SmartLipo vs. liposuction…while these are similar procedures in that they both remove fat from your body, they are actually quite different. The SmartLipo procedure is more comfortable and less invasive than traditional liposuction. But what are the real differences and how has liposuction evolved into what it is today?

Liposuction itself was originally invented in the early 70’s by a gynecologist located in Italy. Originally, doctors utilized what was known as a “dry” technique to suck fat from the body. Patients had to be put to sleep during the procedure and it could only be completed in a hospital setting. There were tons of negative side effects, including excessive loss of blood, so the use of this procedure was stopped.

A new “wet” technique, also known as tumescent liposuction, was developed in the 1980’s. Doctors would inject solutions of certain medications into the area to be treated to help numb the area and decrease the chance of bleeding during the procedure. The fat would then be broken up using one of a variety of methods, and removed from the body through tubes inserted through an incision. This advance in technology allowed doctors to perform liposuctions on patients who were standing. This enabled them to better gauge the results of the procedure.

The Advantages of SmartLipo vs. Traditional Liposuction

So what is the advantage of SmartLipo vs. traditional liposuction? The SmartLipo procedure was developed in order to lessen the severity of the procedure. SmartLipo uses a small laser to break down fat cells. Larger areas of the body may still require a small incision in order to suck some of the melted fat out of the body, but smaller areas of the body may not require any surgical incision at all. Instead, the body will properly dispose of the excess melted fat through the lymphatic drainage system.

The SmartLipo procedure allows patients to have a comfortable experience. There is no need for an overnight hospital visit, nor do patients have to undergo general anesthesia. The recovery time is much shorter and patients will find themselves getting back into their regular routines quicker than ever before. Most doctors today help their patients compare SmartLipo vs. traditional liposuction, but SmartLipo is quickly becoming the favorite technique.

Learn more about the many advantages of SmartLipo vs. traditional liposuction and contact a Houston board certified SmartLipo surgeon.