Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Cryolipolysis Vs. Liposuction for Fat Removal

Cryolipolysis and liposuction are both excellent therapeutic options for managing localized fat collections. Both procedures offer advantages and the choice of procedure depends on a variety of factors. cryolipolysis and liposuction are two very different techniques so patient’s need to select carefully in order to be satisfied with the result. 
Liposuction uses a cannula which is placed through a small incision and attached to a vacuum device. Large volumes of fat can be removed with this technique and it is standard to achieve at least a 50 percent reduction in fat volume for nearly anywhere on the body. Patients with youthful, contractile skin which can redrape following the fat removal are the best candidates. Patients with non-elastic , stretched skin are not great liposuction candidates as their skin will not contour to the loss of fat volume and they are likely to develop irregular dips.
cryolipolysis machine is a device which cools select areas of the body most often the love handle area and the abdomen. The procedure takes one hour and there is no significant recovery time. Patient’s must be realistic about the different degree of results achieved by these two techniques otherwise they risk being disappointed by the degree of change with Cryolipolysis. Patients may also undergo Cryolipolysis a second or third time in order to achieve a greater removal of fat. 
cryolipolysis equipment is not a weight loss solution for people who are obese, or a substitute for surgical methods such as liposuction. When smaller amounts of fat are present, excellent results can occur with Cryolipolysis with shorter recoveries and less pain in the post-operative period. When larger amounts of fat are present, liposuction will most likely yield a superior result. Unfortunately, this procedure may be associated with more pain and longer recoveries. 
cryolipolysis slimming machine is more cost effective, there's no incision, garment, or downtime, so many of our patients who either don't want surgery or don't have a schedule that allows for downtime prefer this easy 1-2 hour procedure.
Typically, each cryolipolysis fat freeze treatment results in a noticeable reduction of fat in the treated area. After the initial treatment is complete, you can attain further reductions with additional treatments, resulting in even more fat loss. 
Which procedure to choose a lot depends on your physical exam, your tolerance for scars and recovery downtime, and what kind of results you are expecting. Be sure to see a surgeon who does BOTH Cryolipolysis and liposuction, abdominoplasty, etc., as then you can advice on both options.

Good Candidate for CoolSculpting

Coolsculpting represents a significant advance in the treatment of fat collections.Coolscultping works excellent to reduce unwanted fat bulges on the body. It typically reduces on average 22-25% of fat layer with one one hour treatment. Unfortunately, the procedure isn’t for everyone. 
cool sculpting really works but it is not a weight loss device. CoolSculpting is ideal for patients who are otherwise in good shape, but just have stubborn fatty deposits. The ideal candidate for CoolSculpting is the patient that is within 10-15 pounds of their ideal weight and has localized bulges such as the muffin top, love handles and back fat. These patients are also good candidates for liposuction as well. 
Patients with large amounts of fat or loose skin may need more aggressive procedures. In this group liposuction or skin resections may be more appropriate. It’s important to remember, that the best results occur when there’s appropriate patient selection and expectations are realistic. 
The advantages of the coolsculpting procedure over liposuction are that is it non-invasive requiring no anesthesia, no incisions, no needles, and no downtime. Coolsculpting is very effective in treating love handles when they’re not too large. When love handles are larger they may be more easily managed with liposuction. 
To see if you are a good candidate, a physical exam by a provider that actually performs the procedures on a regular basis is best. cool scuplting should not pose these risks but might not have to be done either if there is not enough fat to warrant the procedure and cost. 
Deciding which procedure to perform really depends entirely on your personal goals. If you are seeking to remove a larger amount of fat, then liposuction will be more effective. If you are seeking to rid yourself of a smaller amount of fat, and not have the downtime associated with surgery, then coolsculting might be a good option for you. 
In the vast majority of patients who undergo coolsculpting the results are excellent. The procedure is very safe and there appears to be no long term problems associated with the procedure. 
Of course, an in-person evaluation will best determine your candidacy, but you should communicate your goals clearly to your provider so they can be honest with you about what kind of results to expect.

Monday, July 28, 2014

How Long Does the Cryolipolysis Procedure Last?

Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive, no downtime treatment that is a great nonsurgical way to reduce fat. The results are great if you are at your ideal body weight and you have a certain problem area like your abdomen or flanks. Typically one procedure is necessary and you can expect a 25 percent reduction in fat in two to four months after the treatment. Some patients return a few months later for a second session because they can achieve even better results.
cryolipolysis fat freeze treatment session lasts about 1 hour. One area can be treated during each hour-long session. One area is typically about the size of your hand. Therefore, each "love-handle" would be considered one area, and the lower abdomen is typically considered two areas. You can treat more than one area at a single office visit, but only one area at a time. To treat two areas takes just over two hours. About 20-25% of the fat that gets sucked into the probe disappears within 2-4 months. A repeat session can enhance results on a body part that you have already done. 
The fat cells that are killed during the Cryolipolysis coolsculpting freezing do not grow back. But not all fat cells die and if you gain weight then the fat will have some place to go, both in the area treated and non-treated areas. But if you maintain a good exercise regimen and diet then the results should be long term. 
cryolipolysis machine kills fat cells by selectively freezing the lipids that are found in fat cells. Over the next two months, these fat cells are excreted from the body through the lymphatic and circulatory systems. The procedure kills a layer of fat that is about ? inch thickness at its maximum in the center of the bulge that is treated. Multiple areas can be treated, resulting in gradual reduction of a larger area . The number of treatments depends on the amount of fat you wish to remove. 
The fat cells that are damaged by the treatment are frozen and later absorbed by the body's own metabolic process and are gone permanently. The only reason they would re-appear is if you gained a large amount of weight and your body had to make some new fat cells in order to store the new fat. Otherwise, they are gone forever. 
If you maintain your weight within a reasonable range, you can expect permanent results to the treated area. Your Cryolipolysis specialist can evaluate your needs and determine the best treatment plan for your body type.
The results of cryolipolysis can be very long-lasting, so long as your weigh doesn't fluctuate tremendously in one direction or another. The fat reduction is permanent in a sense that your fat cells are permanently removed from your body. You do not typically grow additional fat cells unless you put on an immense amount of weight which provides the stimulus for cells to divide.
Remember, Cryolipolysis doesn't give an immediate result. Typical results take about 3-4 months to be fully realized, and therefore many patients schedule second treatments at that time. Results may vary from patient to patient, overall, my patients have been very happy with their results.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

How To Reduce Sebum Production

Skin oil, known as sebum, is our body's own natural skin moisturizers. Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands in the skin and lubricate the hair follicles. Oil production is determined by our hormones, so we can not easily control how much we produce. While some lasers, such as fractional laser treatment, may improve the tone and texture of the skin and possibly make pores appear less apparent, they do not lessen oil production in the skin.
Excess sebum can be reduced in a number of different ways. The only medication that has been shown to give a long term reduction in oil production is the oral acne medication isotretinoin. If the skin is just oily, the use of oil-free moisturizers, toners, or salicylic acid washes or gels may be an appropriate first step to help remove excess oil from the skin. If there is also acne, you might consider a course of Accutane, which reduces sebum production for approximately two years. 
There are many lasers which have been shown to affect sebaceous gland activity. Most of the lasers used for non ablative laser skin resurfacing were shown to have an effect on sebaceous activity due to their deeply penetrating wavelengths. The longer wavelengths in the infrared region of the light spectrum have deeper penetration in the skin. 
These are lasers in the infrared region including the long-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers, the 1320 nm CoolTouch, and the 1450 nm Smooth beam laser. fractional laser resurfacing can also help reduce sebum.The Smooth beam 1450nm laser will be one of the best lasers to target the oil glands in your skin. This wavelength of light has a nice absorption spectrum by the oil glands thereby shrinking their size and production of oil. 
Thermage is a radiofrequency device which has been shown in clinical studies and histopathology of the skin to target setaceous glands. It is one of the best devices to treat overactive sebaceous glands. Thermage uses radiofrequency electric current which is more deeply penetrating than infrared lasers. Thermage creates more volumetric heating of the tissue resulting in skin tightening compared to the infrared lasers which do not cause as much skin tightening. 
photodynamic therapy(PDT) using Levulan with blue light is also temporary. There may be a more "permanent" cure using high-dose PDT. This is a new procedure using Levulan with high-dose blue light which actually destroys the sebaceous glands. 
In addition to laser treatments, excessive sebum production can be controlled by topical treatments including various over-the-counter cosmoceuticals, salicyclic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, chemical peels, and prescription medicines such as retinoids.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

The Pros and Cons of Laser Skin Resurfacing

The pros and cons of laser resurfacing for acne scarring can often depend upon the user of the technology as well as the individual patient.
laser skin resurfacing are great for cosmetic and medical reasons. If you are interested in improving your wrinkles, pigmentation problems (like sun spots, etc), the size of your pores, your skin texture, etc laser resurfacing can be a great option. It can make a huge difference in your appearance for the better. 
laser skin tightening can also improve your skin by reducing the number of cells that are bad as well. So from a medical standpoint, it can be beneficial in reducing your chances of acquiring skin cancer. This is done when you remove your more superficial layers of skin through resurfacing and receive more refreshened cells from deeper within your hair follicles when these cells "resurface" the skin that has been removed. These newer cells typically have much less DNA damage and hence less bad mutations that lead to cancer and this has been proven in scientific studies.
Laser resurfacing is the best way to improve extensive acne scarring. The new fractional laser resurfacing technology enables us to address skin textural irregularity effectively and safely. The procedure is easily tolerated with just a topical anesthetic gel, and recovery takes less than a week in most cases.
Laser resurfacing has effectively replaced the old method of dermabrasion, as the laser procedure involves no bleeding and is extremely precise. However, for very deep ice-pick scars, sometimes it is advisable to excise the individual scar(s) directly, so that the area can heal more smoothly. Laser can then be done on the more superficial scar that results from the excision.
Another con is that the laser skin rejuvenation procedure will cost you some money, and you will need a few days to recover. It needs a longer period of healing, typically two weeks and it requires wound care by the patient which can sometimes be painful during the healing process. 
Risks include not getting the improvement you wanted, injury to your eyes or teeth, changes in the color of your skin, and infection. Also, in darker skinned individuals it can result in loss of pigmentation and a line of demarkation at or near the jaw line especially in females; this is less likely to occur in males. Finally, it is not for African or Indian Americans due to the darker skin type and risk of skin lightening.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

The Right Laser for Skin Resurfacing

The right laser depends on what you are treating and your budget. When you are deciding on what laser to use, you have to ask yourself 3 questions: What level of results do I want? How much do I want to pay?
ipl skin rejuvenation is not strictly a laser, but it tends to be lumped into the laser category. IPL is great at treating brown or red spots. IPL machine can safely remove irregular pigmentation, dark spots and red splotchy skin from the face neck chest hands or any area of the body. Many patients have accumulated many brown pigmented spots on their face, neck and upper chest and the IPL is very effective at reducing these spots. 
The Nd:YAG laser was effective in promoting the remodeling of the dermis and the regeneration of collagen fibers. As such, the Nd:YAG laser could be used for skin tightening in addition to its function in lipolysis. Nd:Yag laser provides skin tightening to all areas of the face and body with no downtime. It can even help smooth out acne scars.The Nd:YAG laser is unique in that it can be used safely on darker skin types.
C02 lasers are generally speaking deeper penetrating lasers. The C02 laser is most powerful but carries the most risk and downtime. co2 fractional laser is the most common applicaton of C02 laser as this can decrease many of the risks associated with it. Co2 resurfacing provides a true skin resurfacing. In the early days of laser resurfacing the treatments were aggressive and the downtime considerable. Today, most plastic surgeons provide a more conservative CO2 laser resurfacing treatment. The treatment still requires downtime and a commitment to avoid the sun but the results can be beautiful. 
Erbium lasers do not penetrate as deeply as a C02 laser but can if applied with multiple passes to the face. In general, erbium laser resurfacing carry less risk than C02 lasers but will also create less change. Erbium Yag resurfacing laser is great for treating mild wrinkles and sun damage without the downtime of some of the more aggressive lasers. Another advantage is this laser can be used around the eyes and on other areas that can't be treated with some of the other lasers and peels on the market. 
In order to find the best laser ftreatment for you, look for a plastic surgeon with significant experience in aesthetic lasers treatments, aesthetic plastic surgery and non-surgical aesthetic enhancement treatments.Sometimes laser is not the best option, therefore it is important to see a physician who has different options and can offer you the one that is right for you. Sometimes a chemical peel or dermabrasion is a better choice.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Is Laser Resurfacing Effective for Acne Scars?

Laser treatment for acne scarring can be effective in some patients. Acne scarring can vary substantially in severity, and laser resurfacing will generally improve acne scarring however not offer a complete cure.
laser skin resurfacing can be used very effectively for acne scarring, in particular ablative lasers. Laser resurfacing can be effective in improving the appearance of the skin and it requires a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the type and severity of acne scarring and if additional treatments are required to enhance the results, and a discussion about expectations from treatment. 
laser skin tightening is only suitable for lighter skin pigmentation, darker ethnicities are not suited to laser resurfacing as there is an increased risk of scarring and darker pigmentation after treatment. Not everyone will always get life changing results but with time and the right procedures almost all scars can be improved and frequently significantly. Unless you are very light in skin color, your risks will climb rapidly and you will risk skin discoloration, and either loss of color or increase in pigment color, especially if you have an ethnic background. 
Additional treatments may be required to improve acne scarring including the use of volumetric fillers to elevate deep scars. In addition deep scars may require undermining, subcision, punch excision or other surgical techniques to give the best results.
Newer fractional non-ablative erbium 1540 laser resurfacing is better for treating acne scars than is ablative erbium or co2 laser resurfacing. That is because the ablative lasers remove skin from both the normal surface of the skin and the surface of the depression inside the acne scar. Unlike sanding a depression (scar) in apiece of wood, where the surrounding surface is feathered and the depression (scar) eventually becomes less noticeable, with ablative laser resurfacing, skin surface and scar are both lowered.
Non-ablative fractional erbium laser resurfacing does not remove skin, rather it coagulates the deeper layers of the dermis. This results in new collagen production. the new collagen plumps the acne scar from the inside.
Laser resurfacing is effective for acne scars, but one treatment is sometimes not enough. Be cautious about trying to do too much with one treatment. Some techniques such as fillers / chemical peels/ lasers/ surgery can be used synergistically to create an optimal result.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Which is Better for Hair Removal:IPL or Lasers

With both IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and laser hair removal there is high potential that unwanted hairs can be kept away for a long time. The two methods are very similar and highly comparable, though there is at least one clear difference: Laser hair removal uses a real laser while IPL does not. 
IPL and laser hair removal are essentially two different technologies and both are branded under various names, by different companies and often have unique features. But what both of these hair removal methods have in common is the way in which hairs are destroyed. Both laser hair removal and IPL uses small devices that ultimately generate heat, which is what severely damages and burns the hair follicles by the root. This causes some clients to notice the smell of burnt hair, and why the skin can look and feel like a mild sunburn the day after treatment.
Lasers were developed to provide permanent hair removal solutions, where IPL was originally developed to treat a variety of skin conditions and hair loss came as a side effect. 
IPL is often mistakenly referred to as a Laser. IPL stands for intense pulsed light. As the name suggests, IPL uses a light based device instead in order to destroy the hair follicles for good. The light passes over the whole treatment area, in comparison to an actual laser where the light is far more concentrated. IPL targets brown pigment so its hair removal properties are limited to light skin and dark hair. Patients with darker skin are much more prone to side effects when using IPL, such as burns, hyperpigmentation and other skin damage. As well, it does not effectively treat light hair, such as blond, white, gray or red hair due to the lack of pigment.
laser hair removal machines for sale has proven to be much more effective and less painful than IPL hair removal. Laser uses just one wavelength to target hair follicles. Therefore Laser energy is far more focused than a IPL energy. When IPL is used for hair removal there is also a greater risk of causing damage to the skin, such as changes to skin pigmentation or burning.
In terms of which is better for hair removal, it all depends. Laser hair removal seems to be the more popular choice. But interestingly enough, IPL was originally developed to treat beauty imperfections and hair loss was noted as a side effect. So while laser hair removal might be more popular for hair removal, some will say that IPL can lead to that and better skin. There is no permanent hair removal; however, permanent hair reduction can be attained successfully with both laser hair removal and IPL; the decision is yours.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Whats the Difference Between Chemical Peel & IPL for Face?

Both IPL and chemical peels are used to achieve facial rejuvenation. 
intense pulsed light uses colored light to disrupt fine vessels and pigment spots. Chemical peels destroy the top layer of skin. As the skin sloughs and peels and new fresh layer takes its place. This helps with pigment spots and fine wrinkles, but not with redness and fine vessels.
There are different types of chemical peels: Superficial, Medium and Deep Peels. Superficial peels only take off the outer layer of the skin and there is no down time. 
You’ll need a series of treatments to obtain desired results over a period of time. A medium peel contains a stronger potency of acid and targets the epidermis, causing the upper dermis to slough within 5 to 7 days. Again, there is little or no down time. A deep peel targets the dermis and after a deep peel the skin is red and can swell a little bit. Many layers of the skin will peel over a period of 1 to 2 weeks. 
Deep chemical peels also produce the most dramatic results and are recommended for treating wrinkles, scars, blemishes and in some cases, precancerous skin lesions.
intense pulsed light is more predictable and the IPL laser goes deeper into the layers of the dermis. Chemical peels have been replaced by lasers which are more predictable and have multiple wavelengths, targeting both brown and red spots. These treatments are not totally aggressive, so there is no down time, however, they do require multiple treatments. Many people prefer the IPL because you’d have to have a medium chemical peel to achieve the results from one treatment of IPL. 
ipl machine uses broadband light to address mostly reds and browns of the face. This includes broken capillaries and redness due to sun damage as well as brown spots, dyschromias and other signs of aging and the sun. IPLs have the advantage of very little down time with good results over anywhere from 2-6 sessions.
Both procedures induce extra sun sensitivity, so use sufficient sunscreen while outdoors. Moderate and deep chemical peel recipients must avoid sun exposure as well as smoking during the healing process.

Monday, July 7, 2014

How does HIFU differ from other non-surgical treatments?

For decades, many techniques and technologies have been utilized in an attempt to remove unwanted fat. HIFU is a unique and effective breakthrough in treating localized fat deposits without surgery. 
lipo laser uses a diode laser light source for non-invasive body contouring of the waist, hips, and thighs. The light is shined on the area(s) of the body being treated; multiple treatment sessions are required. Studies have suggested that this laser wavelength partially disrupts the fat cell membrane, allowing the lipid and fatty contents of the fat cell to leak out, and thereby promotes fat cell collapse. The clinical studies showed impressive results at two weeks, but longer term patient follow-up is absent. In addition, it seems to work best when used with diet supplements and exercise. Unlike an ultrasound wave, laser energy cannot be focused to specific layers below the skin. 
coolsculpting is a medical device that relies on controlled cooling for non-invasive reduction of local fat deposits. This process, called cryolipolysis, is based upon the premise that fat cells are more easily damaged by exposure to cold temperatures than skin cells. The cold temperature, which is actually above the freezing point, destroys fat cells beneath the skin. There is a reduction in the fatty tissue layer over several months as the body’s processes clear away the destroyed fat. Limitations of this technology include the prolonged treatment time, the lack of specificity in the treatment application, and the inability to provide specific sculpting and contouring to different body areas. Patients can also experience prolonged numbness or hypersensitivity, due to the effects of the cold temperatures of cryolipolysis system on the nerves of the skin.
HIFU uses a high-intensity focused ultrasound wave (HIFU) to permanently destroy fat cells at a specified depth below the skin. The other techniques lack this same specificity of fat cell destruction. The method by which HIFU delivers this focused ultrasonic energy is very efficient and allows direct treatment of specific body areas, and treatment times of about one hour. The high-intensity ultrasound procedure is used to reduce stubborn fat bulges in the tummy, thighs or hips. There is no preparation required and no anesthesia necessary. On average, HIFU patients lose one inch off their waistline, an equivalent to dropping one pants size or one dress size.

Sunday, July 6, 2014

How is Cool Lipo different from Smart Lipo?

Smartlipo and Cool Lipo are laser lipolysis devices that virtually do the same which is to melt fat and to tighten the skin. They both use the minimally invasive techniques and have small fibers. 
Smart Lipo was the first of the two procedures to be approved by the FDA and it was FDA approved in 2006. the Cool Lipo was FDA approved in 2008. 
The difference is the different wavelength.The Smartlipo uses a 1064, 1320, and 1440 wavelengths while the cool lipo uses the 1320 wavelength. Theoretically, the higher you go in terms of wavelength, the higher the heat and the more skin tightening. However, this has not been well studied. In addition, however, when you go higher you do have a higher chance of burning the skin.
Both Cool Lipo and Smart Lipo are safe and effective in non invasive body contouring as well as tightening skin. Both procedures are FDA approved, use only local anesthesia, and can be done more than one time if a patient wishes to have a touch-up in a certain area. Although both procedures break down fat and tighten skin, they cannot guarantee the disappearance of cellulite or that patients will not accumulate fat again. A healthy lifestyle should be combined with either of these high-tech procedures.
Clinical studies are presently being performed to see if there is a unique advantage of one system over the other. At this time there is no head to head studies to show that one system is better than the other.

What's The Difference Between Cool Lipo And Coolsculpting?

Although it is called ‘Cool Lipo’, Cool Lipo is a laser-assisted lipolysis procedure using laser energy to melt fat. CoolSculpting is an non invasive body contouring technology that uses cold therapy to freeze and destroy fat cells.
Cool Lipo is a brand new and minimally invasive technology that liquefies fat for easy removal. It is a lipo laser procedure that helps to break up and removes fat cells in small areas such as under the chin, neck, and jowls. It is also recommended for areas with loose skin such as the arms.
In addition, through the unique technology, the Cool lipo laser machine directly contracts collagen and tightens the skin. This kind of effect can not be seen with standard liposuction. The procedure itself is short and can be done in a physician's office. It also can be done under the local anesthesia, which allows for minimal downtime.
coolsculpting is based on the science of cryolipolysis, a term that combines "cryo" (icy cold) with "lipolysis". CoolSculpting selectively targets localized fat deposits — abdominal fat, love handles, back rolls, muffin-tops and bulges above Cesarean section incision lines — and reduces them by chilling them to just above freezing. It's done gradually, without causing any harm to the surrounding tissues.The premise is that under carefully controlled conditions, subcutaneous fat cells are more vulnerable than other surrounding tissue to the effects of cold.
Both the two procedures are non invasive alternatives to liposuction, the procedures can not replace diet and exercise and are not designed as a weight loss treatment.

Cryolipolysis vs Thermage

Cryolipolysis and Thermage are completely different treatments and the treatment times vary depending on what area is treated. 
The two devices work very differently.cryolipolysis is designed to freeze and kill fat cells to get reduced fat volume, and Thermage is radiofrequency that may improve tightening of dermal collagen and may temporarily reduce cellulite"s appearance. They are usually not compared as they are not interchangeable.
Cryolipolysis offers permanent fat reduction and takes 1 hour per cycle. Thermage is a temporary skin tightening treatment using radiofrequency that can take 1-2 hours per treatment. Both types of treatments may require repeated treatments. 
Thermage appears to have a very low patient satisfaction rating. Colleagues confide that they have difficulty in determining who will benefit from the procedure and who will not. They are concerned about the long term complication of fat atrophy. Research this procedure carefully to make an informed decision on risks vs benefits. 
If there is a bulge, use the cryolipolysis machine to freeze that fat. If there is skin laxity, Thermage will tighten the skin in that area. Cryolipolysis can take an hour for the abdomen or two hours for the flanks. Thermage takes approximately 90 minutes. Thermage can be used to tighten different areas of the body - the lower face/neck, abdomen, arms, and the skin around the knees. The results are impressive with a combination approach. 
Like many technologies, it's important that the doctor/nurse knows how to use it and does it correctly or you won't see results! It's always best to consult with an experienced provider to determine the best option for your goals.