Smart Fat Loss

I am currently at a big dermasurgery meeting in Chicago and am taking in all that I can on the lastest and greatest on ways to get rid of unwanted fat. I perform tumescent liposuction in my office, so I am always interested in what is new and improved here.

This is what is being said by the researchers/investigators in the field:

First, mesotherapy is being renamed "Injectable lipolysis." It is a more accurate medical term for what is being done. Based on research, it seems that a compound called deoxycholate is best for this type of procedure. Deoxycholate is a detergent that when injected into fat can cause fat cells to die. It usually takes a series of 3-5 injections to obtain benefit to reduce a small area of fat. So, it only will work if you have a small area of fat to be reduced-say some fat under your chin or in your lower eyelids. It really doesn't seem to work on anything larger. And it may not work at all, even after a series of five injections. Redness, burning, swelling, and pain are common side effects that last up to two weeks. Now, these are early studies...but so far, injectable lipolysis is not something I am ready to take a chance on with someone who comes to my office.

The latest and greatest for liposuction is something called "smart liposuction," or laser lipolysis. It basically uses a laser to do liposuction instead of the old fashioned way I remove unwanted fat by sucking it out. I've read in the lay press that "Smart liposuction" is some sort of miracle new way to make those tummies go flat.

Well, here is what the scientists/investigators say: There are 3 lasers currently being used for laser lipolysis-one of them is called "Smart lipo", one is "Cool lipo" and one is called "Pro lipo." They all seem to do the same thing-namely, help tighten skin after fat removal. These lasers do not remove or destroy fat nearly as efficiently as traditional suction lipo. So, the laser companies are touting their products as something to add on after normal liposuction is done. Sort of icing on a cake after it'smade. So this does not in any way replace traditional liposuction. From early studies, it seems laser lipolysis does help make liposuction ever so slightly better, and it may also help tighten up the skin afterwards. But, my question and concern before using it on someone is: Does the small extra benefit obtained with this worth the much higher price I-and my patients-will have to pay extra for it.

It's sad-but the reality of laser liposuction is nothing like the picture painted by the lay press.