Health Focus is a weekly article in the Lake County News Herald featuring a Q & A with Dr. Vanek.
How liposuction has evolved
Liposuction was introduced to patients in the 1970’s, but started becoming popular in the late 1990s, when ultrasound was introduced to facilitate fat removal by first liquefying fat using ultrasonic energy. Since then, liposuction has progressed to lower the energy and make the wavelength even more specific to the fat cells. This third-generation treatment method is known as Vaser Liposuction. I specifically utilize Vaser LipoSelection, because it is so selective for the fat density. It spares injury to the collagen, nerves, blood vessels and lymphatics found integrated in the three dimensions of the layer we treat.
How Vaser LipoSelection is different from other laser liposuction
When we look at the laser methods, the lack of selectivity is immediately evident because the wavelengths of the laser energy essentially don’t selectively treat the fat. The laser cooks all the tissues, and while it may reduce the fat layer, laser liposuction techniques also destroy tissue important to keep, like nerves and lymphatics.
Because of my background in biophysics research, my product reviews, and my personal experience, I have concluded that Vaser Liposuction is a clearly superior method for my patients. When compared to traditional liposuction methods in the same patient, my co-investigators and I found that skin contracture was 53% better on the Vaser-treated side. Vaser treatment was also shown to have 23% less blood loss compared to regular liposuction. These findings were accepted for publication in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Liposuction is the number one cosmetic surgery performed in the U.S. each year. To learn if Vaser LipoSelection may be right for you, contact us or call my office.
Dr. Paul Vanek MD, FACS
Vanek Plastic Surgery
9485 Mentor Ave #100
Mentor, OH 44060
440-205-5750
