Jane - Smart Lipo vs Traditional Liposuction: what are the advantages of laser-assisted liposuction?
Dr. Pratt - Traditional liposuction is one of the more traumatic procedures we perform as plastic surgeons. The simple to and fro motion of a blunt liposuction cannula generates significant tissue trauma, swelling, and prolonged recovery. Due to this fact, a lot of energy has been spent searching for kinder and gentler alternatives. One potential alterative promoted in recent years involves lasers.
HOW IT WORKS
Lasers are focused light energy. Depending on the wavelength of that light energy, it will be attracted to and absorbed by specific substances in your body. For example, the Nd:YAG laser, the one used in SmartLipoTM, has a wavelength of 1064 nm. This wavelength is attracted to water among other things. Fat cells and skin contain water. When fat cells contact this laser, they absorb the energy, swell, and then rupture, draining their contents. Once this occurs, an oily residue is suctioned away much like traditional liposuction.
One of the key reasons that laser-assisted liposuction is gentler is that the energy is delivered through a very fine cannula (1 mm) which houses an even smaller laser fiber (around 300 microns in diameter). This is in contrast to traditional liposuction, which uses mechanical energy generated by shoving a much larger cannula (3-6 mm) to and fro. Due to its inherent gentleness, laser-assisted liposuction is easier to perform without general anesthesia. Smaller cannulas and non-mechanical disruption of the fat cells means less trauma to the patient and a faster recovery.
CLINICAL BENEFITS?
As has been shown in several studies and in general clinical experience, laser-assisted liposuction results in less swelling, bruising, and downtime. In addition, one key element (honestly the key element) that traditional liposuction cannot duplicate is skin contraction. The laser generates heat and subsequently new collagen formation. This causes the skin tightening seen at 6-12 months. The clinical consequence of this is that you can use the laser in areas of loose skin where the use of traditional liposuction would not be an option. Using traditional liposuction in areas of loose skin is a clinical no-no. Smart Lipo thus fills the gap between liposuction and a tummy tuck.
