Zerona Laser Versus Liposuction… and… Working Together?!
Liposuction has come a long way. There have been many advancements over the years.
Zerona Laser treatment is the “new kid on the block” and it is growing in popularity thanks to the Doctors TV show and the all the Network News TV segments.
I want to take a moment and discuss these two very different procedures because I get many questions during my consultations. Let me share this information in a question/answer format as these are some of the questions I get during my initial meeting with clients.
Patient says, “I’m told that if I undergo liposuction that if I gain weight again, that the fat will be in a different area. Does that happen with Zerona?”
I can’t speak for liposuction or the validity of the comment that the fat returns in different areas, so I’ll limit my response to Zerona.
Zerona does not harm the fat cells. The laser liquefies the fat within the cell. The laser allows the cell membrane to become temporarily porous and the liquefied fat seeps out into interstitial space. The cell membrane closes again in 48 hours. There is no scaring and no connective tissue you growth as there is in surgical procedures.
If you were to go to an unhealthy life style, then you run the risk of your body storing fat again. That’s what fat is – stored energy. So because with Zerona you have not damaged the cells, you’ll gain it in the area your body stored it last time.
I’d suggest that rather than planning on fat returning, how about we find the right solution for you so that you don’t gain any of that unwanted fat that you lost from Zerona or liposuction or whatever. So be sure to work with a doctor that will aid you in finding out the best program for you – not just sucking out the fat or pointing a laser at your target area.
Patient says, “If I have liposuction I’m told that I’ll have a lot of loose skin… with that happen with Zerona?”
No. I have had a patient lose up to 15 inches and the skin is as toned as ever. This happens for a couple of reasons: 1) it’s a process and change that does not occur in an hour… it takes weeks (which in my mind is still fast). 2) The Zerona laser is a cold laser. Cold lasers have been used for skin issues and skin conditions for longer than they have been used for body contouring fat. Often a persons rash or scar looks better after treatment… I know, its another benefit that’s too good to be true. Its hard to believe.
Patient says, “If I have liposuction I’ll be put under anesthesia. That’s scares me because I know that’s one of the most dangerous parts of surgery. Does Zerona have that?”
No. Zerona is a NON-SURGICAL procedure. People have it done and go back to work. If you read my prior blog posts, you can even get work done while under the laser! With Zerona you don’t even feel it – it is entirely painless!
INTERESTING SIDE NOTE:
Cold laser has been used to help patients eliminate pain due to musculoskeletal conditions such as injuries. The predecessor to the Zerona was a laser that was used DURING liposuction – called LASER ASSISTED Liposuction. FDA approved for safety and effectiveness. During liposuction the Laser Anesthesiologist would use the laser over the area to be treated with liposuction. The results were better – there was less blood loss, improved recovery time, less bruising, and smoother treated area.
Patient says, “I’m going to have liposuction, what can you do for me in conjunction with the liposuction?”
Great question. If a person is heart set on liposuction, I won’t stop them… heck, I couldn’t even if I wanted to. Because the laser has a window of effectiveness 48 hours and the fat cells close there is benefit in treating with the Zerona surrounding the Liposuction procedure for the benefits listed in the INTERESTING SIDE NOTE section. Its called PRE/POST-OP Zerona treatment. With this people get results with the liposuction and recover extremely fast with smoother results. It’s not a common procedure, but it’s done. If I were going to have liposuction done, I’d be sure to have Zerona PRE/POST-OP Procedure done.
I find people hate the idea of surgery. Heck, I’m fearful of surgery. In my mind, there is no such thing as a “Routine Surgical Procedure” (my father almost died from removal of his tonsils… I’m sure you have heard a story where routine was not so “routine”.)
That’s it for now…
Blessings,
Dr. Troy Don
January 11th, 2010 at 6:51 pm
I had Liposelection (Smart Lipo) performed on an outpatient basis with minimal pain, and some bruising and swelling. Within 2 months my inner thighs were back to normal. However, there was no change in the “little extra” that I carried there. Occasional swelling occurs that is easily resolved with massage. Major swelling occurs with vigorous exercise – exercise that is focused toward tighten the inner thigh muscles.
It is not a procedure that I will have performed again. However, I am still on the look out for anything that will help with alleviating the cellulite on my thighs which is very embarassing to me.