More than 1.37 million liposuction procedures were performed globally in 2014 alone, making it the second most common cosmetic procedure behind eyelid surgery. Despite the status quo, patients across the globe are searching for non-surgical options to target stubborn fat at increasing rates. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery says 10.9 million non-surgical procedures were performed in 2015 compared to just 1.9 million surgical procedures, demonstrating how non-invasive techniques are shifting demand within the cosmetic and aesthetic industries.
Given the increasing popularity of non-invasive procedures – including body contouring for fat reduction – the November 2016 issue of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology looked closer into three highly popular hands-free body contouring devices available. Researchers Suneel Chilukuri, MD FAAD FASDS and Gregory Mueller, MD FACS reviewed the technology and case studies behind body contouring devices. All non-invasive body contouring mechanisms rely on advanced technologies, including laser light, radiofrequency, acoustic and shock waves or cold, to shrink fat cells, thereby triggering apoptosis or necrosis.
Three of the most popular devices currently on the market include Vanquish™ (selective focused-field radiofrequency), the Coolsculpting System (cryolipolysis) and SculpSure (diode laser energy). Although each of these machines allow for a “hands-free” application, Vanquish™ is the only device that does not require direct contact with the skin.
Coolsculpting
Coolsculpting is intended to reduce fat on the abdomen, lumbar, hips, inner thighs, knees, saddlebags, arms and ankles. The applicator is applied to the treatment area and vacuums tissue between two cooling panels for 30 to 60 minutes. This process is also referred to as cryolipolysis, which selectively targets fatty tissue without harming the dermis. However, the specifics related to how the machine differentiates the tissues is not fully understood. Based on recent studies, patients with small fat deposits in the flanks or abdomen saw reductions between 14 and 25.5 percent. Side effects include erythema and sensory changes that resolve shortly after treatment. Chilukuri and Mueller state that CoolSculpting is best used on small areas to maximize accuracy and speed.
Vanquish™
Using radiofrequency, the Vanquish™ device can heat subcutaneous fatty tissue to minimize unwanted inches. Because subcutaneous adipose tissue has lower water content than the skin, Vanquish™ does not overheat or damage the skin. Two types of applicators are used: the EX for the mid-section and the AB for the thighs and saddlebags. In a case series of 40 patients who underwent 30 minutes of treatment over a 4-week period, Fajkosova et al[1] found the 35 patients who completed the study saw an average reduction of 4.93 cm in the abdominal region. These patients also noted high satisfaction with the treatment and results. No adverse side effects, besides transient erythema and mild tenderness that resolved shortly after treatment, were reported. The researchers concluded that Vanquish™ is the preferred body sculpting device for larger areas in patients with a higher body mass index (BMI). The device allows for easy abdomen and flank coverage, and is in close competition with traditional liposuction. The process is three to five times faster than competitors Coolsculpting and SculpSure.
SculpSure
The SculpSure device uses diode laser energy to target fat in the abdominal and flank regions. To prevent overheating, two flat non-suction cooling applicators are used to generate heat in the adipose tissue layer without damaging the skin. A study of 76 patients who underwent SculpSure on either the abdomen or the flank with an average reduction of 3.1 +/- 1.7 mm and 2.6 mm, respectively. Eighty-five percent of patients within the abdomen group and 86 percent within the flank group were extremely satisfied or satisfied with the results. The researchers noted that while visible reduction was found, SculpSure does not help with circumferential reduction.
Keep in mind, the studies listed above did not account for lifestyle and weight fluctuations within the subjects. Despite this limitation, Vanquish™ was the only device to demonstrate results for both fat layer thinning and circumferential reduction.
Body Contouring with Dr. Busso
Miami aesthetic dermatologist Dr. Mariano Busso is proud to offer Vanquish ME™ to his patients. Our patients have shown to see waistline reductions of at least two inches early in treatment, with results increasing to three to six inches over the three months following treatment.*
To schedule an appointment for body contouring in Miami via the Vanquish™ system, call us at 305-857-0144 today.
Suffering with stubborn fat cells that don’t seem to go away, regardless of how much time you spend at the gym? Fat is stubborn – and you’re not alone in your struggle to eliminate that unwanted pooch. The truth is, you cannot target and minimize fat through exercise. When you lose weight, you’re undergoing a total body effort. While you can sculpt certain areas through toning and weight training exercises, residual fat can still gather around the tummy, hips and thighs.