Traditional liposuction continues to be an excellent way to remove stubborn pockets of fat, especially if the skin in the treatment area is tight and firm. However, when mild to moderate laxity exists, Smartlipo® body contouring also offers skin tightening while removing fat. This comprehensive blog breaks down the differences between Smartlipo® and regular liposuction, including the procedure, benefits, recovery time, and ideal candidates. By understanding the differences between traditional liposuction and Smartlipo®, you can make an informed decision about which option is best for you.
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What Is Traditional Liposuction?
Traditional or regular liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove stubborn fat pockets from specific areas of the body. It’s performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the size and number of areas being treated.
How Does Traditional Liposuction Work?
Traditional liposuction procedures involve these steps:
- Incisions: Small incisions are made near the area being treated.
- Tumescent Solution: A tumescent fluid consisting of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine is injected into the area being treated.
- Fat Removal: A thin tube called (cannula) is inserted through small incisions to remove the fat.
- Incision Closure: Once the fat is removed, the small incisions are sutured or left to heal naturally.
The tumescent fluid reduces bleeding, minimizes discomfort, and makes fat easier to remove.
What Are the Benefits of Traditional Liposuction?
Traditional liposuction has been the gold standard in body contouring for decades by helping rid the body of stubborn fat that hasn’t responded to diet and exercise. This method has a long history of safety when performed by experienced surgeons and can:
- Remove large amounts of fat in one less-invasive surgery.
- Treat multiple areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, and back.
- Provide dramatic body contouring results.
While traditional liposuction removes large pockets of fat, it doesn’t address skin laxity. Patients with excess loose skin may need additional procedures, such as a tummy tuck, to get optimal results.
What Is Smartlipo®?
This minimally invasive, laser-assisted lipolysis technique is also known as laser-assisted liposuction. Smartlipo® is an advanced type of liposuction that is extremely popular because it uses laser technology to liquefy and remove fat while also tightening the skin.
Smartlipo® is a revolutionary liposuction technique that makes fat extraction easier and tightens skin by stimulating collagen production.
How Does Smartlipo® Work?
The Smartlipo® technique involves the following:
- Local Anesthesia: This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which reduces recovery time and risks.
- Laser Energy: A thin laser fiber is inserted through a small incision to deliver controlled laser energy to the fat cells, melting them.
- Fat Removal: The melted fat is suctioned out with a smaller cannula than traditional liposuction.
- Skin Tightening: Smartlipo® laser stimulates collagen production in the treated areas while tightening and firming the skin.
What Are the Benefits of Smartlipo®?
This advanced liposuction method is minimally invasive, using smaller incisions, and can:
- Liquefy fat, making it easier to remove for less trauma to surrounding tissues
- Promotes skin tightening for smoother contours
- Provide shorter recovery times than traditional liposuction
- Produce less scarring due to smaller incisions
Smartlipo® is for patients looking for a less invasive body contouring option with added skin tightening.
Pasadena Cosmetic Surgery – Smartlipo® before and after photo
Key Differences Between Smartlipo® and Traditional Liposuction
Both techniques remove unwanted fat, but there are key differences between the Smartlipo® and traditional liposuction procedures, results, and recovery experiences.
Ideal Candidates
Men and women with more extensive fat deposits and good skin elasticity are best suited for traditional liposuction, while individuals with smaller fat pockets and mild to moderate skin laxity are typically better candidates for Smartlipo®.
Technique
- Traditional Liposuction: This option uses physical suction to remove fat, which has been manually broken down with a cannula.
- Smartlipo®: This method includes laser energy to melt fat cells more gently than traditional liposuction for more precise extraction.
Anesthesia
- Traditional Liposuction: This option often requires general anesthesia for larger areas.
- Smartlipo®: Performed under local anesthesia, this technique reduces the risks associated with general anesthesia.
Skin Tightening
- Traditional Liposuction: This method doesn’t address skin laxity. Patients with loose skin may need additional procedures.
- Smartlipo®: Stimulates collagen production for better skin elasticity and tighter contours.
Scarring
- Traditional Liposuction: Traditional techniques produce minimal scarring.
- Smartlipo®: This option involves smaller incisions for even tinier scars.
Recovery
- Traditional Liposuction: Recovery after traditional lipo lasts longer, and compression garments are often required to reduce swelling and support healing. Swelling and bruising can last several weeks, with final results visible in two to six months.
- Smartlipo®: Recovery is faster following laser-assisted lipo, with most patients being able to return to work or their usual routine within a few days. There is less bruising and swelling involved in Smartlipo® recovery. Compression garments may still be required, but the healing process is faster, and skin-tightening effects will keep improving over time as the production of new collagen continues.
Which Liposuction Option Is Best for You?
Choosing between Smartlipo® and regular liposuction depends on your body contouring goals, the condition of your skin, and your overall health. Here are some factors to consider:
Choose traditional liposuction if:
- You want to remove more fat.
- You have good skin elasticity and minimal skin laxity.
- You’re okay with a longer recovery time.
Choose Smartlipo® if:
- You want a minimally invasive procedure.
- You want to remove small to moderate pockets of fat.
- You have mild to moderate skin laxity and want skin tightening benefits.
- You want a shorter recovery period and virtually no scarring.
A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine what’s best for you.
Can Smartlipo® and Traditional Liposuction Be Combined?
In some cases, plastic surgeons may perform Smartlipo® and traditional liposuction together for better results. For example, traditional liposuction can remove larger fat deposits, while Smartlipo® can refine contours and tighten the skin in specific areas. This hybrid approach is ideal for patients with more complex needs.
Learn More About Your Pasadena Liposuction Options
Drs. Martin and Adam O’Toole are both double-board-certified plastic surgeons providing excellent liposuction and Smartlipo® results in Pasadena, California. We encourage you to check out our body contouring before-and-after photos.
To learn more about Smartlipo®, schedule an in-depth liposuction or Smartlipo® consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Call Pasadena Cosmetic Surgery at (626) 449-8910 or complete our online contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve the beautiful results you desire.