With holiday season right around the corner, now may be a good time to freshen up your skin and enjoy a more youthful appearance. Choose from any of these non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatments to improve your appearance for holiday events.
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BodyJet liposuction is one of several advanced techniques used for permanent fat removal. Now, surgeons are using this form of liposuction to perform a breast enhancement procedure that involves fat transfer.
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The Zerona laser system has been in the spotlight lately as doctors around the country have unveiled this surgery-free fat removal procedure. Zerona is designed to remove fat and reshape the body without needles and promises little to now downtime. The innovative laser system works from the outside to melt the fat under the skin tissues and releases it into interstitial space. The excess fat is passed through the body through detoxification, and is designed to be a replacement to conventional surgery for those who need to lose only a few pounds and inches.
The Zerona laser was featured on the Rachael Ray show in September 2009, and the doctor performing the demonstration stated that most people could lose about 4 inches of body fat after a series of treatments. The procedure does not require any anesthesia because the low-level laser is administered directly onto the skin without causing any discomfort. Similar types of lasers have been used for over 40 years to treat chronic pain and help to heal wounds.
Zerona only works after the patient undergoes a series of several treatments, and these can be administered three times a week for two weeks. Each treatment takes about 40 minutes, and the laser can be administered to the waist, hips, thighs and other areas of the body.
Zerona is backed by clinical trials and several studies, and is currently available in several cosmetic surgery centers in the United States. The excess fat is removed gradually from the body a few days after the laser treatment, and is not designed to be a quick-fix solution for weight loss. The procedure is designed to create a shapelier, more attractive figure in a painless way. Some people may need to undergo more treatments at closer intervals to achieve significant results.
The Zerona feature on the Rachael Ray show can be viewed here:
Already widely used in Europe, the Lipo-Vibe technique has now received FDA approval in the United States. The technique is known as ‘Nutational Infrasonic Liposuction’ throughout Europe, and has been presented at over 100 physicians’ events around the globe since 1997. This innovative procedure makes use of 3D acoustic energy to help break down fatty deposits during the extraction process.
The gentle vibration and energy emitted by the Lipo-Vibe device is much less pronounced than the type of energy used in ultrasound-based liposuction, and the process includes a rotation and reciprocation that helps to safely remove fat from the body without damaging the surrounding tissues. Lipo-Vibe does not emit any heat throughout the entire process, so unlike laser-assisted liposuction and other thermal-based fat removal devices, does not run the risk of injuring the tissues around the treatment area.
Lipo-Vibe will join the ranks of procedures such as SmartLipo, CoolLipo and other innovative liposuction techniques that can be used as part of a body sculpting procedure. The device can be used to remove excess body fat around common ‘trouble spots’, and is designed primarily for those that want to balance out an irregular body shape and get rid of a few stubborn pounds.
The device is designed with an automatic shut-off mechanism so that it cannot affect any muscle or skin tissue as the cannula makes its way into the body. This promises a more effective removal of both deep fat and superficial fat, and may help some surgeons achieve a more sculpted look. Ultimately, Lipo-Vibe offers all of the main benefits of conventional liposuction procedures, but may be a less risky procedure.
Since its introduction to the United States, Lipo-Vibe is only available in select markets around the country. As demand for the procedure increases, this technique may soon be available at a cosmetic surgery center in all the major metro areas.
One of the most common reasons why people refrain from undergoing liposuction or other types of plastic surgery is the pain involved. Doctors often need to use general anesthesia to numb the entire body during the procedure, and patients need to take painkillers and other drugs to manage the pain during the recovery process.
However, one doctor claims that he can help patients get the fat removal treatment they need, without enduring pain. He promises to take away a few inches from the waistline without scarring, and with little to no pain with a unique anesthesia ‘cocktail’ he’s developed.
Dr. Iacob Marcovici claims that his patients need “about two days and they are back to work. Two days and they are back to the gym.”
How does he do it?
Dr. Marcovici uses a special technique and local anesthetic. He makes small holes or punctures in the skin, and inserts very small needles into key areas where the fat will be extracted from. The needles are used instead of a scalpel that often causes excessive scarring. These holes can then be used to extract the fat, and the small scars created from the punctures heal up very quickly. Since there are no extensive incisions involved, the skin does not need to be prepared with saline and other fluids that are used in the conventional liposuction procedure to limit damage to the surrounding tissues and blood vessels.
The doctor uses only local anesthetic to perform the procedures, so the patient is comfortable and doesn’t feel a thing as the procedure is performed. The doctor has named this technique ‘no pain liposuction’, and promises patients that they can resume regular activities within a few days. This technique is very different from today’s innovative procedures including SmartLipo and VASER, and other doctors may soon follow suit.
Liposuction continues to be one of the most effective fat removal and weight loss solutions for many, but more and more doctors are steering clear of conventional liposuction in favor of innovative treatments that involve lasers and heat energy.
Smartlipo is one of the latest innovations in fat removal surgery, a lipo procedure that works by melting the fat cells before removal.The liquefying of the cells actually makes it easier for the surgeon to remove the fat efficiently, and reduces the risk of trauma around the skin’s tissues.
Now, doctors are saying its best to use a combination of Smartlipo and traditional liposuction when performing body contouring procedures.Even patients who are undergoing breast augmentation, facelift surgery or tummy tucks can benefit from a combination of Smartlipo and regular fat removal techniques.The combination procedures can address multiple areas, and the surgeon will have more control for smaller areas with the laser lipolysis.
Dr. David Stoker, a plastic surgeon from Marina Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, explains that people used to stay away from combination procedures in fear or the risks.However, recent studies show that combination plastic surgery is actually less risky than previously thought, and it can even more cost-effective, in some cases.
It’s important to understand that some people do not get the results they want after undergoing just one liposuction procedure, and may return to the same doctor for additional skin removal procedures, fat grafting, dermal fillers and skin tightening treatments in order to achieve their ideal look.Combination surgeries would help the surgeon integrate a variety of techniques and procedures so the patient would not need to return for subsequent treatments.
Dr. Stoker points out that every patient requires a different approach, but he’s had significant success with using a combination of Smartlipo laser lipolysis, conventional liposuction and other procedures that create better results.
While many people are choosing to fore go cosmetic or plastic surgery during the economic recession, others are finding ways to finance more affordable treatments. Some of the most affordable procedures include laser liposuction, Botox injections and other dermal fillers that create the appearance of a facelift.
Doctors Elizabeth Hagberg and Mark Hagberg, owners of the Skin Rejuvenation Clinic in Edina, Minnesota say that laser-assisted liposuction is still a popular procedure during these tough economic times. (Source: PR.com)
These lipo procedures have many advantages over conventional liposuction, and although pricey, may be the best investment for those who want to improve their appearance for their career, or to increase self-confidence and self-esteem.
ProLipo, SmartLipo, Vaser Liposelection Slim Lipo and CoolLipo are the brand names of this innovative procedure that works by liquefying the fat before extraction. This process reduces the risk of damage to the surrounding tissues, blood vessels and nerves, and also leads to a quick recovery time. These procedures also stimulate collagen production under the skin which makes the skin tighter and firmer. For individuals who are worried about loose, hanging skin after fat removal, these procedures have a built-in tightening effect so the result is a smoother, more contoured appearance.
Laser-assisted liposuction is also less costly than traditional liposuction because there are no operating room charges involved, and an anesthesiologist is not necessary. These costs alone can be upward of $2,000, so the savings may make this procedure a worthwhile investment for those who want to get rid of excess body fat.
The recovery process involves rest for up to a week after the procedure, but most patients can resume normal activities within days. The area being treated is numbed with general anesthetic, and pain or discomfort can be managed with painkillers. Overall, the procedure is less traumatic than conventional liposuction and results can be seen immediately.
Millions of Americans continue to struggle with the battle of the bulge, but diet and exercise may not be the only solution for getting rid of excess pounds.
Innovative liposuction techniques that do not require extensive surgery are on the horizon, and the FDA is conducting several studies and tests to bring technologies such as SonoSculpt and UltraShape to the United States. SonoSculpt is one of the latest non-invasive lipoplasty procedures that promises to zap away fat and smooth out the skin without a single incision.
The procedure has been developed by LipoSonix and works using ultrasound technology to ‘melt’ the fat beneath the skin. SonoSculpt works by emitting high-energy ultrasound beams directly into the fatty tissue so that the fat breaks down within minutes. The dead cells are then excreted body through the body’s natural elimination system, and the entire treatment does not affect the surrounding tissues.
SonoSculpt has been in its testing phase for several years, and it is still unclear how effectively the procedure can remove all fat cells completely.
According to LipoSonix CEO Jens Quistgaard, “It’s not clear exactly where the fat goes after ultrasound jolts it loose. LipoSonix and its medical advisers believe the body’s immune system responds to the disrupted site, digests some fat cells and deposits others into the bloodstream. Other fat cells may migrate to other body parts, while others are excreted.” (Source: RedOrbit.com)
Still, SonoSculpt is joining forces with UltraShape as a potentially beneficial alternative to liposuction. UltraShape has earned mass appeal in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Western Europe and may also soon find its way to the United States. UltraShape also uses ultrasound technology to break down fat cells and tighten up the skin; the procedure has not yet received FDA approval, but Americans do have the option of traveling overseas to receive the treatment.
UltraShape has been making waves overseas, a fat reduction procedure that is proving to be an effective way to lose extra pounds and inches – and all without a single incision.
Good Morning America contributor Dr. Marie Savard recently answered some questions about this increasingly popular procedure, highlighting several benefits of this non-invasive treatment.
UltraShape works by destroying the fat cells completely, which means the patient will not gain weight in the same areas if their weight increases at a later point in life. This is similar to the results of liposuction, and Dr. Savard suggests that there “really is no reason to believe that destroying fat cells would cause any long-term or serious harm to people’s bodies.” (Source: ABCNews.com)
Dr. Savard also explains that the fat that is released is not significant enough to be reabsorbed by the body, a common concern for those considering UltraShape. The liver and metabolism can efficiently shuttle away the excess fat in the urine or burn it up as energy immediately. Patients still need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen in order to maintain results, and UltraShape is not designed to be a quick fix solution for those who are overweight or obese.
UltraShape has been approved in Canada and many countries in Europe since its market launch in 2005. It has recently made its way to Japan, and may soon be entering the U.S. market if it receives FDA approval. People have been reporting outstanding results with no side effects, and the procedure may be particularly effective for people who are already at a relatively healthy weight but cannot lose those last few stubborn inches in ‘problem areas.’
Ultimately, UltraShape is another body contouring procedure that may help many people lose a few inches and improve their silhouette. It is also significantly cheaper than liposuction, making it especially attractive to those who are on a tight budget.
While traditional liposuction and treatments such as LipoDissolve continue to be popular choices for getting rid of excess body fat, there may soon be another option: freezing the fat cells until they die with a procedure known as Cryolipolysis. The procedure is currently undergoing clinical trials in the United States, and was developed by researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University.
Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive procedure that involves freezing the fat cells to trigger the process of lipolysis. A small plate-like device made by Zeltiq is placed directly on the treatment area and cooled to near-freezing temperatures. This results in the breakdown of body fat, and the cells can then be flushed out of the body naturally.
Researchers report that this procedure does not cause damage to the surrounding tissues and blood vessels, and will not traumatize the nerves and bones around the area. Plasmetic.com states that the procedure is ‘more effective in areas that have a lot of fat than in leaner areas,’ and that ‘the natural biological inflammatory process removes dead fat cells over time and causes a reduction in the fat layer.’
Zeltiq.com, the company behind the Cryolipolysis device reports that:
“Cryolipolysis is the non-invasive cooling of fat cells to induce lipolysis (the breakdown of fat) without damage to other tissue types. This novel technology is designed to enable safe reduction of fat tissue near nerves, muscle and bones. Cryolipolysis penetrates deepest in thick fat areas, tapering to less effect in leaner areas, which causes natural body sculpting.”
If the clinical trials continue to be successful, ‘fat-freezing therapy’ may offer a new option for millions of people interested in body contouring procedures and losing body fat without surgery. Currently, there are only a few infrared heat-based treatments on the market that claim to deliver circumferential reduction (VelaShape, Thermage), and ultrasound fat reduction (UltraShape) is available in the UK and Canada.
Cryolipolysis may lead the next generation of fat reduction procedures and reduce the need to pursue extensive liposuction and fat removal surgery.
While liposuction continues to be one of the most popular fat removal and fat reduction methods for millions of men and women that want to get rid of stubborn body fat, many turn to non-surgical treatments such as VelaSmooth and mesotherapy to achieve their ideal figure. The makers of UltraShape, an increasingly popular ultrasound device available in Europe and Canada that helps dissolve body fat, have recently launched a study using Contour Plus, a body contouring system designed to sculpt and tone the skin while tightening up the skin tissues.
The Contour Plus device is designed specifically for patients who have localized areas of fat that cannot be treated with liposuction alone; it works using ultrasound waves that penetrate deep into the skin and help break down fatty tissues immediately.
Millions of men and women pursue fat removal procedures such as SmartLipo and tumescent liposuction to get rid of love handles, streamline their silhouettes and create a more contoured appearance. However, liposuction often results in a ‘bumpy’ appearance or leaves behind loose skin that must be managed with skin tightening treatments that sculpt and tone up the skin tissues after the procedure.
The Contour Plus treatment presents a less-invasive option for smoothing out the skin and creating a truly sculpted, natural-looking silhouette.
According to Dr. Sue Ellen Cox, Medical Director at Aesthetic Solutions in North Carolina, “Other body contouring devices are notorious for over-promising and under-performing such as the VelaSmooth which is used more for temporary cellulite reduction. This is the first real non-invasive device that can achieve a reduction of fat. The Contour Plus can actually be shown to disrupt the fat cells, so there is actually an objective change going on and not only a subjective change.”
While thousands of people continue to line up for mesotherapy and Lipodissolve injections to get rid of stubborn body fat, others are steering clear of these potentially dangerous fat reduction treatments in hopes of a safer, more effective procedure.
Researchers at Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. are testing the latest liposculpting agent called ATX-101. This injection is designed to break down submental fat, and according to Keith Leonard, the President and CEO of Kythera, may soon become the best product for localized fat reduction.
Mesotherapy is a European non-surgical body sculpting technique that involves injecting a special concentration of vitamins, minerals and enzymes into the body to break down fatty tissue; Lipodissolve works in a similar fashion, but the ‘cocktail’ is a combination of phosphatidylcholine/deoxycholate (PCDC), plant extracts and alpha lipid acid. However, hundreds of patients have reported side effects including tissue swelling, bruising and even deemed these procedures to be ineffective.
Will Kythera’s product be a better solution for fat removal?
According to Cosmetic Surgery Times, an ideal patient for the ATX-101 treatment is someone who only has small, localized fatty pockets. According to Dr. Patricia Walker, Kythera’s Chief Medical Officer, “This product is not intended as a weight loss drug, but rather for subtle sculpting or reduction of small volumes of fat. Patients who are at or near their ideal weight, but simply cannot eliminate the fat below their chin regardless of diet or exercise would be ideal for this product”. (Source: cosmeticsurgerytimes.com)
Testing is expected to end by early 2009, which means it may be ready for the FDA approval process as early as Summer 2009. If it reaches the mainstream market, most patients will need a series of treatment cycles to achieve lasting results, and the procedure can only be performed by licensed dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
One of the most common reasons why people refrain from undergoing 
While many people are choosing to fore go cosmetic or plastic surgery during the economic recession, others are finding ways to finance more affordable treatments. Some of the most affordable procedures include laser liposuction, Botox injections and other dermal fillers that create the appearance of a facelift.
Millions of Americans continue to struggle with the battle of the bulge, but diet and exercise may not be the only solution for getting rid of excess pounds.
UltraShape
While traditional 
While thousands of people continue to line up for 