Superficial Liposuction Anyone?

Have you heard the latest about a “new” liposuction technique? It’s called “superficial liposuction.” Proponents of superficial lipo claim that it produces smoother results and better skin tightening, but is that really true?

What is Superficial Liposuction?

Superficial liposuction removes fat from the intermediate and superficial layers, compared with conventional suction-assisted liposuction that removes fat from the deepest layers. One of the well-advertised benefits of superficial liposuction is that it provides better skin tightening and fewer surface irregularities.

Poor Lipo on Tara Reid

A Recent Report Suggests Otherwise

Several surgeons who together performed various forms of liposuction on 2398 patients over a period of 14 years recently released a report showing that the superficial lipo patients had more complications compared with traditional suction liposuction patients. One of the most frequent complications was an increased tendency for bumps and depressions in the skin’s surface, such as shown in the photo left. This confirms my opinion that superficial liposuction is not a better technique, which is why I don’t perform it. I perform tumescent lipo, power-assisted lipo and SmartLipo here in my Delaware plastic surgery practice because they consistently give the best results.

Traditional liposuction has many years of proven results by thousands of surgeons. However, no matter what liposuction procedure you undertake, it’s wise to remember that the hand that holds the cannula is your best prediction of beautiful results. I have performed thousands of liposuction procedures. Trust experience and results when you seek liposuction. Check out my photos for more proof of skill.

To your health and beauty,

Dr. Joe Danyo

All About SmartLipo

SmartLipo is the latest form of liposuction technology that combines traditional fat removal methods with laser technology for maximum results. Laser technology, which is used routinely in dental procedures, lasik eye surgery, facial rejuvenation and hair removal, is what sets SmartLipo apart from its competition.

“Laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Medical-grade lasers create a powerful light beam that is adjusted to a specific frequency range to precisely treat targeted areas.

SmartLipo differs from traditional liposuction in that it uses a carefully calibrated laser to liquefy fat deposits through the top layer of the patient’s skin. The fat is then removed through a tiny incision in the skin made by the doctor.

What makes SmartLipo different from traditional liposuction is that it can also seal blood vessels as it liquefies the fat cells. This reduces swelling, bleeding and bruising and gives the patient less down time. SmartLipo may reduce downtime drop reduce complications.

SmartLipo is also an FDA approved liposuction treatment that has undergone rigorous clinical trials. The laser used also stimulates the production of collagen in the skin, giving it a firmer, more youthful appearance. Delaware residents who are interested in liposuction will benefit greatly from the advantages that SmartLipo has to offer over traditional liposuction.

While SmartLipo is considered minimally invasive, it is still a procedure that should be performed by a physician. When considering liposuction, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in the latest technologies in fat removal.

LASER ASSISTED LIPO: HELPFUL OR HYPE?

At our most recent ASAPS (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) meeting in Washington, DC, two board certified plastic surgeon colleagues presented both sides of the laser liposuction debate. Dr. Barry DiBernardo of New Jersey is a proponent of laser liposuction while Dallas-based Dr. Jeffrey Kenkel is less excited about lasers’ inclusion in liposuction.

The ASAPS’ annual statistics show that Lipoplasty (the medical term for fat removal) is the second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in America. Nearly 300,000 of them were performed in 2009. Since the first laser-assisted Lipoplasty device was approved by the FDA in 2006, surgeons have been in a hot debate about whether it’s a great new tool or just good marketing on the part of companies such as SmartLipo.

Basically, laser-assisted Lipoplasty means that a laser is used to break up the fat cells before they are suctioned out of the body. A tiny incision is made through which a laser probe is inserted and aimed at the fatty tissue to rupture the fat cells. Then the laser is pulled back toward the skin to stimulate the skin cells to tighten, a feature that doesn’t happen in traditional liposuction.

"Over the last two-and-a-half years there has been extensive research and development into laser-assisted lipoplasty, including multiple rounds of research and comparative studies published in peer-reviewed journals," said Dr. DiBernardo, a plastic surgeon in Montclair, NJ. "Ultimately, laser-assisted lipolysis has come to be an important tool in the fat loss armamentarium."

"It is important to note that no device is a magic wand," added Dr. Kenkel, a plastic surgeon in Dallas, TX. "Despite any hype generated by manufacturers, physicians, patients, or the media, results are ultimately practitioner-driven."

The bottom line? Any kind of cosmetic surgery should be done by a board certified plastic surgeon, not someone who has taken a weekend course or two. No tool can replace the skill and experience of a board certified plastic surgeon. Check out my website to see the before/after photos that I’ve shared regarding SmartLipo, a technique I have found to be highly effective!

To your health & beauty,

Dr. Joe Danyo