Laser-enabled liposuction provides great results for fat aspiration and body contouring in both men and women, says a new study. Many people who are interested in a body contouring procedure usually shy away when they hear the word ‘surgery’. But laser-assisted liposuction surgery with local anesthesia can appeal to such patients as the technology has proved easier, faster, safer, and a more viable alternative to traditional liposuction. This is borne out by the study 1000 Consecutive Cases of laser-assisted liposuction and suction-assisted lipectomy managed with local anesthesia by Christopher T. Chia and Spero J. Theodorou published recently in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. A review of the case studies by these renowned plastic surgeons has been featured in the September 2012 issue of Cosmetic Surgery Times in the article Enlightening Combo – Liposuction with laser assistance and local anesthesia proves safe and effective.1   

In their studies, plastic surgeons Dr Christopher T. Chia, M.D. and Dr. Spero Theodorou, M.D., demonstrate that laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) and suction-assisted liposuction (SAL) using local anesthesia are safe and efficient procedures for the right candidates with localized fat distribution or lipodystrophy. The plastic surgeons recently reported on a total of 1500 consecutive cases of office-based, laser-enabled liposuction using local anesthesia.

Details of the Study

The study focused on patients aged between 18 and 62 who had laser liposuction treatment using Smartlipo on various areas of the body. The most commonly treated sites were the abdomen (33 percent) and flanks (24 percent). Thirteen other body areas were also treated.

The volume of fat aspirated ranged from 50 mL to 1400 mL.  The study was conducted in an over a 30 month period. Three different modalities of Cynosure’s Smartlipo technology featuring different laser wavelengths were used for three sequential sets of 500 cases.

•The first set  used the 1064 nm single wavelength (Smartlipo)
•The second set used the 1064/1320 nm dual wavelength (Smartlipo MPX)
•The last set used 1064/1440 nm wavelength combination of the triple wavelength laser (Smartlipo Triplex)

The different wavelengths target different issues. For instance, it was found that the combination of the 1064 and 1440 nm wavelengths was especially effective for fat emulsification. Besides breaking fat apart, the laser energy provides for better tissue contraction and skin tightening effects. Only a few cases were performed suction-assisted liposuction as laser assisted lipolysis proved safer, and more effective.

The liposuction treatment was performed in an established Manhattan-based American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery-accredited office-based practice run by the plastic surgeons.

Benefits of Laser Assisted Liposuction

The results of the study by Dr Chia and Dr. Theodorou, both consultants for Cynosure and Invasix, clearly show that laser-assisted liposuction with local anesthesia provides more enhanced results than with traditional liposuction.

•Minimally invasive technology
•Minimal complications (less than 1 percent)
•No contraindications based on skin type (patients with darker skin may experience some temporary hyperpigmentation at the incision sites)
•Slow infusion of tumescent anesthetic solution minimizes discomfort from tissue distension
•Patient stays awake with local anesthesia
•Quicker recovery
•Return to normal daily activities by day two (post-op)

Only about 7 percent of the patients in this study required a touch-up after surgery. Any issues were limited to the initial cases. Burn cases were just 0.27 percent and only one patient experienced seroma and hematoma.

Eighty percent of the patients in the study were women, though the proportion of men opting for liposuction has increased. Dr Chia and Dr Theodorou report that the number of procedures performed per patient is also rising. All this goes to prove that laser assisted liposuction with local anesthesia is a great alternative to traditional liposuction using general anesthesia.

Ref: 1 Enlightening Combo, Cheryl Guttman Krader, Cosmetic Surgery Times - September 2012

The need to attain perfection in all walks of life is increasing day by day. Today women want to be perfect and correct all the ‘imperfections’ they feel they have in their bodies. Women around the world at some point of their life feel insecure about their bodies and wish for enhanced assets. Breasts being a symbol of femininity, women desire attractive breasts. This has led to a rise in the demand for breast augmentation surgery, a clinical procedure by which one can reshape and resize the breast for excellent aesthetic results. Breast augmentation is also known by the names breast enlargement and breast enhancement.

The Process Involved

Breast augmentation involves the placing of implants beneath the breast tissue. For this procedure, small incisions are made either near your armpit or nipples or under the breast. There are two methods of placing the implant. The implant is placed in a pocket, either beneath the pectoral muscle directly at the back of the breast tissue; or above the pectoral muscle. Generally this decision is made by the plastic surgeon after considering various aspects. The surgical team involved will study your case beforehand and provide the best suggestions. They will also discuss the placement of incisions with you.

The patient undergoing breast augmentation surgery has the option to choose the size of implant, as breast augmentation is more about reshaping than reconstructing the breast. After the procedure, you may experience tiredness and soreness for about 2 days. Recovery period is one week.

Types of Surgical Breast Implants

Surgical breast implants used in breast augmentation surgery are of two types: saline-filled and silicone-gel-filled. Both are FDA approved. Saline implants comprise silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. They are ideal for comparatively younger girls, such as the age group 18 to 25. The other type is the silicone implant, wherein the silicone shells are filled with a plastic gel. They are ideal for a older women, say those that are 25 and above. Silicone implants have a more natural feel and a texture similar to that of the breast tissue.

Surgical breast implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate various body types. Usually, implant sizes range from 100 to 400 cc. The plastic surgeons take individual preferences into consideration when choosing implants. Apart from this, the size selection is also based on factors such as your height, chest size and the amount of breast tissue present. You can choose from round and tear-drop shaped breast implants. Another option is to choose between smooth or rough surface implants.  

Possible Complications

Implants are sometimes associated with capsular contracture and rupturing. If silicone implants rupture, the gel may leak to the scar capsule and the bordering tissues. This may go unnoticed for years. It is hard to detect a silicone implant rupture because the shape and size of the breast remains unchanged. However, the gel can be removed safely without any harm to the patient. Saline implant rupture is more easily detected. In this case the body absorbs the fluid and as a result the breast size decreases. The saline fluid is removed through the kidneys. Saline implants usually last for ten years or more.

Before undergoing the surgery, ask your plastic surgeon all details about the breast augmentation procedure. Discuss the pros and cons of the two implant options, and also which will work best for you.

Hereditary issues as well as eating habits lead to accumulation of excess fat in the body. Many people prefer laser liposuction for achieving a better body contour. If you are residing in New York City, and planning liposuction surgery, it is important to find a reputable plastic surgeon.  A good surgeon is important when it comes to an effective and a safe surgery, with excellent results.

Liposuction treatment is often mistaken as a tool for weight loss. Liposuction should be chosen to eliminate stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to conventional weight loss measures. The procedure is most effective in patients who are not obese, but have stubborn deposits of fat in specific body areas. Excess fat that is present in the buttocks, upper arms, hips, abdomen and thighs can be removed effectively through this process.

When it comes to various techniques of body sculpting, laser liposuction is definitely the best procedure. Fat deposits in various areas are liquefied with the help of laser energy. It is essential to choose a good plastic surgeon for laser liposuction, for enjoying excellent results.

•Qualification and experience

While taking into consideration a good surgeon, his/her qualifications should be verified. An experienced surgeon will make sure that you have a safe and comfortable body contouring experience. The surgeon should have adequate training and experience in providing various plastic surgery procedures. Basically, different cosmetic surgeons have different specializations but not everyone is capable of performing laser liposuction. You should ensure that the surgeon is qualified and experienced in performing liposuction utilizing the latest laser liposuction devices. It would be great if liposuction is provided using Cynosure’s Smartlipo Triplex.

•Check the before and after photos of patients

The experience of previous patients is not enough for predicting the expertise of the surgeon. To make sure that quality results are achieved, check out the before and after gallery of the surgeon. This will help in evaluating the work of the surgeon better. You can request for these photos during the time of consultation. You can also talk to the previous patients of the surgeon. If a surgeon is good, he will have various patients who will readily speak about their experiences.

•Surgical facilities

Before this procedure, you should check out the surgical facilities available with the surgeon. The plastic surgery center should be AAAASF-accredited. This will make sure that there is absolute conformation to the required safety standards.

The above guidelines should help you find the right plastic surgeon in NYC for your laser liposuction procedure.