Ultrasonic Fat Reduction:
VASER® Shape vs. Liposonix
Liposonix, the newest non-surgical spot reduction procedure joins VASER Shape in using ultrasound to blast fat without
going under the knife but differs in energy delivery and indications that may be treated.
As the push continues for surgical procedures to become less invasive, patients seeking body contouring no longer have
to depend on surgery to get results. More procedures are receiving FDA-approval for spot fat reduction and many of them
are non-surgical. Liposonix joins VASER Shape, another procedure that uses ultrasound energy, in the non-surgical body
contouring category.
Actual VASER Shape Results of Dr. Julene B. Samuels
5 Treatments of Trunk, 4 Treatments of Thighs
Lost 7.5" from waist, 2.6" from hips and 2" from thighs
From Sound Surgical Technologies, the manufacturers of VASER Shape received FDA-clearance in May 2010 for spot fat
reduction and reducing the appearance of cellulite. Liposonix, which is manufactured by Solta Medical, the makers of the
popular aesthetic procedures Thermage and Fraxel, was FDA-cleared in September 2011 for waist circumference
reduction. While both depend on ultrasound energy to address unwanted fat, there are many differences that set the two
apart.
How Does Liposonix Differ From VASER Shape?
According to Kentucky plastic surgeon Dr. Julene B. Samuels, "There are two different types of ultrasound technology:
focused and non-focused. Focused ultrasound, such as Liposonix causes fat cells to explode by placing a direct beam over
the spot fat. Non-focused ultrasound, such as VASER Shape can treat a broader area while providing skin tightening."
Dr. Samuels, who has had extensive experience with non-focused ultrasound technology such as VASER Shape, says one
of the main differences between Liposonix and VASER Shape is the amount of pain associated with the procedures. Due
to the high intensity of focused ultrasound in Liposonex, there is discomfort during the procedure. "The greatest
advantage of non-focused ultrasound such as VASER Shape, is that the procedure is completely painless. It feels like a
gentle heat, similar to a hot stone message," explains Dr. Samuels, "If it ever heats up to the point that the patient gets a
little uncomfortable, it’s not nearly the degree of the discomfort they would feel with a focused ultrasound device."
Actual VASER Shape Results of Dr. Julene B. Samuels
5 Treatments of Trunk, 4 Treatments of Thighs: Lost 7.5" from waist, 2.6" from hips and 2" from thighs
One of the benefits of using ultrasound energy, either focused or non-focused, to treat fat is its ability to penetrate more
deeply than other non-surgical body contouring procedures. According to Dr. Samuels, "We can penetrate to depth of six
centimeters or more, even up to 10-centimeters into the body which is why ultrasound is ideal for fat reduction because it
can work on muscles and deeper tissues."
Being a non focused ultrasound device, VASER Shape can address a broader area verses a focused ultrasound device such
as Liposonix, in which a beam is focused to one spot on the body. "VASER Shape is a more flexible device in that you can
achieve skin tightening, which is important for cellulite or for areas of loose skin and you have settings that you can use
to address deeper and superficial fat," states Dr. Samuels.
Actual VASER Shape Results of Dr. Julene B. Samuels
4 Treatments of Abdomen: Lost 4.5" from waist, 6" from hips
Another difference between VASER Shape and Liposonix is currently, Liposonix has been FDA-cleared for waist
circumference reduction. According to the manufacturer, the treatment typically yields a loss of 2.5-cm or 1-inch around
the waist. VASER Shape, which has been approved for use to treat many parts of the body and is also used for cellulite
reduction and skin tightening.
.
"Most people have a combination of fat, cellulite, and loose skin that they want to get rid of," states Dr. Samuels, "Some
people have thin fat and some may have thick fat but VASER Shape can treat skin laxity, the appearance of cellulite,
superficial fat or deep fat. In my opinion, it is more comfortable than a focused ultrasound device but not only that, it gets
the same results quickly."
Actual VASER Shape Results of Dr. Julene B. Samuels
4 Treatments of Abdomen: Lost 4.5" from waist, 6" from hips
Dr. Samuels says the best candidate for VASER Shape is an individual who has a bit of loose skin, may have stretch marks
and unwanted soft fat vs. hard fat. "VASER Shape delivers a change in circumferential measure due to tightening of the
skin and softening of the fat and then slowly, the softened fat melts away," states Dr. Samuels. She recommends patients
undergo a series of 4 VASER Shape sessions per target area to get the best results.
"We just conducted a study in which we looked at data from 12 clinical sites and we looked at our data from our first 175
patients," describes Dr. Samuels, "After the first treatment, most patients lost between half an inch to 1-inch immediately.
After the 4 recommended treatments, average loss was 2-3 inches in the waist, 1-2 inches in the thighs or arms. With
additional treatments, we’ve had some patients lose an excess of 5-or 6-inches."
According to the manufacturer, after 1 Liposonix treatment, patients can expect a loss of one 1- or 2.5-cm not inches from
the waist compared to VASER Shape which has an average loss of 1- to 2-inches.
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