Consumer Health Features

Spring cleaning: Ways to obliterate the lumps and bumps before summer

By April MacIntyre Apr 2, 2012, 20:50 GMT

The demand for non-surgical body shaping has grown tremendously over the past few years. VASER Shape is effective for men and women who wish to improve specific problem areas but do not want or need liposuction.

Cellulite is a problem that affects 85% of women (and a respectable percentage of men too) over the age of 20.

But until now, cellulite was treated mainly with topical creams, exercise and intensive rolling massage techniques. Even advanced Lipo procedures were largely ineffective because of the fibrous nature of cellulite fat cells.

Not just cellulite, but fat deposits on chins, arms, thighs and tummies that are resistant to exercise are bedeviling to many people who are within normal weight ranges. 

But there are fantastic affordable breakthroughs in deep penetrating lasers, sound waves and new Lipo techniques that stimulate fat cells to spill their contents out and either melt away (via a suctioning cannula) or be excreted through the body's natural elimination process.

There is even a breakthrough skin firming and perfecting body makeup that creates a perfect canvas of skin topically to further boost confidence.

A notable standout entry in this overcrowded market of shiny body lotions and potions is Gleam Body Radiance, an all-over body makeup designed by Emmy award winning makeup artist Melanie Mills that comes in a comprehensive array of skin colors for all ethnicities and is petroleum, paraben, phthalate and sulfate-free (www.gleambymelaniemills.com).

The transfer-resistant product is densely pigmented, botanically based and frees people from wearing pantyhose and covering up arms and décolleté in the warmer months.

Have a look through 2012's most exciting new anesthesia free procedures and the medical experts who have perfected the techniques that work:

VASER SHAPE

The demand for non-surgical body shaping has grown tremendously over the past few years.  VASER Shape is effective for men and women who wish to improve specific problem areas but do not want or need liposuction. 

VASER Shape is a painless, non-invasive procedure where no anesthetic is required.  The result is zero downtime for this body contouring treatment that visibly firms and shapes problem areas that are resistant to diet and exercise.

On April 18, 2012, Chicago, Illinois will host an official FDA approved VASER Shape event where the top medical bloggers, journalists and media converge at Dr. Steven Bloch's offices to try this ultrasound method of reduction.

"Patients see visible results after a single treatment, making it ideal for occasions such as vacations, parties or even honeymoons where people want to look fantastic," says Dr. Bloch, a Chicago plastic surgeon and pioneer in this field.  "VASER Shape can be used to treat the abdomen, love handles, back, arms, hips buttocks, thighs, knees and other troublesome areas."

"VASER Shape is a two part treatment that involves low frequency ultrasound and massage.  Together the two processes smooth, firm and shape problem areas while reducing the appearance of cellulite. Patients experience a gentle warming of the skin accompanied by a feeling similar to a deep tissue massage with a slight redness to the skin from the deep heat," says Dr. Bloch.

While many see off the table results from a single treatment, patients see the most striking results after three to five sessions. As with all body contouring procedures, patients that lead a healthy lifestyle experience lasting, long-term results, Dr. Bloch explained.

Performed in a physician office, a package of five treatments ranges from $2,000 to $3,000.  A standard liposuction is typically $2,500 to $3,000 per area not including surgery center or anesthesia costs.

Dr. Bloch's web site is:  www.bodybybloch.com

CELLULAZE

A new technology with FDA approval uses penetrating laser light to stimulate fat cells to liquefy and release fat, all without anesthesia.

Cellulaze is touted as the single-treatment aesthetic procedure clinically shown to reduce cellulite. The Nikolov Center for Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, headed by board-certified plastic surgeon Nicholas Nikolov, is performing this on many Hollywood actors and people needing fast results with no downtime.

Dr. Nikolov says, "The Cellulaze technique utilizes a tiny laser fiber that is inserted under the skin, which gently heats the skin and disrupts or melts the fat. Next the laser releases the fibrous bands that create the dimpling effect from pulling down on the skin. This release creates a smoother look.  Finally the laser's energy stimulates collagen production to increase skin's density and elasticity for a more even,  healthier appearance.”

"Because of its advanced proprietary technology, Cellulaze works much better on cellulite than even the most advanced Lipo suction devices. Patients typically see marked improvements after the first treatment," says Dr. Nikolov.

Nearly four years of clinical research, the Cellulaze clinical data has demonstrated that these treatments can increase the thickness of the skin by 25% and increase the elasticity of the skin by 29% at one year.  "No other anti-cellulite treatment has been proven to deliver these results," says Dr. Nikolov.

Dr. Nikolov's website http://www.drnikolov.com/

(Surgical) NUTATIONAL LIPOSCULPTURE, aka "NIL"

The LASER NIL - also called Nutational Liposculpture- is a combination of tickle Lipo and laser Lipo (smart Lipo).  "The new technology delivers phenomenal results with no needles or scalpel while the patient is fully awake," says Dr. Aaron Rollins, founder of Elite Body Sculpture in Beverly Hills.

Dr. Aaron Rollins is a cosmetic surgeon who has innovated a new painless procedure to sculpt the body; a minimally invasive surgery performed on a patient who is wide awake with no anesthesia.

Nutational Liposculpture aka "NIL" was perfected by Rollins, is the first doctor in the country to use a next generation technology, recently FDA approved, for body sculpting.

"Laser NIL is a unique surgical system to ensure the least trauma to your body with the most natural and dramatic results.  No needle, no scalpel, no sutures and no general anesthesia is needed.  Local anesthesia and some light relaxing medication to 'takes the edge off'" says Dr. Rollins. "Fat is melted and skin is tightened with the Smart Lipo laser and then the NIL system removes and liquefies the fat.  The NIL system allows us to use the smallest cannula (fat sucking tube) and therefore cause the least trauma to the body while getting the smoothest result."

“Since we began using the Laser NIL system, we have noticed patients seeing excellent results far sooner than with other systems we had used.  In fact, we've had patients thrilled with their results immediately afterwards" says Dr. Rollins.

Dr. Rollins website: www.elitebodysculpture.com