Would Smart Lipo or Lipo-Ex best suit my needs?

Question

I have a layer of fat around my thighs. I have tried diet and exercise, but they don't work. I have been to see 2 different doctors in the area where I live. One doctor offers Laser Liposuction (SmartLipo), and the other offers something called Radio Frequency-Assisted Lipoplasty (Lipo-Ex). They both believe their method is best.  However, I'm not sure about this. The Lipo-Ex sounds good, since it’s completely non-invasive and pain free. But, how much fat will it actually remove from my body, and how permanent is it, compared to Smart Lipo? Does it destroy the fat cells similar to liposuction? I know for sure that the SmartLipo would remove the fat from my thighs, and it’s permanent. The problem is, what's going to happen if I gain weight as I age? I was told that with any type of Liposuction technique, weight gain post-procedure makes your body take on a "pitted" or "globby" appearance. That doesn’t sound good either.  I’m not an exercise fanatic, but I’m not a couch potato. I try to eat healthy most of the time. I am within weight range for my height. Cost is not an issue. I simply need more information so that I can make an informed decision on what procedure will best suit my needs. Thanks.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Anyone can waive a wand over you and say it may work.  That is what many of these non-invasive treatments such as radio frequency are.  Simply, they do not work.  If you want the fat removed, then you are going to have to have it physically removed with some type of invasive liposuction such as Smartlipo or Tumescent Liposuction.  Good luck.

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

SmartLipo is laser assisted Liposuction. Its probably better to research
 who is doing your procedure. Smart doctors have learned how to use 
technology to get the desired result. Your doctor should inform you which technology works best for your problem. Non-surgical options has a role in some problem, but make sure to consult a plastic surgeon that offers many options - surgical and non-surgical. If all they have is a hammer, everything will look like a nail. 
Liposuction using Smartlipo permanently destroys & removes the 
treated fat cells. Adults do not 
create new fat cells.  One of my patients recently had SmartLipo 
but had poor results and was burned! She said "I didn't know that my 
cosmetic surgeon was not a Plastic Surgeon" We had to fix her abdomen 
and other areas damaged by the laser. Cost should not be the only 
criteria for selecting your Plastic Surgeon. Experience and training 
matters a lot. Non Plastic surgeons (cosmetic surgeons) tend to charge 
less than Plastic Surgeon. Below are other criteria to use when 
selecting a Plastic surgeon.Questions to ask (Answering NO is a big red flag)1) Are you a plastic surgeon? (Do you know difference between cosmetic surgeon & plastic surgeon)2) Are you board certified in Plastic Surgery?3) Will the procedure be performed at a fully accredited procedure room or ambulatory surgery center4) Do you have hospital privilege to perform liposuction or SmartLipo? 5) Do you offer complication insurance (it does happen, it better to be safe)The
 most important decision is to do your homework well. Any doctor can 
offer SmartLipo. Its your duty to know who is doing your procedure. Its better to choose a Smart Doctor. Good 
luck.

David Amron, MD · Answer

To begin with surgical liposuction and some of the new nonsurgical devices that can destroy or lyse fat cells such as cool sculpting, Liposonix and what sounds like lipo Ex using radio frequency waves like TruSculpt does should be reserved for targeting areas of disproportion to create a better balanced body. They all really have nothing to do with weight loss or muscle tone and exercise. These are the patients responsibility.  When you are comparing a surgical procedure such as Smart Lipo to a non surgical procedure such as Lipo Ex there really is no comparison. The surgical procedure if well done can give you dramatic results. The nonsurgical procedure should be reserved for patients who simply do not want to undergo surgery, are good candidates looking for mild improvements. This is the way I represent it in my practice when a patient is looking to decide between surgery or not.

Sean Younai, MD, FACS · Answer

Smart liposuction uses laser to breakdown fat cells in order to facilitate the liposuction process. Smart liposuction in los angeles is gaining popularity but many patients are unaware of its risks and potential complications. In my professional opinion as a plastic surgeon who specializes in liposuction, tumescent liposuction is more effective in terms of liposuction resutls and carries far less risks.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Based on the description, you may be a good candidate for liposuction surgery. As you have mentioned,  if the procedure  recommended sounds too good to be true it probably is.

	Please make sure you are consulting with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.

	Best wishes.

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