SmartLipo vs SculpSure – Which is Better?

Which is better – SmartLipo or SculpSure?

This is an interesting question, especially since they are both designed to be spot treatments for areas of unwanted fat.

How SmartLipo and SculpSure Work

First, let’s examine how these two treatments work to eliminate fat. Fat has a poor blood supply compared to muscle or organs. This means that when fat is heated to 47 degrees Celsius, it will die. Both SmartLipo and SculpSure work on this principle.

SculpSure Body Contouring – Pros and Cons

SculpSure requires no anesthetic. Essentially 4 cell phone size attachments are secured to the area where you want to decrease the fat. (A belt holds them in place against your body). These attachments allow a laser to send wavelengths through your skin to heat the underlying fat. These attachments also cool the skin. The skin is not damaged but the underlying fat is heated to the necessary 47 degrees. It definitely gets warm and is somewhat uncomfortable. However, when I tried it on my flanks, I had no problems with the treatment. 

How Long Does SculpSure Take?

The entire treatment only takes 25 minutes. When I tried it, I was able to go to the gym immediately afterward with no problem. Research revealed that 25% of the fat will be removed (the body breaks down the killed fat cells with no problems). Most people should do a second treatment 6 weeks later. A person with more fat may want to do additional sessions and can expect further improvement (though not likely 25% each time). They will continue to improve for 3 months after the treatment.

SmartLipo Pros and Cons 

Smartlipo is done in the office with a local anesthetic and usually some oral sedation (If you take oral sedation you will need someone to drive you home after the treatment). When I perform SmartLipo, I make small incisions (only 2-3 mm) which allow me to apply a local anesthetic. I then insert a fiber-optic laser fiber directly into the fatty layer and significantly heat the fat. (There is a temperature probe in the fiber so that the area is not overheated). It also heats the underside of the skin which causes the skin to tighten. I then liposuction out the melted fat. You can return to work the next day and resume exercising after 5 days. You will continue to improve for 6 months.

Conclusion – So which is better, Dr. Berman?

Clearly, SculpSure is the easiest. You can do this on your lunch break or on your way to the gym. You will however need to repeat the treatment at least twice. There is no bruising and little to no swelling. There may be some minor tenderness but you should not require any painkillers afterward. This is the clear winner for ease of treatment.

Smartlipo is definitely more involved. You can expect to lose a day from work. You should expect some discomfort the next day and many people require painkillers for at least a few nights. Many people will have some bruising. The improvement will continue for 6 months. However, if you think about it, the laser fiber is in direct contact with the fat. It gets very hot, and the fiber is moves continuously in order to contact multiple fat cells. Liposuction is then carried out after the laser is removed. Except in very thin people, you can expect more fat to be removed with Smartlipo and more skin tightening to take place. This is because it is a more aggressive treatment.

Ultimately they are both great tools to help get you closer to the body you want. It depends on what you want to achieve, and how easy you want the treatment to be.

It is best when going for a consult, to see a board certified plastic surgeon, who offers both of these treatments, to help you decide which is best for you.