Cosmetic Surgery Today

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Posts Tagged ‘laser liposuction’

SmartLipo TriPlex Laser Proven to Be 20x More Effective for Fat Removal

Posted by Cosmetic Surgery Review on June 9, 2010

Traditional liposuction can effectively remove large volumes of body fat, but does not have a positive effect on skin laxity. This is why many plastic and cosmetic surgeons prefer to perform liposuction with laser lipolysis techniques.

The SmartLipo is among the leading laser liposuction procedures available in the United States, and Cynosure, the makers of SmartLipo, have developed the innovative SmartLipo Triplex laser body sculpting system, that helps to tighten and tone the skin, and can also get rid of localized fat deposits.

SmartLipo TriPlex is the latest advancement in laser lipolysis, and is the only system in the world that combines three different wavelengths so that the doctor can destroy both large and small volumes of fat, and also tighten and tone the skin. The procedure promises to be a minimally-invasive alternative to traditional liposuction, and may be up to 20 times more efficient for getting rid of body fat than other laser devices.

According to Dr. Ishooe, a board-certified surgeon at the Boston Cosmetic Surgery Center in Marshfield, “Patient downtime after traditional liposuction surgery is significant…however, with the new laser-assisted SmartLipo TriPlex Laser Body Sculpting procedure, my patients can return to normal activities such as work, in virtually no time at all – healing is significantly accelerated. SmartLipo is ideal for treating fat deposits on the face and body and the ancillary benefit of the laser stimulating collagen production leaves the skin firm, which is an amazing and welcomed benefit.”

The SmartLipo and SmartLipo TripLex procedures are especially effective for people who are not able to lose stubborn body fat even with diet and exercise. For many people struggling with losing body fat around the abdomen, upper arms, legs and back, SmartLipo and the SmartLipo TriPlex body contouring procedures offer a number of benefits.

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Detroit Clinic Integrates SmartSense Technology with SmartLipo

Posted by Cosmetic Surgery Review on May 18, 2010

SmartLipo is among the most sought-after liposuction procedures available in the United States, a laser liposuction technique that works by heating up and emulsifying the fat cells before extraction, causing a skin tightening effect and better results.

The SmartLipo device is currently used at the Masri Clinic for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, and the clinic is now the first and only venue in the United States that has incorporated SmartSense technology into the treatment. This innovative body sculpting treatment is available at medical facilities in Rochester and Dearborn, Michigan.

The SmartLipo laser is administered under local anesthetic, and most people can return to work within a few days after the procedure. Dr. Masri, a board-certified physician at the Masri Clinic states that, “SmartLipo has become extremely popular due to the significant decrease in risk and shorter recovery time compared to traditional liposuction.”

SmartLipo is the first and only laser-assisted lipolysis system that offers permanent fat removal using a high-powered laser and less downtime than other liposuction treatments. Since it is minimally-invasive, the patient will see faster results, a shorter recovery time, and can expect fewer complications than traditional procedures.

The patient is completely conscious during the procedure. The SmartSense technology works to calibrate the laser, resulting in a more accurate and flaweless treatment. The calibrated laser liquefies the fat deposits through the layers of skin, and then ruptures the fat cells so that the surgeon can remove them through a tiny incision. Since the heat from the laser damages the surrounding tissue, the body begins to produce collagen to heal itself, and this causes the skin to contract and tighten on its own.

More information about the SmartLipo procedure can be found here.

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ASPS Annual Meeting Cuts Through the Hype About Laser Lipoplasty

Posted by Cosmetic Surgery Review on May 8, 2010

Laser lipoplasty, also known as laser lipolysis and laser liposuction, is among the most sought-after plastic surgery procedures in the United States.

Many plastic surgery centers and medical spas now offer this procedure on an outpatient basis, and advertise it as one of the quickest and most effective ways to permanently reduce body fat. The pros and cons of this innovative procedure were recently discussed by experts at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) held at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center this past April.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s statistics show that lipoplasty is currently the second most popular surgical procedure in the United States. Over 283,700 procedures were performed in 2009. Still, plastic surgeons are divided on whether this procedure is equally as or more effective than traditional liposuction.

According to Dr. Franklin DiSpaltro, MD, former president of the ASAPS, “the past two decades have been highly technology-driven, with the introduction of many advanced liposuction-assisting devices…each new technology has spurred great interest and enthusiasm. It is our role to determine if it is hype, or a useful tool.” (Source: MedicalNewsToday.com)

Laser-assisted lipoplasty works using a laser probe that is inserted into the fatty tissue through a very small incision. When the laser is fired, the fat cells rupture and are easy to extract with a cannula. The heat from the laser affects the surrounding tissue and causes it to contract. As the body heals from the surgery, the tissues become more tightened, toned and the overall result is a more sculpted, sleeker appearance.

While initial data showed that laser-assisted liposuction was no better than traditional liposuction, today’s advances and newer technology are offering more promising results. Surgeons must be trained with a special teaching protocol to effectively perform this procedure. Patients are advised to look for a skilled, experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon when considering liposuction and laser lipoplasty.

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Cynosure Launches SmartLipo Patient Website

Posted by Cosmetic Surgery Review on March 26, 2010

Men and women interested in undergoing the SmartLipo laser liposuction procedure can now learn more about the latest technologies and advances in laser liposuction by visiting Cynosure’s own informational website, www.smartlipocynosure.com.

The SmartLipo procedure is designed to melt the fat cells before removal, making it easier for the surgeon to remove large amounts of fat while sculpting the body into the desired silhouette.

SmartLipo also helps with skin tightening, and works at a deeper level to increase collagen production and tighten up the dermis to improve results. Another benefit of laser liposuction is that the healing process is much faster than traditional liposuction, and most patients can wear a foam vest or compression garment for a few weeks and then resume exercise and other activities in order to support the healing process.

The Smart Lipo website explains the entire procedure, and provides information on target areas that can be effectively treated with the surgery, and what patients can expect from the entire process. Smart Lipo is particularly effective for getting rid of “love handles”, and other problem areas that are not responding to diet and exercise. Since the procedure does tighten the skin when the fat is removed, the patient does not need to worry about dimpling or sagging of the skin.

Most people can get the SmartLipo procedure under local anesthesia, and the incision is about the size of a pen tip. A laser fiber is inserted through a small tube into the body, and when fired, ruptures the fat cell membranes. The fat cells are destroyed permanently, and the liquefied fat is suctioned out. The body then produces collagen as it coagulates the skin tissues, which in turn has a tightening effect. Only one treatment session is needed, and results vary depending on the treatment site. Most people see results within a week, and continued improvement over the course of three to six months.

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New Laser Lipo Technology Promises One Hour Procedure

Posted by Cosmetic Surgery Review on January 2, 2010

Laser liposuction continues to be one of the most sought-after procedures in body contouring and permanent fat removal, but some plastic surgeons have taken the procedure one step further by using a special technique that cuts down on surgery time. Plastic and cosmetic surgeons across the country are promoting the “one hour liposuction” procedure that promises patients they can lose an entire dress size in just one hour and be back to work the next day.

Dr. Ahn Ngo, the medical director of Final Inches, is one of several surgeons to promote the procedure. According to Ngo, the minimally invasive fat removal procedure is done under local anesthesia in an office setting. “The laser stimulates heat in the area, which stimulates collagen production.” (Source: ABCLocal)

In traditional liposuction, the doctors must make several incisions in order to insert a cannula that breaks up the fat. With the advanced techniques available with laser liposuction, the doctor uses a laser-infused wire instead, which helps to liquefy the fat and also tightens the skin around the treatment area.

According to the Final Inches website, this special liposculpture procedure is capable of contouring and sculpting the body and promises permanent fat removal. It also boasts minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, and the patient remains awake for the entire treatment. The procedure can be performed on people of all ethnic backgrounds and with all skin types, and is most suitable for healthy men and women with a BMI ranging from 20 to 30, or those that are within 40 pounds of their ideal weight. The procedure also costs less than traditional liposuction. At Final Inches, it is priced at $2,500 to $3,500 per body area.

While laser liposuction does offer instant results, patients need to maintain a healthy diet and consistent exercise program to stay within a healthy weight range. Any weight that is regained after the procedure will accumulate in other areas of the body.

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Laser Liposuction Deemed Safer than Traditional Procedures

Posted by Cosmetic Surgery Review on December 26, 2009

Laser liposuction is among the most innovative techniques available for individuals undergoing permanent fat removal procedure.

Laser-assisted liposuction helps to remove excess fat and tightens up the skin during the process, allowing for more precise body contouring and minimal downtime. Experts say that it is generally safer than traditional procedures and is a versatile option because it can be performed on the abdomen, buttocks, waist, hips and flanks. In addition to serving as a first-time procedure, laser liposuction can be performed on people who have loose skin from a traditional liposuction procedure to provide a much better silhouette.

Most laser liposuction procedures are performed using only local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The procedure may be performed in less than an hour and requires only very small incisions in the treatment area. The heat from the laser helps to break down the fat cells and also makes the skin tissues around the treatment area contract. This tightens the skin shortly after the procedure and for several weeks after the procedure to improve results. The precision of the laser preserves the surrounding tissue and gives the surgeon more control over the fat removal process. Laser liposuction is generally safe for treating small areas such as the chin, neck and knees.

Since there is very little downtime or recovery associated with this procedure, most patients can return to regular activities within days after their procedure. These procedures are often marketed as “fat melting” systems and may use a combination of radio frequency energy and heat to create a smooth, contoured appearance.

Recovery times vary by individual and the size of the treatment area, but in most cases, the procedure involves only a few weeks or recovery and the patient does not need to wear bulky compression garments throughout the procedure.

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28-Year Old Woman Dies After Liposuction

Posted by Cosmetic Surgery Review on November 26, 2009

A 28-year old woman from Redmond was busy making preparations for her wedding day and decided to have laser-assisted liposuction to improve her appearance.

Laser-assisted liposuction has been available in the United States for several years, and is among the most sought-after procedures for men and women that want to get rid of a few ‘vanity’ pounds and improve their silhouette. This procedure is attractive to many because it is less invasive than traditional liposuction that requires the use of general anesthesia, and the procedure promises lasting results with less downtime and a lower risk of side effects.

Sadly, Ms. Aura Javellana of Redmond, a healthy bride-to-be, passed away recently shortly after her laser-assisted liposuction procedure from the Sono Bello Body Contour Center in Bellevue.

Sono Bello claims that they have “ruled out the major risk and complications that existed with traditional liposuction by introducing the use of new micro-instruments and laser assistance.” The center promotes the fact that patients can walk and walk out of the center the very same day, and that they can even return to work and resume regular activities the following day.

Unfortunately, these claims did not hold true for the 28-year old who simply wanted to get rid of a few unwanted pounds before her big day. On May 26, 2009, Ms. Javaellana underwent a 3.5 hour procedure that cost $8,000 to remove fat from her abs, love handles and upper arms. She checked into a hotel to recover from the procedure shortly after the procedure, but by the next morning, she was dead. Maids found her when they opened the door to clean her room.

The King County Medical Examiner reports that it was the procedure that killed her, and she died from “acute lidocaine intoxication”. She had lost blood and body fluid from the 11 puncture wounds that were left behind from the liposuction tubes used in the procedure.

The Corporate Medical Director of Sono Bello continues to claim that the woman’s death was of no fault of the clinic.

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SkinPS Unveils Zerona Laser

Posted by Cosmetic Surgery Review on October 17, 2009

Reading and tanning at the beachThe Zerona laser has been in the media spotlight recently with appearances on the television talk show “The Doctors”, as well as the “Rachel Ray Show”.

Zerona also appeared in Harper’s Bazaar Magazine and other lifestyle publications as the latest alternative to liposuction surgery. Now, the Skin Physicians and Surgeons (SkinPS) dermatology practice in Rancho Cucamonga has unveiled the procedure for its clients.

Zerona costs less than conventional liposuction and may offer similar benefits in some people. According to Sandra Lee, M.D., one of the three board-certified dermatologists at SkinPS, “People clearly see that this [Zerona] is a cost benefit to them.” Dr. Lee says that the procedure does not require the patient to undergo any anesthesia, and that most patients will see results after a series of six treatments over a two week period.

Zerona treatments typically last about 40 minutes, with 20 minutes for the front of the body and 20 minutes for the back. The procedure is designed to stimulate the release of fat cells which are eliminated through the body’s natural elimination process. Studies and trials with the Zerona laser showed an average reduction of 3.5 inches from the hips, waist and thighs after six treatments.

SkinPS is among the few plastic surgery centers in California to be set up for the Zerona laser system, and the procedure is appearing in major markets in the U.S. including Chicago, New York and select cities in Florida.

Some experts believe that Zerona is a valuable alternative to liposuction an can help many people lose a few unwanted pounds without undergoing surgery. However, Zerona can only be used to treat subcutaneous fat, which means that any layers of fat sitting directly on top of the skeletal system can only be removed with surgery. The Zerona laser does not involve any downtime or incisions, and in some cases, can be performed over the patient’s lunch hour.

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Zerona Laser Liposuction Unveiled at Los Angeles MedSpa

Posted by Cosmetic Surgery Review on July 20, 2009

CB026285One of the latest innovations in fat removal procedures is the Zerona laser, a non-invasive procedure that promises to melt the fat under the skin and releases it from the body naturally. This procedure does not involve any medication or incisions, and patients can return to regular activities immediately after the treatment. The device is relatively new to the United States, and has most recently been adopted by Aspect Beauty Medical Spa in Sherman Oaks, one of the first to offer non-invasive fat reduction in Los Angeles.

According to a recent press release about the launch of Zerona at this Los Angeles Medspa, Director Jennifer Gold explains, “We are very excited to be launching the Zerona at the Fashion Square Mall in Sherman Oaks. The opportunity to provide this new fat reducing procedure with our Medically Supervised Weight Loss program allows us to really help men and women achieve their weight and measurement goals.”

The Zerona system involves a cold laser application directly to the top of the skin. The laser energy penetrates deep into the skin tissues to emulsify the fatty deposits, and the broken-down fat cells are then excreted through the urine or by sweating. The Zerona procedure is backed by clinical trials, and was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in April 2009.

Results from the controlled study show that patients lost approximately 3.5 to 9 inches after a series of Zerona body sculpting treatments (six sessions over two weeks), compared to just half an inch in the placebo group. Candidates that undergo this procedure must maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly in order to achieve desired results.

The Zerona laser is slowly making its way into other markets, and this liposuction alternative is already  available in Boca Raton, Florida, Boston Massachusetts, and South Pasadena, California.

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Laser Liposuction Could Be Best Investment During Tough Economy

Posted by Cosmetic Surgery Review on April 6, 2009

42-15440756While 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.

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