Surgical Vs. Non-Surgical Body Contouring and Liposuction Procedures
The Myths And The Myth Busters
• What Is Coolsculpting / Non-Surgical
The Myth:
The makers of CoolSculpting State That This Procedure Freezes & Eliminates Stubborn Fat.
The information provided by the company states that this procedure will safely deliver precise, controlled cooling to gently target the fat cells underneath the skin. The information also states that the treated fat cells will crystalize (freeze), then die. Over time, your body is to process the cells and eventually eliminate the dead cells, leaving a more sculpted you. It is stated that while some patients may see results as early as 3 weeks following the first treatment, the most dramatic results are usually seen between 1 and 3 months following a series of treatments along with diet and exercise.
Myth Buster:
Anyone that is committed to following a diet and exercise program for 3 months, will likely lose weight and contour their body naturally. This can also be the case for those who are 3 weeks into their diet an exercise program.
• What Is Liposonix / Non-Surgical
The Myth:
Liposonix states that this procedure reduces fat using ultrasound technologies. Like Coolsculpting, Liposonix is also marketed as a non-invasive fat reduction procedure. They state that Ultrasound energy can be used to penetrate through layers of skin to target fat tissue without harming the skin or other surrounding tissues. Fat is then naturally processed through the body. The Liposonix system informs consumers that the procedure uses high-intensity focused ultrasound wave of energy that can destroy targeted subcutaneous fat therefore delivering a more precise result. It is stated that results can typically be seen within 8 to 12 weeks with a healthy diet and exercise.
Myth Buster:
Liposonix states that results can be seen with only one treatment. However, it is more often recommended that the patient may receive 2 to 3 treatments to achieve desired results. Again, like Coolsculpting, anyone that is committed to following a diet and exercise program for 8 to 12 weeks, will likely lose weight and contour their body naturally.
• What Is SmartLipo / Non-Surgical
The Myth:
The makers of Smartlipo state that this procedure is a minimally invasive, laser-assisted procedure that will target troubled areas like the abdomen, arms, buttocks, thighs, and neck, and will permanently eliminate fat. The manufacturer states that for the stubborn areas of your body that does not respond to diet and exercise, this procedure will provide dramatic improvements. They state minimal downtime with less pain than traditional liposuction.
Per the information provided, the technique has three wavelengths to provide targeted treatments that will disrupt the fat, coagulate blood vessels as well as stimulate collagen to improve the elasticity and texture of the skin.
This procedure is performed using local anesthetic to numb only the specific areas that are being treated. What this means, is that you are awake during the procedure.
The Smartlipo laser cannula is inserted through a small incision in the skin, the laser will then rupture fat cell membranes and destroy fat cells permanently. It is stated the fat will liquefy and then gently suction out.
The Myth Buster:
Be careful of fancy marketing words such as “Laser” Liposuction and “minimally invasive”. Fact, the only fat that is responsive to any liposuction procedure is the fat directly beneath the fascia. This is the fat that can be pinched directly underneath the skin. The procedure is performed to address the fat just beneath the skin. Having said that, all liposuction procedures can be considered “minimally invasive”. What this means is, the procedure is performed just below the surface of the skin through a small incision (approx. size of a pencil eraser). Over the years, the word “laser” has become somewhat of a great marketing word. There are always factors to consider prior to having this procedure, as well as any procedure (surgical or non-surgical). Lasers in any form, produce heat, therefore can burn its surroundings. Complications that are often seen with this procedure, can range from cosmetic dissatisfaction to permanent internal damage. These complications are often due to heat from the laser, combined with friction of the technique. This combination can burn the underneath portions of the skin causing a visually wavy/lumpy appearance at the treatment site. Other complications from lasers can also be as severe as an internal burn or injury.
***Lasers have become a great option for external resurfacing such as scar treatments, and hair removal. Lasers have also evolved in technology for anti-aging purposes. When lasers are used in this capacity, the provider can be much more precise in the treatment as well as visibly see how the individual is reacting to the heat. ***
• What Is The Ultrasonic Liposuction Procedure / Surgical Procedure
• What Is Traditional Liposuction Procedure / Surgical Procedure
Ultrasonic Liposuction:
The ultrasonic liposuction procedure is very similar to a traditional liposuction procedure, with one major exception. A sound generator is connected to the cannula, which then generates ultrasonic waves through the tip of the cannula. These waves cause fat cells to dissolve and liquefy, and the liquefied fat is then easily suctioned from the body.
Ultrasonic liposuction can greatly benefit patients that are not the perfect candidate for traditional liposuction. Ultrasonic liposuction uses sound waves to first break up and liquefy fat, which is then removed via suction. Because the fat is liquefied before removal, there is far less blood loss than with traditional liposuction, and can also be effective in areas that tend to be more fibrous.
Depending on the individual needs of each person, a more traditional liposuction may be performed directly after the ultrasound procedure in order to better shape the body. Having a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon perform the Liposuction procedure is the safest way of having ANY procedure done. When having a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon perform the procedure, you will have options available that will deliver the best results for you and your body type.
Traditional Liposuction:
During liposuction, a cannula is inserted – or surgical metal tube – through surgically created entrances in your skin. Fat is then sucked through the cannula into a container by the power of a vacuum pump. The experience and skills of our board certified plastic surgeons allows them to act as body sculptor, leading to more proportional and attractive results.
Although liposuction is not intended as a weight-loss technique, this procedure is commonly used to remove fatty areas for body contouring and sculpting. Suction-assisted lipectomy, or lipoplasty, more commonly referred to as liposuction, can be used to improve various areas of the body. Individuals who choose to have liposuction often target their abdomen, hips, thighs, and knees. Men generally target love handles, lower abdomen and enlarged male breasts.
Following any Liposuction procedure, you will be fitted with elastic bandages or compression garments while your skin shrinks to fit your new body.
Your Safety:
*** FOR YOUR SAFETY, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT WHEN HAVING ANY PROCEDURES PERFORMED, THAT THE PROVIDER BE LISENCED IN THE SPECIALTY AND THE PROCEDURES ARE PERFORMED IN A STERILE ENVIRONMENT AT A LISENCED SURGICAL FACILITY. ***
Do extensive research on the provider as well as the facility itself. Your life and your body are not worth bargaining.
Note: In most cases, if a procedure is not being performed in an Operating Room setting, this will often mean that the provider performing the service does NOT have Operating Room privileges. This can mean that the provider is not licensed to perform the procedure.
