Which is better, Vaser vs Smart Lipo?

Hi!

I'm not sure if it is possible to say one technology is "better" than another. However, here are some useful points to consider (and bear in mind that I have tried them both in my practice):

The VASER uses ultrasound energy, which when properly applied to the tissues, is highly specific for fatty tissue emulsification. This means that nerves, blood vessels, and skin are at low risk of injury—a great benefit. The blood supply to the skin and other tissues is minimally disturbed—and this is evident in the material removed during the procedure; the amount of blood seen in a VASER case is remarkably less than in liposuction cases where other technologies are used. VASER probes are blunt and at least 2.9mm in diameter, so the risk of penetration of the abdominal wall is quite low in the hands of a well-trained and experienced plastic surgeon.

The laser-assisted technologies uses laser frequencies that are not as specific for fat as the ultrasound energy of the VASER is, meaning that the energy emitted from the device can be nearly equally damaging to fat, nerves, blood vessels, and skin. The company says this is a benefit, as the device will coagulate blood vessels so there is less bruising; but as a plastic surgeon, I think that preservation of the nerves and blood vessels is in my patient's long term best interests considering that there is very little bruising with the VASER in any case. Finally, the laser filaments are narrow, pointy, and the tip gets quite hot—I am concerned that this creates a significant risk of penetration of the abdominal wall, leading to bowel injury upon skin penetration.

The final remaining point to make is that the companies that produce laser assisted liposuction devices claim that these devices are a patient's best option because of the promise of "skin tightening." This improved skin tightening over other techniques (including the VASER) has simply not been seen by any responsible and unbiased practitioner or in any well done and honest study.

So, in my opinion, the laser assisted devices offer no advantage over the VASER, and expose the patient to significant added risk. That's why I now have only a VASER and have gotten rid of my laser assisted device.

I hope that helps.


 

I've been performing lipo for almost two decades and have used every major technology currently available (smart lipo, vaser, PAL/tickle, water jet, manual conventional, and manual microcannular). They are all capable of producing excellent results, but they are not really necessary in experienced hands.Vaser and laser (smart lipo) aren't actually technologies which remove fat - they liquify the fat partially using heat and the fat is extracted by standard liposuction afterwards. I haven't seen any difference in results between either technology compared to each other or compared to manual (standard) liposuction except for speed. Manual liposuction is fastest and laser lipo (smart lipo) is slowest. The recovery is identical in terms of pain, bruising, swelling.Your best recommendation would be to focus on finding an experienced surgeon with a large portfolio of excellent results. If the surgeon can't deliver excellent results, all else is meaningless.

Many surgeons do not have the knowledge or experience with much of the newer technology, and therefore may not be providing unbiased answers. The latest SmartLipo Triplex, which has been available only since November of 2009, utilizes three separate wavelengths; 1440 nm which liquefies fat (40 times more affinity to fat  than other laser on the market ) by what is called the photo-acoustic effect (without heat ). The second is 1320 nm which is primarily absorbed by water and is used to heat the dermal collagen for better skin tightening. The third wavelength is 1640 nm and is mostly for hemostasis ( to seal the blood vessels ) so there is minimal bleeding and bruising afterward.   Vaser is older technology ( 8 years old ) and utilizes ultrasonic energy to liquefy the fat  before liposuction. It generates quite a bit of heat and can damage the skin if the surgeon is not careful. 

There have been several studies published which show significant skin-tightening when compared with traditional liposuction. I am not aware of any studies showing similar results with Vaser Liposuction. The specific advantage of the SmartLipo Triplex is the ability to accurately heat the skin to a specific temperature in order to optimize the result.  No other device currently on the market has the temperature monitoring capability of the SmartLipo Triplex.  Although Vaser Lipo generates heat, as with any other ultrasonic device, the biggest risk is overheating the tissue resulting in skin injury, discoloration and scarring. 

There are other devices, like Body-Jet ( water assisted lipo ), that are excellent for treating larger volumes of fat. This device does not generate any heat but removes fat through pulsating streams of saline solution. The fat is removed with minimal bleeding and the fat cells can be used for transplantation to other areas since they are not damaged in the process of removal.  Neither Vaser or Laser liposuction fat is suitable for transfer to other areas of the body, because the cells have been ruptured before removal.  I have experience with all of these technologies, so I am speaking from my own experience.  The most important factor in your result will be your selection of a surgeon. Look for a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in liposuction and knowledge of newer technology and devices.

Vaser liposuction, also known as Vaser #lipo, LipoSelection or Liposuction, is an advanced body #contouring procedure that selectively removes unwanted body fat. An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, #Vaser lipo uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology designed to gently #reshape your body. There are three types of #Vaser Lipo. Each benefit patients differently depending on their needs.
What distinguishes the Vaser lipo procedure is its ability to differentiate targeted #fat from other important tissues; such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Innovative VASER #technology breaks up fat while preserving these other important tissues to promote smooth #results and rapid healing.
The Smart lipo method uses laser energy with less trauma to the body than traditional liposuction. A stainless steel wand is used with #Smart Lipo to emit the laser energy  at a higher wavelength which also produces a lot of heat. Smart Lipo's metal wand is limited in flexibility preventing the ability to target all areas of concern. It also becomes extremely warm as a result of the metal conducting such high wavelengths potentially burning and damage to the area being addressed and neighboring non-fat tissue. 
It's best to begin consulting with a board certified plastic surgery to learn if you are a candidate for a liposuction procedure. If so, you will then learn more about which #technique will work best for you and your goals. It is important you select a plastic surgeon who is #board-certified and has a great deal of experience with #liposuction. Aside from checking board-certification, it is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision. Always discuss your issues and concerns with the Plastic Surgeon during and following your consultation. Information that you read online may not apply to your personal situation.

I have both and still use both, but in general I use more vaser for larger volumes and smart lipo for specific finite areas. I see more skin retraction with smart lipo ,but it will not replace the need for a tummy tuck if you have a lot of extra skin and can give a worse result if that is attempted. In the right patient, both give really excellent results.

Thank you for your question. VASERlipo and Smartlipo are tools to improve the outcome of liposuction. VASER uses ultrasound energy; Smartlipo uses a laser. VASER's ultrasound energy breaks apart fat before removal for less trauma to the surrounding tissues. Smartlipo's laser energy does the same, with the added bonus of some skin tightening, a nice benefit when it's used on the abdomen, arms, legs and neck.  Both methods are effective, but they are used for slightly different reasons. The choice essentially comes down to the surgeon's expertise and preferred technique. I recommend consulting with a few different liposuction surgeons for an opinion and explanation of their preferences before you move forward with your procedure. Good luck with your decision.

Liposuction works. Do enhanced techniques enhance?Enhancements:1. SmartLipo and LaserLipo. Both use heat at the tip to change fat. 2. VASER Lipo. Uses ultrasonic energy at the tip to change fat. Here is an unscientific observation: Self Reporting RealSelf patients who feel their treatment was

SmartLipo is laser assisted Liposuction. Vaser is ultrasound assisted liposuction. Both technology require smart doctor. Its probably better to research
who is doing your procedure. Smart doctors have learned how to use
technology to get the desired result. Your results depends on the doctor using the technology.  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. 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.

Liposuction is the removal of fat by dislodging it and sucking it out. This is done after the area is infiltratd with tumescent solution to make it numb, shrink the vessels and provide fluid to replace the fat removed. Now you can add energy to help in the fat dislodgement as well as skin retraction. Laser: adds light energy in two wavelengths to break up the fat and seal the vessels as well as heat energy to shrink skinVaser: adds ultrasonic energy (high frequency pulsations) that explode fat and sub cutaneous tissue scaffolding.Both have their  uses. Laser is great for smaller areas and does not require the use of a drain. Vaser is intermittent ultrasound technology that works well when you have larger areas to do and can use a drain.I prefer Vaser for gynecomastia.Hope this helps. Talk to your surgeon.Dr. JA. Dean Jabs MD, PhDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonBethesda, MD/McLean, VA

Thank you for your question!  Vaser Liposelection is a Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction.  Smart Lipo is Laser Assisted Liposuction.  With the Vaser system, the ultrasonic energy is used to break the bonds between the fat.  The fat is still viable and may be used for transfer if need be.  It also assists in removal of fat from the concerned region.  Smart Lipo essentially melts the fat and thus is non-viable fat.  It also encourages the skin to tighten post procedure and works very well with contouring the body.  Both systems are good systems and it's really up to the physician's technique and what works best for each doctor.  At Bay Area Aesthetic Surgery, Smart Lipo is performed and then the Vaser Liposelection cannulas are used to remove the fat.  Thus, both systems are integrated in the care of the patient. 

I have used both systems and feel that they both have advantages, but either would be fine for sculpting of the abdomen, waistline, and hips. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles