SmartLipo versus Traditional Tumescent Liposuction - Houston, Texas

A previous randomized clinical trial comparing traditional tumescent liposuction and SmartLipo was performed, and this showed the following findings:

• Less post-operative pain with SmartLipo.
• Cytologic studies showed more damage of the adipocytes (fat cells) in SmartLipo.  Thus, fat harvested from SmartLipo is not suitable for fat grafting, such as in Brazilian Butt Lift.
• No major clinical differences found between SmartLipo versus Traditional Tumescent liposuction.
• Surgical time was longer with the SmartLipo group.
• Higher concentration of free fatty acids were found in the SmartLipo group.
• Lipocrit is lower in the SmartLipo group.

Lower Lipocrit Volume was obtained with the SmartLipo group as compared to the Traditional Tumescent Liposuction group.

In conclusion:  "No major clinical differences for suction-assisted lipoplasty versus laser-assisted lipoplasty were found. Higher concentrations of free-fatty acids after laser-assisted lipoplasty must alert us to possible hepatic and renal toxicity."

Reference:  Prado, et al. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial comparing laser-assisted lipoplasty with suction-assisted lipoplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006 Sep 15;118(4):1032-45.

Emmanuel De La Cruz MD, PLLC

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Houston, Texas

Skin Retraction After VASER Liposuction

A recent randomized clinical trial had shown that the VASER liposuction produced clinical significant skin retraction. 

• "Regarding skin retraction, the VASER-assisted lipoplasty-treated side resulted in a statistically significant improvement in skin retraction of 53 percent relative to suction-assisted lipoplasty (17 percent per liter versus 11 percent per liter, p = 0.003) with 33 paired sites using a two-tailed t test. "

Figure 1:  Before and After Photos (3 months after surgery) after VASER Hi-Definition Liposuction performed by Dr. De La Cruz.  Note that there was significant skin retraction after surgery.

Reference:

Nagy, et al.. A multicenter, prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial comparing VASER-assisted Lipoplasty and suction-assisted Lipoplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012 Apr;129(4):681e-9e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3182442274.

Emmanuel De La Cruz MD, PLLC

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

4D VASER High-Definition Liposuction

Abdominal etching was initially developed by Dr. Mentz in 1993.  It was a liposuction technique defining the rectus abdominis muscle to create the 6-pack in men.   With this technique, the linea alba in the middle of the rectus abdominis muscle is etched with the outline of the muscles.   Horizontal lines are then created to sculpt a 6-pack.

Figure 1: 4-D VASER High Definition Liposculpture by Dr. Alfredo Hoyos from Colombia. www.alfredohoyos.com

4D VASER Liposculpture performed by Colombian Plastic Surgeon Dr. Alfredo Hoyos.  Note that the procedure involves sculpting the chest, abdomen, flanks, back and arms.

This technique was further enhanced and improved by a Colombian plastic surgeon Dr. Alfredo Hoyos using the VASER liposuction technology.  VASER (acronym for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) is an ultrasound-assisted liposuction that utilizes ultrasound energy to selectively remove fat without harming the surrounding structures of the area being liposuctioned.

Figure 1: Before & After Photos of 4D VASER High Definition Liposculpture (6 weeks after surgery) performed by Houston Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz MD, PLLC. Note that final definition is typically seen 3-4 months after surgery. Patient went from a size 6 to a size 2. Result may vary individually.

 

Figure 3:  Dr. Alfredo Hoyos, the pioneer of the 4D VASER Liposculpture and other plastic surgeons from all over the world (Slovenia, USA [Dr. De La Cruz], Colombia, Egypt and Spain) who perform the 4D VASER High Definition Liposuction.

How Does the VASER Liposuction Work?

VASER liposuction is a minimally invasive liposuction procedure performed in conjunction with tumescent anesthesia that utilizes advanced ultrasound technology designed to gently reshape the body. The ultrasound energy is transmitted through the small VASER probes that diffuse the ultrasound waves and liquefy the fat for easy removal. The ultrasound energy is gentle enough that it can break apart the fat with minimal damage to surrounding tissues, creating smooth, predictable results with fast patient recovery.

Clinical Study

A multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial in 2012 recently showed that the VASER-assisted liposuction resulted in a statistically significant improvement in skin retraction of 53 percent relative to the traditional regular liposuction (17 percent per liter versus 11 percent per liter, p = 0.003). Moreover, the VASER-assisted liposuction group also resulted in a statistically significant reduction in blood loss of 26 percent relative to the traditional liposuction (p = 0.019 with n = 20 using a two-tailed t test).

FAST FACTS about VASER LIPOSUCTION

• The VASER-liposuction method demonstrated improved skin retraction compared with traditional/conventional liposuction.
• The VASER-liposuction method demonstrated reduction in blood loss compared with traditional liposuction.
• No serious complications reported in a clinical study involving VASER liposuction in over 70,000 VASER liposuction procedures.
• No burn complications, contour irregularities or prolonged swelling seen in one clinical study.
• No revisions needed after a VASER liposuction found in a multi-center pilot study.

KEY BENEFITS of VASERlipo:

• Single procedure results with speedy recovery times
• Less bleeding & more skin retraction
• Improved body contouring over traditional liposuction
• Refines and accentuates appearance of muscles
• It's the RECOMMENDED type of liposuction for treatment of gynecomastia in men

Recovery after a 4-D VASER High Definition Liposuction

• May return to work 3-5 days after surgery
• May resume exercise or work out 1-2 weeks after surgery

Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D. PLLC

Houston Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon | Cosmetic Surgeon

Certified 4D VASER High Definition Liposculpture Surgeon

Call NOW at 832-520-1844

Clinic Locations: The Galleria in Houston, TX & The Woodlands, TX