At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, our board-certified dermatologists are experts in the field of fat-reducing cosmetic procedures such as liposuction and body contouring. Dr. Mitchel Goldman recently answered some frequently asked questions regarding the rise in popularity of body sculpting treatments.
Body Sculpting FAQs
1. What are your general thoughts about the popularity of these procedures? Are people investing in themselves? Does this indicate better economic conditions, perhaps? Do the treatments offer great value? Why?
A combination of factors. Yes, the economy is getting better, yes, baby boomers are investing in themselves, yes, treatment costs have come down in price (in fact, we have not raised our prices in the last 8 years) and finally, we have a wider variety of effective quality procedures.
2. Have you seen changes in the popularity of the different treatments? What’s popular in your practice and why do you think this is?
Fillers/volumizers and neuromodulators keep increasing in popularity as are minimally invasive procedures like body sculpting and intense pulsed light. This is probably secondary to increased awareness of the availability and effectiveness and affordability of these procedures. May also be related to direct to consumer advertising by Allergan and finally, greater consumer use of the internet to learn about medical procedures.
3. Why do you think laser lipolysis has exploded? Faster recovery? Fewer side effects? Less invasive?
While laser lipolysis is no less invasive than tumescent liposuction which has been performed by dermatologic surgeons for the past 20 years, the use of lasers requires plastic surgeons and others to use tumescent anesthesia which has increased the safety and efficacy of the procedure. Lasers are not necessary for the majority of procedures but in our practice, 40% of our liposuction procedures are enhanced with the use of lasers. The major benefit is skin tightening.
4. Do you find traditional liposuction continues to be popular?
Tumescent liposuction, developed by dermatologic surgeons allows the safe and painless removal of fat in wide-awake patients with minimal if any downtime using tiny cannulas with virtually no scars. Depending on the treatment area and volume of fat, the procedure takes ½ to 2 hrs. Patients are usually back to work in a day or two with full physical activity in a few days. Using tumescent liposuction. Compression garments are only required for 2-3 days.
It is so popular because it works so well. In my practice, the average patient has 2.3 liposuction procedures within 2-3 years, why, because once they see how easy it is and that the results are so good, they want it done on a different part of their body.
5. Finally, what ARE some of the “non-invasive treatments of fat and cellulite?” Do you, too, see a decline in interest in them?
Cellulite is a normal female anatomical characteristic that is NOT curable. 90% of women have cellulite and the other 10% think they do.
It is treatable. It has declined in popularity because patients are fed-up with false promises and unrealistic expectations. However, we are presently working on a few newer methods of treating cellulite that show promise. They should be approved for general use in the next few years.
6. Why choose a dermatologic surgeon for these procedures?
We are specifically trained in both the cosmetic procedure as well as all aspects of skin care and wound healing. That allows us to be experts in all aspects of healing to maximize the surgical result and minimize any possible adverse events.
Schedule a Liposuction Consultation in San Diego Today!
If you are dissatisfied with stubborn fat that won’t go away with diet and exercise, contact the San Diego liposuction experts at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology! Using the most advanced liposculpture and body sculpting techniques, our expert dermatologists can help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted. Call and schedule a consultation at 858-943-2113.
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