By David Janssen, M.D.
Dr. David Janssen, a board-certified plastic surgeon and liposuction specialist in WIsconsin, explains innovations in body sculpting techniques, including traditional liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction and CoolSculpting®, a liposuction alternative.
Innovations in cosmetic procedures have paved the way for a number of new options that enable patients to customize their treatments. While some procedures such as breast augmentation in Wisconsin require incisions, other procedures often have non-surgical alternatives.
A number of advancements in body sculpting procedures offer patients a variety of surgical and non-surgical methods for contouring the body.
Traditional liposuction is still an effective method for removing excess pockets of fat, but other options may be better suited for a person’s specific needs. Here’s an overview of 3 of the most popular options:
Traditional Liposuction
This method involves a series of small, relatively unnoticeable incisions in the treatment area. These incisions are strategically placed in skin folds or in areas that are easily hidden by clothing. The surgeon then injects a tumescent solution, which helps to minimizing bruising and pain.
A thin tube called a cannula is then inserted under the skin and gently moved back and forth to break up fat cells. This process is helped by a power-assisted device to vibrate the cannula.
Excess fat is suctioned out through the cannula to reveal a thinner body contour. While this method is extremely effective, it’s not the only option patients have for removing excess fat and contouring their bodies.
Laser-assisted Liposuction
This method is used before or after conventional liposuction. Patients served in Wisconsin, including Appleton and Madison, have successful outcomes when laser-assisted liposuction is used on areas such as the neck, inner arms, abdomen, lower back, waist, hips, buttocks and inner thighs.
The laser portion of the procedure occurs after the tumescent fluid is injected under the skin. The laser-tipped probe is thinner than a traditional liposuction cannula, helping to minimize any signs of surgery.
The surgeon directs laser energy to the target area to break up pockets of stubborn fat, while reducing trauma to the surrounding tissues. The energy from the laser also helps tighten skin for a smoother and healthier appearance.
CoolSculpting
One of the most recent advancements in fat removal technology is CoolSculpting, which is completely noninvasive. Patients considering liposuction in Wisconsin, specifically in the Fox Cities area, often come to my practice with questions concerning the effectiveness of this procedure compared to more traditional, surgical methods.
During the CoolSculpting procedure, advanced cooling technology known as Cryolipolysis™ targets and destroys fat cells. The body then naturally eliminates the cells during the months that follow treatment. Patients typically experience a 22% reduction in fat in the treated area after each session.
Although CoolSculpting shouldn’t be used for removing large amounts of fat, patients commonly experience noticeable results around the abdomen and other areas of the body.
In addition, advancements in plastic surgery procedures have made results more effective while simultaneously minimizing necessary recovery time.
Each fat removal method possesses a series of benefits that can’t be fully understood without the guidance of a qualified surgeon. I recommend seeking the experienced advice of a board-certified plastic surgeon who has specific training in liposuction, laser assisted liposuction and CoolSculpting. If a hospital setting is needed for your specific procedure, it is best to ask which privileges the surgeon has before making your final decision.
To learn more about liposuction and other body-sculpting procedures, contact Fox Valley Plastic Surgery at (920) 233-1540 or request your consultation online.
Oshkosh, WI (920) 233-1540