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Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove fat deposits and reshape
areas of the body. Liposuction may be performed alone or in conjunction with
other cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures, such as lifts or reductive
surgery. It is not recommended for weight loss, but a viable technique for
areas where fat deposits won't disappear.
Procedure
Regardless of the specific area being treated, the technique is generally
the same. A small incision is made in a natural crease of the skin or some
other inconspicuous place. A hollow, pen-like device, called a canula, is
inserted into the skin. The canula is used to suck out the fat. In some
cases, an ultrasonic probe is used to break up the fat into small pieces
before it is sucked out with the canula. A newer technique, called the
tumescent technique, forces extreme amounts of water into the fat prior to
vacuuming it out, making hard fatty deposits easier to remove. Depending on
the extensiveness of the surgery, liposuction may be an outpatient or
inpatient procedure.
Risks
Complications from liposuction are more serious than for most other cosmetic
procedures. They include:
Infections - which can occur after nearly any surgery but can be life
threatening if left untreated.
Embolism - a piece of fat can get trapped in a blood vessel and can
clog pathways to the lungs and brain, which is life threatening.
Visceral Perforations - Because physicians cannot see under the skin
to where they insert the canula, organs can be punctured requiring
additional surgery to repair.
Fluid Imbalance - A lot of liquid is used in liposuction for fat
removal. This can cause an imbalance, which may lead to heart, lung or
kidney problems.
Skin Problems - In some cases, swelling on the skin above the area
where the liposuction occurs remains for months. Additionally, the skin may
"die," change color and slough off.
Fatalities related to liposuction have been reported in as few as 3 in
100,000 cases and as high as 100 in 100,000 cases. However, many patients
enjoy positive experiences with liposuction when conducted by a certified,
experienced and trusted surgeon.
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SmartLipoô
LaserBodySculpting, Laserlipolysis
The Smartlipo is the first laser system designed for LaserBodySculpting and
for the disruption of fat cells. It is ideal for treating localized deposits
of unwanted fat, fat tissue irregularities and for coagulating tissue
leading to a tightening effect.
Smartlipo is ideal for treating small areas of the face, neck, arms, male
breasts (gynecomastia), and other areas of loose or lax skin (flabby skin).
How does the Smartlipo work?
Smartlipo laserlipolysis is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The
procedure disrupts the fat cells through a thermal and photodisruptive
action - heating and shattering the fat cell membrane. The laser coagulates
the underlying vessels due to the hemostatic properties of the laser,
resulting in less bleeding, bruising, trauma as well as less down time. As
an added benefit, the system has also been reported to promote tissue
tightening through bulk thermal heating and tissue coagulation.
The procedure is commonly performed under local and tumescent anesthesia. A
laser fiber is introduced through a handpiece and detachable cannula. The
cannula is then inserted through a 1 to 2 mm incision in the skin and into
fat pockets. The cannula, with the tip of the fiber exposed approximately 2
mm, is then moved in a "back and forth" fanning motion. The laser's aiming
beam can be visualized through the skin, allowing the physician to identify
the treatment area. As the fiber tip comes in contact with the fat cells it
ruptures the cell membranes and releases the fatty oil from the fat cells.
This end product may then be aspirated from the site.
What are the benefits of Smartlipo?
- Treats unwanted fat and fat tissue irregularities
- Promotes tissue coagulation resulting in skin tissue
tightening
- Treats flabby or lax skin and areas of high vascularity
- Minimal edema and bleeding due to the laser's hemostatic
properties
- Minimal bruising
- Causes less trauma and faster healing time than
traditional liposuction
What type of system is used?
The Smartlipo is an Nd:YAG laser with high peak power and a high rep rate of
40 Hz. The laser energy is delivered using a 300 micron fiber which is
threaded through the handpiece and cannula.
Are there disposable costs associated with the procedure?
Laserlipolysis with the Smartlipo system has very few disposable costs
associated with the procedure. The handpiece and cannulas are re-usable and
would only be replaced due to normal wear and tear. The fiber is warranted
by the manufacturer for one use. However, the fiber is a "cut and cleave"
design, meaning you could simply continue to trim down the end of the fiber
after each case.
Does this procedure have FDA Clearance?
The Smartlipo has been cleared by the FDA for laser-assisted lipolysis. It
is also cleared for incision, vaporization, ablation and coagulation of soft
tissue.
Who can use the Smartlipo?
Currently, only physicians who have previous liposuction experience are able
to purchase the Smartlipo laser. Prior liposuction experience will shorten
the learning curve significantly. Those without prior liposuction training
and experience should be trained based on the guidelines of the American
Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
How is training for the Smartlipo system handled?
Once a customer purchases the unit, they will receive training on the
procedure at a designated Cynosure training site.
Due to the nature of the product and procedure there will be no
demonstration of the Smartlipo sytem.
Does laser-assisted lipolysis produce lasting results?
Yes! The Smartlipo procedure permanently destroys the treated fat cells.
Adults do not create new fat cells. When a person gains weight, that person'
s fat cells simply expand. Should you gain weight, that fat will most likely
be deposited in areas where the procedure was not performed.
Who is a good candidate for the procedure?
Ideal candidates are in good health, close to normal body weight and have
realistic expectations for the results. If the person has areas of fat that
will not respond to diet and exercise, then that person is a candidate for
laser-assisted lipolysis.
How many treatments are required?
For most patients, typically only one treatment is required. The session may
last from 45 minutes to one hour for each area treated. Laserlipolysis is
also an ideal choice for "touch ups" and revisions.
How can facilities become training sites?
Cynosure is very interested in establishing training sites for the Smartlipo
through out the country. The qualified training centers should perform 10-20
liposuction cases per month and be willing to follow Cynosure training
guidelines.
How does the Smartlipo compare to the Vaser?
Smartlipo is a laser system with the energy transmitted through the fiber
(which is threaded through the cannula) and deposited directly to the
tissue, disrupting the fat cells. The laser's aiming beam allows
visualization of the treatment area.
The Vaser is an ultrasonic device that transmits energy throughout the
entire probe and not just the tip. The energy is more difficult to control
and has been known to cause burns near the incision. The probe is much
larger than the laser fiber and requires a larger skin incision.
The company provides the system and all accessories to the customer and
charges $500 per procedure with a minimum of 4 procedures per month.
How does the Smartlipo compare to the new ultrasound systems such as
Ultrashape or Liposonix?
These systems are non-invasive and deposit focused ultrasound energy that
does not differentiate between fat and other structure within the body.
Extreme care must be taken to guide the system through out the treatment
area. The scanner remembers where the system had fired. For example, the
Ultrashape device has a 5 mm spot size used via a scanning mode. A 10x10 cm
area can take over one hour to treat.
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