The cosmetic medical field experienced a great evolution in the past few years with the advent of less invasive techniques for restoring and rejuvenating the face and body that can be performed as outpatient procedures, have shorter recovery times and are often more affordable . Liposuction procedures in particular have undergone some of the most dramatic advancements with the introduction of fat liquefying lasers, fat emulsifying ultrasound devices and water-jet assisted methods to wash away unwanted fat. With so many options available, you may be wondering how you can determine which method may be best for your body contouring. This article is intended to help you answer that question, with an overview of some of the latest advancements in liposuction; highlighting differences, benefits and possibilities for combined procedures.

In November 2006, SmartLipo was the first device approved by the FDA utilizing laser energy to liquefy unwanted fat cells (also known as laser lipolysis) for the purpose of body sculpting. Because of the specific laser wavelength of SmartLipo, heat generated by the laser can also stimulate collagen production in the overlying skin, contributing to enhanced skin tightening.

In contrast to laser lipolysis, traditional liposuction methods rely on mechanically tearing fat from connective tissue which can leave patients with a higher incidence of uneven contours and loose, sagging skin in addition to more significant bruising, discomfort and longer recovery times.

The laser wavelengths of SmartLipo and other subsequent competitors (Coolipo, Slimlipo, Prolipo, and Lipotherm, to name a few) specifically target and liquefy fat cells causing less disruption to surrounding connective tissue. The result of this selective, gentle technique is smaller scars (lasers fibers are about 1mm wide), less bruising, minimal down time and enhanced skin tightening when compared to more traditional liposuction methods which aggressively “suck out the fat”.

In the past three years since SmartLipo first hit the cosmetic surgery market, numerous competing devices have emerged. I began using SmartLipo when it was first released as a 6-Watt laser with one 1064 wavelength targeting fat removal and skin tightening. Now, almost three years later, SmartLipo has advanced to the SmartLipo Multiplex with two wavelengths, 46Watts of power and internal temperature monitoring for added safety and faster procedure times. Some competing laser lipolysis devices are more efficient than others in liquefying unwanted fat and tightening the skin. It is beyond the scope of this article to review each individual device. If considering laser lipolysis, be sure to ask your physician about the specific laser they are using and the benefits that you can expect from their technology.

Ultrasound energy has been used in the medical field for many years. In 2002, VASER Liposelection was FDA approved as an ultrasound device that can be used to selectively target and emulsify unwanted fatty deposits. Because of the gentle and “fat selective” nature of the VASER, there is less disruption to connective tissues creating generally less bruising, less down time, and better skin retraction than with traditional liposuction procedures. The VASER “wand”(probe) is passed through small skin protection ports that are placed into incision sites. The ultrasound waves emitted from the end of the wand emulsify fat making it easy to
remove with gentle suctioning.

One of the benefits of VASER over laser lipolysis is the ease with which it can “de-bulk” or emulsify large volumes of fat. It can also be used for fine contouring of the more superficial fat in a procedure known as “High Definition VASER.” VASER has multiple treatment settings and instruments making it particularly useful in patients who had traditional liposuction years ago and need a “touch-up” or additional fat removed. VASER is very effective in working through fibrous tissue from previous procedures. Because SmartLipo (laser lipolysis) is most effective in contouring smaller areas for patients within approximately 30lbs of their ideal body weight, it is often combined with other technologies or methods when greater fat reduction is desired. For example: VASER or Body-Jet can be used to de-bulk an area followed by laser lipolysis to fine tune the result and tighten overlying skin. Laser lipolysis can be combined with VASER or Body-Jet without losing any benefits because all of these technologies specifically target fat and minimally disrupt connective tissue.

It is also possible to combine laser lipolysis with traditional liposuction techniques, but there are significant drawbacks to this approach. The issue is that you lose some of the benefits since the traditional techniques are not fat selective and disrupts connective tissue, which will cause more bruising, more downtime and impact the ability of the skin to retract since much of the supporting connective tissue is affected. Ideally if you want to have a liposuction procedure with the fastest recovery while you are awake, you chose a gentle and/or fat selective method.

One of the most recent advancements in liposuction is Body-JetŪ, water-jet assisted liposuction, FDA approved in August of 2008. It is a first of its kind technology, offering a less invasive method of liposculpture that still leaves fat cells viable enough to be transferred to other parts of the body. Instead of emulsifying or liquefying fat cells, the Body-Jet technique gently dislodges fat with pulses of anesthetic fluid. It simultaneously infuses the fluid while flushing away the fat, minimizing the amount of distention and “bloating” of the tissue. This enables the surgeon and patient to see results even before the procedure has ended. As with laser lipolysis and VASER, Body-Jet is a more gentle technique with dramatic reduction in healing time and discomfort when compared to traditional liposuction.

Another benefit of the Body-Jet is that the fat cells flushed away can be collected in a sterile container and transferred the same day to other regions of the body. Fat transfer procedures can fill lines on the face, restore volume to the hands and also enhance buttock volume with results lasting 3-5 years or longer. In addition, once the needed fat is harvested for transfer, SmartLipo or another laser lipolysis device can still be used to heat and tighten the overlying skin, giving the patient enhanced body sculpting and skin tightening in treated areas. The combined Body-Jet /laser lipolysis procedure is a potential “best of both worlds” procedure with less disruptive fat removal for rapid healing, excellent fat harvesting for contouring other regions of the face and buttocks, more predictable results due to efficient fluid removal and enhanced skin tightening.” With Body-Jet, there is simply no reason for many women and men to undergo an expensive and uncomfortable traditional liposuction or fat transfer procedure.

Due to more gentle and fat selective nature of laser lipolysis (SmartLipo), VASER Liposelection and the Body-Jet, general anesthesia is not necessary. These procedures can be done in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia while you are awake. Patients are very pleased that they can be awake during their procedure and may return to normal low-impact activities within a few days. Keep in mind that the experience of the person in operating the device is a critical component of a good outcome. The training and skills necessary for a physician to effectively use laser lipolysis, VASER and water assisted techniques are considerably different than older liposuction methods.

So, if you are considering liposculpture, remember to ask about the specific laser, device or methods that will be used in your procedure and make sure to inquire about the experience of your doctor in performing each technique.

You'll be in great hands. Highly trained and experienced, Dr. Falcone was the very first practitioner in Pennsylvania to offer the minimally invasive liposuction procedures, Smartlipo (January 2007)and Body-jet liposuction (2009).

Dr. Falcone has, to date, performed over 2000 SmartLipo procedures and is known as one of the most experienced providers for the SmartLipo procedure in the United States. With
state-of-the-art products and treatments, Dr. Falcone is known for giving her patients the very best results with the least amount of downtime.

Dr. Falcone is licensed in both the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is a Member of both The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) and The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). A long-time resident of the Delaware Valley, Dr. Falcone graduated Summa Cum Laude from Temple University, and pursued her medical education at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Having trained under the surgeons who were involved in the actual development of SmartLipo, Dr. Falcone gained invaluable experience directly from those who participated in the research of this revolutionary new liposuction procedure. In addition, Dr. Falcone has worked and studied with numerous prominent cosmetic surgeons who specialize in both traditional and advanced liposuction techniques.

Dr. Falcone often uses both VASER of Body-jet Liposuction in combination with SmartLipo so that her patients can achieve amazing contours with VASER or Body-jet while benefiting from the
revolutionary skin tightening effects of SmartLipo. Due to the gentle, fat selective nature of VASER LipoSelection, Body-jet Liposuction and SmartLipo, Dr. Falcone can provide her patients with smooth contours while they are awake with minimal downtime (typically 2-3 days). Dr. Falcone can also use the fat harvested by the Body-jet to restore volume to the hands, feet, buttocks or face in the same procedure.

PHYSICIAN BODY SOLUTIONS
Physician Body Solutions is a medical facility dedicated to using the most advanced technology and expert care for your aesthetic and body contouring needs. The facility and its staff are one of the most experienced providers of the Accent XL Cellulite Reduction treatment having directly participated in the FDA research for the device. Dr. Falcone is the driving force behind the creation of Physician Body Solutions which was founded after she served as the medical director of one of the largest medspa’s in the Delaware Valley. Under Dr. Falcone’s care and direction, Physician Body Solutions continuously enhances its services with state-of-the-art products and treatments to give patients the very best results with the least amount of downtime.

GET YOUR FREE CONSULTATION WITH DR. VICTORIA FALCONE HERE!
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