Archive for the ‘Liposuction’ Category
Cellulaze™: YES, It Really Works!
Many people in Los Angeles considering liposuction are thrilled about Cellulaze, a breakthrough procedure that creates long-lasting improvement in the appearance of cellulite.
Cellulaze is revolutionary in its approach to cellulite reduction. It not only helps liquefy lumpy fat but also improves the skin by making it thicker and more elastic. Skin has been shown to remain smooth and cellulite-free for 2 years or longer after just 1 Cellulaze session. With results this encouraging, it’s safe to say that the battle against cellulite is finally over!
And, It Lasts!
Cellulaze is a one-of-a-kind, highly effective treatment with long-lasting results that may even be permanent. I have seen this procedure work wonders for my patients who struggled with cellulite, and most are still enjoying the benefits of their Cellulaze procedures today.
Cellulaze is an extremely rewarding method of treatment. It’s minimally invasive, which means that little downtime is needed after the procedure, and the side-effects are minor. The results are substantial, but they appear gradually during the 3 to 12 months following treatment.
The improvement is usually quite visible at about 6 months. At this point, my patients are much more confident about showing their skin and feel free to wear shorts, skirts and swimsuits without embarrassment.
New Uses for Liposuction
People in Los Angeles undergo liposuction to sculpt leaner bodies, to reduce areas of unwanted fat and to feel more confident. But now, liposuction holds new hope for breast reconstruction patients who have undergone mastectomies as treatment for breast cancer.
A common point of concern for many breast reconstruction patients is how breast implants might affect their health in the future. A recent study explored how fat grafting could reduce complications for breast reconstruction with implants.
During the procedure, liposuction is used to collect fat from other areas of the body. The fat is then purified and used to augment the breast that is being reconstructed. The study found that for a select group of patients, fat grafting combined with a breast implant could be a beneficial option.
Liposuction patients in Los Angeles may not immediately think of these less-common uses. This study is just one example of how advances in surgical techniques are helping to create safe and long-lasting results.
More to Love?
Anyone who has struggled with obesity can tell you the battle is a challenging one to win. For that very reason, one of the most satisfying procedures I perform in Los Angeles is liposuction. For many men and women, liposuction is the final step in a long and dedicated weight-loss journey. It achieves the sculpted body they envisioned when they first made the decision to shed their excess pounds.
It’s important to understand that liposuction is not a way to help you lose weight. You’re a good candidate for the procedure only if you have reached your weight goal but still have small, stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet or exercise. Once you’ve reached that point, liposuction can put the icing on the cake of your weight-loss transformation.
As a result of advancements in liposuction technology, many different techniques are now available. This means liposuction can now be even more effective for body sculpting.
In the past, skin elasticity has been a key factor in determining whether liposuction is the right body contouring solution for you. Now, Smartlipo™, one of the newest liposuction options, includes the ability to tighten skin, making it a good choice for those whose skin has less elasticity.
What do you think? I invite you to share your thoughts with us as to how liposuction can complete your transformative journey.
Minimize Recovery Time with Liposuction Options
Small pockets of fat can keep people from truly enjoying their bodies, but the recovery time associated with liposuction in Los Angeles often deters them from visiting a plastic surgeon. Luckily, advances in procedures and techniques have paved the way for liposuction alternatives that greatly reduce recovery time.
Here are 4 of the most popular options that I offer to my patients:
CoolSculpting®: This innovative liposuction alternative uses a special cooling process to freeze fat. No anesthetic or incisions are needed, and there is no recovery time. Surrounding tissue and skin are not affected.
Liposonix®: High intensity ultrasound energy destroys targeted fat tissue to contour a patient’s abdomen and flank area. Treatment typically lasts only an hour, and surrounding tissue and skin are unharmed.
ZERONA®: Using a low-level laser system to target fat cells, this procedure helps patients lose fat in areas such as the thighs, hips and waist. Patients typically undergo multiple treatments, depending on the amount of enhancement desired.
Exilis: Precisely controlled radiofrequency (RF) energy is used to heat the deeper layers of the skin, shrinking fat cells and tightening skin tissue. Unlike traditional liposuction, Exilis requires no downtime. It can be performed on the face, arms, thighs and midsection.
Questions about alternatives to liposuction should be discussed with a qualified plastic surgeon.
Knowing the Difference Between Trendy and Timely
Non-surgical alternatives to Los Angeles liposuction are constantly emerging. So, how do you know whether a procedure is just a “flash in the pan” or a revolutionary new technique? Here are some things to look for:
- FDA approval: Approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ensures that the procedure has been thoroughly researched and tested for safety and effectiveness. However, it’s important to note that there is a difference between medical devices that are “FDA cleared” and those that are “FDA approved.” FDA clearance applies to devices that are substantially similar to those that are already available. Approval applies to items that employ new technology that hasn’t been previously tested and must go through a complete approval process to be investigated for possible new hazards.
- Scientific research: There are a lot of inflated claims floating around in the field of cosmetic medicine. Clinical studies give validity to a new product because they measure how predictable the new cosmetic device is. This also allows researchers to identify whether the machine produces reliable results, as well as pinpointing any weaknesses or limitations in the technology.
- History of use: There’s a fine line between “trendy” and “timely.” One of the distinguishing characteristics of a new cosmetic treatment is whether it is being widely used. Doctors only want to invest in technology that is safe and delivers real results. The more accepted the procedure is in the medical world, the more likely that it is turning out to be trustworthy and effective.
CoolSculpting®: A Non-invasive Method That Works
I have found CoolSculpting to be one of the most reliable methods of non-surgical liposuction. This procedure has undergone clinical testing and has been shown to reduce fat by an average of 20% to 25% after just 1 treatment. CoolSculpting received FDA approval in 2010 and has been widely used by doctors and dermatologists since that time. The results are consistent, and the side effects are minimal. With these qualifications, I think it’s safe to say that CoolSculpting is much more than a trend; it’s here to stay.
Fat Deposit Frustrations? Freeze Them
When it comes to treating fat deposits on the hips, midsection, arms and back, liposuction has become the gold standard. However, this surgical procedure isn’t right for everyone. For men and women frustrated by love handles, muffin tops or tummy pooches, there’s a new non-surgical alternative to liposuction in Los Angeles, CA. It’s called CoolSculpting®.
CoolSculpting is easy, and effective:
- You can relax, read or listen to music during your procedure. No anesthetic, no incisions and no downtime is needed. A specially designed device draws up your skin and positions it between two cooling panels.
- Because fat cells freeze at a warmer temperature than surrounding tissue, this technology destroys your fat cells safely without affecting your skin.
During the weeks after your treatment, your body’s natural cleansing processes gradually eliminate the destroyed fat cells. Within a few months, you’ll notice that your clothes are looser and the targeted regions, such as your hips and mid-section, have become more sculpted. Studies show that fat in the targeted areas is reduced by up to 25 percent.
The Facts about CoolSculpting® by ZELTIQ®
Women and men who lead healthy and active lifestyles frequent my office with questions concerning their options for non-surgical alternatives to liposuction in Los Angeles for small and often difficult to remove pockets of fat. CoolSculpting® by ZELTIQ® uses a controlled cooling process to freeze fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by your body. Here are 5 facts to help you understand just how effective this popular procedure is:
- Patients can resume daily activities, even exercise, almost immediately after each treatment. This is a great option for people with an active family or work schedule.
- The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour, making it an ideal “lunch break” treatment.
- On average, patients who visit my practice experience about a 20% reduction of fat. Although one treatment may provide the results you desire, I commonly see patients who want to extend their results with continued treatments.
- Clinical studies on hundreds of patients have shown that the procedure is an effective way to reduce fat without the pain, risk, and recovery time of some surgical procedures.
- CoolSculpting only targets fat cells. The surrounding tissue and skin is left unharmed, and any redness will dissipate within a few hours of treatment.
No two people have the exact same body type or cosmetic goals, so I always encourage patients to visit my practice for personalized and professional advice. Whether you’re looking to achieve your ideal body, or simply want to enhance the results you’ve achieved in the gym, CoolSculpting is an excellent tool for looking and feeling great.
Ready for Liposuction?
Women and men in Los Angeles considering liposuction may wonder how they can determine whether the procedure is right for them. This procedure is growing in popularity, and is an excellent option for many of my patients who want to eliminate small areas of fat, such as the “love handles.”
When patients come to my practice for a liposuction consultation, there are some quick and easy ways that I can check if this is the right procedure for their needs. Here’s a shortened version of my checklist to see if you’re ready for liposuction:
- Physical: One of the best ways to prepare for any surgery is to check that you are at a reasonable weight for your age and height. Since liposuction is not intended as a tool for major weight loss, check your cosmetic goals to make sure this procedure is right for you. Ideal liposuction candidates are people who lead active and healthy lifestyles, but who have stubborn pockets of fat, such as “love handles.”
- Mental/Emotional: Although advances in procedural techniques have made liposuction a safe procedure, it’s important to understand the mild risks associated with any surgery. A great way to ensuring the results you desire is seeking out a board-certified surgeon. That surgeon can help you set realistic expectations, and make sure it’s the right procedure for achieving your cosmetic goals.
Once you feel you are ready for liposuction, you can set up a consultation with an experienced board-certified surgeon. Together, you can create a treatment plan customized just for your needs.
Alternatives to Liposuction
Liposuction in Los Angeles is no longer the only option for fat reduction. A number of plastic surgeons offer liposuction alternatives that can provide nonsurgical ways to diminish small pockets of fat around the body. Here are 3 options for people interested in liposuction alternatives:
- CoolSculpting® from ZELTIQ™ removes stubborn fat by freezing cells through a cooling process. No damage is done to surrounding tissue or skin, and the body naturally eliminates fat cells in targeted areas over the months that follow each treatment.
- ZERONA® is a low-level laser energy used to liquefy fatty material in cells, forcing it into intercellular space. Specifically, this treatment targets fat near the surface of the skin, also known as subcutaneous fat, to provide a visible improvement in a person’s body contour.
- EXILIS uses radiofrequency energy to heat deeper layers of the skin to target mild to moderate fat deposits. This treatment is a great option for people who want to simultaneously slim their bodies and firm their skin.
Why I Attend Plastic Surgery Conventions
Plastic surgery conventions are a place where surgeons from around the country and sometimes from across the world gather to discuss and learn about the latest innovations in the field. As a lipo surgeon in Los Angeles, I find that plastic surgery conventions are a great way to learn different techniques as well as a way to learn from other surgeons who specialize in cosmetic surgery.
I also attend plastic surgery conventions as a speaker. As a presenter, I strive to teach other surgeons different techniques that I have spent years perfecting. I enjoy both educating and instructing other surgeons on some of the most innovative and advanced techniques possible.
In addition, these conventions are a great place to network and meet others in the field who are active in plastic and cosmetic surgery. For these reasons, I plan to continue attending and presenting at these conventions.
Dr. Grant Stevens
I am a board-certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience researching and implementing new approaches to plastic surgery. At Plastic Surgery Insider, you get the benefit of my experience and authority when you read my perspectives on the latest news and procedures in plastic surgery.
More on my qualifications »
Popular Topics
Archives
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- April 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009