FYI Cosmetics

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.

The most commonly asked question by men and women alike when they first hear about this revolutionary new liposuction procedure is: what exactly is Smart Lipo? Traditional liposuction treatments are known by all to be very successful for removing excess, unwanted fat, but they are also known to be invasive, painful and somewhat risky. Liposuction is a procedure that effectively removes fat deposits from beneath the skin using a hollow tube called a cannula in conjunction with a highly powerful vacuum suction; during the traditional treatment fat deposits are literally sucked out of the body. When fat is removed using this traditional technique, other body areas are affected which is why the procedure is so risky, But Smart Lipo has revolutionized the way patients remove unwanted fat.

A continual progression in aesthetic technology has brought about new medical procedures that have been designed to replace their more traditional counterparts; Smart Lipo is one of those treatments. Traditional liposuction has been known to be very effective, but is has many downsides as well: pain, bruising, downtime and risk. All of these downsides are because of the way the treatment is performed. When the vacuum suction is used to remove unwanted fat cells, blood vessels, nerves and tissue in the treatment area is also affected. Surrounding tissue damage can lead to excessive bleeding and pronounced bruising which can be very painful and can require a significant amount of downtime to fully heal. All of these components make this treatment risky to undergo. Smart Lipo laser lipolysis is a technologically advanced form of liposuction that provides the same fat reduction results without damaging surrounding tissue—this means a contoured shape without the excessive risk, pain and downtime.

So how does the Smart Lipo treatment actually work? Similar to traditional liposuction, the Smart Lipo procedure begins with a tiny incision (usually 1 to 2 mm) in the treatment area; this allows access to the fatty pockets. Through the incision the laser fiber is introduced via a handpiece and a detachable cannula. Once inserted, the laser is then passed in a fanning motion over the treatment area and the light energy works to effectively liquefy unwanted fact cells for easy removal. Once liquefied, mild suction is used to remove the excess waste, so all patients are left with is a smooth, contoured shape that lasts.

Now the reason this fat reduction procedure is so revolutionary, is because unlike traditional liposuction, Smart Lipo does minimal damage to the tissue and other vital components that are in and around the treated area. The laser energy not only liquefies fat, but it also effectively cauterizes the blood vessels and other essential tissues in the treatment area which drastically reduces bleeding and bruising, thus reducing the overall downtime needed. This also reduces the overall risk involved with the procedure which makes it overall a much better fat reduction option. For men and women who are looking for an innovative new way to remove excess fat for a more contoured shape, consider Smart Lipo laser lipolysis.

Fat reduction via liposuction is a treatment that has been in existence for years, but traditional liposuction is very invasive and carries with it a certain amount of risk. As technology has progressed, various alternative liposuction treatments have been developed that produce the same fat reduction results as liposuction, but with less risk, less pain and less downtime. Whether you are aiming to remove a significant amount of weight or are more interested in toning and contouring specific facial or body areas, there is a liposuction alternative that can help. Before choosing a treatment, it is important to do plenty of research on the various procedures in order to find the one that can get you the fat reduction results you desire.

Consistent exercise and a balanced diet are two key components to fighting the battle against unwanted fat; however, sometimes these factors alone simply aren’t enough. As men and women age, certain areas of the face and body simply stop responding to everyday methods of weight reduction and body contouring. Because of this, various alternative liposuction treatments, both invasive and non-invasive, have been developed in order to help individuals achieve the toned and contoured look they desire. The following are various treatments that are more technologically advanced than traditional liposuction, yet provide similar if not better results.

Lipodissolve –Those men and women who are relatively fit ye are having trouble reducing excess fat in specific problem areas can greatly benefit from the Lipodissolve treatment. This liposuction alternative involves tiny injections into the subcutaneous layers of fat where the unwanted fat deposits reside. The Lipodissolve injections are comprised of a combination of substances such as vitamins, enzymes and phosphatidolcholine (a natural soy substance). This injection is designed to promote an increase in fat metabolism which leads to an efficient breakdown of problem fatty deposits which can then be naturally absorbed and removed from the body; the results—a smoother, more contoured shape.

Lipotite™ – Lipotite is a non-surgical lipo contouring alternative to liposuction that can dramatically reduce unwanted fat, improve skin tone and texture and reduce inches–painlessly. There are several non-surgical, minimally invasive laser body sculpting treatments currently available to consumers, but none can provide as dramatic results as Lipotite. By combining the power of both mesotherapy and RF (radio frequency), fat reduction results are significant. Mesotherapy involves the use of medication compounds injected into the localized areas of fat which works to break down fat cells for natural removal. RF technology works to promote the natural growth of collagen beneath the skin; this can help to tighten loose and sagging skin for a more contoured shape. These two treatments, when combined into one, can reduce unwanted fat and tighten skin for a smoother, tighter appearance.

Lipotherme™ Laser Lipolysis – Lipotherme by Osyris is one laser assisted lipolysis technique currently available that is designed to remove unwanted fat cells using laser energy. This innovative treatment offers all the benefits of traditional liposuction, but is unique in that it is generally recommended for smaller areas of excess fat that do not respond as well to conventional liposuction. During the procedure, a hollow tube called a cannula is inserted into the skin in areas of increased fat stores. The laser is introduced through the cannula and as it is touched to the fat, it liquefies it. In addition to localized fat reduction, the thermal effect of the laser also causes the skin to become tighter through contraction for effective body contouring in less time than traditional liposuction.

SmartLipo™ Laser Lipolysis – SmartLipo is a different form of laser lipolysis that also utilizes laser light for less invasive, more effective treatments. SmartLipo is significantly less invasive than traditional liposuction because it requires only a single incision for the introduction of the laser into the body. The laser light works to effectively liquefy excess fat cells making them easier to remove. This minimally invasive fat reduction procedure is virtually painless, requires next to no downtime and provides the same fantastic results as traditional liposuction treatments; all with much less risk. The fat reduction results speak for themselves.

Different liposuction alternatives may prove to provide better results depending on your individual needs. Consult with your physician and see what fat reduction techniques can get you the results you are looking for. One of the various alternatives to liposuction treatment just may get you the smooth, contoured shape you’ve always wanted.