VASER Liposuction – Shake It Up, Baby (Fat, That Is)

The main problem with traditional liposuction is that it is a very invasive. It takes place beneath the surface of the skin so you don’t get to see the damage, but anyone that has had this form of liposuction knows the soreness and bruising that follow traditional liposuction. There is a milder form of liposuction that is as effective and potentially kinder to the body. What is VASER Liposuction? VASER is an acronym that stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. Essentially VASER liposuction combines ultrasound energy and a gentle form of suction to liquefy and remove pockets of fat from the body. The ultrasound energy is sound outside the range of human hearing, but it is also a way to deliver thousands of small, powerful energy waves. These ultrasonic waves strike the cell membranes of fat cells and break them open. The broken fat cell membranes release their contents, specifically oily, liquefied fat. VASER Liposuction Procedure Once the fat is liquefied by ultrasound energy, VASER liposuction employs a patented suction device called VentX. In contrast to traditional liposuction which avulses (rips) the fat cells out in chunks, the VentX aspiration system just removes emulsified fluids. The intact cells, blood vessels, muscle, and connective tissues are not disrupted by the VentX suction. Therefore there is less bruising and soreness after VASER liposuction than with other forms of liposuction. Still having trouble visualizing VASER liposuction? Consider eating a bowl of gelatin (like Jell-O) through a straw. Sure you could suck up most of the gelatin with the straw if you applied enough suction, but it would be difficult....

Neck Liposuction

When one thinks of beauty, the first body part that comes into mind is the face. People spend a lot of time and effort trying to beautify and rejuvenate their face. However, the neck, the area a lot of people take for granted, plays a critical role in how they are perceived by others. The neck is a good indicator of a person’s age, well-being, and overall health. Even if the person has a relatively normal-sized body and face, if they have a neck that has no shape, and is generally fat and thick, it can give the impression of being overweight, even if it is not the case. This is why the way the neck looks is just as important as how the rest of the body appears. What Is Neck Liposuction? Neck liposuction is the process of reducing excess fat and skin from the neck, which can accumulate as a person ages. Since the neck is an area that is very difficult to reduce even with a healthy diet and exercise, neck liposuction is a good solution to reduce the excess fat. This can give the neck a streamlined contour, improving not just the profile of the person, but the facial features as well. Ideal Candidates for Neck Liposuction Neck liposuction is most effective for individuals who have good skin elasticity but are struggling with excess fat in the neck or under the chin, often referred to as a “double chin.” Ideal candidates are typically in their 30s to 60s and are in overall good health. Those with significant sagging or loose skin may require a combination...

Buccal Fat Removal (Cheek Reduction)

The face is the first thing noticed by people, and the cheeks, being the biggest area visible in the face, can have a very significant impression. The cheeks can make even thin people look chubby or round, simply because of their shape and size. This can make people very self-conscious about the appearance of their cheeks, but unlike most body parts, the cheeks are very hard to reduce in size without adversely affecting the rest of the body. This cheek fat, or buccal fat, can be very hard to reduce. Fortunately, modern plastic surgery has advanced enough to have an answer for this; buccal fat removal. What Is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery? Buccal fat removal, or cheek reduction surgery, is the cosmetic process of removing the buccal fat that is the cause of chubby or chipmunk cheeks. This is usually done by creating an incision in the back of the mouth, typically near the second upper molar, and through what is called the buccinator muscle. Once these incisions are in place, pressure is applied outside the cheek, which causes the buccal fat pad to protrude through the incisions, allowing the surgeon to grip it with forceps, pulling it enough so a big portion of the pad is available and can easily be cut away. Once enough fat is removed, the remaining buccal fat is inserted back in its place and the incisions are sutured. If done properly, the procedure results in thinner cheeks, more defined cheekbones, and a slimmer, thinner profile of the face. The procedure typically takes one to three hours to complete, depending on the doctor’s skill...

Mesotherapy – Not Ready For Prime Time?

Mesotherapy promises to melt away fat with a simple injection, but does it work? Equally as important, does it work? While your aesthetician or cosmetic surgeon may offer mesotherapy treatment, many doctors are shying away from this fat removal technique. Learn about this relatively new cosmetic procedure, including rulings by the FDA, before you consent to mesotherapy. The Theory Behind Mesotherapy The theory behind mesotherapy treatment is rather straightforward. It involves the injection of certain substances into areas of fat with the goal of disrupting the fat cells. Without the thin cell membrane, the fat contained within the fat cell is dispersed into the surrounding area (called the extracellular matrix) and absorbed by the blood. In other words, anywhere a mesotherapy cocktail is injected, the fat cells burst and release their contents to be carried away in the bloodstream. The liver and kidneys process that fat and eventually excrete it or use a small amount of it for energy. The result is that injected areas appear to shrink within days to weeks. Key Ingredients in Mesotherapy Injections Virtually all mesotherapy cocktails contain two principle ingredients: deoxycholate and phosphatidylcholine. Deoxycholate is a bile acid and one of the molecules that dissolves fat in our intestine. Deoxycholate acts like a detergent; just as a detergent makes grease more soluble in water, deoxycholate makes the fat that you eat more easily dissolved and absorbed in the digestive tract. Phosphatidylcholine is actually a component of cell membranes and works to make the membrane more “fluid.” When a high concentration of phosphatidylcholine interacts with the cell membranes of fat cells it makes them so...

Power Assisted Lipoplasty

Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgeries which can offer body sculpting procedures to reduce the size and appearance of stubborn fat deposits. A newer procedure known as “power assisted lipoplasty” can increase the ability of a cosmetic surgeon to improve the appearance. Fine Sculpting With Advanced Technology  Power assisted liposuction or lipoplasty, also known as PAL, uses electricity to induce vibrations during liposuction procedure that increase the ease of fat removal. In normal liposuction procedures, a large cannula or metal tube is inserted to suck fat out of the body. PAL combines the ease of using a special cannula along with tiny, fast vibrations to loosen the fat. This makes it easier to move the cannula around the area of the deposit and will allow the cosmetic surgeon to remove just the right amount of fat in exactly the correct location. This will allow for better sculpting and result in a more natural appearance after the procedure. Faster Procedure Time The cannula used in power assisted lipoplasty has a rapidly vibrating tip. It allows for faster, easier removal of fat deposits in areas of the body that can be difficult to work on. This shortens the procedure time which reduces the risk to the patient. It makes the time exposed to anesthesia shorter and may slightly affect the liposuction cost of the procedure as it takes less time. Reduced Bruising Using power assisted liposuction’s vibrating cannula actually makes the liposuction procedure gentler on the tissues of the body because fat cells are loosened away from each other and allowed to break away and easily suctioned...

Zerona Laser Liposuction

Zerona laser liposuction is the newest option in body sculpturing.  It offers the benefits of less invasive therapy than regular liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits. Advantages of Zerona Liposuction Over Traditional Liposuction Zerona is a recently developed method designed by Erchonia Medical to get the effects of liposuction in a non-surgical manner. Instead of getting cosmetic surgery liposuction, a specially designed laser is used to destroy and mobilize fat cells through the skin.  There is no need for an incision and no need for anesthesia. The procedure does not produce the same pain, bruising and swelling that many patients getting traditional liposuction experience. In addition, there is no scar at all because no incision was made. There is no “down” time after Zerona laser treatments because it is not actually a surgical procedure so you don’t have to take time off from work or comply with the traditional recovery period instructions, such as bed rest or limited activity after the laser liposuction treatment. How Zerona Liposuction Works The Zerona treatment uses cold laser therapy rather than a high heat laser to dissolve fat, essentially melting it away to improve the appearance of the fatty areas and promote weight loss. Patients are completely comfortable during the no anesthesia procedure and are even allowed to read, relax, listen to music or sleep while being treated on a comfortable massage table in the cosmetic surgery or clinic rather than in an operating room. In fact, Erchonia Medical presented study results to the American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery which showed that patients lost an average of up to 6...

Liposuction Before After

Liposuction treatment is the most popular plastic surgery treatment available today for cosmetic improvement but, before you get it done, it is imperative that you know what you are getting into. Liposuction before after photos are a must to see when considering the procedure. About Liposuction Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to remove stubborn deposits of fat. It is most useful for people who are not obese as it is not done to remove fat from all over the body but targets a specific area such as the hips, thigh or abdomen. It can also be used to remove excessive fat accumulation from smaller areas such as the arms or face. It is a surgical procedure that can have varying results depending upon the skill and training of the plastic surgeon. While some people concentrate on the type of machine used such as a high tech ultrasonic liposuction instrument, most board certified plastic surgeons will confirm that the skill of the physician is most important. Examining before and after liposuction pictures is one of the best ways to choose a highly qualified plastic surgery clinic. Plastic surgery before after photos will show you what types of results can be obtained from a great doctor. Liposuction of the Body When considering liposuction in large areas such as the abdomen, stomach and thighs, before and after photos of similar procedures will give you a good idea of what areas can be improved. Liposuction pictures will also show you how much fat can be removed and what kinds of results to expect. You can also learn about the specific types...

Liposuction Pictures

Liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery in America. If you are considering liposuction, you should be sure to choose the best plastic surgeon for your procedure. One good way to know that you are selecting the right surgery clinic is to look at some liposuction pictures that show before and after images of previous patient’s results. Where to Begin Looking at plastic surgery pictures of liposuction on the internet will give you a good idea of what to expect during the procedure. There are many informative liposuction picture galleries that will help you learn about liposuction. Examining liposuction image sites can show you how the procedure is performed along with providing written information about each type of procedure available. Learning about the process by looking at actual photos of liposuction being done can help you by teaching you exactly what will happen during a liposuction surgery. The Second Step You should also examine a number of liposuction pictures of the specific area that you are planning to have treated. Each area of the body may present particular challenges during liposuction and you should arm yourself by knowing all about the type of surgery you are getting. Whether you are planning face liposuction, liposuction of your buttocks, or any other area, looking at liposuction photos of the specific procedure can help you. Knowing all about the type of liposuction surgery you are planning can ensure that you choose the right cosmetic surgeon and set realistic expectations and goals. The Third Step Before and after liposuction photos will show you what results can be expected in ideal circumstances. This...

Liposuction Costs

Liposuction is the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedure but few people know a lot about how much liposuction costs.  Liposuction prices can range anywhere from a minimum of $1500 up to $8,000 or more for one procedure. There are several factors to be considered in predicting cost of liposuction such as the area of the body involved, the amount of fat to be removed, the type of procedure performed, and the region of the country. The total cost of liposuction surgery for any area of the body will include both surgical fees and non-surgical fees.  Surgical fees include the cost of the actual procedure performed by the cosmetic surgeon. Non-surgical costs include the facility or operating room fee, laboratory tests, nursing and facility staff fees, medications and surgical supplies.  If an anesthesiologist or an anesthetist is required for sedation there will be an additional anesthesiology charge that needs to be considered. Liposuction fees can range widely depending upon the part of the body to be treated with liposuction.  Typically, smaller areas of the body will have lower liposuction costs than larger areas, though this is not always the case. Areas of the body that require micro suctioning may cost more as advanced training and specialized equipment are required. Male procedures may sometimes cost more than female because men have different types of fat deposits than women. Patients who have a large amount of fat to be removed will have to pay more as more time is involved. Combining multiple liposuction procedures will sometimes result in an overall discount.  Combining liposuction with other cosmetic procedures may also reduce the...

Tummy Liposuction

Why is it that after we have experience the miracle and the difficulty of birthing a child, that we are “rewarded” with stretch marks, loose sagging skin and general yuck in the midsection? Or you have struggled since the beginning of time to obtain washboard abs, and no matter how many crunches you do, it ain’t happening. Fortunately, God…errr…cosmetic surgeons invented the blessed tummy tuck. How Does a Tummy Tuck Work? Abdominoplasty, the official name of the tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery that flattens your midsection by surgically removing excess fat and skin. It also tightens abdominal wall muscles and reduces the waistline by repairing the abdominus rectus muscles. This is done through a long incision that extends across the abdomen from hip to hip. In this way, the surgeon removes the saggy skin and excess fat at the bottom of your abdomen and pulls down the nice, un-stretched skin from higher up and sutures it down low, after making you a new belly button, of course. How Do I Prepare for Tummy Tuck Surgery? Do your homework. As with the other procedures discussed on this site, use a board certified cosmetic surgeon with lots of experience. A good surgeon will spend a lot of time with you before your surgery, taking a comprehensive medical history, doing a full physical exam and measuring your abdomen, as well as discussing your expectations. As always, ask to see before and after photos. Because a tummy tuck is a more extensive surgery than others, your surgical preparation may also include a presurgical workup, including bloodwork. Make sure to discuss with your...