Ultrasound as a non surgical option for body reshaping
The ultrasound energy selectively targets fat cells in specific problem areas, such as the abdomen or thighs, and safely disrupts the membranes of the unwanted fat cells without affecting surrounding tissues such as nerves or blood vessels. By disrupting the fat cell membrane, the contents of the fat cell (primarily comprised of Triglycerides) is dispersed into the intercellular fluid, which is then transported through the vascular and lymphatic systems to the liver, where it is naturally processed. The liver makes no distinction between fat coming from the ultrasound treatment and fat originating from consumed food so both are processed by your body's natural mechanisms. The commercial product with this technology is UltraShape which delivers measurable results without the need for follow-up treatments or maintenance.
The areas to be treated are marked. The size of the treatment areas determines the duration of the session, which usually last between one and one and a half hours. Treatment does not require anaesthesia. It is applied on a treatment bed while a hand-held device delivering ultrasound energy gently glides over the marked area. The entire procedure is guided by innovative tracking technology to ensure smooth and even contouring results and the majority of treated patients report a pain-free and comfortable experience. Patients state that there is no post-treatment pain or discomfort. In clinical trials worldwide, patients report that UltraShape treatment is painless and that side-effects are extremely rare.
Combine technologies
Of interest, but not for fat reduction are combination technology machines. RF in combination with light based technologies has the effect of removing the focal point that the light would normally seek out. Some examples of devices combining RF with other modalities currently available or being developed for a wide variety of applications include several different machines manufactured by Syneron Ltd, which are powered by their patented elos (electro-optical synergy) the combined energy technology that uses bipolar radiofrequency and light energies. The combination of IPL and RF (The Aurora) The combined efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) energy and bipolar radiofrequency energy in the same machine has greatly increased the predictability, safety and outcomes of basic photorejuvenation treatment. The IPL and RF combined therapy also provides effective hair removal and permanent reduction outcomes on light and dark skinned patients, as well as red, blonde and grey haired patients. Diode Laser and RF (The Polaris and The Comet) Multiple treatments of this deep, skin penetrating technology has provided pleasing skin tightening results on the face and body, as well as noticeable wrinkle reduction in more moderate and severe wrinkles. The diode laser and RF combined technology is also effective on larger thread veins on the legs and face. An 810nm diode laser and high energy RF (The Comet) provides very effective, high speed 810nm optical hair removal results, with the added RF benefit of efficacious outcomes in dark skinned, or tanned patients, as well as red, blonde or grey hair. Infrared and RF (VelaSmooth & VelaShape) The Velasmooth & VelaShape combined Infrared and RF energy technology (plus tissue mobilisation and suction) has proven to be an effective body contour and fat reduction tool, as well as cellulite reduction tool.
