What is Laser Liposuction versus other techniques?

Traditional liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction (e.g., Vaser) and laser liposuction (e.g., CoolLipo, CoolTouch, Smartlipo, SlimLipo, LifeSculpt) are all forms of liposuction, using different approaches to injure fat and reduce or remove it. Some companies have brand names associated with their proprietary liposuction machines. The most frequently seen brand names in advertising today may be CoolLipo, Smartlipo and SlimLipo, all of which are recently released laser liposuction devices.

Laser Liposuction: A small laser-containing cannula is placed through incisions in the skin and utilized to injure fat cells and the deep layers of the overlying skin. A traditional liposuction cannula can then be used to extract injured fat cells. Because the effects of thermal injury to fat and overlying skin are not seen immediately, the outcome yielded by this technique may change over time. Although the laser-induced injury to the deep layer of the skin may result in tightening of the skin, as asserted in many company advertisements, it may be difficult to achieve a smooth, consistent degree of tightening. If every aspect of the tissue is not treated with the same amount of power from the laser, dimpling, or even burns, may result. Because of these risks and the absence of good studies demonstrating consistent results, the Plastic Surgery community has generally avoided the early adoption of CoolLipo, CoolTouch, Smartlipo, SlimLipo, LifeSculpt, or other laser liposuction machines in their practice.

Hi, Vaser (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) is an alternative technique to the traditional liposuction methods and has less risks than the latter. I believe it is easier to sculpt and contour the body. But generally speaking, the device or brand is just an equipment and the most important part of your surgery is your doctor's experience. Seek out Board Certified Plastic Surgeons with a great deal of experience for best results. Those plastic surgeons that have specialized in fat removal and cosmetic surgery, such as the surgeons at Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery, are a great fit for your liposuction needs. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Thank you for your question. There are a variety of companies that produce similar technologies – the basic principle being to remove volume via a minimally-invasive approach. Some technologies also offer a secondary benefit of skin retraction, depending on the type of energy that is used. If you are considering liposuction, please seek consultation from a provider with significant experience in aesthetic body contouring. Best wishes, Dr. David Amron

Smart and slim Lipo are Invasive lasers that assistant in liposuction techniques. They help loosen up the fat by melting it. This then facilitates the removal of the fat by suctioning techniques. The laser also provides heat and this promotes skin tightening. Slim and Smart Lipo are not exactly the same but they do lead to the same outcome. I have used them both so I speak from experience. 

Laser liposuction devices such as Slimlipo and Smartlipo essentially offer the same thing.  They may use different wavelengths of laser, but the effects are to break down fat, control small blood vessels and tighten skin.  They all offer similar results and there is no clear advantage to one laser liposuction device over another in terms of results when used by an experienced surgeon.  In my practice we have performed thousands of laser liposuction cases with the Slimlipo device and I feel it is safer than the other devices on the market.

Laser liposuction is a type of liposuction treatment that uses laser energy to melt and dissipate fat cells during the stage of fat aspiration from the body.  It can also be used to tighten the tissue and skin. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian 

The traditional liposuction
procedure has been employed for many years and remains an effective procedure
to eliminate excess fat. In traditional liposuction, the surgeon moves the
cannula back and forth to disrupt the fat cells which are then suctioned out
with a vacuum device. 

The primary difference
between SmartLipo and traditional liposuction is the use of the laser which
facilitates the fat removal. Rather than manipulating the cannula to manually
break up the fat cells, the laser melts the excess fat. This allows for a
gentler, less invasive procedure with less discomfort, less bruising and
swelling, and a quicker return to normal activities. Studies also suggest the laser also leads tightening of the skin, however, it may take some time to obtain this result. One benefit of laser liposuction in particular is in addressing areas of more firm or fibrous fat deposition (back fat).As always, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine what modality is best for you.

The term laser liposuction is quite broad and I would say the main factor in the ultimate outcome that you obtain lies more in the surgeon than in the technology.  Having said that, there are two main devices on the market that provide some results.  The first is SmartLipo which is associated with a very heavily supported marketing drive.  The second is SlimLipo.  Both have several generations, and many SmartLipo device owners benefit from the marketing but may be carrying older less effective lasers.

To determine the effectiveness of the laser in melting fat or obtaining skin tightening, consider the wavelengths that are used.  SlimLipo uses two wavelengths that are highly effective in melting fat or tightening the skin while minimizing collateral damage.  The more recent SmartLipo devices have become better at doing the same. 

I own the SlimLipo device and would say that it enhances the results I would obtain by liposuction alone.  Having said that, the degree of skin tightening has its limit, so I would not advocate this as an alternative to a tummy tuck if your primary concern is skin laxity.  A much stronger result can be obtained by a tummy tuck.

Both lasers still require tumescent solution being infiltrated into the tissues prior to applying the laser, and then requires a cannula to be inserted to remove the melted fat.  Laser liposuction often adds time to the procedure but has the potential benefit of less bruising and more skin tightening than traditional liposuction.

Laser liposuction has now been around awhile and is losing favor among many lipo experts because of less than acceptable results including skin burns, contour irregularities and puckering.  The skin tightening was never really appreciated because of minimal results but there are docs out there that can do a decent job with laser liposuctions and the cost is much cheaper now because of the results.  Sincerely,

David Hansen,MD

After filling the area requiring treatment, like the abdomen or neck, with a dilute anesthetic fluid a laser fiber is inserted to heat up the overlying skin as well as help seal blood vessels and melt fat cells. A small suction cannula is then inserted to suck out excessive fat. This procedure combines tumescent liposcuplture with a laser to ensure optimal results and tight overlying skin.