Liposuction: Info, Prices, Photos, Reviews, Q&A

A few months ago I would have said, “no.” But the new 5th generation SmartLipo TriPlex is the new technology to beat, specifically for skin tightening.

The VASER is a great tool and I love it. I still have it and use it.

VASER can’t be beat if you want to do a fat transfer such as a Brazilian Butt Lift as part of the lipo procedure.

But if the patient is over 40, often you want to see some significant skin shrinkage and the SmartLipo TriPlex is the tool that achieves it better than any other according to my own research of current technologies.

That being said, I researched the previous 4 generations of SmartLipo and was not a believer for several reasons.

I didn’t see the significant skin shrinkage in any of the other 4 generations and I didn’t like the lack of a safety mechanism that would prevent unintentional burning of the flesh.

The SmartLipo TriPlex has a new probe that prevents burning and the new 3rd laser creates skin tightening results that are unbeatable at this time in my opinion. (Andrew Kaczynski, MD, Sacramento Plastic Surgeon)

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. (Joel B. Beck, MD, FACS, Bay Area Plastic Surgeon)

Vaser liposuction uses ultrasound wave to break up the fat cells. Smartlipo is a laser assisted liposuction technique which use laser beams at 2 wavelengths , one to target the fat cell and the other to target the blood vessels and collagen.

The wavelength at 1060 nm targets fat cells and literally melt the fat cells, a process also known as emulsification. I have used both technologies. I like Smartlipo more because it leaves less bruising and swelling.

It also provides skin tightening which is extremely beneficial to all patients. (Mytien Goldberg, MD, FACS, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)

Here is the difference between Vaser and Smartlipo. Vaser is not a laser at all, even though it rhymes with laser. Vaser uses high frequency ultrasound to loosen the fat and Smartlipo actually does use a laser.

They are both used along with the tumescent technique which involves injecting large amounts of fluid into the fat layer. Which is better? I depends on who you ask. The most important factor in the result you get from lipo is the skill and experience of the surgeon regardless of the machine used.

We do have the VASER machine and it is helpful in removing fat from stubborn areas such as the back or breasts. (Ronald J. Edelson, MD, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)

Both Vaser and Smart Lipo Get Rid of Fat; Find Doctor Who Uses Both

These systems have been around now for many years, and since we are still talking about them, the fact is that they both work. Companies like to say their system is better than the others.

The truth is the physician performing the treatment is the limiting factor that determines how the end result is — along with you following the proper post-procedure instructions. Find a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon that does many of them, that you like, and that you are comfortable with and you will be fine. (Michael Gold, MD, Nashville Dermatologic Surgeon)

Vaser Lipo uses low frequency ultrasound waves to break up fat. With Smartlipo Triplex, laser light is used to destroy fat. Smartlipo utilizes three separate wavelengths, one which liquefies fat, (40 times more affinity to fat than any other laser on the market).

The second is 1320nm which is primarily absorbed by water & is used to heat dermal collagen for better skin tightening. The third is mostly to seal the blood vessels so there is minimal bleeding and bruising afterwards.

Vaser Lipo is an older technology (8 years old) It generates quit a bit of heat and can damage the skin if the surgeon is not careful. Which technology is used is not as important as the doctor’s skill, experience and previous results.

Always use a board certified Plastic Surgeon with experience in performing all types of liposuction. (Arthur M. Cambeiro, MD, Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)

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. (A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS, Bethesda Plastic Surgeon)

Vaser vs Smart Lipo

Both Vaser and Smart Lipo can be excellent tools for sculpting the body. Vaser uses ultrasound energy to shake the fat off it’s fibrous connections.

Smart Lipo uses laser energy to melt the fat. Both aid in the removal of fat, and a skilled surgeon familiar with each could get great results with either technology. (Lawrence Osman, MD, Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon)

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. (Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, Jersey City OB/GYN)

VASER Lipo vs SmartLipo – It depends

They use different types of energy to break down fat cells. Each has their relative benefits. In many cases any technique can provide good results.

I use both devices according to the patients specific needs and will frequently use both devices in the same patient based on the characteristics of the area I am treating. Ultimately the results depend more on the experience, skill, and training of the physician using the device rather than the device itself. (Braden C. Stridde, MD, Kirkland Plastic Surgeon)