Dr. Mitchell G. Cohen is a Cosmetic Surgeon at Orange County Liposuction Centers in Newport Beach, CA. In the following article Mitchell Cohen MD answers common questions about the differences between modern SmartLipo and traditional liposuction methods.
Dr. Mitchell G. Cohen explains that liposuction technologies have greatly advanced over the past few decades and new SmartLipo procedures can offer the same benefits of the traditional methods with a much lower risk of pain or other complications.
In today’s post, Mitchell Cohen MD explores the main differences between SmartLipo procedures and traditional liposuction, covering how the practice has evolved over the years and explaining why SmartLipo is far safer than the older standard procedure.
Dr. Mitchell G. Cohen: What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that physically removes fat from the body using a suction device. After a doctor makes a very small incision into the skin, Dr. Mitchell G. Cohen explains the fat is then sucked out. Liposuction was first developed in the 1970s and has since become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 211,000 liposuction procedures were performed in the United States in 2020. Mitchell Cohen MD notes that liposuction can be used to remove fat from almost any area of the body, but it is most commonly used on the abdomen, thighs, arms, neck, and back.
How Has Liposuction Changed Over the Years?
Dr. Mitchell G. Cohen reports that liposuction has changed a lot since it was first developed in the 1970s. The most significant change is the introduction of new technologies, such as lasers and ultrasound, that make the procedure far safer than it once was.
The first liposuction procedures were performed using a large syringe to suction the fat out of the body. This was a very invasive procedure that often resulted in serious side effects, such as infection, bleeding, and blood clots. In the 1980s, surgeons began using small, hand-held suction devices, which made the procedure less invasive and safer.
In the 1990s, new laser technologies were introduced that further reduced the risk of side effects, however, the most significant advances in liposuction have been made in the past decade with the introduction of new SmartLipo procedures.
What is SmartLipo?
Dr. Mitchell G. Cohen says SmartLipo is a type of laser-assisted liposuction that uses a small, hand-held device to remove fat from the body. The device emits a laser beam that breaks down the fat cells and makes them easier to suction out of the body. SmartLipo was developed in the early 2000s and has quickly become the most popular type of liposuction procedure.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the vast majority of liposuction procedures performed in the last few years have been SmartLipo procedures. Mitchell Cohen MD says this is because SmartLipo is less invasive than traditional liposuction and has a shorter recovery time. It is also associated with fewer side effects, such as bleeding, infection, and blood clots, and it can help tighten the skin.
What Are the Main Differences Between SmartLipo and Traditional Liposuction?
Mitchell Cohen MD explains that although both cosmetic procedures are designed to physically remove fat cells from the body, there are several key differences between SmartLipo and traditional liposuction:
- SmartLipo is less invasive than traditional liposuction and has a shorter recovery time, usually only requiring 2 to 4 days of rest.
- Because SmartLipo is less invasive, it’s less likely to lead to harmful side effects, such as bleeding, infection, hematomas, blood clots, or subcutaneous rippling.
- SmartLipo is a more precise procedure than traditional liposuction and can be used to target specific areas of fat without affecting other, more favorable areas.
Overall, Mitchell Cohen MD says SmartLipo is a safer and more effective procedure than traditional liposuction. The three main differences between SmartLipo and traditional liposuction are:
1) It’s done under local anesthesia so none of the complications you can get with general anesthesia.
2) Much smaller cannulas are used to remove the fat. So less post-operative pain and better and much smoother removal of the fat
3) And the use of a laser is to smooth the fat and tighten the skin
A Price Comparison of the Two Procedures
Although SmartLipo is a newer technology, it’s not necessarily more expensive than traditional liposuction says Dr. Mitchell G. Cohen. In fact, the two procedures are often priced similarly, with many surgeons charging between $1,000 and $4,000 per treatment area.
However, Mitchell Cohen MD says the cost of the procedure will depend on the surgeon’s fee, the size of the treatment area, the type of anesthesia used, and any other associated costs, such as the facility fee and post-operative care. To get a more accurate estimate of the cost of the procedure, it’s best to consult with a Cosmetic surgeon in your area.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Mitchell G. Cohen
Since liposuction procedures were first developed by doctors in the mid 1970’s the techniques and technologies used to physically remove fat cells from the body have greatly improved. Thanks to laser and micro-suction technologies, SmartLipo is far safer with less pain and more effective with less complications and better outcomes than traditional liposuction.
