FYI Cosmetics

More men and women are undergoing cosmetic facial and body procedures now to look and feel their best than ever before; one such procedure is the Arm Lift. The Brachioplasty procedure, which is most commonly known as the arm lift, involves shaping and toning the arms by removing loose and sagging skin. When we are young, we maintain a smooth, firm, contoured shape due to the production of collagen within the skin; continual collagen production is what keeps the skin firm. As we age, the natural production of collagen within the body starts to decrease. As this decrease happens, skin that was once firm starts to loosen and sag. Lose and sagging skin on the upper arms can cause many men and women to become embarrassed and self conscious. An arm lift is a great way to get back that natural look and feel.

The arm lift procedure involves surgically removing the excess skin from the upper part of the arm. While this treatment is undergone for cosmetic reasons, it is still a surgical procedure, therefore patients will have to be placed under either a local or a general anesthetic; the anesthetic used will be determined on a case by case basis. Once the anesthetic is administered, the surgeon will start the procedure by making an incision on the underside of the arm that spans from the elbow to the armpit. Once made, the surgeon will then begin to trim excess skin from the area; if it is needed, excess fat can also be removed via liposuction. Once all of the excess skin and fat is removed, the skin that remains will be pulled together and sutured closed. Bandages will then be placed around the arm in order to reduce swelling and assist in the healing process.

Depending on the extent of the surgery, the Brachioplasty procedure can last anywhere from one to two hours. This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so patients will be able to return home that same day. It is normal for patients to expect a good amount of discomfort for the first several days following treatment but pain can be controlled with proper medication. Patients will notice a reduction in swelling after the first few weeks; it is not until the swelling is completely gone that patients will finally be able to see their results.

In a time where body consciousness is at an all time high, we all want to look and feel our very best, but those individuals who are considering an arm lift to remove excess arm skin should seriously consider it before moving forward. While a Brachioplasty does remove excess fat and skin from the upper arm, it also leaves patients with a permanent scar, so you will be trading one imperfection for another. If that is only a minor concern for you then don’t deter from considering an arm lift. This treatment provides a great solution for those who are looking for a way to permanently remove excess arm skin. If you are interested, consult with your physician or plastic surgeon today and find out if this is the right treatment for you.

The number one fastest growing cosmetic procedure in the United States is SmartLipo™. This is one of the first laser assisted liposuction procedures that effectively destroys and permanently eliminates fat cells. Manufactured by Cynosure, the device has been FDA approved since November 2006. SmartLipo™ uses 1064 Nd: YAG laser light to melt fat and destroy fat cells, making it far less invasive than traditional liposuction.

While anyone can be a candidate for SmartLipo™ the ideal candidate is within 25 lbs of their ideal weight and exercises regularly. SmartLipo™ works best on small areas of localized fat deposits, especially areas that have not or do not responded to diet and exercise. Those who need to lose a significant amount of fat will not achieve satisfactory results and will have a more effective treatment with traditional liposuction. Since SmartLipo™ best treats small areas, the total surgery time is decreased. Minimal bruising, minimal pain, and quicker recovery times add to the benefits of the laser assisted treatment.

Similar to traditional liposuction, a tumescent solution is injected under the skin in the area to be treated. Tumescent fluid is a special solution of saline, anesthetic and epinephrine used to assist in numbing the site, minimize bleeding, decrease bruising and aide in the removal of the liquefied fat. Once the skin is infused with the solution, an optical fiber attached to a very small cannula (wand-like tube), is then inserted under the skin. The tip of the cannula or probe is then touched to the fat cells causing them to rupture and liquefy. The fat is then easily suctioned away with minimal effort. The laser energy will help coagulate blood vessels and the concentrated heat generated by the laser will stimulate the collagen to contract and tighten the skin. Since smaller areas are treated as well as smaller probes the treatment is considered minimally invasive and therefore can be done under local anesthesia or IV sedation. A minimally invasive procedure also means faster results with fewer complications. SmartLipo™ reports faster healing times and most patients can be back to work within 2 days and have bandages off in 2 weeks or less.

Treatment with SmartLipo™ generally results in less swelling and bleeding as compared to traditional liposuction methods. Usually only one 45 minute session is needed. After the procedure, a pressure garment may be applied to help decrease swelling. Most normal activities can be resumed in as little as 24 hours. Results can be seen soon after the procedure, with treated areas appearing tighter and smaller, however the best results are usually seen in 6-8 weeks. SmartLipo™ is ideal for localized pockets of fat or areas that have been resistant to traditional liposuction. The dimpling, rippling, bumps and pockets that have often been associated with traditional liposuction outcomes are generally not seen with SmartLipo. The results when performed by a skilled surgeon can be nearly perfect.

Additionally it should be noted that liposuction in any form will not improve cellulite or other skin surface irregularities, including stretch marks. It is also is not a method of weight loss.
It is important to establish realistic expectations with your doctor. As with any surgical procedure, a consultation with your certified cosmetic surgeon will be able to answer all of your questions regarding SmartLipo and liposuction. Costs can range nationally from $3000- $4000 for one area.

SmoothLipo™ by Elemé Medical is the most recent laser assisted lipolysis device now available in the United States. Lipolysis by definition is the breaking down of fat. SmoothLipo™ is a minimally invasive treatment that will, not only contour the body by breaking down localized fat deposits, but will also treat areas of lax skin giving a firmer, smoother look.

As a laser assisted liposuction treatment, it effectively destroys and permanently eliminates fat cells. Far less invasive than traditional liposuction, SmoothLipo™ uses a 980nm continuous wave laser light that give off heat to permeate into the fat cells causing irreversible damage to them. Heating also leads to skin tightening thereby improving the overall cosmetic effect. This is especially effective in areas of high laxity. The liquefied fat is then removed from the body via suction. Demonstrated effective through three years of clinical testing, SmoothLipo™ is also gentle on the surrounding skin tissue, resulting in faster recovery time and less risk of potential complications. And because the laser has a continuous wave there is less chance of patients experiencing thermal injuries (or laser burns). Minimal bruising, minimal pain, and quicker recovery times add to the benefits of this treatment.

The outcomes reveal the appearance of smoother and firmer looking skin. Some patients will see an immediate difference. However results will continue to improve for several months following the treatment. Because the heat liquefies the fat so efficiently, the removal of fat is easier and treatment time is shortened. Any area of the body can be treated including neck, arms, knees, abdomen, hips, and thighs.

Ideal candidates are those who are looking to reshape the body and tighten skin in localized areas. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, it can be performed under local anesthesia with faster recovery times, minimal bruising and minimal downtime. SmoothLipo™ works best on smaller areas of fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Laser assisted lipolysis with SmoothLipo™ will help achieve efficient body reshaping without the major surgery of traditional liposuction.

The number one cosmetic surgery procedure in the country is liposuction. Liposuction removes unwanted pockets of fat from the body through manipulation and suction techniques. VASER® LipoSelection is the revolutionary way to remove these unwanted fat pouches, by combining the technology of ultrasound energy with the advanced surgical techniques of traditional liposuction. VASER® is an acronym that stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. The ultrasonic LipoSelection gently re-contours the body by breaking up the fat, liquefying it and removing it from areas such as the abdomen, arms, back, hips, thighs, knees, neck and chin.

The first VASER® system was released by Sound Surgical Technologies LLC in March 2001. Since that time the company has received FDA approval for this third generation VASER® LipoSelection system. Traditional liposuction involves injection of a tumescent solution under the skin to assist in the fat removal. VASER® takes the traditional liposuction to the next level. Sound waves emulsify fat and the cannulas (wand-like tubes) are specially designed to minimize tissue trauma during the suction and removal portion of the procedure. Therefore, ultrasonic liposuction is not as harsh as the traditional techniques. It leaves the surrounding tissues (nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue) mostly undisturbed. This technique promotes not only smoother results but also rapid healing for patients. Additional advantages over the traditional method are minimal to no pain, minimal bruising, and the ability to target smaller areas with better effectiveness.

The VASER® is performed in a clean or sterile environment such as a physician office, an outpatient surgery center or a hospital. The process can be performed under local anesthesia (awake), with IV sedation, or under general anesthesia. Both the patient and their physician decide which approach will provide them with the most comfort during the procedure.

Once the anesthesia is determined the area to be reshaped is filled with a tumescent solution. Tumescent fluid is a special saline solution used to assist in numbing the site, minimize bleeding and decrease bruising by shrinking blood vessels. The saline mixture also makes it easier to break up the fat with the ultrasound energy. Once infused high frequency vibrations, brought on by the ultrasonic probes, initiate the fat cells to break apart and liquefy into the tumescent solution. The surrounding tissues remain intact with minimal irritation. The liquefied fat is then removed through gentle suction to complete the process. The end result is an alteration in the tissue, returned blood flow to the areas of the remaining tissue which promotes skin contraction. All this combines to achieve a smooth and firm outcome. Many patients have reported an immediate difference, with final results presenting 3-6 months after the procedure.

VASER® is excellent for treating both large and small areas of fatty pockets and those especially hard to treat areas. Even delicate areas such as arms, chin and neck can be treated successfully.
Optimal candidates have excess body fat in specific areas, but otherwise have a stable body weight. The isolated pockets of fat that respond well are often resistant to diet and exercise alone. To undergo this surgical procedure, candidates must be in good general health without certain medical conditions that could complicate surgery.

As with any surgical procedure there are possible associated side effects or complications. Because heat is created during ultrasonic liposuction, the risk of burning, blisters and scarring increases. Surgeons experienced with VASER® technology will know how to avoid this problem, but the risk should still be noted. Another possible side effect associated with liposuction is a seroma. A seroma is caused when the body produces excess fluid to fill the void created by the fat removal. This is treatable. If a seroma occurs, the fluid can be removed with a syringe until the cavity has closed.

VASER® Hi-Def

VASER® is very effective for those who require a more precise method for contouring specific areas of the body. Because of this the manufacturer has also developed VASER® Assisted High Definition Liposculpture or VASER® Hi Def. VASER® Hi Def is an advanced body sculpting technique. This method can create the sculpted athletic look in usually fit men and women who could not otherwise achieve this definition with diet and exercise alone. It works to remove the superficial and deep fat that surrounds the muscle groups. In doing so the visibility of the underlying muscles are enhanced. The best example of high definition results would be the look of “washboard” abs.

Good candidates for this version of treatment are those with good muscle tone and no excess fat or skin. The patients who are more interested in a sculpting procedure as opposed to the fat debulking techniques of traditional liposuction are the ideal candidates. VASER® Hi-Def can be performed on the abdomen, female breast, male chest, back, arms, thighs, buttocks, hips and waist.

Additionally it needs to be note that liposuction, in any form, will not improve cellulite or other skin surface irregularities, including stretch marks. It is also is not a method of weight loss.
It is important to establish realistic expectations are with your doctor. As with any surgical procedure, a consultation with your certified cosmetic surgeon will be able to answer all of your questions regarding liposuction. The Cost for VASER® ranges nationally from$2500-$8000.

Smooth Lipo or Lipodissolve cellulite reduction treatments are a revolutionary new way to remove unwanted cellulite. If you find that, after completing your daily routine of exercising and eating a balanced diet, you’re still struggling with localized deposits of unwanted that just don’t ever seem to go anywhere, then maybe it’s time to consider alternatives. One alternative to consider is the Smooth Lipo treatment. Smooth Lipo or Lipodissolve is a safe and effective treatment method for the reduction of unwanted fat. If you are a relatively fit individual that is having trouble reducing fat in specific problem areas, then this treatment may be just what you are looking for.

Fatty deposits which cannot be removed by diet or exercise alone can now be treated using Smooth Lipo injections. The active substance in the Smooth Lipo injection is a natural compound produced from the soya bean and helps the metabolic process during which fat is melted away and then eliminated from the body. Lipo Dissolve injects a combination of substances such as enzymes, vitamins and phosphatidolcholine (a natural soy substance) into the unwanted excess fat pockets in order to melt them away. This injection promotes an increase in fat metabolism which allows for the efficient break down fatty deposits in order to naturally absorb and remove them from the body. Smooth Lipo is a non-surgical alternative to liposuction for those troublesome fatty areas that just don’t seem to go away.

Oftentimes when considering cellulite, areas affected by the lumpy, bumpy contours can also be considered excess fatty pockets. It is important for potential patients to realize that these treatments are not for individuals affected by cellulite that are overweight or obese. Lipodissolve is a treatment for those individuals who are in relatively good shape but simply have troublesome areas on the body where excessive fat build up causes unsightly pockets of excess fat. There are several areas of the body that can be treated with Smooth Lipo, these include the double chin, cheeks, tear sacs, inner thighs, buttocks, love handles, hips, upper and lower belly, fat bulges at shoulder-arm-joints, upper arm, knees and dorsal areas.

The number of treatments that will be needed for effective cellulite reduction and fat removal will differ from person to person, depending upon body region and body size. However, it has been found that an average of two to four treatments spaced out in intervals of six to eight weeks apart is necessary to successfully complete the treatment.

While this fat reduction procedure is minimally invasive, it does come with some risk, so it is important to get all the facts about the treatment before making any final decisions. Individuals should fully understand that Smooth Lipo is not a weight loss alternative; it simply helps those individuals to remove excess pockets of fat that cannot be reduced by diet or exercise. The Smooth Lipo injections will help with the natural metabolic process of breaking down and removing fat cells from the body. After undergoing this revolutionary treatment, individuals see a drastic reduction in excess fatty deposits. Whether removing problem cellulite or problem fat, always consider Lipodissolve.