If you’ve been eager to get rid of those love handles or lose the stubborn fat around your hips and thighs, liposuction may be the answer.  Today’s innovative liposuction methods include SmartLipo and SlimLipo, a set of procedures that promise instant results with minimal downtime and very little pain.

SlimLipo is made by the fractional technology Palomar, and is a patented device that promises to make the liposuction procedure much smoother and help the surgeon achieve better results. SmartLipo has recently become a popular alternative to conventional liposuction because of it can be performed with local anesthesia and does not require extensive incisions.

How do you choose between the two procedures? Here’s a closer look at the technology and benefits of SmartLipo and SlimLipo so you can make the most informed decision about your liposuction procedure.

How SmartLipo Works

SmartLipo is also known as ‘laser-assisted lipolysis’ since the procedure involves the use of a cannula with a laser fiber attached to the end; the laser helps heat up the fatty tissues and break down the fat cells so that the fat can be drained away with ease. SmartLipo can be performed with minimal bleeding and bruising, and typically requires only local anesthesia. It is a minimally-invasive procedure that allows patients to resume regular activities within 24 hours of treatment. SmartLipo is a popular choice for those who want to reduce the size of the flanks, slim down the thighs and target smaller areas of the body.

How SlimLipo Works

‘Slim’ in SlimLipo stands for Selective Laser Induced Melting, and is a minimally-invasive procedure that makes use of high-energy laser wavelengths to melt the fat cells and cause the skin to retract. The makers of the system suggest that SlimLipo offers superior results than any other type of fat reduction and fat removal method on the market because it allows the surgeon to remove excess fat and tighten up the skin in one step.

SlimLipo is marketed as a body sculpting laser system that works by liquefying the fat so that the surgeon can extract all of the fat quickly using the cannula. SlimLipo has the added benefit of heating up the dermal tissue to achieve a tighter, sculpted and more contoured look. It is also designed to treat larger areas such as the stomach, hips and thighs without causing damage to surrounding tissues.

How to Select the Best Liposuction Method

SlimLipo is only available at select plastic surgery centers around the country since only a handful of surgeons are adequately trained to perform the procedure. Still, it is quickly becoming a highly sought-after procedure by those who want instant results with minimal scarring and pain. Since SlimLipo has the added benefit of heating up the skin tissue, results may be achieved sooner than conventional liposuction and the treated area will have a tighter, more contoured appearance. SmartLipo is currently available at many plastic and cosmetic surgery centers around the country, and has become popular because of the minimal scarring and reduced downtime associate with the procedure. 

SmartLipo is most effective for those who have a significant amount of fat to lose, and for patients who may want to pursue a skin tightening procedure such as VelaShape or Thermage for body contouring benefits. Both SlimLipo and SmartLipo offer a distinct set of benefits, and a consultation with a plastic surgeon can help you decide which procedure will be the best match for your specific needs.

Learn more about SmartLipo and liposuction in our information guide, or consult with a plastic surgeon in your area for information about the latest fat removal procedures available.