Liposonix Vs. Smart Lipo: Which is Safest?

Question

I have a BMI of 28 and am unhappy with only my midsection. Which procedure would be recommended for someone who can't seem to lose the last midsection weight? Which is safest? I know Liposonix isn't a cure-all, but I am hopeful. I don't think I can manage the recovery time required for a tummy tuck. Also, regarding Liposonix, I'm concerned about the stress the procedure places on organs especially once 180 joules is reached. Thank you for any advice you can offer online.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Neither liposuction (with or without laser such as Smart Lipo) or Liposonix will replace a tummy tuck if there is skin laxity, but both can be potentially useful in contouring the abdominal area. Liposuction removes fat surgically but has risks of surgery, though these are low if done properly. Laser adds some risk of burns and scarring but this is also low. Liposonix has an excellent safety record, in fact there were no significant adverse events reported in clinical trials. Liposonix may not reduce the fat as much as liposuction can.

Nissan Pilest, MD · Answer

Best candidates
for Liposonix treatments have a BMI of 22-30, so you would be a candidate for
treatment. Liposonix is a non-surgical procedure that uses High Intensity
Focused Ultrasound to destruct the fat. You can lose approximately 1 inch in 1
hour with 1 treatment. There is a possibility of bruising and swelling after
treatment but you can resume your regular lifestyle with NO RESTRICTIONS
immediately after treatment. Results aren’t immediate as the body has to naturally
remove the treated fat, this generally takes 8-12 weeks to be completed.
Liposonix is very safe when done on the appropriate candidate, the 180 joules treats
only within the fat layer and does not reach the organs.

SmartLipo is
a minimally invasive laser-assisted lipolysis procedure. Under local anesthesia
a tiny incision is made and the SmartLipo Laser fiber is inserted. The laser
fiber ruptures the fat and the liquefied fat is then suctioned out.

Consult with
a Board Certified Dermatologist to see which option is best for you.

Burton M. Sundin, MD · Answer

These are two totally different procedures. Liposonix is a non-invasive fat reduction technology and Smart lipo is an invasive liposuction technique that pretunnels with a laser cannula. Conventional liposuction is still a part of smart lipo. Certainly liposuction of any sort or a tummy tuck can deliver the most drammatic results, however some people don't want surgery. Liposonix has essenetially no down time and there is no incision or garment. There are good results, but the results are different than surgery. This does not mean the device does not work. Think of comparing fillers to a facelift. The fillers are excellent and people enjoy their results with fillers but these will never be a facelift. Liposonix and Coolsculpting are similar. If you are looking for fat reduction without surgery, no downtime, and low risk, the noninvasive choices are your answer.

Jennifer Ahdout, MD, FAAD · Answer

Patients with a BMI less than 30 are considered candidates for liposonix. We use the "pinch an inch test" to determine if there is a layer of fat that is pinchable to treat with this device. As mentioned before, liposonix is a non-invasive procedure which takes about 1 hour to complete and promises a 1 inch reduction in waist circumference. The technology utilizes ultrasound to heat and devitalize fat tissue. Most offices provide some sort of oral or intramuscular medication for pain control. The results are seen in 8-12 weeks.

	Liposuction is an invasive procedure in which small portals are created usually in the umbilicus and the lower abdomen through which anesthesia is provided and fat is removed. This is a surgery which takes place in the operating room. Some results are seen in a matter of weeks. About 70% of the improvement is seen at 6 months and close to 100% at one year.

Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD · Answer

While Liposonix is a non-invasive approach to fat reduction, Smart Lipo is a minimally-invasive approach. Any procedure that requires an incision will increase the risk as opposed to a non-invasive treatment such as Liposonix. It is highly unlikely any organs will be damaged because the targeted treatment area is located between muscle and fat and not the organs at all.

Samuel Sohn, MD · Answer

Liposonix is an excellent choice for individuals who want to contour their body without the expense or downtime of surgery.  It is proven effective and safe in clinical studies, and does not place any additional stress on your internal organs per se.  However, as with any non-surgical method, there is a limit to the effectiveness of the procedure.

	SmartLipo involves surgery, using a laser to help tighten the skin and ablate fat, in combination with liposuction to help contour the body.  It will reduce fulness and improve your shape, but will not tighten the skin as much as a full tummy tuck.  The recovery is typically 3-7 days depending on the number of areas treated.

	Tummy tuck is the gold standard for individuals with a significant amount of skin looseness and fat, especially after pregnancies.  However, there is about a 2 week downtime, and significant cost associated with the procedure. 

	Regardless of what you choose, there are methods to help you improve your shape - with a variety of anticipated results, cost, and downtime.  Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to see what the best options are for you.  Good luck!

Liposonix Vs. Smart Lipo: Which is Safest?

Answers (6)

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