HOME > Body Contouring: The Science
Body Contouring: Slimming Down with Science
Contributed by: Dr. Roy G. Geronemus
Clinical Professor of Dermatology, New York University
Past President, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery
Past President, American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery
Medical Director, Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York
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Overweight now the ‘norm’
Being overweight is increasingly becoming the “norm” for people throughout the developed world. Two out of three Americans are now overweight, according to the CDC. This remarkable trend has serious negative health consequences and science is working to provide patients with treatment options.
Surgical Options
Scientists and researchers have developed a number of techniques which are aimed at addressing unwanted body fat and improving the body contour. There are two major categories of treatment today. The first category would be invasive treatments. There are a number treatments in this category such as surgical procedures like liposuction, tummy tucks, and buttocks lifts. These procedures are invasive, meaning the skin is cut, and often involve a significant amount of recovery time for patients. Results can often be impressive with these procedures, and for some patients these may be the ideal option. But due to the often lengthy downtime patients may experience, we have developed other methods which are minimally-invasive to improve the body contour.
Laser Liposuction
We have a new liposuction method, known as laser-assisted lipolysis or ‘laser liposuction’, which involves making a small incision in the skin and using a laser to melt fat. The fat can then either be suctioned out of the body or is naturally absorbed by the body. These devices can be used in conjunction with standard liposuction or as a way to reduce smaller areas of fat deposits on their own. Generally the downtime for these procedures is quite minimal, and the procedure can be performed with local and/or tumescent, rather than general, anesthesia.
Non-Invasive Techniques
One area of great interest in the scientific community right now is the non-invasive improvement of the body contour. A number of very exciting technologies are currently in development which are showing great promise for reducing fat deposits in a safe and effective way. Some that are currently being used are Thermage®, Velashape®,, SmoothShapes®,, and a number of other devices. Typically these non-invasive procedures will require a number of treatment sessions and will gradually cause a reduction in the waist size and an improved contour of the skin in general, and in many cases an improvement of cellulite as well.
What’s Coming
There are a number of newer techniques which are coming out soon which we are anticipating. One is Zeltiq®,, which uses a non-invasive cold technique known as "Cryolipolysis" to reduce fat volume. There is some preliminary data showing that this device does work fairly well in a non-invasive way.
A little further down the road we are anticipating several devices which use a technology called high intensity focused ultrasound. One is called UltraShape®, and is not yet FDA cleared in this country. There’s another device made by Medicis® called LipoSonix®, which also works from the same basic principle of high intensity focused ultrasound. We will have to wait and see here in the US when the FDA finally approves these devices for treatment. Overall, however, the future of non-invasive body contouring is quite bright.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q:
I hate my love-handles. What should I do to remove them?
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There are a number of treatments now available.
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Q:
How is laser liposuction different from standard liposuction?
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Laser Liposuction is less invasive than standard lipo. To learn...
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Q:
How much does LipoLite Cost? Whats the treatment like?
A:
LipoLite is the device made by Syneron for laser liposuction....
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