Body contouring and fat reduction has come a long way from traditional liposuction - two of the newer technologies, Smartlipo and Vaser Lipo are based on divergent energy sources and each are ideal in their own ways. Whereas tumescent liposuction relied on mechanical force, Smartlipo is a form of laser lipolysis and Vaser Lipo uses ultrasound energy to emulsify fat.
Actual Before & After Smartlipo Results of Dr. Daryl Hoffman
San Jose board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daryl Hoffman owns both devices and uses them to address different body contouring concerns. "Laser lipolysis uses a laser to zap the fat cells while heating the surface of the skin, which may result in skin tightening. It's a very smooth removal and treatment, which is important especially for areas like the abdomen. It can also be used to help tighten the skin so you get a smoother result and there would be less risk of loose skin."
FDA approved Smartlipo utilizes laser technology to create a precise and powerful light beam which is specifically calibrated to liquefy fat. After a small incision is made, the laser is inserted into the body via a small cannula or tube. The laser ruptures fat cells which are also removed from the same incision. 
Actual Before & After Photos of Smartlipo by Dr. Daryl Hoffman
While the laser is "zapping" the fat deposits, it is also simultaneously sealing blood vessels, causing less bleeding, bruising and swelling. "The other great advantage to laser liposuction is that I used to do a lot of standard tumescent liposuction and I've seen a lot less bruising during recovery and less discomfort with the laser lipolysis," says Dr. Hoffman.
Smartlipo can be performed on areas such as the abdomen, love handles, backs, thighs, hips, knees, and arms. Recent technique shows that it can also be performed in more delicate areas, such as the neck and chin, to define the jawline.
Actual Vaser Lipo Results of Dr. Daryl Hoffman
On the other hand, Vaser Lipo, also classified as a body contouring device, uses ultrasound energy to target specific areas of the body by breaking up and separating fat cells for removal, leaving surrounding vital tissues unharmed. During the procedure, the area is numbed with tumescent fluid and small probes are inserted into the body through small incisions. The probes then resonate with high ultrasonic frequency to literally shake loose the fat cells which are then removed via gentle suction.
Since less trauma is inflicted on the fat cells, this method of body contouring is ideal for retrieving fat for fat transfer. "It's a good way to collect a nice clean fat graft for transfer elsewhere," says Dr. Hoffman, whether it is to the breast for a Natural Breast Augmentation or to another part of the patient's body.
Actual Before & After Vaser Lipo Results of Dr. Daryl Hoffman
Vaser Lipo can be performed to remove large quantities of fat or to define and sculpt delicate areas on the body.
According to Dr. Hoffman, "For patients who want relatively small areas performed under local anesthesia and have a bit of skin laxity, the laser liposuction is ideal. For people who have had liposuction before, I'm more likely to use the Vaser Lipo because its better in areas that are scarred from prior procedures and also for fat transfer."
In both procedures, Dr. Hoffman stresses the importance of patients having stabilized weight and not be obese. "The treatment is to control the weight, change your lifestyle, get the weight stable or down to a stable weight and then use the liposuction procedure the sculpt the body," states Dr. Hoffman.
