FYI Cosmetics

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.

Anti Aging treatments are at the forefront of the cosmetic industry. As individuals continue to become more body conscious, men and women are starting to look for ways to reduce the signs of aging for a younger look and feel. There are many anti aging treatments today that range from mildly to highly invasive; each is designed to bring about different levels of visible age reduction. Whether you are looking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, brown spots and age spots or uneven pigmentation, there is an anti aging treatment that can get you the age reduction results you are searching for.

Some of the most popular anti aging treatments include: microdermabrasion, injectable fillers, chemical peels, liposuction, laser skin rejuvenation and plastic surgery.

Microdermabrasion: this anti aging treatment is a mildly invasive procedure that can work to reduce fine lines, sun damaged skin, acne and acne scarring. A rotary device is utilized to lightly abrade the skin, removing dirt, bacteria, and build up of dead and damaged skin cells. By removing the outer layers of damaged skin, microdermabrasion reveals smoother, tighter skin while promoting the natural growth of collagen which fills in fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars.

Injectable Fillers: Injectables and dermal fillers are the most popular anti aging remedy used today by individuals. These fillers are used to relax facial muscles and to plump loose and sagging skin in order to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Botox is a very popular injectable that is used to reduce the signs of aging around the eyes and between the brows. Restylane is one of the most common dermal fillers used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth, but others include Collagen injections and Radiesse. Injectables and dermal fillers are a fantastic way to reduce the visible signs of aging with lasting results.

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are a more invasive form of anti aging; however there are different levels of peels depending on the level of rejuvenation a patient is looking for. Chemical peels utilize a chemical agent that is designed to remove the outer layers of skin for total facial rejuvenation. This anti aging treatment can be used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage and unevenly pigmented skin. The deeper the facial lines, the deeper the peel a patient will need. Significant downtime is needed following chemical peels, but the age reduction results following speak for themselves.

Liposuction: As we age, our skin begins to slowly loose elasticity and because of this, many individuals start to experience localized areas of excess fat and loose and sagging skin. There are many different forms of liposuction; they range from traditional liposuction, which is highly invasive, to technologically advanced laser lipo procedures that are less invasive and less risky. All treatments have the same goal however, to remove excess fat and tighten loose skin for a younger more contoured look and feel.

Laser Skin Rejuvenation: Skin rejuvenation treatments using laser technology are a minimally invasive way to reduce the most apparent signs of aging—wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots and age spots. The laser technology is quite simple, when targeting facial lines; the laser penetrates into the lower levels of skin to promote the natural growth of collagen. Collagen works to smooth and plump the skin, so this treatment will fill in wrinkles and fine lines naturally, from the inside out. When targeting sun spots and age spots, the laser works to target and break apart the pigmented skin in order to even out skin tone for a more youthful complexion. A series of treatments are needed and after each, patients will experience a further fading of uneven pigmentation.

Plastic surgery: Surgical procedures for anti aging are by far the most invasive, but they also provide the best and the longest lasting results. Many men and women will undergo full face lifts to give the face a younger, more youthful look. Others will specifically target certain areas like the eyes, mouth, cheeks or neck, all areas that can show age beyond our actual years. All surgical procedures come with a certain amount of risk and require a certain amount of recovery, but patients can experience long lasting age reduction results.

No matter the level of age reduction you are looking to achieve, there is an anti aging treatment out there that can get you the results you want. Enjoy a youthful appearance longer with any of these fantastic age reduction procedures.

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.

As innovative technologies continue to be introduced, the popularity of cosmetic procedures is steadily on the rise. Until recently, individuals would have to undergo lengthy, painful procedures that required extensive downtime, in order to achieve desired results. Now, with the advent of laser technology and improvements in surgical techniques, aesthetic procedures are safer, more effective and more long lasting. Throughout 2008 the popularity of cosmetic procedures, both aesthetic and surgical soared, but there are a handful of procedures that stood out among the rest. The top three cosmetic procedures of 2008 include Botox Injections, Laser Hair Removal and Hyaluronic Acid Injections, and the top three surgical cosmetic procedures of 2008 include Liposuction, Blepharoplasty and Breast Augmentation.

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures have absolutely exploded over the past few years, but none stand out as much as Botox and Hyaluronic Acid Injections, and Laser Hair Removal. These procedures are by far the most popular of all non-surgical aesthetic procedures because they are safe, effective and provide lasting results.

Botox: Botox is a therapeutic muscle relaxing agent that works to interfere with muscle nerve endings in order to block the signals to your muscles that would normally tell them to contract. Normal muscle movement, over time, can cause the skin covering it to wrinkle. By relaxing these muscles, the skin will not be able to shift therefore the skin will be smooth and wrinkle free. Botox is most often used on the upper part of the face–around the eyes and on the forehead.

Hyaluronic Acid: Similar to Botox, Hyaluronic Acid injections such as Restylane, work to smooth the skin on the lower part of the face. Hyaluronic Acid is a natural component of the connective tissue, its function is to cushion and lubricate. As we age, collagen production slows and connective tissue thins which causes the skin to take on wrinkles and fine lines. By injecting this natural substance into the skin, it naturally plumps which smoothes fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, younger appearance.

Laser Hair Removal: Considered the most revolutionary of all aesthetic laser procedures, laser hair removal is designed to remove unwanted facial and body hair safely and effectively with lasting results. While individuals will require a series of treatments, this procedure can have men and women smooth and hair free in mere months. Nothing compares to this hair removal option and its continued growth in popularity proves this.

Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic surgery has always been popular for certain ailments, but advances in surgical technology have brought a new life to cosmetic surgical treatments as a whole. In some cases, laser technology has allowed more traditional surgical procedures to become less invasive and less risky.

Liposuction: What once was a very risky treatment, the introduction of laser liposuction has raised the bar on liposuction treatments. Laser lipolysis or laser liposuction has made this fat reduction treatment less invasive, less painful and involves less risk and significantly less downtime. By effectively liquefying unwanted fat cells, laser liposuction removes unwanted fat without causing damage to the surrounding tissue and vessels. The results—a more contoured shape that lasts.

Blepharoplasty: Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is another treatment that has gained momentum in 2008. As we age, the skin and muscle around the eyes tends to sag and loosen which causes excess droopiness; this can make many people look older than they really are. The Blepharoplasty procedure works to remove excess fat, skin and muscle from above and below the eyes in order to achieve a more youthful, alert appearance.

Breast Augmentation: Breast Augmentation or Augmentation Mammoplasty, is a treatment that involves the enhancement of the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. There are several reasons why women undergo this treatment, some are looking to correct breast reduction that occurred after pregnancy, and others use it as reconstructive procedure following breast surgery. Other uses include balancing different sized breasts or simply enhancing natural body contours. No matter the reason, this treatment can help women to achieve the look and feel they desire.

Whether you are interested in aesthetic or surgical cosmetic procedures, know that continual advancements in technology have allowed all cosmetic procedures to become safer and more effective. Feel confident that when going under any of these treatments, you’ll achieve the results you are looking for!