Is Lipo Right for you?
Liposuction is a procedure used to reshape specific areas of the body by removing unwanted fat deposits, improving the contour and overall proportion of the body. Today there a number of procedures, creams and pills all claiming to have the same effect as Lipo. However, in a society where everyone is trying to sell you everything and you don’t always get what you pay for…how do you know what is real and what’s not? Well since none of us have the benefit of an actual crystal ball that reaches out and smacks us on the head before we make one of those overly emotional silly purchases, I guess we have to walk the fine line between common sense and medical advice.
Common sense tells us that if it sounds too good…well you know the rest. Today there are so many forms of lipo being performed by clinicians that it is hard to know what is acceptable and what should immediately be a cause for concern. With all of these new treatments there is so much that is unknown regarding the results, side effects and overall long term health risks of the many possible procedures.
So let’s start with what we do know. We know that Liposuction, also called lipectomy or simply, lipo, is the only procedure for fat removal approved by the food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lipo can be done through a many different techniques such as Tumescent or laser, but in the end the procedure is still liposuction.
Laser lipo, also called the “lunch time” lipo because of its quick healing time, was approved by the FDA in November 2006 and now is the fastest growing cosmetic surgical procedure in the country. However, in contrast, lipodissolve is a non surgical medical procedure that involves the injection of a compound called phosphatidylcholine into localized fat deposits to dissolve the fat. This procedure is rapidly growing and can be found under names such as lipo-zap, Lipostabil®, Flab-Jab, Lipojection, Lipotherapy, and many others. Although this procedure is clearly on the rise, neither the procedure nor any of the ingredients used have been approved by the FDA. What this means is that the necessary test needed to assess exactly what effects this compound will have on ones overall health simply have not yet been done.
Lipo is not a weight loss technique and should not be used as an alternative to a healthy diet. If you are interested in weight loss you should consult a dietitian regarding a healthy food menu plan and a proper exercise regimen. Furthermore extremely overweight individuals are not good candidates for liposuction. Ideal lipo candidates are 18 or older, fairly healthy individuals with stubborn fat pockets not eradicated by a good diet and exercise. However, before you embark on any surgical procedure it is best to speak with a doctor regarding your medical history and individual needs.
V. Smith
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THE NEW LIPO: LIPO-DISSOLVE
LIPO-DISSOLVE
It’s being called the next best thing in Lipo technology; today’s Lipo-Dissolve is faster and cheaper than traditional liposuction. Lipo-Dissolve is a procedure designed to minimize the appearance of fat and cellulite. With this latest lipo technology, areas of fat are dissolved using mesotherapy, or a series of injections. Unlike standard liposuction, Lipo-Dissolve has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has not been scientifically proven to permanently remove fat cells. However, Lipo-Dissolve has shown to be extremely effective in addressing specific areas of localized fat. In addition some centers offer Lipo-Dissolve AT, which breaks down fat into a liquid in order to aid in the treatment.
Benefits:
Lipo-Dissolve was designed to address issues of fat in common problem areas like the butt, thighs, hips and belly. These areas can be problematic even when a strict diet and exercise regimen is followed. For women who have given birth, the idea of spot treatment can be exactly what is needed to smooth away those stubborn pockets left behind. Lipo-Dissolve also claims to be able to alter the appearance of the skin by assisting in its elasticity, something that deteriorates with age, and by cellulite removal. These are claims that standard Lipo does not make. Although Lipo-Dissolve is done in a series of treatments (usually four to five treatments four to six weeks apart) many claim to see the benefits after only one treatment. Still Several treatments are often required to produce the optimal result.
Problems:
Lipo-Dissolve claims to be the “Botox for fat” however, Botox has become a household name mainly due to the many individuals who boast its benefits and praise. Unfortunately, Lipo-dissolve has yet to produce this type of following as few are willing to speak up about their experiences whether good or bad. This type of silence usually goes hand in hand with dissatisfied customers who are too embarrassed to complain. These are often the individual’s who settle for the “I knew it was too good to be true” rationale.
Currently the American Society of Plastic Surgeons does not recommend the use of this technology. Moreover, Kansas and Nebraska are in the process of enacting legislation to ban Lipo-Dissolve completely. Today mesotherapy is banned in Kansas except when it is done as part of an FDA-approved clinical trial. It is worth mentioning again that Lipo-Dissolve is not FDA approved and the decision to have such a procedure should not be a quick one. We advise that you not only fully screen the clinician about his/her experience in the medical profession, but specifically about how many of these procedures they have personally performed. You may also want to get references and speak directly with anyone who has had the procedure done by this individual and do not be afraid to ask as many questions as possible.
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The Many Forms Of Lipo.
Lipo: Reshaping Our World
Liposuction is a procedure performed by many plastic surgeons designed to reshape an individual’s body by sculpting it into proportion. Lipo reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving your body’s contour and ultimately, enhancing your self-image. Today liposuction is considered a routine cosmetic surgery in which the patient is often able to leave the hospital within a matter of hours. Liposuction can be performed on the abdomen, upper arms, back, buttocks, cheeks, chin, hips, knees and thighs.
The term Lipo encompasses the wide variety of beautification options available in this ever demanding society.
Lipoplasty (now termed liposuction) was introduced to the U.S. in the 1970’s as a suction-assisted lipectomy originally to remove lipomas (fatty tumors). Seeing how this procedure would soon have a much broader usage and be in high demand, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lipoplasty for aesthetic-body contouring purposes. Although liposuction removes fat deposits from a person’s body it is not a weight loss surgery. Individuals who are seriously overweight should consider other options as they are not good candidates for a lipo procedure.
Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction can be a life changing experience for many who have tried all other options for removing stubborn, unsightly fat pockets. Despite its amazing popularity, liposuction is not recommended for certain people. Individuals with weakened immune systems, diabetes, heart or artery problems, or who have a history of blood clots should consult a physician before ever considering a lipo procedure. If you are taking blood thinners or other medication that could interfere with your recovery you too should discuss this with a physician and possibly consider waiting until you are no longer on medication to have a liposuction procedure.
Today there are a many different terms for liposuction however the process itself is still technically liposculpting. The various names often refer to the type of instrument being used, such as Standard Lipo, Tumescent Lipo and Laser Lipo. Today new technology offers two very popular procedures: the laser-assisted liposuction such as Smart Lipo and the ultrasonic liposuction such as Vaser. These additions have made liposuction the second most popular surgical procedure nationwide with more than 340,000 procedures being performed last year. However, with great technology comes great responsibility. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), held their annual convention this past May at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Convention Center in Las Vegas. The major topic of the event was the 20th Anniversary of Liposuction along with prevention and care of certain irregularities.
Lipo should in no way be seen as an alternative to a healthy diet and exercise. However, we live in a world that puts great emphasis on how a person looks and often this can denote how one feels as well. It is because of this that Lipo has been instrumental in changing the way many people feel about themselves. If you are considering a lipo procedure please make sure to speak with a number of physicians to find one who is right for your specific needs. It is recommended that you do not choose a physician solely on cost. Although this is a somewhat basic procedure there have been individuals who have experienced serious side effects, injury and even death while undergoing a lipo procedure.
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