In This Issue:

• The Battle Against Unwanted Fat: Which treatment is safe and effective?

• NIA 24: Keep your skin healthy and glowing this summer!

• Plastic Surgery…Did You Know?

The treatment of unwanted fatty tissue with the use of minimal incisions began in the 1970’s in Paris, France. Since that time, continuous improvements have taken place to improve the results and reduce the risk of complications. Over the first 15 years, these improvements consisted of smaller and better designed surgical instruments and the use of the “wetting solution” (tumescent/super-wet) which preceded the removal of the unwanted fatty tissue.

Since that time, two new technologies have been developed to improve outcomes and to reduce recovery time. The new technologies are the use of Ultrasound energy and Laser energy to “liquefy/soften” the fat cells to allow for more complete removal with less tissue trauma.

Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction

The Ultrasound energy based treatment currently offered in the US (FDA approved) is the VASER LipoSelection® system. This treatment uses controlled ultra sound energy delivered with a metal rod under the skin to “explode” fat cells followed by removal with a traditional liposuction cannula. This technique can cause internal burns to the underside of the skin as well as to the nerve tissue. No significant skin tightening occurs. Dr. Prevel does not use this system due to the risk of internal tissue burns.

Laser Assisted Liposuction

Two different Laser based treatment systems are currently offered in the US with FDA approval. These consist of internal delivery (under the skin) - SmartLipo™ and external delivery (on top of the skin) - LaserLipo™. SmartLipo uses an internal probe under the skin to soften the fat cells using Laser energy. After treatment, a traditional liposuction cannula is used to remove the fat cells. Claims have been made by the manufacturer that skin tightening takes place and that the liposuction cannula does not need to be used for removal of the fat. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal reveals that the SmartLipo™ does not work as well as has been reported by the manufacturer.

The LaserLipo™ system uses external laser energy to soften the fat cells after the placement of the "wetting solution". A traditional liposuction cannula is used to remove the fat cells. No heat is created in the process, unlike the VASER™ and SmartLipo™ and thus, there is no risk of internal tissue burns. Dr. Prevel currently uses this Laser for Liposuction in his practice.

Lipodissolve

A new procedure commonly called by the trade name Lipodissolve, claims to melt away fat with a simple injection of drugs to avoid surgical liposuction. Lipodissolve is often marketed as quick and easy "lunchtime lipo" at doctor's offices and spas around the country. Some women who have had this treatment have been left with open wounds, nodules/ masses between their muscle and skin, and even life-threatening staph infections that required emergency surgery.

Dr. Alan Gold, a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, warned against Lipodissolve. "The two primary chemicals within this are called PC and DC: phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate," he explained. "There's no standardized formula and other things may be added to those mixtures. At the present time, it is NOT approved by the Food and Drug Administration."

There are other doctors who also warn against the use of Lipodissolve, such as Dr. Julius Few, a Chicago plastic surgeon, "Whatever substance was injected basically caused the fat and the underlying tissue to die. And then that ultimately killed the skin," he said. "And it's much like what people have talked about with a flesh-eating infection. She will never look exactly the way she did before this treatment."

A recent article from ABC News reveals what the women who participated in Lipodissolve injections had to say to ABC’s “20/20”. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=4636585