We’ve all encountered new treatments and procedures that promise a toned and contoured body by smoothing the skin and eliminating fat. Even with a healthy diet and regular exercise, some individuals struggle with stubborn weight accumulation in the back, arms, abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Consequently, they seek solutions to their frustrations. However, it’s essential to determine the effectiveness and safety of such solutions. To gain insights, we sought advice from Dr. Stanley Poulos, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon based in the San Francisco Bay area and co-founder of Plastic Surgery Specialists, who has over 30 years of experience in body aesthetics.
What motivates women to pursue these treatments, and how have their attitudes evolved over the past ten years?
In the past, female clients used to bring photos of famous personalities who had worked with accomplished fitness trainers to my office. Nowadays, men and women approach me with pictures of a random fit individual on their Instagram feed, flaunting their stunning physique in a swimsuit, hoping to attain a similar body. Social media is inundated with such images, leading people to believe they can achieve similar results, even without being a well-known celebrity.
What are the most common frustrations when achieving their desired look?
Well, most people try their best to work out, watch what they eat and try to take care of themselves. They notice, though, that through pregnancies, hormonal and metabolism shifts that happen with age, gravity is winning. Men see more fat around the waist and “breasts,” women notice cellulite dimples in their thighs and buttocks, bra rolls, and extra fat at the core despite maintaining their diet and exercise routines. A workout routine at 45 will not yield the same results as 35; it becomes frustrating. Collagen production typically falls off a cliff at a certain point in the early 50s; this means treatments must treat fat deposits and skin tightening.
What do you advise them to do? There are so many treatments to choose from. It can be overwhelming.
Absolutely, and it’s essential to approach any procedure with the facts and a realistic expectation of what’s achievable and required… Some women think they just come in for a few hours and are magically transformed. In some cases, results are immediate; in others, healing can take 2 to 3 months.
Ok, so let’s explore these treatments. What’s the best one out there to deal with cellulite? It seems like most women struggle with cellulite.
Cellulase
Yes, cellulite is a prevalent issue women want a solution for, and fast. Cellulase is a treatment that safely and effectively treats cellulite under local anesthesia, with initial results appearing in one to four weeks, with significant effects due to thickening collagen by four months. The 2-hour treatment involves an injection of a local anesthetic and wetting solution onto the cellulite, which is then zapped with a laser. This unique side-cutting laser removes the contracted fibrous bands responsible for the cellulite. Finally, the subdermal region is treated for increased collagen production. The result is tight, smooth, supple skin where the cellulite once was. Many women opt to get Cellulase and Liposuction to address several concerns simultaneously.
Reduce cellulite with Qwo injections, a new and innovative treatment approved by the FDA. Qwo injections break down the fibrous bands that cause cellulite, allowing the body to eliminate them naturally. This treatment involves a series of injections directly into the cellulite area with little to no downtime. Results can be seen within a few weeks of treatment, with optimal results appearing after a few months. Qwo injections are a safe and effective treatment for those seeking to reduce cellulite’s appearance without surgery. If you’re struggling with cellulite and looking for a non-invasive treatment option, Qwo injections may be worth considering.
Vaser Hi- Def liposculpture
Yes, let’s talk about Liposuction. How has that treatment changed?
Well, I’ve seen significant improvements over the years. Now, we have a much more precise method called Vaser Hi-Def LipoSculpture. This method is Liposuction, with techniques and tools that precisely suction out localized fat deposits from various body parts. This technique is used effectively, for example, in “sculpting” the washboard abs so desired by many. The harvested fat can then be used to fill out other body areas. The differentiating factor between Vaser Lipo and traditional Liposuction is the preliminary step taken to break down the fat: ultrasound frequencies. The acronym Vaser stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance.
The emitted vibrations cause the expansion and contraction of air bubbles in the tumescent fluid, which is ejected from the Vaser Lipo instrument. The procedure is tissue-selective, targeting fat while protecting other tissues from damage. This means eight times less blood loss, easier fat removal, stimulated skin elasticity, less bruising, and a tiny incision. This process separates the collected fat for fat injections in other areas. The surgeon can sculpt the body truly.
Balloon Weight Loss Method
What about people with 20-50 pounds to lose but not enough weight for gastric bypass surgery?
These patients can be considered for the Balloon Weight Loss Method. An ideal candidate for this procedure has a body mass index of 30 to 40 and did not have previous weight loss surgery. Patients diagnosed with bulimia, binge eating, compulsive overeating, high liquid calorie intake habits, or similar eating-related psychological disorders are not good candidates.
This nonsurgical outpatient procedure begins with a diagnostic endoscopy to ensure that there are no contraindications and that it is safe to perform. Once the patient is mildly sedated and comfortable, the procedure can begin. The deflated gastric balloon is inserted through the esophagus and into the stomach. A syringe is then used to fill the balloon with a sterile saline solution. Once the weight loss balloon has been filled with saline, it expands to approximately the size of a grapefruit and remains there for six months. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes. Patients can usually return home after the placement or removal procedures within 30 minutes. Over the last 20 years, this procedure has helped over 277,000 people. The gastric balloon encourages portion control while patients make healthy changes to diet and lifestyle. After six months, the balloon is then removed.
What’s critical here is to find a doctor who provides the full support and team to address diet and exercise to achieve and maintain optimal results. Dr. Poulos has assembled a team that has committed some of the country’s best nonsurgical weight loss results.
Regardless of your choice, it’s essential to research by speaking to doctors and understanding the instruments used, the process, and what’s needed for optimal recovery and results.
About Dr. Poulos:
Dr. Poulos is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Co-Founder with Yngvar Hvistendahl, M.D of Plastic Surgery Specialists, recognized as one of Northern California’s premier aesthetic surgery clinics.
Dr. Poulos helped pioneer the quick lift facial rejuvenation surgery in California and has extensive experience in body contour procedures. With over 30 years of experience in aesthetic procedures, Dr. Poulos has been at the forefront of innovative techniques such as quick-lift facial rejuvenation, mommy makeovers, and vaser lipo-contouring. Dr. Poulos combines his consistent knowledge of new treatment options with his facial and body symmetry mastery.
His recent focus has been on the gastric balloon, a groundbreaking, non-surgical, medically assisted, outpatient procedure offering weight loss to those seeking to lose between 30 and 75 pounds who may be ineligible for the more invasive gastric bypass surgery. This exciting new procedure allows patients to achieve optimal health, and when combined with exercise and proper nutrition, the results have been exceptional.
A University of Texas Medical School graduate, Dr. Poulos completed his internship and residency at UC San Francisco. He completed surgery and plastic surgery training in San Francisco before entering private practice in Marin County, where he co-founded PSS (www.psspecialists.com)
—
