Deciding between Smart lipo vs tumescent liposuction is a situation that many people find themselves in during their visits to clinics or providers of cosmetic surgeries.
Both procedures are variations of traditional liposuction in Turkey, which aims at suctioning the fat from different areas, such as the abdomen, back, or thighs without long incisions. In any case, liposuction is not a cure for obesity.
Both procedures are also very effective and highly recommended. Nevertheless, there are key differences between the two. If you’re planning to have one of them, you need to be aware of these differences.
Smart Lipo vs Tumescent Liposuction: Definitions
The key difference between Smart lipo and tumescent liposuction lies in the mechanism of each one. We can define and review the mechanism of both procedures as follows:
Definition of Smart Lipo
Smart Lipo is another name for laser-assisted liposuction or laser lipolysis, which is a fat-melting process that uses laser energy and a cannula to remove fat from your body without causing much trauma.
The FDA approved Smart lipo in 2006, and since then, the treatment gained incredible popularity because it’s less invasive and easier than other liposuction techniques. Many people use the term ”new lipo” to refer to Smart lipo.
Definition of Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction, known as local liposuction, involves the use of fluids (saline and other compounds) to help remove fat. Unlike other types of liposuction, tumescent liposuction doesn’t require general anesthesia all the time.
Tumescent liposuction has become the most popular form of liposuction in the United States. When compared to traditional liposuction, tumescent is less painful and more effective, leading more surgeons to depend more on this type.
Smart Lipo vs Tumescent Liposuction: Benefits
Both Smart lipo and tumescent liposuction have an incredible set of benefits and are very effective body sculpting procedures.
Benefits of Smart Lipo
- Achieves better-looking, more defined body contours
- Stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin
- Achieves high level of fat removal without surgery
- Has a short recovery period because it causes less trauma
- Can target smaller areas of the body, such as the upper arms
- Requires only local anesthesia, meaning fewer anesthesia-related risks
Benefits of Tumescent Liposuction
Can remove fat from almost any part of the body, including the abdomen and breasts
- Has a shorter recovery when compared with traditional liposuction
- Uses adrenaline, which reduces the possibility of bleeding
- Requires local anesthesia, not general anesthesia.
- Can treat lipomas (benign fatty lumps or tumors beneath the skin)
- Has fewer risks and side effects
Smart Lipo vs Tumescent Liposuction: Risks
Despite being very effective procedures, Smart lipo and tumescent liposuction still carry some risks and potential complications, but they remain rare and minor.
Risks of Smart Lipo
- Still requires the making of a small incision, so it’s not really a non-invasive procedure.
- Involves extended downtime for 5 days at least. Sometimes people need several weeks or months before everything returns ok.
- Can burn the skin, especially if the provider is underqualified or the device is not well-adjusted.
- Can cause hematoma, infection, and other post-surgical side effects.
Risks of Tumescent Liposuction
- Mild burning or discomfort
- Scars and lumps formation
- Minimal bleeding
- Skin irregularities
- Loose skin
- Numbness
- Infection
Smart Lipo vs Tumescent Liposuction: Costs
When it comes to cost, there is a huge difference between Smart lipo and tumescent liposuction based on the location, clinic or surgeon’s reputation, and other factors. However, Turkey is by far the cheapest option for liposuction and other cosmetic surgeries.
Cost of Smart Lipo
| Turkey | 700-4000 US dollars |
| United States | 2000-7000 US dollars |
| United Kingdom | 2200-8000 US dollars |
| Germany | 3000-4000 US dollars |
Cost of Tumescent Liposuction
| Turkey | 1700-4000 US dollars |
| United States | 2000-10000 US dollars |
| United Kingdom | 2500-11000 US dollars |
| Germany | 2000-7000 US dollars |
Smart Lipo vs Tumescent Liposuction: Which One Is Better for You?
Before moving forward and choosing the type of liposuction you want, you must consult a qualified surgeon to assess your fat and skin condition. Smart lipo is a less invasive and very effective procedure, but maybe tumescent liposuction is better for your case.
In fact, the demand for both procedures is high, and no one can prefer one over the other easily until the surgeon gives the final verdict. Keep in mind that you can choose to have tumescent lipo 360, which sculpts and improve the shape of wider areas in your body.
However, if you want additional skin rightening and improvement, you can go for Smart lipo. If you’re still asking: Which one is right for me: Smart lipo vs tumescent? The answer will be determined based on your preferences and condition. The same thing goes for “laser lipo vs regular lipo”.
Clinical studies described the results of most liposuction types as being “equivocal” without raising one type over the other in terms of benefits, except in terms of treating certain conditions, such as gynecomastia. So, it’s very important to remain cautious about exaggerated claims made by clinics and medical providers who want to market selected types of liposuctions. Be also cautious about those who promote a laser lipo at home machine.
Other Liposuction Techniques
Besides Smart lipo and tumescent liposuction, you have the option to choose other types of liposuctions, including:
- Traditional liposuction: Most plastic clinics initially offer traditional liposuction to their patients who desire fat removal from small areas in their bodies, such as the neck and chin. The traditional lipo is carried out under local anesthesia and can bring good results with fewer side effects.
- Water-assisted liposuction: Both water-assisted liposuction and tumescent liposuction share a lot of similarities. However, water-assisted liposuction depends heavily on using a” pressurized” saline solution to dislodge fat.
- Power-assisted liposuction: This method relies more on the power of vibration to remove fat. As the cannula vibrates back and forth, the surgeon will be able to extract fat without much effort.
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction: Known also as VASER Liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction aims at turning fat cells into a liquid using ultrasonic vibrations. Surgeons often use this technique to remove fat from fibrous areas, such as the breast.
Other Body Sculpting Techniques
Regardless of type, liposuction remains just a category of body sculpting. Besides thinking about “tumescent lipo vs Smartlipo”, you can think about completely different body sculpting techniques that can sculpt the body and remove fat, including:
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): If you seek a flat and well-defined abdomen with tight muscles, you can choose this surgery.
- Thigh lift (thighplasty): People often undergo thigh lifts to remove fat and improve the appearance of the skin on the upper thighs.
- Arm lift (brachioplasty): Considered the best solution for “bat wings”, an arm lift can reshape the back of your upper arm and grant you a more defined look.
- Butt lift (gluteal lift): This is a surgery that can reshape your buttocks and remove drooping skin for the sake of having rounder, better-defined buttocks.
The Bottom Line
People who speculate about Smart lipo vs tumescent liposuction usually opt to know the difference in terms of mechanism, benefits, risks, and cost. Smart lipo is less invasive than tumescent liposuction and may be less expensive, but the latter might bring better results and cover large areas of the body.
Here at International Clinics, surgeons use both techniques to sculpt the body and remove excess away from certain areas. Besides Smart lipo and tumescent liposuction, we offer other types of body sculpting procedures. You can reach us directly by using the Contact Us buttons below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Smart Lipo the Same as Tumescent Lipo?
Smart lipo isn’t the same as tumescent lipo. There is a noticeable difference in terms of benefits, risks, and costs. Smart lipo is a type of laser-assisted liposuction, while tumescent lipo has nothing to do with laser. Instead, it depends more on fluid and saline to remove fat.
Is Smart Lipo Better Than Liposuction?
Smart lipo is better than traditional liposuction regarding skin tightening and precision. However, traditional liposuction might be simpler, less expensive, and widely available. In addition, Smart lipo has longer downtime.
Is Tumescent Lipo Worthwhile?
Tumescent lipo is one of the best liposuction techniques. It causes fewer side effects and has a short recovery. It also doesn’t involve general anesthesia and can get rid of 3 liters of fat at least.
Is Smart Lipo Worth the Money?
Based on thousands of reviews and testimonials, Smart lipo is certainly worth the money and is highly recommended for people who want to trim the fat in small areas.
How Long Does Smart Lipo Last?
The results of Smart lipo are long-lasting. You will enjoy better body proportions for a long time because this technique can remove entire fat cells. However, it would help if you avoided weight fluctuations to keep the results as long as possible.
How Painful Is Smart Lipo?
Smart lipo is not painful at all. Your surgeon will provide you with local anesthetic and maybe some painkillers to spare you any unwanted pain.
Can You Do Smart Lipo Twice?
Some surgeons agree to provide Smart lipo twice for the same area, but it’s always better to wait at least 6 months before having the second procedure.
Read more: Liposuction cost in Turkey
