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What is LipoSelectionSM
only by VASER®?
LipoSelection only by VASER combines
patented technologies with advanced surgical techniques to
sculpt the body and remove unwanted fat deposits. The LipoSelection
procedure uses ultrasonic
energy to break up fat while leaving surrounding tissue
- such as nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue - relatively
intact. By minimizing damage to other tissue, patients report
highly satisfactory results, including smooth contours and
low to minimal pain.
Why LipoSelection? Is the LipoSelection
procedure different than traditional liposuction?
LipoSelection only by VASER is a new
and very different way to precisely and efficiently remove
unwanted fat. An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional
liposuction, LipoSelection only by VASER uses state-of-the-art
ultrasound technology to reshape your body. Only the 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 does LipoSelection only by
VASER 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 LipoSelection?
Doctors have reported great success
in treating all of the following areas: abdomen, thighs, knees,
buttocks, hips, back, arms, male breasts, love handles, chin
and neck areas.
How much fat can be taken?
There are limits to how much fatty
tissue can be safely taken from the body. One way to get a
good idea for yourself is to stand and bend from the waist.
The amount of "loose-hanging" fat you can easily
grab above / below your waist will approximate what can be
removed. Bear in mind that this procedure is not intended
as a weight loss solution. The goal is to create a slimmer
silhouette. You may not notice a significant amount of weight
loss, but should be pleased with your slimmer new shape.
What happens during the 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 grooved 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 emulsified
fat quickly and easily. Thanks to its patented technology,
only the LipoSelection
procedure first emulsifies and then removes
fat in this manner.
What type of results can I expect?
The ultrasonic
technology used for the LipoSelection SM
procedure specifically 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 a 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.
Where is LipoSelection only by
VASER performed?
LipoSelection only by VASER is
performed in a clean environment. Some possible options are
in your doctor's office, in an outpatient surgery center or
in a hospital.
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 little discomfort
while remaining awake but relaxed.
What's in the infusion fluid? Isn't
lidocaine dangerous?
A saline solution is injected to "loosen
up" fatty tissue. This solution includes
diluted amounts of a blood constrictor
[Epinephrine]
to reduce bleeding and bruising and an anesthetic numbing
agent [Lidocaine].
The percentage of lidocaine and the amount of fluid is carefully
monitored and administered to avoid toxicity issues. If this
is a serious concern of yours, you should definitely discuss
it with the doctor before you make your decision.
What is my anticipated recovery
time?
This varies with the extensiveness
of the procedure - the amount of fat removed, the number of
sites treated, and so on. It is important that you establish
realistic expectations through discussion with your doctor.
What about future weight gain /
fat migrating to other areas?
This is a common misperception. Following
your 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 also can be expected.
Will LipoSelection only by VASER
eliminate my cellulite?
"Cellulite" is a term used
to describe a specific look of fat in skin overlying certain
areas of the body (often described as "orange peel"
or "cottage cheese skin"). As we age, almost all
of us develop some cellulite. There is currently no curative
"fix" for cellulite.
How can I be certain LipoSelection
only by VASER is right for me?
If you are frustrated by the resistance
of certain body areas to diet and exercise, LipoSelection
only by VASER can provide a solution. If you are healthy
and seeking a fast, low-pain solution
to losing stubborn fat deposits, the LipoSelection procedure
could be your answer. Although there are limits to the amount
of fat that can be removed, your doctor can assist you with
your decision about potential areas for sculpting, anticipated
results, and the recovery process.
How much does it cost? Why pay
more?
As with other treatments, costs can
vary among surgeons and depending upon the specific nature
of the treatment (location of fat pocket, number of treatment
sites, extensiveness of treatment, etc.). "Why pay
more?"
is a question only you can answer for yourself. After talking
with a number of potential patients, we have found that
most would readily pay a few hundred dollars more to obtain
the benefits of the LipoSelection
procedure.
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