What is Smartlipo?
As more women and men want to look and feel better about themselves, body contouring and lipo-sculpture continue to grow in popularity, making liposuction the most popular cosmetic surgery performed today.
SmartLipo™ is the first and only laser-assisted liposuction system available meeting this need. It provides a revolutionary and minimally invasive procedure for the removal of fat using a high-powered laser to sculpt body contours and tighten skin* with less downtime and side-effects.
How does the SmartLipo procedure work?
A very small cannula, or tube, approximately 1.0mm in diameter contains the laser fiber and is inserted into the skin. The cannula is moved back and forth as the laser’s energy is delivered directly to the fat cells, making them rupture and easy to drain away. In addition, as the laser energy interacts with the dermis it results in skin shrinkage or tightening.
Due to the small size of the cannula, SmartLipo is a minimally invasive procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia. The procedure causes less bleeding, swelling and bruising, resulting in a quicker recovery time than conventional liposuction methods since the laser causes small blood vessels to coagulate immediately on contact. Because general anesthesia is not used, the procedure is very safe with minimal side effects.
Who is a good candidate for the SmartLipo procedure?
If you have areas of fat that will not respond to diet and exercise, then you’re a candidate for SmartLipo. Ideal candidates are in good health, of normal body weight and have realistic expectations for the procedure’s results.
What body regions can be treated with SmartLipo?
SmartLipo is a great adjunct to traditional liposuction procedures, though it does not replace conventional liposuction. It is ideal for treating small areas of the face, neck, arms, breasts (gynecomastia), abdomen and areas of loose and flabby skin ( floppy skin).
How many treatments will I need?
For most patients, typically only one treatment is required. The session may last from 45 minutes to one hour for each area treated.
Do I have to do anything post-treatment?
After the treatment you will need to wear a compression garment for several days to several weeks, depending on the body area being treated. Rest is recommended after the procedure and activity may be resumed gradually. Refrain from hot tubs or strenuous exercise for 2 weeks.
Does SmartLipo treat cellulite?
The procedure will improve the body’s shape and may improve cellulite to a certain degree.
When can I expect to see results?
Results can be seen as soon as a week with continued improvement over several months.
Does laser-assisted liposuction produce lasting results?
Yes! Adults do not create new fat cells. When a person gains weight, the fat cells expand. The SmartLipo procedure permanently removes the fat cells. Should you gain weight, most fat will be deposited in areas where the procedure was not performed.
*Aest. Plast. Surg. 26:335-339, 2002
Power Liposuction
What is Power Liposuction?
Power liposuction (or PAL which refers to power-assisted liposuction) is a new technique in which a motorized cannula removes body fat in a significantly safer, faster and less traumatic fashion than the traditional physician-held wand-like device.
What are the advantages of Power Liposuction over the traditional technique?
In a multi-center study performed at the Juva Skin & Laser Center by dermatologist Bruce E. Katz, M.D. and Plastic Surgeon Michael C. Bruck,M.D., it was found that power liposuction was more precise and took 40% less time to be performed, there was a 50% reduction in post-operative pain and there was a 40% reduction in bruising and swelling which significantly sped up the recovery time.
The end result was a greatly enhanced safety profile for the liposuction procedure!
Are there any differences in the pre-operative evaluation compared to traditional liposuction?
No. The same pre-operative evalution and lab tests are requested.
Is there any additional charge for Power Liposuction?
No. The fees for Power Liposuction are the same as traditional liposuction.
Will I recover from Power Liposuction faster than from the traditional liposuction?
Yes. The recovery time from Power Liposuction is almost half the time as the traditional procedure. Most people return to work two days after the procedure.
What about general anesthesia during Power Liposuction?
Because of the revolutionary approach to Power liposuction, our patients are completely awake during this surgery. It is performed under local tumescent anesthesia and you will actually be asked to stand up at the end of the surgery to be sure that the results are all symmetric! This is a much safer approach than the traditional procedure performed under general anesthesia.
How much bruising and swelling do I have after Power Liposuction?
There is about half the amount of bruising and swelling compared to the traditional approach and most patients recover from the surgery in about half the time.
How soon can I return to work after the liposuction procedure?
Most of our patients take off the day after the procedure and then return to work the next day. This is assuming that your job does not require any major physical exertion. If this is not the case, then we recommend several more days of rest before returning to work. Most people can resume their normal exercise regimen two weeks after the procedure.
What about the likelihood of a touch-up procedure being required after Power Liposuction?
Because Power Liposuction is much more precise than the traditional liposuction, the need for touch-up procedures is much less likely. The improvement in technology is likened to sculpture performed with a fine carving knife instead of a hammer and chisel.
Can Power Liposuction Lead to Increased Breast Size?
A study conducted at the JUVA Skin & Laser Center and reported in the February 2003 issue of the medical journal, Dermatologic Surgery, documented that thirty-four percent of women who had undergone power liposuction reported an increase in breast size after the procedure. Of these women, thirty-two percent reported an increase in breast size of at least one cup. Women in the remaining group noted that their breasts had become firmer and fulller. The observation of breast enlargement after power liposuction was associated with power liposuction being performed on the abdomen, hip, and thigh areas.
If you have any further questions about Power Liposuction, please contact our office.
Plastic Surgery Q & A - December 2006
Q. I have an inverted nipple on one breast that when stimulated becomes “uninverted”. It is particularly bothersome in warm weather when I wear t-shirts. Is there any nonsurgical way to treat this condition?
A. Yes. Injecting a filler, such as Restylane or Juvederm can make your inverted nipple “pop out.” These are temporary fillers that last approximately six months. Now’s a great time to see how well this works so you’ll know just what to do when it’s t-shirt weather.
Q. My legs look great, except that I have a significant bulge on the inside of each knee because of this I don’t wear skirts. Anyway to treat this?
A .We have the perfect solution for your problem. A little local anesthesia, and about 7 minutes of liposuction on each knee will get rid of the bulges. You’ll be comfortable and confident and ready to show off your great legs.
Q. I’m 45-years-old with great cleavage but too much sun caused brown spots, and some wrinkles. As a result I don't wear clothes that expose my décolletage--but wish that I could. What can I do?
A.There are several things you can do to have a more youthful décolletage. At Juva we have a laser that is specifically designed to treat brown spots. No anesthesia is required and the treatment only takes a few minutes. After the treatment the brown spots will crust and then disappear. For the lines and wrinkles, we have a state of the art laser, the Affirm, that stimulates new collagen and elastin. Add a filler like Restylane, Juvederm or Sculptra and your wrinkles will fade away.
Q. I’d like bigger cheekbones but don’t want surgery. What are my other choices?
A. Your choices include, Radiesse and Sculptra. Radiesse is a long lasting injectable filler. The results are immediate and last about 18 - 24 months, at which time a touch-up may be necessary. Sculptra, another injectable, stimulates your body to produce new collagen. Three treatments are necessary, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The results can last up to two years
Q. I take glucosamine and chondroitin supplements to relieve my joint pain. Can I continue to take these before surgery?
A. No, definitely not. Chondroitin has the potential to interfere with normal blood clotting. Therefore people may suffer bleeding complications from chondroitin especially when it is used in combination with other blood-thinning medications. Glucosamine can actually mimic human insulin, thus artificially causing low blood sugar. Glucosamine and chondroitin should be discontinued 2 to 3 weeks prior to surgery. We advise our patients to discontinue all herbal medications 2 to 3 weeks prior to surgery.
Q. I’ve heard that botox can be used to prevent widening of facial scars. Is this true?
A. This is correct. Scars widen when there are movements of the facial muscle that tend to pull apart the suture line (new scar) before the area has healed sufficiently to prevent spreading of the scar. Using botox to temporarily paralyze muscles that would cause a scar to widen makes for a better result.
Q. I’ve come across the term “nonablative" laser treatments. What does the term mean and how are these lasers used.
A. A nonablative laser is one that does not “ break” the skin or cause visible damage to the skin. Therefore there is no down time. There are nonablative lasers used for skin tightening such as the Titan and the Affirm lasers. .They can be used not only to tighten facial skin, but also on sagging body skin. . Nonablative lasers are also used to treat cellulite. These and many more nonablative laser treatments area available at Juva.
Q. I’m 60-years-old and have been a smoker for most of my life. Is it true that smokers can’t have a face lift.
A. Smokers can have a facelift. However, depending on the individual physician's approach special precautions will be taken. These may be technical considerations about how the surgery is performed, or special supplements prior to surgery. No matter what the modification, all surgeons will deem it mandatory to stop smoking at lease one month before surgery and for two to three weeks after your procedure.
Q. Several years ago I had broken blood vessels on my face treated with a laser.The laser did a great job. The blood vessels disappeared but I was bruised for about 10 days. Have there been any advances that eliminate the bruising?
A.Yes. At Juva we have the most technologically advanced laser for treating facial blood vessels-- the Cynergy laser. We can treat your blood vessels with no bruising. The treatment is painless, requires no anesthesia, and there is no downtime.
Q. Which is better to treat facial lines and wrinkles, a chemical peel or a laser.
A. Good results can be achieved with either technique. However, lasers are more precise. The depth of penetration of the laser beam is exactly the same each time the laser beam strikes the skin; the treatment is consistent with uniform results. A chemical peel, on the other hand, is less precise which may result in uneven results. At Juva we have the new Sciton laser, a state-of–the-art erbium laser that can be used to perform either a laser peel or laser resurfacing. A laser peel may be perfectly adequate for patients with superficial with superficial fine lines; patients with deep lines and wrinkles or acne scars full may require laser resurfacing. A laser peel targets the epidermis, which usually ranges between 0.1 and 0.2 mm. in thickness. Laser resurfacing treats both the epidermis and the dermis, penetrating up to 0.4 mm. The Sciton, a “dial-a-depth” laser is a fantastic tool that allows a degree of precision never before possible.
Dr. Bruck looks foward to answering your plastic surgery questions. Please email us at mail@juvaskin.com. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Bruck, please call the Juva Skin & Laser Center at 212-688-5882 Ext. 305
Titan Laser
What is the Titan Laser used for?
The Titan is an infrared light based laser-like device used to tighten loose or sagging skin. It uses infrared light to heat the collagen in the skin to cause the skin to tighten and contract and new collagen to form.
Who can be treated with the Titan?
Any patient with loose or sagging skin can be treated with the Titan. Patients of any skin type can be treated.
Where can it be used?
It can be used where patients are concerned with sagging skin. The jowls and neck are the most common area treated. Loose or sagging skin in the abdomen, arms, brow, thighs, elbows and knees can also be treated.
How many treatments do I need?
The average patient will usually need more than one treatment to see results. Most patients get between 3-5 treatments.
How often do I need to get the treatments?
Treatments are done every two weeks.
How long is the procedure?
This depends on how big the area being treated is. The average time for treatment of the neck and jowl area is 30-40 minutes.
What is the recovery like?
Patients can resume all activities immediately after treatment. Most patients are red at the treatment site for a few hours after treatment. This can be covered with make-up.
When can I see results?
Results are gradual as more collagen is produced. It may take 3 to 6 months to see the maximal results of the treatment.
Tri-Active Laser
What is the Tri-Active used for?
It is a LED laser that is used to treat cellulite on the body. Cellulite develops with continued obstruction of lymph fluid and blood vessel flow. Tri-Active incorporates laser light for stimulation of microcirculation, localized cooling for reduction of fluid retention, and rhythmic massage for lymphatic drainage. These three components work together to decrease cellulite and improve skin tone and elasticity.
Who can be treated with the Triactive?
Any patient with cellulite can be treated. It is safe to use on all skin types.
How many treatments do I need?
A total of 16 treatments are needed and maintenance treatments 1-2 times a month is required.
How often do I need to get the treatments?
For the initial 16 treatments, it is done twice a week for eight weeks.
How long is the procedure?
Each session takes about 30 minutes.
What is the recovery like?
There is no down time and all activities can be resumed afterwards.
When can I see results?
Most patients will start to see results sometime during the course of the 16 treatments.
Photodynamic Therapy
What is laser photodynamic therapy used for?
It is used to treat to treat sun damage skin, actinic keratosis (precancerous areas skin), acne and rosacea. Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is placed on the skin and gets incorporated into damaged cells in the skin, bacteria that causes acne in the skin, and the oil glands in the skin. The laser is then used to activate the ALA and destroy the damaged skin, bacteria, and shrink the oil glands.
Who can be treated with this modality?
Patients with sun damaged skin, actinic keratosis, acne and rosacea can be treated. Patients with darker skin will need to have a test spot done before treatments are started.
Where can it be used?
It can be used anywhre that patients have these conditions. The most common areas include the face, chest, and back.
How many treatments do I need?
You will need six treatments spread two weeks apart.
How long is the procedure?
You will have microdermabrasion before the ALA will be placed on the skin. The ALA will be washed off in about 10 minutes and the laser treatment will be done. The entire treatment will last about 20 minutes.
What is the recovery like?
Most patients will have no down time, but a few will notice some redness. You will have to avoid the sun and wear sunscreen for 1-2 days after treatment.
When can I see results?
Most patients can see results by the third or fourth treatments.
Visia
What is the Visia used for?
The Visia is a computer complexion analysis system that is used to help evaluate the condition of your skin. It evaluates parameters such as wrinkles, UV damage, skin evenness, sun spots, pores, and porphyrins, and it compares your skin profile to others of the same age group. This device wil help your doctor develop a regimen to improve your skin. It is also used to help monitor the improvements seen after your treatments.
How long does it take?
The procedure takes less than 5 minutes to do.
Radiesse
What is Radiesse?
Radiesse FN is a new injectable product for filling of folds and lines. The advantage of this new product is the potential for a long lasting effect.
Radiesse FN consists of calcium hydroxylapatite suspended in gel (carboxymethylcellulose). Because calcium hydroxylapatite is a normal constituent of bone, it should not elicit a chronic inflammatory of immune response. Additionally, the gel carrier doesn't require allergy testing such as required with collagen.
Calcium hydroxylapatite has been used in humans for a long time in prosthetic implants in dental, facial, and orthopedic surgery. Animal studies and use of the injectable product in vocal cords and bladder neck areas have shown that the product remains soft without new bone formation when injected into soft tissue. The longest term studies come from Italy suggest that Radiance FN shows promise as a new agent for facial contouring with no serious side effects and reasonable efficacy and durability.
Radiance FN is approved by the FDA for cosmetic and non-cosmetic uses.
How much is a consultation?
Consultations range from $250 to $490 depending on the physician you see and how much time is spent during the visit.
Can I have the procedure the same day as the consultation?
It is generally not possible to have a surgical procedure on the same day as the consultation. Not all patients are candidates for the procedures they are interested in. We do try to accommodate patients visiting New York from overseas.
How many visits are needed for particular treatments?
The number of visits varies with the individual and the type of treatment or procedure.
How soon can I have an appointment with Dr. Katz or his associates?
If you wish to see Dr. Katz you usually need to book your appointment 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Dr. Pauporte , Dr. Maiwald and Dr. Frew can usually accommodate a patient the same week.
Can I book a procedure without seeing a physician for a consultation?
It is always necessary to see one of the physicians at Juva before a procedure can be scheduled.
Does the doctor normally keep to his schedule of appointments?
Normally, the physicians at Juva keep to their schedule of appointments. However, feel free to call ahead to see whether the physician is on time. Various situations and emergencies can arise causing a delay in the schedule.
