FLAT TONED TERRIFIC ABS IN MEN

These can now be achieved with Therma Sculpting fat reduction and the new ultra high energy Thermage® to tighten skin.

Now you really can get and stay hard. The gym is up to you, but that only tones muscle; it doesn't remove abdominal fat or tighten skin.

Dermatologists experiment with non-invasive technology for back fat resistant to diet and exercise.

High intensity ultrasound being investigated for the treatment of women’s back fat, bra fat
OVERVIEW:
For many women, back fat that bulges along the bra lines is an embarrassing reminder that even a healthy diet and regular exercise can only go so far when it comes to one’s genetic predisposition to fat pockets. While tumescent liposuction has long been the gold standard for eliminating bothersome fat on many areas of the body, including the back, many patients do not want to undergo an invasive surgical procedure. 

Now, dermatologists are testing a non-invasive technology known as high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) – currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for abdominal fat – to target and safely eliminate excess back/bra fat.

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY EXPERT
Information provided by Cheryl Karcher, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at New York University (NYU) Medical Center in New York, NY.

ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGY DELIVERS PRECISE ENERGY TO BACK FAT
Similar to how it is used to break up kidney stones, ultrasound technology is now being harnessed as an innovative approach to breaking up fat. By delivering focused, high-intensity sound waves at precise depths within the fat, HIFU heats and destroys the fat cells. The fat cells are then absorbed by the body and eliminated slowly eight to twelve weeks following the procedure. 

Dr. Karcher explained that HIFU has been shown to reach deeper fat and only requires one treatment session to produce measurable results. When HIFU has been used on abdominal fat, most patients have experienced a waistline reduction of more than 1 inch in circumference. Although not approved by the FDA for the treatment of back fat, Dr. Karcher is finding similar results during her study of HIFU.

ALL PATIENTS NEED NOT APPLY
Subcutaneous fat in the back and bra area tends to be very fibrous and dense, making it very resistant to diet and exercise. Patients with unsightly “back rolls” that form around the bra area may be good candidates for HIFU.  Dr. Karcher cautioned that the procedure is not for everyone and candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Able to “pinch an inch” (2.5 cm of fat) in the treatment area
• Have a body mass index (BMI) less than 30 with isolated fat (procedure is not intended for obese patients)
• Have no large scars or wounds in treatment area
• Have good skin tightness in the area to be treated
• Have no redundant skin folds

IMPRESSIVE EARLY RESULTS
In an ongoing study at Dr. Karcher’s practice, she has treated more than a dozen women who met the criteria for HIFU on back fat. While men can be treated, Dr. Karcher only has treated women and noted that men typically do not have fat in this particular area of the back. Dr. Karcher noted the following early findings:

• Two different frequencies are being studied – a lower energy that takes slightly more time to treat (one hour), and a higher energy that takes less time (45 minutes).
• The average circumference loss of fat has been 1.08 inches in the back/bra area.
• At this time, there have not been any significant safety concerns with this procedure.
• Pain medication can be administered before treatment to counter mild pain post-procedure.
• Some patients experience mild bruising following treatment.
• Best results were seen after eight to 12 weeks.
• Patients are advised to maintain a healthy weight and to exercise, as future weight gain could result in new back fat.

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY EXPERT ADVICE:
“Our early results using HIFU to treat back and bra fat have been positive and well received by our patients, especially since this non-invasive technology doesn’t pose the risks associated with surgery,” said Dr. Karcher. “I think as we fine tune the technology, this off-label procedure can become widely used by dermatologists to combat this stubborn fat that affects countless women – many of whom may not even be overweight. In the meantime, if you have concerns about back fat, see your dermatologist for solutions that work with your lifestyle.”

Courtesy of The American Academy of Dermatology. www.aad.org.  

See the article on aad.org.

Cellucision: Permanent elimination of cellulite.

  © Marilyn Barbone | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Cellucision is a trademarked term that refers to what we believe is the gold standard for effective permanent elimination of areas of cellulite.

The procedure, using a subcision type minimally invasive technique of releasing fibrous bands with a small blade/needle, was originated by Dr. Doris Hexel, a dermatologist in Porto Alegre and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The technique appears to be more precise and reproducible than a similar laser technique called Cellulaze. 

Post procedure care includes a compression garment that is worn for one month. Some bruising may occur however it generally fades in about 2 weeks.

Skirts, Shorts and Winter in Los Angeles!

It might be winter in Los Angeles, but it certainly doesn't feel like it!  

We've been seeing shorts and skirts more than coats this winter and if varicose/spider veins are stopping you from getting into your summer gear this winter, we can help with Sclerotherapy.

 
Sclerotherapy effectively treats varicose and spider veins and is the treatment of choice for small veins.

Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure in which saline solution is injected into the veins to be treated so that they collapse and become invisible.
The number of injections depends on the number and size of veins being treated.

Treatment is generally performed over several sessions, spaced 1 to 4 weeks apart, and a typical treatment session takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.  Treated veins begin to fade within a few weeks, although some larger more stubborn veins may take up to a month (or longer) for full results to be seen.  

Treated veins don't come back, but new veins may appear.

You can generally return to normal activities post treatment.  You will also need to wear medical grade compression stockings for the first 72 hours after the procedure. The stockings help to keep the treated veins collapsed, promote faster healing and vein disappearance, and minimizes any post treatment pigmentation or bruising.

Studies of sclerotherapy as a treatment for varicose and spider veins indicate that it has an overall success rate of 80% to 100%.

We offer a free consultation so we can discuss your specific expectations and confirm what would be the best option for you.

Cosmetic Laser Advances Gain Momentum

For many people, diet and exercise successfully keeps them healthy and looking good, but for some men and women, no amount of exercise and 'weight watching' can get rid of those stubborn love handles or lower belly fat.  Fortunately there are many new non-invasive (non-surgical) treatments available to help combat those stubborn areas.

The Body Contouring Institute offers the most complete range of services for removing fat pockets; offering Ultrasound, Mesotherapy, Radio Frequency, CoolSculpting, Thermage, and Liposuction.  Sometimes, it may be beneficial to undergo a combination of treatments to achieve overall desired results.

The American Academy of Dermatology provides an explanation of some of the latest advances on reducing body fat in this article: Cosmetic laser advances gain momentum | aad.org

Fraxel Laser for Stretch Marks

Did you know that Fraxel laser treatment can do more than skin resurfacing?

True, it is great for skin texture and making skin look younger, but it is also the treatment of choice for acne and surgical scars and can reduce the visibility of unwanted stretch marks.  Stretch mark treatment with a fractional laser, which promotes collagen production and thickening of the dermis, can reduce their appearance.

Fractional laser treatments can dramatically improve stretch marks and improvements in texture and color can be achieved with a series of treatments.  A series typically consists of 5 to 6 treatments.

 Before and After courtesy of Fraxel.com

Buttock Aesthetics

A Classification For Buttock Aesthetics and Its Relevance To Beautification Procedures

Opinions of what is beautiful serves an age-old controversy.  This is the case for both facial and corporal beauty.  Indeed, it is epoch, ethnic, and celebrity sensitive.

Thin lips were the ideal in the 50’s; now lip augmentation is one of the most widely performed cosmetic procedures.  Likewise, the 50’s idealized a higher waist to hip ratio than the nineties. However, a shift is being felt in body aesthetics.   

Probably, motivated mostly by the idolization of voluptuous celebrities such as Beyonce Knowles and Kim Kardashian, a greater, lower body curvature is increasingly desired by many women.   However, just as various facial contours are seen by different observers as prettier than others, buttock enhancement candidates often have a wide variety of expectations regarding their buttock contours. 

Concomitantly, it is risky for cosmetic physicians to assume that their own assessment for lower body beauty corresponds to that of the patient.  Mutually understandable reference points can be very helpful in achieving the result that is satisfactory to the patient.

Example Buttock Enhancement Index