There are several different types of laser liposuction platforms4, including SmartLipo (Original, MPX, and Triplex), SlimLipo, CoolLipo, ProLipo, LipoLite, Lipotherme, and SmoothLipo. You often see Vaser and Body-Jet liposuction lumped into this category as well, because while the technologies vary, the idea is the same: use technology to help break up the fat before suctioning, for an easier, gentler procedure. Slimlipo was the gold standard for years, even after Smartlipo came out.
We still occasionally use our Slimlipo machine, because it is a good, steady workhorse system that produces very consistent results. Smartlipo’s first edition promised to not only remove fat but to tighten the skin, but it wasn’t as consistent and lacked easy control for doctors, making it difficult to create predictably great results. The second edition, Smartlipo MPX, offered two lasers and better control with many safety systems to keep the lasers in the optimal range of heat. We still didn’t love it. Not until Smartlipo Triplex came out were we ready to name Smartlipo our favorite laser liposuction system.
Traditional Liposuction Explained
In traditional liposuction, metal cannulas aggressively skewer the fat, manually breaking up fat cells along with all blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues in the area. there’s little coagulation to stop bleeding, so the trauma and recovery from the procedure are quite intense. This type of liposuction can only be performed under general anesthesia.
Traditional Liposuction is not the ideal tool for body sculpting, for several reasons:
- It’s difficult to create smooth, flat results when you’re removing fat in round globules
- It’s traumatic and creates a long and difficult recovery process due to damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the area
- It often creates a very unnaturally round and smooth look that lacks the natural contours of a sculpted, athletic body
- It can only be performed under general anesthesia, which makes it costly and riskier
However, some surgeons do still offer this type of liposuction, so be sure to discuss what techniques your doctor plans to use during your consultation.
Why Is SmartLipo A Better Option Over Traditional Liposuction?
SmartLipo Laser Liposuction is an ideal procedure:
- It’s easy to create smooth, natural-looking results because the fat is melted before it’s removed
- the lasers help us sculpt the body with precision
- The tumescent local anesthesia and lasers help keep bleeding and bruising to a minimum, for a quick, easy recovery
- We perform all of our laser lipo procedures under local anesthesia, which reduces risks and costs for the patients, but also allows us to create more precise results that look and move naturally
Utilizing Power-Assisted Liposuction in SmartLipo Treatment
When harvesting fat for transfer, we use Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL), which offers vibrational help in breaking up the fat and powered suction, to keep the procedure gentle and comfortable. PAL is also helpful with particularly fibrous fat, which lasers may not be able to easily break up. Being able to blend PAL with Smartlipo allows our physicians to make procedures fast and gentle, without sacrificing results.
If you are having fat transfer, but still want the skin tightening effects of Smartlipo, we simply blend these two technologies: first using the PAL to harvest fat for transfer, then using the laser to melt and sculpt remaining fat to get a lean, athletic look, and provide a skin tightening effect. We can use these technologies, along with our other body contouring technologies, to sculpt the body of your dreams, with a safe, gentle procedure performed under local anesthesia. Learn More about Body Sculpting with Fat Transfer here.
Looking at the chart below, it becomes evident why the new Smartlipo Triplex system is our favorite – it has more of the right wavelengths to help our doctors achieve the body sculpting goals of our patients.
Brand Names of Laser Liposuction Systems And Types of Laser Wavelengths
Smartlipo (Original) Nd:Yag 1064nm
Smartlipo MPX Nd:Yag 1064nm, 1320nm
Smartlipo Triplex Nd:Yag 1064nm, 1320nm, 1440nm
SlimLipo Diode 924nm, 975nm
CoolLipo Nd:Yag 1320nm
ProLipo Nd:Yag 1064nm, 1319nm
LipoLite Diode 980nm
Lipotherme Diode 980nm
SmoothLipo Diode 920nm
Schedule A Consultation For SmartLipo Triplex Laser Liposuction Today
Smartlipo Triplex is far and above the most advanced laser liposuction system. It offers 3 different wavelength lasers, and several different application wands to maximize the laser energy of the platform in creating stand-out results. The Smartlipo Triplex platform consists of Smartlipo Triplex, Precision TX, and Cellulaze. PrecisionTX is an advanced skin tightening system that is one of the most aggressive we’ve ever seen, but also one of the safest tools in our office. Cellulaze offers systematic and proven treatment of cellulite using lasers to restructure the skin and melt away fat simultaneously. Smartlipo Triplex has 3 laser wavelengths, 1440nm is the newest of these and offers 40x greater absorption by fat cells.
Source
Jason C. McBean, MD and Bruce E. Katz, MD; Laser Lipolysis: An Update
