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Ultrasonic Cavitation – an Interview with Dr. Larry Nichter

Dr. Larry NichterThe following is an interview between Dr. Larry Nichter, MD, FACS and RealSelf about ultrasonic cavitation, a painless, FDA-approved fat reduction procedure.

How long does it take to see results from ultrasonic cavitation?

Following ultrasonic cavitation assisted liposuction with devices like Liposonix or VASER, normal post-operative edema and swelling tends to be slightly more in my experience during the first 3 days and takes a little bit longer to resolve, however the results are often better than liposuction alone due to skin contraction. It is also very usefult for body sculpting. External ultrasonic fat reduction (e.g. Ultrashape Plus) is painless, and results in significant but less dramatic fat reduction than liposuction. The results can take weeks to months to be seen and usually are part of a series of treatments.

How long do results last?

If your weight is stable, your results will be long lasting – many years to lifetime. I like the analogy: if you had an identical twin and only you were treated you would always look better your entire life. However, please note that hormonal, age and other factors are also associated with increased fat.

How much does ultrasonic cavitation cost?

This is dependent on the experience of the surgeon, geographical location, number of areas treated, if it is performed in the doctors office vs outpatient center, vs hospital, type of anesthesia — local vs IV vs general anesthesia, and finally on the overall operative time.

Does ultrasonic cavitation tighten skin?

Ultrasonic cavitation assisted liposuction can tighten the skin by creating heat which leads to skin contraction. External ultrasonic cavitation (e.g. Ultrashape) focuses its energy.

Does it destroy fat cells?

Yes, this process is called lipolysis. Fat cells are both destroyed as ultrasonic waves cause cavitation which is rapid oscillating sound pressure waves that create microbubbles that can selectively damage the fat cell membrane.

What are the side effects and complications of cavitation?

For ultrasonic cavitation assisted liposuction- side effects include initial swelling may be more significant, and Incisions are slightly larger. Complications include: there is a potential risk of localized thermal burns in addition to the usual risks of liposuction such as seroma (collection of fluid). Side effects from external liposuction cavitation are few and far between and there is essentially no recovery time.

Dr. Larry Nichter featured in Time Magazine’s Article “Nip. Tuck. Or Else.”

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Hitting newsstands today and Monday is an interesting article featuring Dr. Nichter and his patient, written by Joel Stein for Time Magazine, discussing the evolution of cosmetic surgery and it’s undeniable relevance in today’s world. The article titled “Nip. Tuck. Or Else” points out how thanks in part to social media we are now on the red carpet 24/7 posting pictures of ourselves on Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, Vine, and more, so it’s imperative to look our best at all times. The social media frenzy is one reason why there has been a spike in the number of non-invasive procedures performed on the younger demographic.  It can certainly be said that no longer are cosmetic procedures just for the aging population.

Here is the full article – Nip. Tuck. Or Else.”

by Joel Stein 

Time Magazine Plastic Surgery Shoot You’re going to have to do it. And not all that long from now. Probably not a full-on, general-anesthesia bone shaving or muscle slicing.

But almost definitely some injections into your face. Very likely a session of fat melting in some areas and then possibly moving it to some other parts that could use plumping. Not because you hate yourself, fear aging or are vain. You’re going to get a cosmetic procedure for the same reason you wear makeup: because every other woman is.

No, it’s not fair that–in 2015, with a woman leading the race for the Democratic nomination for President–in addition to dieting, coloring your hair, applying makeup and working out, you now have to let some doctor push syringes in your cheeks just to look presentable. It’s not fair that you have to put your surgery on your credit card just so the other moms on the playground don’t overestimate your age. It’s not fair that you may risk your life going under general anesthesia just to keep up.

Then again, maybe it’s not fair that some women are born straight-nosed and full-breasted. That some people don’t have trouble staying thin. That workers with above-average looks will make $230,000 more over their lifetime than people who are in the aesthetic bottom seventh, as a study by University of Texas economics professor Daniel Hamermesh found. Maybe it doesn’t feel fair that a man is writing about this, even if more and more males are starting to feel the same kind of pressure that women have dealt with for decades.

“It’s becoming harder and harder to say no without being read as irrational or crazy,” says Abigail Brooks, the director of women’s studies at Providence College, who recently completed research comparing women who undergo antiaging interventions and those whom she calls “natural agers.” The former group described the latter using phrases like “let herself go” and “not taking good care of herself.” Brooks worries that that pressure is not only exhausting but also keeps women forever 21 emotionally. Continue reading “Dr. Larry Nichter featured in Time Magazine’s Article “Nip. Tuck. Or Else.”” →

Buttock Enhancement is the Hot New Procedure

One of the latest trends in cosmetic surgery is buttock enhancement. The curvaceous backsides of A-list celebrities like J Lo and Kim Kardashian have caused a new wave of patients requesting butt lift surgery. At Dr. Nichter’s practice, Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery, women ranging in age from their 20’s to 40’s are coming to see him about enhancing their buttocks. In most cases, women in their 20’s-30’s are wanting to add volume to obtain a voluptuous derriere like their celebrity favorites. Women in their late 30’s and older are usually wanting to restore volume lost as a result of the natural aging process. In the above video Dr. Nichter talks about butt lift surgery via fat transfer (a.k.a. Brazilian Butt Lift) and implants.

 

Why Does Fat Store in the Abdomen Area?

One of the most common complaints from women seeking liposuction or a tummy tuck is the storage of excess fat in the abdomen. In some cases even through diet and exercise there may still be some unwanted fat pockets. Dr. Nichter provides an explanation as to why fat stores in the abdomen and how a tummy tuck or liposuction can offer a solution to this common problem.