RealLipo Technique Now Available in Louisiana

Many men and women interested in losing a few pounds around the waistline have been turning to laser liposuction and Smartlipo procedures that promise to melt the fat and deliver better results than conventional liposuction. However, many plastic surgeons who met at the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery meeting in Las Vegas this year pointed out that many patients did not achieve the most desirable results and that even the latest technologies have not been able to deliver exceptional results.

A new procedure by the name of RealLipo has recently been unveiled in Louisiana and is a step above conventional laser lipo and Smartlipo procedures. This liposuction procedure has been developed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Simeon Wall, Jr. of The Wall Center for Plastic Surgery, and is deisgned to correct and refine the results of patients who have already undergone liposuction and were not satisfied with the results.

RealLipo works by correcting unevenness of the skin and removing excess fat without leaving any bumps behind. Dr. Wall, Jr. points out that this technique involves the use of specialized cannulas that help to separate the excess fat from the skin before removing it, so there is little pain and bruising involved. There are no lasers involved that may damage the skin tissues, and the procedure is performed in an efficient manner to minimize downtime.

Dr. Wall states, “In addition to producing more dramatic and smoother results than traditional, ultrasonic, or laser liposuction procedures, RealLipo usually results in little to no bruising and requires minimal downtime. RealLipo does not involve the use of heat-generating lasers or ultrasonic devices that can burn and melt the body’s tissues and cause severe scar contractures or other problems for my patients.”

The procedure is currently available only at The Wall Center for Plastic Surgery, a center that has over 50 years of combined experience in plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.

SmartLipo Can Be Performed by Non-Certified Surgeons

Thousands of men and women undergo the SmartLipo procedure each year, an innovative alternative to conventional liposuction that can be performed under local anesthesia.

SmartLipo demands very little downtime and can be performed in just a few hours; the procedure involves making a very small incision and then extracting the fat by melting it with a heated device before extraction. This results in a lower risk of injury to the surrounding tissues, and may also produce more natural-looking results.

In many cases, SmartLipo is performed by a board-certified plastic or cosmetic surgeon, but some patients do not do enough research on the doctor or person who will be performing the procedure, to verify how much experience the professional really has.

According to a recent report in the Charlotte Observer, some of the most popular procedures – including SmartLipo – are performed by doctors who have only completed a weekend training program for the procedure, and are ‘comfortable and confident’ in going ahead with the surgery. Dr. Bruce Marko, a certified ob-gyn, shifted gears to perform liposuction, hair transplants and other cosmetic surgery procedures just to keep his practice humming along.

He has admitted that he took a two-day course for Smart Lipo, and can therefore perform the surgery. Dr. Bruce Marko is not a board-certified plastic surgeon, nor is he a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. However, he does hold the ‘credentials’ to perform the SmartLipo procedure on any patient.

While Dr. Marko may be especially skilled in performing this innovative liposuction procedure, many patients may put themselves at risk if they work with a surgeon with very minimal experience. Determining whether the surgeon is board certified in plastic and/or cosmetic surgery is an important step for any prospective liposuction patient, especially if they are undergoing one of the newer, ‘next generation’ procedures.

Combination Liposuction with SmartLipo Offers Promising Results

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.

(Source: eMediaWire.com)

Smartlipo MPX Unveiled in Maryland

The Smartlipo MPX liposuction procedure has recently been unveiled by Cynosure, the makers of the Smartlipo system and is currently available at a Maryland plastic surgery center. Smartlipo MPX is an advanced version of liposuction that promises faster recovery times, and less injuries to surrounding tissues.

The Smartlipo procedure has become a popular fat removal procedure around the country, but SmartLipo MPX is the ‘next generation’ system for laser body sculpting because it uses two wavelengths of energy to melt the fat cells and tighten the skin tissues.  The MPX technology also gives the surgeon more control during surgery, which may reduce the risk of injury and trauma to the surrounding tissues.

The Smartlipo MPX system made its debut in Maryland at the Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at the end of March 2009.  The first procedure was performed by Dr. Eric Chang, a surgeon who has several years of experience performing liposuction, and one of only a handful of surgeons who has been trained to use the MPX system.  Dr. Chang says that the biggest benefit of the Smartlipo MPX system is that it removes fat cells easily and also stimulates tissue tightening.  The reduced recovery time also means that there is less fluid retention which often leads to postsurgical discomfort.

In a recent press release, Dr. Chang says he is excited to use the Smartlipo MPX system because it clearly has several advantages over conventional liposuction and even the original Smartlipo procedure.  He currently uses Smartlipo for women who want to get rid of trouble spots after pregnancy, or for people who want to undergo a tummy tuck and need extensive fat removal.  The Smartlipo MPX will allow him to perform these procedures with greater accuracy, and in many cases, with far better results.

Lunchtime Lipo Featured on CBS News

If you made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight and get in shape but haven’t jumped into a new fitness routine for bikini season, there’s still hope. Lunchtime lipo treatments are readily available at hundreds of cosmetic surgery centers around the country, offering patients a simple, painless way to lose a few inches and enjoy their new body within weeks.

The procedure is different from traditional liposuction, and was recently featured on CBS News.

Smart Lipo is a laser bodysculpting procedure designed for people who have tried diets and exercising but still can’t get rid of ‘trouble spots’ around the hips, thighs, buttocks or underarms. The procedure melts fat cells with a powerful laser fiber inside the cannula, the tube that is inserted into the skin to drain away the fat. The laser causes the fat cells to rupture and the surrounding issue coagulates so the skin appears firmer, smoother and tighter. Popular treatment areas for women are the abs, outer thighs and love handles. For men, Smartlipo can help to achieve chiseled jawline, flat stomach and a slimmer waistline.

Smartlipo LaserBodySculpting has been developed by Cynosure, a company that also offers treatments for cellulite reduction, laser hair removal and leg and facial vein removal procedures. The Smartlipo procedure has been deemed ‘quick and painless’ by many patients, and patients experience very little bruising and swelling. Most patients stay awake during the procedure, and recovery may take only a few weeks with little or no compression garments required.

The procedure may also be a budget-friendly option for cash-strapped patients during the rough economic times. The average price of SmartLipo is $3,000 per treatment area, and some doctors offer package options and patient financing to make the procedure even more affordable. Facial SmartLipo treatments can take just 30-45 minutes, while liposuction for the body may take up to two hours.

SlimLipo Gains Ground as Alternative to Conventional Liposuction

While thousands of men and women continue to line up for SmartLipo and Vaser liposelection to get rid of unwanted body fat and enhance their appearance, there are some new options on the horizon.  Researchers have been testing and evaluating the ‘next revolution’ in liposuction with the SlimLipo procedure. This FDA-approved procedure is becoming increasingly popular around the country, and is only available at a handful of cosmetic and plastic surgery centers in the United States.

SlimLipo was unveiled in September 2008 and has been approved by the FDA.  It is considered to be a minimally-invasive procedure that offers patients of all sizes a chance to enjoy the benefits of body contouring and sculpting without excessive pain and trauma to the body.

SlimLipo works using a selective laser induced melting process where energy waves are emitted deep into the skin to melt the fat completely.  The laser targets the fatty tissue to break it down rapidly, making it easier for the surgeon to extract the fat without affecting surrounding tissues and blood vessels.

SlimLipo is currently available at select cosmetic and plastic surgery centers around the country, and performed under local anesthesia.  After the fat is removed, the technique also helps create a more tightened and toned appearance; this is not usually achieved with liposuction alone, and many patients who undergo conventional liposuction turn to VelaShape and Thermage to further enhance their figure.

Larger Breasts a Common Side Effect of Liposuction

Millions of women pursue liposuction each year to get rid of stubborn body fat and restore their youthful figure after pregnancy or mild weight gain. Some surgeons are now reporting that liposuction may have a secondary benefit; larger breasts.

Since the body adjusts to its ’set point’ weight when it detects weight loss – even a few pounds – it may begin to store fat in other areas of the body.  For a woman of normal weight, the excess fat removed may result in a situation of ‘fat reassignment’ where the body begins to store fat in other areas of the body, especially the breasts. The breasts are typically most responsive to weight loss and weight gain in women, but fat storage is also largely influenced by genetic disposition.  Some women may experience weight gain around their hips, buttocks, inner thighs or possibly their stomach, depending on where liposuction was performed and how their body typically gains and distributes extra weight.

Dr. Bill Johnson from Innovations Med Spa in Dallas, Texas reports that nearly 50 per cent of his female patients have bigger breasts after their liposuction procedure.  This may be most significant for those who have considered undergoing breast augmentation or a breast lift to further enhance their figure after liposuction; in many cases, the patient will only need to wait between 6 months to a year to see a noticeable increase in breast size after their fat removal procedure.

Liposuction continues to be one of the most effective methods for permanent fat removal, and liposuction techniques have become increasingly more precise and even safer than a decade ago, allowing the surgeon to effectively remove fatty tissue without disturbing surrounding tissues and nerves. Today’s options include SmartLipo (laser-assisted lipo), ultrasound liposuction and the conventional tumescent techniques. Many doctors use a combination of different techniques to achieve the most natural, sculpted look for each patient.

As Dr. Johnson points out, liposuction may have other benefits for patients interested in creating their ‘ideal figure.’