relief. Wide-awake local is a good option for small areas such as a chin, but generally, sedation is much better. Full general anesthesia with intubation is overkill for most areas unless something more invasive such as a tummy tuck is part of the plan. For what it's worth, smart lipo (aka laser lipo) was a marketing gimmick from the get go. It provides no advantages over any other technology. If you want to tighten your skin, radiofrequency (Renuvion/J-Plasma) along with lipo actually delivers results.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction can be awake under local but usually a much better experience with anesthesia as most plastic surgeons will  recommend.

Smart Lipo (laser) or Vaser (ultrasound) can be added to traditional liposuction PAL fat removal for skin tightening, easier treatment of difficult areas, enhanced results, etc..

In my experience, these are superior and similarly priced.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Victoria Falcone, DO · Answer

All liposuction procedures can be performed under local anesthesia. You don't need to go under for any liposuction procedure if you find a provider who is skilled in liposuction under local anesthesia. 
Smartlipo involves very small incisions. The laser energy of Smartlipo will heat and tighten your skin. It is the skill and experience of the surgeon that has more influence on the amount of fat removed. The technology selected will determine if there is skin tightening with the procedure. The surgeon will determine how much fat is removed.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A full set of facial and neck photographs from all angles are required to make a determination about how best to proceed. It's very important to understand there are two compartments of fat in the neck, above and below the plasma muscle. Liposuction can only accomplish removal of the fat deposits above the muscle, while a surgical neck lift is required to remove the very common deposits that are located below the muscle which also includes a plasma plasty to significantly improve the jawline. If you have neck deep neck fat, liposuction alone will be very ineffective.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Regular liposuction and "SmartLipo" are almost the same. Both can be done awake. The only difference is that with SmartLipo, a laser is used to help melt the fat (not needed, as regular lipo still needs to be done to remove the fat) and then to help tighten the skin (minimal results). Without seeing pictures, its hard to comment on your specific concerns, but in most cases, SmartLipo adds more cost without much more improvement compared to regular liposuction.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

“Smart liposuction aka smart-lipo is a trademarked term owned by the cynosure laser company.
It’s used to describe laser, assisted Liposuction specifically using a laser made by the company Cynosure. 
The form of anesthesia has really nothing to do with Liposuction itself.
All forms of Liposuction rely on a small stainless steel cannula connected to a source of vacuum.
In reality, there is very little difference, depending on what type of liposuction is being used.
Liposuction results are primarily determined by the patient’s candidacy for the procedure combined with the skill of the provider.
Equipment is relatively unimportant.
Liposuction with any equipment can be done with patients awake using local anesthesia, local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Focus on the variable that actually matters which is provider selection.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

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