“Liposonix is a significant scientific advance for people who want a safe, effective and convenient way to get rid of that last unwanted inch around the waist,” said Anne Chapas, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor at New York University School of Medicine and Founder and Medical Director of Union Square Laser Dermatology. “When diet and exercise just aren’t enough to lose that last inch, the Liposonix custom contouring treatment is a terrific option for patients to achieve the shape they want without the expense, discomfort and recovery time of invasive procedures, such as liposuction.” (See Dr. Chapas demonstrate Liposonix treatment on the Dr. Oz show.)

Unlike other non-invasive fat reduction treatments, Liposonix permanently destroys the fat cells found beneath the skin, without harming the skin, with just one treatment in a procedure that takes about one hour. The body naturally processes and removes the fat tissue over a period of 8 to 12 weeks, leaving behind the desired slimmer, more contoured waistline. Clinical studies have demonstrated an average waist circumference reduction of approximately 2.6 cm (1 inch) after a single Liposonix treatment.

“Liposonix technology was developed over a period of 10 years by leading scientists and ultrasound experts with more than 200 years of combined experience in the development of therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasound devices,” said Grant Stevens, M.D., F.A.C.S, Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery USC Division of Plastic Surgery, Director of the USC-Marina del Rey Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship and Marina Plastic Surgery Associates. “I feel confident that I can now offer my patients an effective non-invasive treatment that specifically targets the stubborn fat in the abdomen and love handles that so many of my patients want to lose.”

To quantify the extent of the desire to lose fat in the waist area, Solta Medical sponsored “The State of Love Handles in America” nationwide survey of more than 1,000 women. The just released survey findings reveal that:

62% of women say the part of their body they are most uncomfortable with is their tummy/love handles.

45% claim they would give up sex for one year to lose an inch.

66% would give up chocolate for one year to lose an inch.

75% would give up clothes shopping for one year to lose an inch.

The survey findings support a growing demand for fat reduction treatments. In fact, more than a half million fat reduction procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2011, and it is estimated that the non-invasive fat reduction market will grow by 42% annually through 2016 – nine times faster than its surgical counterparts.¹

“The addition of Liposonix to our brand portfolio allows us to expand into the fast-growing, non-invasive fat reduction market and to offer a new and exciting approach to custom body contouring,” said Stephen J. Fanning, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solta. “We now have one of the strongest portfolios in the aesthetic space, with non-invasive, cutting-edge technologies in large and growing market segments – body contouring, skin tightening, skin resurfacing and rejuvenation, as well as acne treatment.”

“This procedure literally freezes away the excess fat through a process called Cryolipolysis™,” Dr. Canales says. “For our time-pressured patients in Santa Rosa, Sonoma and Napa, liposuction or a tummy tuck isn’t always a realistic solution. This is one of the reasons we’re delighted to offer CoolSculpting. It’s FDA approved, and the typical treatment time is just an hour. Because it’s a non-invasive procedure, our patients can return to their regular routines right after their appointments.”

During treatment, patients can listen to music, read or even use their laptops while the CoolSculpting applicator cools the targeted areas of fatty tissue. No needles or anesthesia are required during this fat-freezing process, and the surrounding tissues are not harmed. The precisely measured cooling breaks down the targeted fat cells, and then the body’s natural cleansing processes gradually remove those cells during the weeks following treatment.

“We chose to add CoolSculpting for our Santa Rosa and Napa plastic surgery patients because so many of them have specific problem areas such as pockets of back fat or love handles,” Dr. Furnas says. “They diet, they exercise, yet those fat deposits remain. CoolSculpting is the ideal answer, and patients are delighted with the way that it sculpts those areas without surgery.”

A change usually begins to become visible about 1 month after the first treatment, Dr. Canales says.

“Because your body’s natural metabolic processes gradually cleanse away the destroyed fat cells, we refer to the benefits of the fat freezing process as a gradual fat reduction,” he says. “Our patients say they start to notice their clothes becoming looser as they slim down.”

The full benefits usually become evident 3 to 4 months after the first treatment.

“CoolSculpting reduces fat in the treated area by 20 to 25 percent,” Dr. Furnas says. “In some cases, our patients want additional treatments to target other areas, because they’re so pleased with how they look. Of course, to maintain their results, we encourage them to follow a healthful diet, and to exercise regularly.”

“Liposonix is a significant scientific advance for people who want a safe, effective and convenient way to get rid of that last unwanted inch around the waist,” said Anne Chapas, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor at New York University School of Medicine and Founder and Medical Director of Union Square Laser Dermatology. “When diet and exercise just aren’t enough to lose that last inch, the Liposonix custom contouring treatment is a terrific option for patients to achieve the shape they want without the expense, discomfort and recovery time of invasive procedures, such as liposuction.” (See Dr. Chapas demonstrate Liposonix treatment on the Dr. Oz show.)

Unlike other non-invasive fat reduction treatments, Liposonix permanently destroys the fat cells found beneath the skin, without harming the skin, with just one treatment in a procedure that takes about one hour. The body naturally processes and removes the fat tissue over a period of 8 to 12 weeks, leaving behind the desired slimmer, more contoured waistline. Clinical studies have demonstrated an average waist circumference reduction of approximately 2.6 cm (1 inch) after a single Liposonix treatment.

“Liposonix technology was developed over a period of 10 years by leading scientists and ultrasound experts with more than 200 years of combined experience in the development of therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasound devices,” said Grant Stevens, M.D., F.A.C.S, Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery USC Division of Plastic Surgery, Director of the USC-Marina del Rey Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship and Marina Plastic Surgery Associates. “I feel confident that I can now offer my patients an effective non-invasive treatment that specifically targets the stubborn fat in the abdomen and love handles that so many of my patients want to lose.”

To quantify the extent of the desire to lose fat in the waist area, Solta Medical sponsored “The State of Love Handles in America” nationwide survey of more than 1,000 women. The just released survey findings reveal that:

62% of women say the part of their body they are most uncomfortable with is their tummy/love handles.

45% claim they would give up sex for one year to lose an inch.

66% would give up chocolate for one year to lose an inch.

75% would give up clothes shopping for one year to lose an inch.

The survey findings support a growing demand for fat reduction treatments. In fact, more than a half million fat reduction procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2011, and it is estimated that the non-invasive fat reduction market will grow by 42% annually through 2016 – nine times faster than its surgical counterparts.¹

“The addition of Liposonix to our brand portfolio allows us to expand into the fast-growing, non-invasive fat reduction market and to offer a new and exciting approach to custom body contouring,” said Stephen J. Fanning, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solta. “We now have one of the strongest portfolios in the aesthetic space, with non-invasive, cutting-edge technologies in large and growing market segments – body contouring, skin tightening, skin resurfacing and rejuvenation, as well as acne treatment.”

Dr. Davidson continues, “Excessive exposure to the sun can make the skin appear thick and wrinkled.” The EPA claims that up to 90% of visible aging to the skin is caused by sun exposure. “Prevention is always best. By wearing sunscreen year round, sun damage is limited, but for most of us, our skin has already experienced significant damage.”

There are a number of surgical and non-surgical treatments available that can correct the signs of sun damage, such as premature aging. “These treatments range from creams to treatments to cosmetic surgeries,” says Dr. Wegener, a board certified plastic surgeon at the Face and Body Center in Flowood MS.

For light damage, creams available at the Face and Body Spa can repair photo damaged and environmentally stressed skin. “Because the Face and Body Spa is supervised by the Face and Body Center’s surgeons, it is able to offer a wider range of products and services.” says Dr. Wegener.

For more serious damage, the group offers chemical peels or laser treatments, which can correct acne scars, age spots, rough skin texture and sun damage. Chemical peels remove the skin’s damaged outer layer and restore the skin’s healthy glow. “We adjust the formula used in a chemical peel based on the patient’s skin type and goals. Chemical peels range from a light to deep treatments,” says Dr. Brantley. Recovery time for a chemical peel depends on level of treatment.

Aside from correcting skin damage, laser technology can also tighten the skin, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Lynda, a patient of the Face and Body Center explains, “After years of living in Florida, the sun finally caught up with me. I had several small skin cancers by my lip and Dr. Mani successfully removed the cancers with little to no scaring. I was so impressed that I went back to Dr. Mani for laser resurfacing and I was amazed by the results.”

“What’s appealing about laser treatments is that they can be performed in less than an hour and the patient needs little to no recovery time after the procedure,” says Dr. Mani. “For the same reason, injectable treatments are very popular, because the procedure is quick and relatively inexpensive,“ Dr. Mani continues.

In some situations, cosmetic surgery might be necessary to achieve the patient’s goals. Dr. Brantley adds, “There isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment for premature aging, which is why I always recommend scheduling a consultation with a board certified physician.”

“CoolSculpting is a breakthrough alternative to liposuction in Los Angeles for losing love handles, muffins tops and other stubborn fat areas,” Dr. Stevens says. “I like this treatment so much that I have used it successfully on my own trouble spots. We are the only place in California with two Zeltiq® devices, so you can reduce two areas at the same time while you tweet, post on Facebook, read a book, talk on the phone or even nap.”

Dr. Michelle Spring explains that the procedure is simple and effective and works by using a technique called Cryolipolysis™, which employs carefully controlled cooling to reduce fat deposits. After a patient is treated with CoolSculpting, the body will gradually eliminate fat cells through its own natural cleansing process. Results look natural, and surrounding tissue is not damaged.

“While procedures such as liposuction or a tummy tuck may be effective for some people, they aren’t always appropriate for someone who is within 10 to 15 pounds of their desired weight,” Dr. Spring says.

A CoolSculpting treatment usually lasts about one to two hours, and downtime after the procedure is minimal. Patients can resume normal activity, including vigorous exercise, immediately.

“With this quick, safe and effective procedure, my patients who do not have the time to recover from liposuction in Los Angeles can still enjoy attractive body contouring results,” Dr. Stevens says. “As one of the first practices in the nation to offer this procedure, we have experience our patients can trust. We can provide beautiful results with CoolSculpting.”

“The procedure was successful and will certainly serve as a relevant chapter in Olivia’s successful journey to a slimmer, healthier figure,” Dr. Walden said. “Results from post-weight loss tummy tucks and lifts can be significant because they are transformative procedures for these hard-working patients who have changed their destinies by their strong will and determination.”

Post-massive weight loss surgeries, such as tummy tucks and breast lifts, are common procedures that are frequently performed by Dr. Walden when treating post-weight loss patients. During these procedures, she removes excess skin and fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Depending on the needs of the patient, Dr. Walden may also perform liposuction, arm lifts or thigh lifts.

“No amount of diet and exercise can remove the stretched out skin that hangs from the body after someone has lost more than a hundred pounds,” Dr. Walden said. “That can only be achieved surgically, with body contouring procedures such as the one I performed on Olivia.”

Dr. Walden likens the excess skin to the extra “tummy skin” women have after pregnancy.

“A similar but usually not as extreme situation arises for women after pregnancy and childbearing,” Dr. Walden said. “The abdominal skin and muscles are stretched out and the breasts are deflated, so new moms come to me for the same procedure that Olivia underwent—or for breast augmentation with implants to restore volume to the breasts after breastfeeding.”

Dr. Walden has performed hundreds of body-contouring procedures, and believes that while they offer significant benefits, prospective patients should be mindful of the commitment these procedures require.

“Olivia was an excellent candidate for surgery because she has not only kept the weight off, but she has also made some dramatic changes to her lifestyle and habits,” Dr. Walden said. “Although abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, can have a major impact on a patient’s appearance, it is ultimately up to the patient to stay in shape to ensure successful results.”

Dr. Walden says abdominoplasty is not vanity surgery. Rather, it is reconstructive surgery to restore a shapely form that can fit into clothes without a lot of irritation or discomfort from drooping skin. She believes this procedure will help Olivia have the body shape that will reflect her hard work.

The Cellu M6® Integral is the culmination of more than 25 years of experience perfecting LPG’s exclusive Endermologie® technique, a 100 percent natural treatment of connective tissue transformations for aesthetic and therapeutic application. The Cellu M6® Integral is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive device that applies mechanical stimulation to cutaneous tissues provoking a physiological response. The result is a temporary improvement in lymphatic and local blood flow circulation for improvement of skin trophicity in the treated area.

The Cellu M6® Integral offers practitioners multiple aesthetic and therapeutic applications. The most popular aesthetic treatments are Endermolift™ for anti-aging on the face, and Lipomassage™ for contouring and smoothing the entire body.

The Endermolift™ treatment tones and lifts fine tissue in the face, neck and decollete. After 20 sessions, Endermolift™ is scientifically proven to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin up to 240 percent, resulting in a reduced appearance of pore size and wrinkles.

The Lipomassage™ treatment temporarily reduces the appearance of cellulite and circumference in areas often resistant to diet and exercise alone. In the hours following treatment, blood circulation is increased by 400 percent and lymphatic flux (the toxins being released from the body) by 300 percent. These results help reshape and tone the body, while also smoothing cellulite.

“Endermologie® is a treatment that respects the skin and creates a more beautiful appearance by making the skin healthier – and nearly everyone can benefit from healthier skin,” said Dr. Tess Mauricio, Board Certified Dermatologist at Scripps Ranch Dermatology in San Diego, CA. “For those who are currently receiving anti-aging and body shaping treatments like injections, lasers, or even minimally-invasive and surgical procedures like liposuction, adding Endermologie® treatments with the Cellu M6® Integral will help them heal faster and yield better, more natural-looking results.”

The Cellu M6® Integral upholds LPG Systems’ promise of improving the personal health and well-being of every patient by naturally reactivating dormant cellular activity, repairing the skin, improving circulation, increasing flexibility and most importantly, producing lasting effects that enhance the overall health and confidence.

MicroAire, which owns patents on Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL), received a letter last month from attorneys representing Euromi, maker of “Tickle Lipo,” in which the company says it is prepared to discontinue sales of its Lipomatic device no later than the last week of December 2011. This decision by Euromi comes as a direct result of patent-infringement claims made by MicroAire against Euromi, and despite Euromi’s formal denial of those claims.

MicroAire has multiple patents covering reciprocating-cannula liposuction, which it employs in its popular PAL device.  The term “reciprocating” covers any back-and-forth movement, including the so-called “nutating” movement used by Euromi’s Lipomatic device, which is also known by the name “Tickle Lipo.”

“PAL technology is a legitimate breakthrough in tissue aspiration and cell harvesting,” said Arthur Pike, General Manager of MicroAire Aesthetics, “and MicroAire will continue to defend its patents against any companies that attempt to copy our products.”

Surgeon testimonials and clinical studies indicate that PAL technology offers unique benefits that cannot be matched by other lipo-aspiration systems. Studies indicate that tissue harvested using PAL technology yields higher cell viability, which is important for adipose reinjection; and there is evidence that PAL technology also yields higher stem-cell counts, which is important for adipose derived regenerative therapies.

According to a 2011 survey of over 1,700 surgeon-members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), MicroAire’s PAL is the most widely used and most preferred alternative to manual liposuction. The survey also indicates that fat removal technologies such as laser and mesotherapy were associated with a disproportionately higher rate of complications, compared with PAL.

MicroAire Surgical Instruments, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of surgical products in four key areas:  Aesthetic Plastic Surgery; Orthopaedic Specialties including endoscopic carpal tunnel release; Orthopaedic Power Instruments and Value Disposables. MicroAire is a team, dedicated to enhancing quality of life by providing innovative surgical solutions that improve surgeon and patient outcomes.  For more information, visit www.microaire.com.

Last month, a highly-skilled, specially-trained team from the newly established Penn Hand Transplant Program at the Penn Transplant Institute performed its first bilateral double hand transplant. Working closely with its partner, Gift of Life Donor Program, a team of 30 members – 12 surgeons, three anesthesiologists and 15 nurses – performed the 11-and-a-half hour double transplant procedure – a Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation – that involved experts in solid organ transplantation, orthopaedic surgery, plastic surgery, reconstructive microsurgery and anesthesia.

Details of this history-making procedure will be forthcoming at a press conference to be held at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

“Compared to its predecessor, the second generation LipoSonix system provides a treatment area that is 2.7 times as large for faster treatment times, has improved ergonomics and ease of use for the practitioner, and has a much smaller footprint in the physician’s office,” said Stephen J. Fanning, Chairman, President & CEO of Solta Medical. “We congratulate Medicis on receiving FDA clearance for the second generation LipoSonix system prior to our previously anticipated timeframe of first quarter 2012. We look forward to closing the transaction and entering the fast growing non-invasive fat reduction market.”

The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2011. Solta expects to fund the acquisition through existing cash balances and credit facilities.

The first generation LipoSonix system is currently marketed in Canada, the European Union and Japan. Medicis will continue supporting existing LipoSonix customers worldwide until Solta assumes this responsibility after closing.

Clinical Studies

The LipoSonix system was evaluated in a multicenter, randomized, sham–controlled, single blind study. Treatment with the LipoSonix system was shown to be superior to a sham control in reducing waist circumference, meeting the pre–specified primary endpoint of the study. The 59 J/cm2 treatment group demonstrated an approximately 1 cm greater waist circumference reduction as compared to sham. On average, the mean change in waist circumference of approximately 2.6 cm (1 inch) compared to baseline was demonstrated in the 59 J/cm2 treatment group. This could equal one dress or pant size.

The safety of treatment with the LipoSonix system was assessed through 24 weeks post–treatment. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events, results from a pre–specified battery of blood tests and physical examinations. The adverse events resulting from treatment with the LipoSonix system during this study included procedural pain, post–procedural pain, bruising and swelling. These were mostly mild, short–lived in duration, and resolved without incident. There were no serious adverse events or unanticipated adverse device effects related to treatment with the investigational device.(1)