What is the difference between Slim Liposuction and Smart Liposuction?

I am considering getting Slim Liposuction or Smart Liposuction. I've researched various plastic surgeons in Dallas, Plano, Frisco, and Southlake, TX and have found that different practices each specialize in different procedures. Can someone help clarify pros/cons or if you've had any of the procedures done?|||First introduced in the US, liposuction was a crude procedure compared to today's traditional liposuction. Recent advances included the use of tumescent solution (local anesthesia) and the use of thinner diameter cannulas. The main problems associated with traditional liposuction are that it is labor intensive, fairly traumatic and physician technique dependent. Patients would have significant discomfort, swelling and bruising after their procedure and depending upon their skin elasticity there would be some skin tightening. In many cases the skin did not retract and instead sagged, and in some cases wrinkled. The results from traditional liposuction varied with the area involved, the elasticity of the patent's tissues and the amount of fatty tissue removed. In some cases the results were disappointing to the physician as well as the patient.


SmartLipo was developed about three years ago and utilizes a 1064 nanometer laser platform. Using a stainless steel "wand", laser energy is imparted to the subcutaneous tissues. The two wavelengths used are 1064 and 1320 nm. Both of these wavelengths are absorbed by water and generate a fair amount of heat to the tissues. The fat cells are disrupted and collagen fibers are shortened by the heat generated. The liquid waste and disrupted fatty tissue are then suctioned out using small traditional liposuction cannulas. SmartLipo makes it easier to remove the fat and results in tightening of the skin, and therefore is superior to traditional liposuction alone.


Bruising and swelling post op are lessened because the small blood vessels are coagulated by the laser energy. There are some problems with this technology. The "wand" is stiff and can't turn corners and is limited. The heat generated at the laser tip is significant and can result is tissue burns, and the laser wavelengths used are non-specific for fatty tissue.


Slim Lipo came on the market last year and was the result of 6 years of research. Slim Lipo uses 925 nanometers and 975 nanometers wavelenghts that were developed after research showed that these wavelengths were very specifically absorbed by fatty tissue. 925 actually "melts" the fat and results in liquefying the fatty tissue with much less energy than SmartLipo. 975 nm is more specifically absorbed by collagen fibers and results in more specific tightening without using excessive heat. Slim lipo uses a flexible wand made out of silicone fibers and can turn corners. The laser wand delivers energy to a much wider area and therefore "melts" many more cells with each pass, and requires less energy to do the job. Slim Lipo patients have much less bruising, swelling and discomfort that patients who have had traditional liposuction.


Bottom line: Slim lipo is the next generation of laser assisted liposuction and is superior in its results, ease of use and patient safety. Recently, I have combined Body Jet water assisted liposuction(WAL) with Slim Lipo for even better results.





Check out this cool video on showing the difference between Slim Lipo and Smart Lipo:


http://www.renaissanceplasticsurgerytx.com/Slim-Liposuction-Plano-Dallas-Frisco-Southlake