Sono Bello Laser Liposuction Vs. Traditional Liposuction Which is Better/which Option is the Better Choice for Lower Body?

Hi Cheyla.... Wow! Your question just shows how a clever marketing campaign with literally hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on media advertising can give the impression that their method provides superior results. Sono Bello uses nothing different or special when compared to most body contouring practices. They cleverly use of the term "Tri Sculpt" as a proprietary procedure when it is nothing different than what is used in most practices these days. "Power Assisted", liposuction has been used by most of us for the past ten years. The use of the term "Tri Sculpt", resembles the term, "Tri Plex", from the latest Cynosure "Smart Lipo", laser asissted liposuction system, which they do not have. They use an older generation "Smart Lipo", system; state of the art, they are not. The "specialists", mostly, are not plastic surgeons and have had no background residency training  in body contouring or liposuction. The use of local anesthesia only, limits the amount of liposuction that can be done safely at one time without risk of lidocaine overdose such as occurred in their facility in Bellevue, Washington, resulting in a patient death. It can also be quite painful. They use high pressure sales tactics where patients see a "counselor", not the doctor, in their consultation who discusses and recommends the procedure to them. The diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for a medical condition should be made only by the physician. The use of laser-assisted liposuction is a good technique and I think that it does provide benefits over traditional liposuction when used properly and in areas that provide a higher degree of precision, with improvements in skin tightening, but good results can be obtained with traditional liposuction and the VASER device too. It is important to see and experienced and artistic plastic surgeon who has attention to detail and is not trying to get as many cases done as possible to increase profits.To paraphrase Forrest Gump's, "life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you are gonna get"; Sono Bello is like a box of doctors, you never know who you're gonna get. Do your research and look for someone who is Board Certified by the Board of Plastic Surgeons, has hospital privileges for that procedure and is experienced with proven good results. 

Sono Belo employs surgeons.  their experience will differ.  Do your research on the specific surgeon and his experience with liposuction.  More important than laser lipo or traditional lipo is the experience in lipo of the performing surgeon.  Laser liposuction is not dramatically different than  traditional lipo, it is just preceded by laser skin tightening.  In my practice, I perform laser liposuction mainly, however many excellent plastic surgeons perfrom traditional lipo.

Small area liposuction under local can be effective- however, the majority of my liposuctions are best done with IV sedation/twilight or general anesthesia. This allows better patient comfort and safety. At times, if too painful, local procedures cannot be fully completed and patients have to return to finish. Also- no IV fluids with local is riskier.Personally, I routinely use Vaser ultrasound or Smart Lipo laser on most liposuction cases.An exam and consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations. 

Thank you for your questions.  I typically recommend laser assisted liposuction.  There are different type of lasers that we can use in combination with liposuction to help with the skin retraction.  I would recommend you see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to have an in person evaluation.  Best of luck to you. 

Traditional liposuction or SAL (Suction Assisted Lipoplasty) involves the use of a hollow metal tube called a cannula, which is inserted via series of small incisions. These cannulas are first used deliver a combination of local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor (to minimize bleeding). Once anesthetized, the cannula is used to disrupt the fat cells for subsequent aspiration. 
This technique can be augmented through the use of ultrasound or power (vibration) facilitating fat aspiration or laser. These are employed at the surgeon’s discretion.
Ultimately, all of the available options (power, ultrasound, laser) are variations on the same theme. However, drivers win races not cars. A skilled and experienced practitioner should be able to deliver results with the tool of their choosing.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Generally, studies have failed to show any difference in measurable results or quality of outcome between the various types of liposuction--laser assisted, ultrasound assisted, or power assisted.  The results are more dependent on the experience of the surgeon and patient selection, rather than the technique used.  

Hello,The quality of liposuction depends on the surgeon and their skill, judgement and experience alone. Tools are not the distinguishing factor in achieving the best results for any surgery and there is no clear evidence that laser liposuction helps achieve better results (over traditional lipo.).A surgeon's evaluation and judgement in planning the surgery is critical and often lacking in such establishments where you are signed up by a salesperson.  An ethical surgeon will turn away a potential patient who is not a good candidate for the desired procedure and offer alternatives that are more suitable.Warm regards,Dr. Pedy Ganchi                                                                                                                                              Village Plastic Surgery

Ultimately it depends on the skill set of the surgeon and the type of powered cannulas he or she utilized to sculpt the fat away. Do your research and find the correct surgeon with excellent lipo reviews and before and after photos. 

There are differences in terms of the corporate provision of aesthetic services vs private practice/board certified plastic surgeon venues, and in the technique of laser vs traditional lipo.1. Corporate entities such as the one you reference are staffed by a variety of providers and not necessarily trained or board certified plastic surgeons.  You'll never know who you get or their level of experience and expertise.  The goal of corporate centers is to make a "sale" and generate as much $$ as possible.  Those priorities don't necessarily include a full consultation by a BCPS who then defines the issues shared and outlines options for you.  Most likely you'll be seen by a sales associate.  I can go on endlessly on this topic but suffice it to say that you deserve more than that.  My recommendation is to visit a few BCPS and make your decision accordingly.2.  I also feel strongly that if you want the best results with lipo, go with the traditional technique:  tumescent technique with PAL.  It is the standard by which all other techniques are measured and will give you the "one and done" result with which you will be satisfied.  Hands down, it's the winner and in your case has a limited recovery and less complications than laser.Proud of you for doing your homework!In good health,Ellen Mahony, MD

For best results with liposuction, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermiRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

I worked for Sono Bello for over 5 years and was their first
plastic surgeon when the company first started here in Kirkland, Washington.
During that time I performed thousands of laser liposuction cases.
 I am now back in my own private practice where I
perform "traditional" liposuction. I personally and professionally
saw no advantage to the laser. In my opinion, the most important aspect to skin
tightening after liposuction is careful use of the compression garment.
 I believe that the best results in liposuction are achieved
by performing the so-called S.A.F.E. technique.  This is an acronym. The S
stands for Separation. This involves use of a specialized cannula that
separates the fat from surrounding tissue without suctioning. The A represents
Aspiration or actual sucking out of the fat which is best done with a smaller
cannula under controlled pressures . The F and E stand for Fat Equalization.
This is the key step in the technique. Again, a specialized cannula is used to
mechanically smooth out any lumps or bumps that the surgeon finds after the
suctioning process. This cannula is used without suctioning and is the final
refining step in the process.
 
The S.A.F.E. Lipo technique combined with careful fitting
and prolonged use of appropriate post operative compression
have consistently yielded the best results I have ever
achieved. 
 
Thank you for your question!