Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures available. The procedure is ideal for patients who have specific areas of localized unwanted fat deposits that do not respond to strenuous diet and exercises. It involves the elimination of stubborn fat cells from the body according to each patient’s unique aesthetic goals and concerns. Today, liposuction procedures are far developed with significant advancements. One of the advanced liposuction procedures is laser liposuction performed using the FDA-approved Smartlipo Triplex workstation.
Smartlipo signifies a great advancement in liposuction – the utilization of laser energy for the liposuction procedure. Many patients are somewhat confused regarding the difference between Smartlipo and traditional liposuction, and selecting the treatment that best suits them. One common concern among prospective patients is whether Smartlipo or conventional liposuction is the better option when it comes to body contouring.
Experts say that the skill of the plastic surgeon and their experience with the Smartlipo Triplex machine matters a lot. If you do not have too much fat to remove, then Smartlipo laser liposuction is the best option for procedures such as knee liposuction or inner thigh liposuction. Smartlipo has the added advantage of a fiberoptic laser that melts fat and also heats up the skin (that helps in skin tightening). After this step is done, liposuction is carried out.
Major differences between these two procedures are:
| Smartlipo | Traditional Liposuction | |
| Technique | This procedure utilizes laser heat to liquefy the unwanted fat cells, making it easier to remove with the cannula. Local anesthesia is given as small areas of fat are removed. This laser liposuction reduces the risks for bleeding and infection, which can significantly minimize postoperative complications. | Traditional liposuction uses a cannula and physical manipulation to suction fat from beneath the skin. A large volume of fat can be removed with this procedure. |
| Skin Tightening | The Smartlipo laser liposuction procedure provides an added benefit of tightening the skin. While the laser is softening the fat cells it also tightens the skin so that there is no more sagging and dimpling. | Liposuction alone does not provide any skin tightening benefits. So there is an increased possibility of dimpling or sagging after the procedure, particularly with older patients who have lost elasticity of the skin. |
| Recovery | Downtime is 24-48 hours with Smartlipo. One can do it on the weekend and go back to work since with local anesthesia the effects of anesthesia wear off fast. Most Smartlipo patients achieve full recovery in a couple of days, and typically a compression garments needs to be worn for about a week. | Regular liposuction requires a longer recovery time and the use of compression garments is up to 6 weeks. |
Lesser pain and lesser down time combined with the permanent elimination of issues such as sagging and dimpling make Smartlipo laser liposuction the ideal solution for most men and women seeking to remove stubborn fat from trouble areas.
If you are considering Smartlipo in NYC, find an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery center that offers the service of plastic surgeons who are experts in this procedure. In NYC, you can find a plastic surgery center certified by Cynosure, the manufacturer of Smartlipo Triplex. While both traditional liposuction and Smartlipo are effective at removing unwanted fat, the bottom line is the skill of your plastic surgeon. Your results and safety depend on finding a skilled plastic surgeon who can offer you the best results with this procedure.
