The December 2009 issue of Lasers in Surgery, the official journal of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery is dedicated to our favorite topic - fat!

There are a number of really interesting technologies and procedures discussed. We will share the info over the next few entries.

The first study (Weiss et al) reviews the efficacy of laser-assisted liposuction (SlimLipo) using a laser that emits two different wavelengths of energy. One (924nm) is mostly absorbed by fatty tissue, while the other (975nm) is predominantly absorbed by water.  When used together, the combination provides maximal fat-melting while simultaneously heating dermal tissue to stimulate collagen production in order to sculpt the subcutaneous tissues and theoretically simultaneously achieve skin tightening.

After patients had the SlimLipo procedure, investigators measured reduction of fat deposits, evaluation of skin contours and skin laxity. Investigators found that 100% of patients' results were rated "excellent" or "good" by both the researchers and the patients in self-assessment.  Most interestingly, was the reported improvement in skin laxity (64% of subjects were rated "excellent" and 36% of subjects, "good").  Whether or not laser-assisted liposuction achieves significant skin tightening has been a controversial subject among plastic surgeons.  So, the positive findings of this study appear to be encouraging for the patient who is seeking improvement in skin texture (for example, the loose skin that appears on the abdomen after childbirth). This study is, furthermore, consistent with a IRB (Institutional Review Board) approved study which we have recently completed in our practice and submitted for publication. 

In our practice we have use several of the laser lipolysis machines and have been, to date, most happy with the SlimLipo device.  Our patients have similarly been pleased with the fat reduction and improvement in skin laxity as well (Please see patient results here, here and here.)

These are actual patient photos, not retouched.  

The photos are taken before and 8weeks after SlimLipo, laser assisted liposuction.

 What do you think?

Due to demand from my patients and blog readers, I am going to post photos of some of my SlimLipo Patients. All patients have given their authorization to use the photos. I will post one set of photos daily highlighting one treatment area per day. We will try to hit all the major "complaint areas", but if you have any requests, please ask and I will try to find a photo for you.  

Liposuction is a time-tested and well-known means to sculpting areas of stubborn body fat.  Traditional liposuction (the kind you may have seen on reality television) is certainly not a delicate procedure, requiring 4-8 weeks of uncomfortable recovery time. Before the first fat cell could be suctioned, patients would need to be put under anesthesia. Then a large metal tube would be inserted under the skin through surgical incisions. The surgeon would vigorously “attack” the fat, breaking down the tissue with his own mechanical force. As a result, patients would experience black and blue bruising, swelling and soreness that often required narcotic medications to alleviate. Because of the anesthesia, patients would awake from the procedure feeling groggy and sleepy and be unable to leave the surgeon’s office by themselves. Patients were required to wear an uncomfortable surgical compression garment for at least 3 weeks after the procedure and usually took close to a week off from work to recover and return to the surgeon’s office for suture removal.   

Fortunately, there is an alternative to traditional liposuction that may better suit the lifestyle of today’s busy, discriminating patient. SlimLipo, or laser-assisted lipolysis, is a new technology that has revolutionized the liposuction industry by minimizing recovery time, potential complications and may provide the much welcome benefit of skin tightening as well. In the SlimLipo procedure, the surgeon will first insert a laser fiber through the skin via several puncture wounds about the size of a pencil.  The heat from the laser fiber quickly melts the fat, breaking the fat cells without the physical trauma one would see in traditional liposuction. The laser also heats up the surrounding skin, tightening and toning it from the inside. After lasering the desired areas, the surgeon inserts a small suction tube through the same puncture wounds to easily extract the liquefied fat. Blood loss, bruising, swelling and pain are minimal. Best of all, this entire procedure is done under local anesthesia, much like having a filling put in at the dentist. Patients simply get up off the operating table and walk out of the unaccompanied if they chose! A surgical garment is worn for only 3days (as opposed to 3 weeks in traditional liposuction), but patients will be able to return to work the next day. There are no sutures to remove and any minor discomfort is usually taken care of with just a Tylenol or two. Results are often immediately noticeable, but the treated sites will continue improve in both tone and skin quality over the following 6-12weeks.

For more information on SlimLipo and how it can help you to achieve the sculpted body you dream of, please feel free to contact Dr.Rothaus.

http://www.wmagazine.com/beauty/2008/12/beauty_buzz_i05