What should I do, UltraShape Vs. Smartlipo?

Smartlipo is really an invasive procedure, because it involves making a small incision and introducing a laser catheter that causes thermal damage to destroy the fat cells. The concern is that sometimes this can extend the damage beyond the desired area.The advantage of Ultrashape is that it is a completely non invasive procedure, where highly focused ultrasound is used to destroy fat cells without destroying any of the surrounding skin or tissues in  your body. Therefore, when it is between those two modalities, I recommend Ultrashape. However, the use of Ultrashape is limited to certain body areas, which will require determination from your physician. If you would like a more involved procedure to remove fat from other body parts, I recommend using Hydrasolve which can provide a non traumatic but definitive removal of fat from various body parts. This procedure leads to great results, and the ability to recycle body fat to other parts of the body.

Liposuction by any method (ultrasonic, power assisted, traditional) are invasive and involves anesthesia with a significant recovery time. These are for more aggressive removal of fat.UltraShape is a non invasive, non painful, quick procedure with no downtime for mild to moderate fat reduction using focused sound waves. UltraShape® is a non-surgical treatment option that instantly and selectively breaks down fat cells in the targeted area/s, as well as tightens the skin. The targeted fat cells are released through the body’s natural metabolic processes. The treatment is performed in-office and requires no needles, incisions or anesthesia. There is minimal discomfort during the treatment and no bruising, swelling or downtime afterwards. Essentially a “walk-in, walk-out” 45 minute procedure. UltraShape® can be used to contour: Flanks, Abdomen and Thighs

Making a choice between a non surgical fat cell removing and body contouring procedure such as UltraShape and Liposuction should be influenced by several factors. Some body profiles will do better with Tumescent liposuction or SmartLipo and if downtime is not a concern these may be the better choice.If however the lack of down time is important and the person is not a good candidate for a surgical fat reduction and reshaping thenUltraShape could be the best solution.In our Practice and Surgery Center we offer patients Tumescent Liposuction, SmartLipo,UltraShape and several other skin tightening and cellulite reducing options for body contouring.A consultation with discussion and examination is the best way to make an informed decision on the choice of procedures.

At our office in NYC we use the Ultra-shape everyday. We do not do liposuction because most of our patients prefer Ultra-shape because its a lot easier and less complicated.In just a few treatments fat starts melting away and your body reshapes and recontours.  Fat cells are terminated so they do not grow back.  The fat is then excreted from the body.We can say that for larger patients, lipo might be a better alternative because of its ability to remove large volumes of fat in one treatment - however the healing process and risks are significant.  Smart Lipo specifically traditional liposuction but a laser fiber is used internally to tighten skin and melt fat.  It is supposed to have less bruising.  However, very little indicates that the internal use of the fiber actually yields better results compared to traditional liposuction in skilled hands.If surgery and downtime is not an option, or lipo is cost prohibitive, then consider Ultra-shape.  The science is there and without pain or downtime you could be melting away fat right now.

UltraShape is a non-surgical procedure that destroys stubborn fat deposits.  Smartlipo is an invasive surgical procedure.

These treatments to decrease fat are completely different.  UltraShape is non surgical, non thermal ultrasound to selectively destroy fat cells whereas, SmartLipo is invasive surgical laser assisted fat destruction combined with liposuction.

UltraShape is a non-surgical procedure that dissolves unwanted fat cells. It is an alternative for patients who want long-term fat reduction but do not want liposuction or any other form of surgery. Smartlipo is surgery, i.e. a different take on traditional liposuction.

UltraShape  uses focused ultrasound and, with the new Version 3 device just released, combines this with radiofrequency energy (RF) to destroy fat cells. This is an office based procedure that does not require any anesthesia as there is little or no discomfort. There is no chance of bruising or swelling and patients can return to normal activities immediately, with no need to wear a garment. The best results are obtained with three treatments. In our clinic (in Canada, where UltraShape is approved since 2007), the average loss is 4.5 cms. (nearly 2 inches). The results are usually visible 2 - 3 weeks after each treatment. With UltraShape, the fat cells are indeed destroyed and the released fat is then metabolised by the liver, just like the fat in the food you eat. The areas that can be treated are the abdomen, the "love handles", the inner and outer thighs and the "back rolls".

Smartlipo is  surgery that requires anesthesia and leaves small scars. The difference with traditional lipo is that the cannulas inserted through the skin and into the fat destroy the fat with a laser beam rather than just suction it out. The claim is that the heat generated by the laser will also help to tighten the overlying skin, although this remains controversial. As with traditional lipo, Smartlipo can cause some swelling, bruising and pain in the treated areas and can require the wearing of an elastic garment afterwards. The results are immediate but best visible when all of the swelling goes away.

Liposuction, whether traditional or laser-assisted, is the gold-standard for fat removal. The non-invasive procedures like UltraShape will never replace lipo nor be as predictable. However, UltraShape is an alternative for patients who do not want surgery or its side effects.

First, Ultrashape is not approved for use in the US. It basically works by focused external ultrasound on the underlying tissues. And yes, the body absorbs the emulsified fat products and excrete them. This requires several treatments. On the other hand Smartlipo uses a laser light to emulsify fat and the fat then has to be sucked out with another method( liposuction cannulas. It can be a very slow process that may or may not tighten the skin as well.
The new Smartlipo machine is coming to market this month, and is supposed to be much faster and better thent he older machine. Smart lipo will leave scars fromt he introduction of the cannulas. I do not believe that you can have both done at the same time to the same areas.