Welcome to the next generation of body sculpting.


 

You've worked hard to look your best. You get plenty of exercise and watch your diet, but you still have those "problem areas" that resist the hours spent on the treadmill. We can help.

For the past 25 years dermatologic surgeons have been pioneers in the advancement of micro-cannular tumescent liposuction, a form of minimally-invasive liposuction performed under local anesthesia. Tumescent liposuction is now accepted as a much gentler, safer, and refined technique, and has become the standard of care in safety for liposuction body sculpting.



































 


F
inally there are advanced technologies called VASER® Liposelection and SmartLipo that dissolve fat cells upon contact with ultrasonic or laser energy delivered through a small sterile probe, advancing the tumescent microcannular technique to the next generation of precision and ease for both the patient and surgeon. With only local anesthetic, the fat is melted then gently massaged and suctioned out with tiny cannulas. No more visions of the jabbing, jarring and bruising of patients associated with traditional liposuction. A Friday procedure will typically have you back to work and play by Monday.

SMARTLIPO

As more women - and men - want to look and feel better about themselves, body contouring and lipo-sculpture continue to grow in popularity, making liposuction the most popular cosmetic surgery performed today. SmartLipo™ is the first and only laser lypolyis system to offer this revolutionary and minimally invasive procedure for the removal of fat. Using a high-powered laser SmartLipo sculpts body contours and tightens skin with less downtime and side-effects than traditional liposuction.

How does the SmartLipo procedure work?

A very small cannula (tube) approximately 1.0mm in diameter containing a laser fiber is inserted into the skin. The cannula is moved back and forth delivering the laser's energy directly to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and easily drain away. The laser energy also interacts with the dermis, resulting in skin shrinkage or tightening.

Due to the cannula's small size, SmartLipo is a minimally invasive procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia. The laser causes small blood vessels to coagulate immediately on contact, resulting in less bleeding, swelling and bruising - and a quicker recovery time than conventional liposuction. Because general anesthesia is unnecessary, the procedure is very safe, with only minimal side effects.

Who is a good candidate for SmartLipo?

If you have areas of fat that will not respond to diet and exercise, then you're a candidate for Laserlypolysis. Ideal candidates are in good health, of normal body weight and have realistic expectations for the results.

What body regions can be treated with SmartLipo?

SmartLipo is a great adjunct to traditional liposuction and Vaser Liposelection procedures, although it does not replace conventional liposuction. It is ideal for treating small areas of the face, neck, arms, breasts (gynecomastia), and areas of loose and flabby skin (floppy skin). A major advantage of SmartLipo over conventional liposuction is that it may tighten the overlying skin, reducing the need for surgical removal of excess skin.

How many treatments will I need?

For most patients, typically only one treatment is required. The session may last from 45 minutes to one hour for each area treated.

Do I have to do anything post-treatment?

After the treatment you will need to wear a compression garment for several days to several weeks, depending on the body area being treated. Rest is recommended after the procedure and activity may be resumed gradually. Refrain from hot tubs or strenuous exercise for 2 weeks.

Does SmartLipo treat cellulite?

The procedure will improve the body's shape and may improve cellulite to a certain degree.

When can I expect to see results?

Results can be seen as soon as a week with continued improvement over several months.

Does laser-assisted liposuction produce lasting results?

Yes! Adults do not create new fat cells. When a person gains weight, the fat cells expand. The SmartLipo procedure permanently removes the fat cells. Should you gain weight, most fat will be deposited in areas where the procedure was not performed.

VASER LipoSelection®

The VASER System uses ultrasound energy to break up and emulsify fat, leaving surrounding tissue - such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue - relatively intact. Because only the fat cells are preferentially destroyed, patients and physicians report low to minimal pain, swelling or bruising. Moreover, the VASER LipoSelection® procedure allows physicians to work with such precision that they can shape delicate areas like the inner thighs, arms, chin and neck-any place you've developed a little "extra cushioning."

Why VASER LipoSelection®? Is the VASER LipoSelection® procedure different than traditional liposuction?

VASER LipoSelection® is a new and very different way to precisely and efficiently remove unwanted fat. An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, VASER LipoSelection® uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology to reshape your body. Only the VASER LipoSelection® procedure uses the proprietary VASER System to first liquefy and then remove fat from the body, which is why it provides such smooth, predictable results. Since it is more tissue selective than traditional liposuction, patients report low to minimal pain and low to minimal swelling and bruising.

How is VASER LipoSelection® different from UltraSculpt™ /other UAL?

Although the technologies used to perform both procedures employ ultrasonic energy, there are significant differences. Other ultrasound platforms utilize either hollow probes that fragment fat while simultaneously removing protective fluid (which can increase the risk of thermal damage such as burns), or smooth probes that focus all of the energy at the tip (which can damage the tissue matrix). ONLY the VASER LipoSelection® procedure utilizes patented VASER Technology to efficiently break up fat with diffused energy via small, solid grooved probes and then remove liquefied fat with massage and cannulae designed with minimal tissue trauma in mind. The VASER platform allows for up to 50% reduction of applied power compared to UAL devices. An independent peer-reviewed published study reported that patients treated with VASER Technology experienced none of the complications common to UAL as reported in medical literature (such as burns, prolonged swelling, abnormal sensation or skin cell degradation).

How does VASER LipoSelection® work?

High frequency sound energy emitted by the VASER System breaks up fat on contact while leaving surrounding tissues relatively intact. The fragmented fat flows into the wetting solution and is extracted through suction and massage. This process results in smooth, predictable outcomes.

What body areas can be treated with VASER LipoSelection®?

Doctors have experienced great success in treating all of the following areas: abdomen, thighs, knees, buttocks, hips, back, arms, male breasts, love handles, chin and neck areas.

What happens during the VASER LipoSelection® procedure?

First, the area to be sculpted is filled with a special saline solution that helps numb the site and shrink the blood vessels (to minimize blood loss and reduce bruising). This solution wets and fills the area to be treated, making fat easier to break up with the VASER System's sound energy. Then a small probe transmits sound energy (similar to that used for cataract removal in the eye) that breaks up fat on contact, while leaving other important tissues relatively intact. Finally, suction and massage of the sculpted site removes the liquefied fat quickly. Thanks to its patented technology, only the LipoSelection procedure first emulsifies and then removes fat in this manner.

Where is VASER LipoSelection® performed?

Dr. Van Ittersum performs VASER LipoSelection® in a sterile environment in our office making the procedure safe and convenient.

What type of results can I expect?

The ultrasonic technology used for the VASER LipoSelection® procedure breaks up fatty tissue while leaving other important tissues relatively intact. As a result, treatment with the VASER System has been reported to result in smooth contouring and low incidence of complications such as prolonged swelling, loss of sensation or prolonged numbing, blood clots, bruising, blister-like spots called seromas, and skin discoloration.

What's the advantage of general vs. local anesthesia? Office vs. hospital procedure?

Some individuals find the thought of any surgery very disturbing. In a hospital, under general anesthesia, you are unaware of what is happening - you go to sleep and awaken post-operatively. This method of anesthesia may be preferable if you are having a large amount of fat removed, or having multiple sites treated.

Some individuals find general anesthesia intimidating, preferring to remain awake under local anesthesia - perhaps accompanied by IV sedation. If the treatment is not too extensive, this may be a viable option.

For still others, the convenience and familiarity of their doctor's office allows for maximum comfort, provided the surgery is not too extensive. Here, under local anesthesia (perhaps accompanied by a sedative), patients experience minimal discomfort while remaining awake but relaxed.

What about future weight gain / fat migrating to other areas?

This is a common misperception. Following your VASER LipoSelection® procedure, should you experience weight gain or loss, it will tend to be proportionately distributed over your entire body. Once you have fat removed, it is gone and, assuming a healthy lifestyle of proper diet and exercise, it will not return or migrate. However, because fat is necessary to a healthy body, some essential fat layers in any given site remain untreated. If you do gain a significant amount of weight, the remaining fatty tissue will expand. Normal aging changes can also be expected.

How can I be certain VASER LipoSelection® is right for me?

If you are frustrated by the resistance of certain body areas to diet and exercise, VASER LipoSelection® can provide a solution. If you are healthy and seeking a fast, low-pain solution to losing stubborn fat deposits, the VASER LipoSelection® procedure could be your answer. Although there are limits to the amount of fat that can be removed, Dr. Van Ittersum can assist you with your decision about potential areas for sculpting, anticipated results, and the recovery process.

Is VASER® Body Sculpting Right For Me?

If you are healthy and looking for a fast, low-pain solution to your excess fatty tissue, you may be a good candidate for VASER® Body Sculpting. Although there are limits to the amount of tissue that can be removed, Dr. Van Ittersum can assist you with your decision about potential areas for sculpting, the results you can expect, and the recovery process.

How Does VASER® Body Sculpting Work?

VASER® is a much gentler way of separating fatty tissues prior to removal, it differentiates between fatty tissue and other tissue such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues that must be left undisturbed for good results. VASER® sound energy simply bounces off other types of tissues while dissolving the less structured fat cells. This makes VASER® Body Sculpting safer and results in less swelling and a shorter and more comfortable recovery.

Where Does The Doctor Perform My VASER® Body Sculpting?

Procedures are performed in a sterile environment in our office making the procedure safe and convenient.