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What The Heck Is The Ballancer Pro? Celeb Aesthetician Joanna Vargas Breaks It Down

admin — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:23:25 +0000

THE TOPIC OF LYMPHATIC HEALTH is finally getting the spotlight in the wellness world thanks to pros like Lauren Roxburgh and Lisa Gainsley, who have been treating lucky Angelenos for years.

One iteration of lymphatic treatment we’re seeing at spas often these days is the Ballancer Pro. It looks like a space suit, feels like a full-body massage, and produces results just short of miraculous for those who need it. These days, that’d be all of us, after a year of relative stagnation and lack of movement.

Celebrity esthetician and author of Glow From Within, Joanna Vargas, is probably best known for prepping Hollywood’s elite on both coasts — but especially during award season from her ultra-posh Sunset Tower spa. We asked Vargas to break down the tech behind the odd, and often under-rated, treatment that can be found at more and more spas world-wide…

Celebrity Facialist Joanna Vargas on the Ballancer Pro

Can you describe the Ballancer Pro for those who are totally unfamiliar?

The Ballancer Pro Treatment is an FDA-approved, touchless, full-body lymphatic drainage massage that promotes cell and tissue regeneration, reduces water weight and has incredible slimming and contouring effects. It’s a very relaxing, gentle pressure that moves from the toes up the legs, to the mid-section. It pulses by zone, and the feeling is a rhythmic, upwards pulsation.

For those who don’t know, can you talk about the important role the lymphatic system plays in our skin — and overall — health?

Your lymphatic system brings important nutrients and carries away waste from every cell in the body. It also boost immunity. A sluggish lymphatic system can create more acne, breakouts, even dull, dry skin. It will also make you puffy. We need it to perform well in order to have great skin.

Lymphatic drainage is the movement of the lymph through the body via massage or stimulation. There are many other ways to stimulate lymphatic drainage (dry brushing, green juices, manual massages) but the Ballancer Pro is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to stimulate all over lymphatic drainage.

What are the most common benefits you hear about from clients who have experienced Ballancer Pro?

A reduction of puffiness, an energized feeling throughout the body, the loss of inches in problem areas, a reduction of the appearance of cellulite.

Lymphatic health treatments are definitely trending. Why do you think people are finally catching on?

They work on everyone and really make you feel and look better!

How many sessions do you normally recommend for results?

You can see and feel some results in just one. Many people do them once a week for three weeks, but we also recommend a monthly session just to stay healthier overall. If one does the Ballancer Pro every day, it’s possible to lose the water weight of 2 dress sizes in just one week.

Any side effects people should be aware of?

None. But it is not a treatment for anyone with pre-existing medical conditions. I also don’t recommend drinking alcohol after the treatment, make sure you are hydrating before and after with tons of water.

Going to an office of any kind can be a lot for people right now. “Touchless” treatments like this one seem ideal?

I think that, moving forward, people will enjoy the quiet, touchless time with a Ballancer treatment even more. Self-care has never been more important than in the last year, so, yes, I do see that continuing for people in the future!

What Are the Benefits of a Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

admin — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:20:42 +0000

This article is based on reporting that features expert sources.

Understanding Lymphatic Massage Therapy

More

While not as common as a Swedish massage, lymphatic drainage massage is known for its light pressure to help restore a healthy immune system and eliminate toxins by moving materials back into circulation so they can be cleared by other organs. This gentle form of massage helps reduce swelling caused by lymphedema, which is when excess lymphatic fluids collect in the body, usually in the arms and legs.

“Swedish and deep-tissue massages employ more pressure and are used to release muscle tension and increase blood flow circulation,” says Marcia Degelman, a certified massage therapist at UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health in San Francisco. “Lymphatic massages use a lighter touch to reduce swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks the lymphatic system.”

What Are Lymphatic Drainage Massages?

Lymphatic drainage massage therapy uses light pressure and rhythmic movements to encourage lymph drainage, whereas regular massages focus on the muscles. Lymph is the fluid that flows through the lymphatic system, a system composed of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. Typically, the lymphatic system collects lymph and returns it to the heart via circulation. When the lymphatic system is disrupted, lymph collects in the arms and legs, leading to swelling.

Lymph fluid contains white blood cells and other cells to build up the immune system and fight infection. There are hundreds of lymph nodes throughout the body, but they are mainly concentrated in the neck, armpits, chest, belly and groin area.

“Most people at some point in their life can feel their lymph nodes that feel like little jelly beans under the skin when they are swollen and fighting infections and germs,” says Audrey Blanchard, a licensed massage therapist with the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona.

Unlike the circulatory system, the lymph does not have a pump; it relies on muscle movement to move fluid. Conditions like surgery or injury can cause the lymph fluid to stagnate and sometimes become thicker.

Lymphatic massages can help:

Decrease stress.
Improve circulation of body fluids to reduce swelling.
Expedite the removal of waste and toxins from the body’s tissues.
Stimulate the lymphatic system to increase lymph circulation.

READ:

Yoga for Arthritis Can Help Alleviate Pain

What to Expect

Unlike Swedish massages that use oil to reduce friction with the skin, there is no oil applied during lymphatic drainage massages. Soft strokes should be directed toward the heart – so the therapist might start at the toes and fingers and work their way up.

“Lymphatic drainage causes no pain, is very relaxing and it is not uncommon for people to fall asleep or nearly fall asleep during treatment,” Degelman says.

It may take a few sessions to start seeing results from lymphatic drainage massages. If you have several sessions without any changes, talk to your therapist or health care provider about other treatment options.

READ:

Tips for Swollen Ankles and Feet.

What Do Lymphatic Massages Treat?

Lymphatic drainage massage is used in sports medicine settings, post-surgery cancer cases and for cosmetic reasons. For individuals who have undergone breast cancer surgery and had lymph nodes removed, lymphatic drainage massages can be very helpful. Once those lymph nodes are removed, lymphedema can frequently occur. One study examined the incidence of lymphedema among individuals with breast cancer and found a 42% rate during a five-year period following treatment.

“Lymphatic drainage is helpful in conditions where patients have limited mobility, and edema build up is likely a result of limited movement, like recovering from certain surgeries,” Degelman adds. “It can be helpful in reducing swelling after sports injuries like ankle or wrist sprains.”

Common conditions lymphatic drainage massage may be used for include:

Cosmetic

Lymphatic drainage massage can help promote tissue regeneration to help improve the skin’s appearance and help, in some cases, promote hair regrowth.

Acne.
Cellulite
Hair loss.
Swollen eyes.
Spider veins.

Sports injuries

The goal is to help broken or fractured bones and muscles by promoting and restoring optimal blood and lymphatic flow to the injured area.

Dislocations.
Fractures.
Orthopedic injuries.
Tendonitis.
Torn muscles.

Surgery

Lymphatic drainage massages help prevent excess swelling and pain to improve recovery from surgery.

Breast cancer.
C-section.
Edema.
Keloids.
Joint replacements.

Other conditions

Burns.
Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Constipation.
Leg ulcers.
Pain management.

Does Lymphatic Drainage Massage Work?

There’s a lack of rigorous research studying whether lymphatic drainage massage can reduce swelling and eliminate toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage remains more of an art than science in the absence of well-designed studies to examine its true efficacy.

Several small studies and reports have shown benefits of using lymphatic drainage massage with other interventions. One study examined two groups of individuals with wrist bone fractures. Both groups received standard of care while one group also received 10 sessions of lymphatic drainage massage. The researchers found that those who received massages had a statistically significant decrease in swelling in the injured wrist than the other group.

“Animal model experiments have shown promise, using rats and canines injecting dye into lymph vessels and watching the lymph nodes clear the dye more effectively after lymphatic drainage massage,” Degelman explains.

When to Avoid Lymphatic Drainage Massages

In most cases, lymphatic drainage massages are safe with low risk of harm when used properly. However, some people complain of headaches, nausea and fatigue. When that happens, you should talk to your therapist or health care provider about managing side effects.

There are certain situations and conditions that should not be mixed with lymphatic drainage massages, including active infections. “Make sure to wait till infections and fever subside before getting a lymphatic drainage massage,” Blanchard says.

There are certain precautions to follow to maintain healthy outcomes from a massage. Experts recommend avoiding lymphatic drainage massages when these other conditions are present:

Active infection.
Congestive heart failure.
Deep vein thrombosis.
Fever.
Kidney failure.
Swollen lymph nodes.

Exercising After Surgery

View All 11 Slides

Updated on Sept. 5, 2022: This story was previously published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

SOURCES

The U.S. News Health team delivers accurate information about health, nutrition and fitness, as well as in-depth medical condition guides. All of our stories rely on multiple, independent sources and experts in the field, such as medical doctors and licensed nutritionists. To learn more about how we keep our content accurate and trustworthy, read our editorial guidelines.

Audrey Blanchard, LMT

Blanchard is a licensed massage therapist with the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona.

Marcia Degelman, CMT

Degelman is a certified massage therapist at UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health in San Francisco.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

admin — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:18:01 +0000

Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help lymph move to an area with working lymph vessels.

OVERVIEW

What is a lymphatic drainage massage used for?

Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, is a gentle form of massage used to relieve painful swelling in your arms and legs caused by lymphedema. Lymphedema often affects people recovering from breast cancer surgery.

Lymphedema happens when your tissues retain fluid left behind after your cardiovascular system sends blood to your tissues and organs.

The remaining fluid is called lymph. Normally, your lymphatic system collects your lymph and returns it to your heart via a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. When something disrupts your lymphatic system’s process, lymph collects in your arms and legs, making them swell.

A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage massage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling in your tissues.

Do lymphatic drainage massages work?

Healthcare providers are still studying whether lymphatic drainage massages make a difference. Some studies show people age 60 and below benefitted by having lymphatic drainage massages.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

How are lymphatic drainage massages done?

A lymphatic drainage massage is a two-step process:

Clearing: This step releases lymphatic fluid in your tissues.
Reabsorption: This step moves your lymphatic fluid to your lymph nodes.

Are there other ways to remove lymphatic fluid from my tissues?

Some people benefit from a mechanical process. In this process, you put a sleeve on the swollen arm or leg. The sleeve is attached to a pneumatic pump that pulsates and helps your lymph to drain from your tissues to your lymph nodes.

RISKS / BENEFITS

What are some conditions that can benefit from lymphatic drainage massage?

Lymphatic drainage massages are often used to relieve lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. Other conditions that benefit from lymphatic drainage massages are:

Rheumatoid arthritis: This is ongoing arthritis in your joints causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
Fibromyalgia: This condition causes chronic muscle and joint pain.
Chronic venous insufficiency: This happens when your leg veins aren’t working effectively, making it hard for your blood to return to your heart from your legs.
Lipedema: This happens when excess fat accumulates in your lower body, blocking your lymphatic pathway and causing lymphedema.

Are there any risks associated with lymphatic drainage massage?

Generally speaking, lymphatic drainage massage is a safe treatment to relieve lymphedema. There are some conditions and circumstances where lymphatic drainage massage is not recommended:

You have a heart condition.
You have kidney failure.
You have blood clots.
You have an infection.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned your physical health might be affected by lymphatic drainage massage.

RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK

Will lymphatic drainage massages make my lymphedema go away?

You might not see immediate results from lymphatic drainage massages. If you have several sessions without result, ask your healthcare provider about alternative treatments.

How can I drain my lymphatic system myself?

Talk to your healthcare provider about learning lymphatic draining massage techniques. They will have information to help you decide if you would benefit from doing lymphatic draining massage yourself or by working with a trained massage therapist.

What happens if I’m feeling sick after a lymphatic drainage massage?

Few people have negative reactions to lymphatic drainage massage. Some people, however, complain of headaches, nausea and fatigue. When that happens, you should ask your healthcare provider about managing your side effects.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

When should I see my healthcare provider if I’m doing a lymphatic drainage massage?

You should call your provider if your lymphedema appears to be getting worse.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Lymphedema causes swelling and raises your risk of infection. It’s an unfortunate and uncomfortable outcome of some treatments for cancer and other illnesses. Lymphatic drainage massage is one way to relieve your lymphedema symptoms. Ask your healthcare provider if a lymphatic drainage massage might be helpful.

RENUVION® CLEARED BY FDA FOR NECK LAXITY PROCEDURES OFFERING PATIENTS A MINIMALLY INVASIVE OPTION TO ELIMINATE SAGGING NECK

admin — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:13:20 +0000

Exclusive Apyx Medical Device Delivers State-Of-The-Art Plasma Energy To Improve Appearance of Loose Skin on The Neck and Chin Available for Physicians and Patients

CLEARWATER, Fla., July 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Apyx Medical Corporation (NASDAQ: APYX), the manufacturer of Renuvion®, a proprietary helium plasma and radiofrequency technology, announces the receipt of 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for the use of Renuvion for use in subcutaneous dermatological and aesthetic procedures to improve the appearance of lax skin in the neck and submental region. This clearance offers a new option for physicians and patients to improve loose skin on the neck and submental region.

With this clearance Renuvion is the only product that is FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of loose skin on the neck and chin. Renuvion’s patented technology offers a game-changing option in cosmetic surgery for neck laxity procedures.

Loss of jawline definition with age is inevitable and can add years to one’s appearance. Renuvion provides a minimally-invasive and cost-effective option with minimal downtime. The results reveal a more contoured and smoother neck and jawline.

Within the fat layer beneath the skin, there is a web-like structure of collagen fibers. These fibers provide support and elasticity to the skin itself. Age, weight fluctuations, and sun exposure contribute to the breakdown of these fibers, causing the skin to sag. Surface treatments often can’t delivery energy deep enough to effectively treat these fibers, and invasive surgery can be painful and is associated with having a long downtime. The Renuvion energy is used in a minimally-invasive procedure to directly treat the collagen fibers and address the root cause of neck and chin laxity.

“We are very pleased to receive FDA clearance enabling Apyx Medical’s Renuvion technology to be used in neck and chin laxity procedures,” said Charlie Goodwin, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’ve seen a considerable uptick in the market for these cosmetic procedures and are thrilled to be able to offer our unique technology to physicians and their patients to meet this growing demand – it’s the next generation option for neck contouring procedures.”

For a list of physicians, by state, offering Renuvion in their practice visit https://RenuvionFinder.com.

For more information visit Renuvion.com.

About Apyx Medical Corporation:

Apyx Medical Corporation is an advanced energy technology company with a passion for elevating people’s lives through innovative products in the cosmetic and surgical markets. Known for its innovative Helium Plasma Technology, Apyx is solely focused on bringing transformative solutions to the physicians and patients it serves. The company’s Helium Plasma Technology is marketed and sold as Renuvion® in the cosmetic surgery market and J-Plasma® in the hospital surgical market. Renuvion® offers surgeons and physicians a unique ability to provide controlled heat to the tissue to achieve their desired results. The J-Plasma® system allows surgeons to operate with a high level of precision while minimizing unintended tissue trauma. The Company also leverages its deep expertise and decades of experience in unique waveforms through original equipment manufacturing (OEM) agreements with other medical device manufacturers. For further information about the Company and its products, please refer to the Apyx Medical Corporation website at www.ApyxMedical.com.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this release and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Federal securities laws. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved.

All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, any statements regarding the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions by governments, businesses and individuals in response to the situation; projections of net revenue, margins, expenses, net earnings, net earnings per share, or other financial items; projections or assumptions concerning the possible receipt by the Company of any regulatory approvals from any government agency or instrumentality including but not limited to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, supply chain disruptions, component shortages, manufacturing disruptions or logistics challenges; or macroeconomic or geopolitical matters and the impact of those matters on the Company’s financial performance.

Forward-looking statements and information are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Many of these factors are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially and that could impact the Company and the

statements contained in this release include but are not limited to risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the regulatory environment in which the Company is subject to, including the Company’s ability to gain requisite approvals for its products from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other governmental and regulatory bodies, both domestically and internationally; the impact of the recent FDA Safety Communication on our business and operations; factors relating to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; sudden or extreme volatility in commodity prices and availability, including supply chain disruptions; changes in general economic, business or demographic conditions or trends; changes in and effects of the geopolitical environment; liabilities and costs which the Company may incur from pending or threatened litigations, claims, disputes or investigations; and other risks that are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For forward-looking statements in this release, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media Contact:
Jane Sparango
Coterie Media (for Renuvion)
jane@coteriemedia.com
310-339-1214

EON Wins NewBeauty Award for Best Body Contouring Laser for 2022

admin — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:11:15 +0000

HOUSTON, April 5, 2022 (Newswire.com) – Dominion Aesthetic Technologies, Inc., developer of EON – Smarter Body Contouring, announced today that EON was selected as the winner of the 12th Annual NewBeauty Awards for the Best Body Contouring Laser of 2022.

NewBeauty editors tested and vetted nearly 10,000 beauty products, treatments, breakthroughs and innovations in the beauty industry. To meet this year’s criteria, winners had to solve some of beauty’s biggest problems while also being the best at what they do. Before-and-after images, product labels, science, ingredients and more were all considered when testing products. Selected products also went through a round of review by a pro panel of 30 board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists.

“Touchless, fast, and easy to undergo, the EON fat reduction treatment is innovative, safe, and feels futuristic, but it’s definitely here now as a body-slimming solution,” said Tatiana Bido, Features Editor for NewBeauty Magazine.

“Dominion Aesthetic Technologies is honored to accept the award as we kick off our second year in the industry. We thank NewBeauty and their distinguished panel for recognizing EON’s innovation, robotics, and laser technology. This reflects directly on the Dominion staff and their dedication to make EON a leading name in the non-invasive body contouring industry,” stated Cooper Collins, CEO of Dominion Aesthetic Technologies.

EON – Smarter Body Contouring is a robotic, touchless, FDA-cleared 1064nm laser, disrupting the non-invasive lipolysis industry. The treatment head, driven by an articulated robotic arm, delivers consistent laser energy while heating adipose tissue up to 123.8°F. Breakthrough jet-impingement cooling technology maintains the skin temperature to 104°F while real-time monitoring creates a comfortable, dignified patient experience with an industry best temperature differential. Autonomous technology maps the body’s unique topography for a personalized treatment while accurately delivering an unprecedented degree of fat-reducing energy. An entire abdomen can be treated in 60 mins with unrivaled efficacy, free from time-consuming gels, applicators, or post-treatment massages needed with other body contouring devices.

ABOUT:

Founded in 2016, Dominion Aesthetic Technologies, Inc. is a laser platform aesthetic device company with corporate headquarters in Texas and R&D labs in Florida. Dominion Aesthetic aims to offer the best solutions for aesthetic physicians and practitioners by merging the expertise of its renowned Scientific Advisory Committee along with its respected research & development team. Dominion Aesthetic created EON – Smarter Body Contouring, to exceed the unmet needs of aesthetic physicians by leveraging innovative touchless robotic technology to advance the aesthetic body contouring industry. Please visit www.dominionaesthetic.com or explore more about EON by visiting www.eonlaser.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dominion Aesthetic Technologies, Inc
Sarah Ramsey
Corporate Communications
sramsey@dominionaesthetic.com
(713) 791-8772

EON Gains FDA Clearance for Back and Thighs

admin — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:09:00 +0000

EON Smarter Body Contouring, created by Dominion Aesthetic Technologies, Inc., [“Dominion”] has received FDA Clearance for the back and thighs. This is the third FDA Clearance for EON, the first robotic, touchless, 1064nm laser used for non-invasive lipolysis. EON was previously FDA-cleared for clinical providers to treat patients’ full abdomen and flanks.

“Receiving Clearance from the FDA for these new indications for EON is a great benefit for our patients. I’m delighted our research report was accepted, again validating our technology. I would especially like to recognize the key efforts of Dominion’s research team in Winter Park (Florida), who were essential for making this happen,” stated Thomas Fiala, MD, MBA, FACS, FRCSC.

EON uses a time-proven 1064 nm laser that heats fat up to 123.8F, causing fat-cell death with natural flushing through the lymphatic system. Proprietary jet-impingement cooling and real-time monitoring create a comfortable patient experience. During treatment, the robotic device hovers over the patient’s body, memorizing the topography and using sensors to detect skin temperature, distance from the skin, laser energy, jet temperature, and room temperature. These features are part of EON’s advanced safety protocol, which includes over forty connected sensors. One treatment consists of multiple segments, and a segment runs for twenty minutes. Flanks can be treated in forty minutes, and the entire abdomen can be treated in sixty minutes. EON has unrivaled efficacy, and is free of time-consuming gels, applicators, and post-treatment massages which are often needed with other body contouring devices.

“With our new FDA Clearance, EON is proving, while using state-of-the-art technology, that we can adapt to any environment to benefit all patients and offer providers maximum flexibility. We will continue to improve our device and its uses to ensure that EON keeps its place as the premium device for body contouring,” said Cooper Collins, Dominion Chief Executive Officer.

EON is available through a network of medical providers across the United States. For more information on EON or to find a provider near you, please visit www.eonlaser.com

#END#

DOMINION AESTHETIC TECHNOLOGIES, Inc. [“Dominion”]

Founded in 2016, Dominion is a laser platform aesthetic device company with corporate headquarters in Texas and R&D labs in Florida. Dominion aims to offer the best solutions for aesthetic physicians and practitioners by merging the expertise of its renowned Scientific Advisory Committee with its respected Research & Development team. Dominion created EON – Smarter Body Contouring to exceed the unmet needs of aesthetic physicians by leveraging innovative touchless robotic technology to advance the aesthetic body contouring industry. Please visit www.dominionaesthetic.com or explore more about EON by visiting www.eonlaser.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dominion Aesthetic Technologies, Inc
Sarah Ramsey
Director of Marketing and PR
sramsey@dominionaesthetic.com
(713) 791-8772

Body contouring’s latest frontier: High-definition liposuction

admin — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 03:22:57 +0000

Liposuction continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world. Even during a pandemic year, more than 210,000 liposuction procedures were performed, making it the fourth most popular procedure of 2020, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Noninvasive fat-burning treatments, like EmSculpt and CoolSculpt, are also still incredibly popular, but despite the leaps in technology, no device rivals the efficacy or the results of good, old-fashioned liposuction. That is, except for the next-gen lipo: high-definition liposuction.

Surgeons attribute the spike in hi-def liposuction requests to our culture’s increasing hype surrounding fitness (revenge body, anyone?), wellness and #bodygoals. The growth in popularity may come as a result of hi-def’s ability to target and zap stubborn pockets of fat in a way that no other surgery or treatment can.

Two ASPS members, Philadelphia’s Christian Subbio, MD, and San Francisco-based David Sieber, MD, share their knowledge and nuance of the still-mysterious hi-def liposuction.

Hi-def lipo vs traditional lipo

Both types of liposuction are a transformational, dependably safe, procedure for stubborn pockets of flab nearly anywhere on the body, but as its name suggests, hi-def offers next-level visual effects.

“Classical liposuction is just volume reduction,” Dr. Subbio says, but hi-def is a specific “more focused and sculpting intensive” technique to “give the appearance of tone and definition of the musculature.”

Hi-def only works well in a highly selected group with pinchable amounts of fat that haven’t budged to diet or exercise and who are otherwise super fit and follow a healthy lifestyle, says Dr. Subbio.

“In high-definition liposuction, you’re still sucking the fat out,” explains Dr. Sieber. “However, you’re leaving those muscles a tiny bit thicker than the surrounding areas, to give the muscle more definition and contour.” This leaves natural shadows in the newly formed dips to highlight the musculature.

Surgeons that perform hi-def often turn to Vaser, a machine that uses ultrasonic energy to help break down the fat more gently than traditional liposuction.

“I always tell patients that if you think of the fat like grapes on a vine, with traditional lipo, you’re just going in and sucking the grapes off the vine,” says Dr. Sieber.

In contrast, Vaser liquefies fat cells, making them easier to extract, and “allows surgeons to be more aggressive in those areas where you really want to achieve that definition,” explains Dr. Subbio.

Can anyone get hi-def lipo?

First things first: an ideal candidate is a healthy adult usually within 10 pounds of their goal weight, or with a BMI of 28 or below, for Dr. Sieber to consider the procedure. But hi-def or not, “no form of liposuction is really ideal for weight reduction or for massive volume reduction,” cautions Dr. Subbio.

Surprisingly, the limited candidate pool rarely disqualifies someone due to fat, but rather whether their skin has a rubber band snap-back quality. “You really want the skin to kind of shrink wrap down around the areas you’ve treated,” says Dr. Sieber. Otherwise, the sudden volume loss will just result in hanging, excess skin, which defeats the entire purpose.

What are the go-to areas? Are there any risks?

Hyper-chiseled abs, precisely cut deltoids and other areas boasting superhero muscles are the most convincing benefit of a hi-def lipo procedure, especially for pockets of fat many of us struggle with toning. “The most popular areas for both sexes are abdomen and flanks,” notes Dr. Sieber. “Then the second or the third most popular spot for women is likely the back, and for men, it’s the chest. There’s also arms and inner thighs, which are probably four or five on the list.”

Still, suctioning fat out of these hi-def hotspots is only half the battle to an overall cut look – your new jaw-dropping definition has to work in harmony with the rest of your physique. Meaning that lipo shouldn’t only be performed in these high-demand spots.

“So when they’re done, it looks like they’ve been working out their entire body, not just one part, and their arms, legs and torso all have the same degree of musculature to them,” explains Dr. Sieber. “It sounds silly, but it’s really important that when you do this technique, you need to make sure that all the body parts match.”

The reality is that unethical surgeons who “are trying to sell this to as many patients as possible, are pushing the limits,” says Dr. Subbio, noting that a high BMI or overall unhealthy lifestyle automatically should disqualify a patient.

“But they’ll go ahead and do this hi-def technique, and it looks very odd, right from day one, like someone who has this very crisp six or eight pack etched into their abdomen, yet their arms are kind of flabby, or the rest of their body is out of shape.”

Aftercare is everything

Every surgeon will have a unique set of recovery dos and don’ts, but to optimize your final result, this is one surgery “where the aftercare is going to be just as important, if not more important, than the actual procedure itself,” warns Dr. Subbio.

Typically, aftercare is going to be a combination of ultrasound-assisted massages or lymphatic massages, starting the day after surgery, several times a week, for two months, along with 24/7 compression dressings.

“Both of these things are going to prevent fibrosis, contour irregularities and lumps and bumps,” notes Dr. Subbio. “Massage will help facilitate the drainage of the lymphatics and make the result more even and smooth.”

The Vaser’s heat is strong, and the post-op swelling it induces is no joke, with surgeons often using drains to help clear fluid and avert risky seromas.

Compression garments are staggered over several months – and the longer the better, says Dr. Subbio, adding that some swelling will take a full 12 months to subside.

Takeaway

“This procedure has really only blown up in popularity over the last five years,” notes Dr. Subbio, despite its nearly 20-year origins. “We really don’t have long-term, 30-year follow-up for high-definition. It’s a relatively young field.”

When in doubt, follow Dr. Subbio’s bottom line: don’t fall for buzzwords – hi-def is a highly specialized subset of liposuction that can offer muscles that rival Zeus, but if performed improperly, results can be difficult to reverse.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

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