BALTIMORE – Whether their effectiveness is fact or fiction, non- and minimally-invasive techniques to remove fat are making headlines. But are these procedures really ready to be a part of mainstream plastic surgery? Plastic surgeons will discuss if these are cutting edge new discoveries or just “buyer beware" marketing hype this week at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2007 conference in Baltimore.
“Plastic surgeons may be looking at a new era in cosmetic plastic surgery if non- and minimally-invasive procedures and new technologies to melt unwanted fat are shown to be more effective in the future,” said Brian Kinney, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and panel presenter. “It is important to note that FDA approval is needed prior to introducing new technologies. Liposuction is still the only proven, safe and effective way to remove fat. The next great challenge is to shape, mold and metabolically alter fat for a complete body contouring solution.”
Reducing, shattering and melting fat and cellulite are the buzz words, along with promises of fast and efficient procedures with minimal bruising, swelling and no down-time. Plastic surgeons will look at the science and the hype behind creams, and non- and minimally-invasive ultrasonic lasers, light therapies, and acoustic pulse treatments, such as Liporeductyl®, Theophyllisilane C, Acoustic Wave Therapy™, LipoSonix®, Mesotherapy, Lipodissolve, UltraShape®, and Smartlipo™.
“While there are many promising possibilities, it is important for plastic surgeons to fully evaluate new technologies before recommending them to patients,” said Peter Rubin, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and panel moderator. “Non- and minimally-invasive options may prove useful to achieve moderate differences, with less risk for patients who aren’t ready for surgery, or may be used in combination with surgical options to achieve optimal results.”
More than 302,000 liposuctions were performed in 2006, according to ASPS statistics. In addition, 9.1 million minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures were performed last year, up 66 percent since 2000, illustrating the growing demand for non- and minimally-invasive procedures for all areas of the face and body.
Visit www.plasticsurgery.org for referrals to ASPS Member Surgeons and to learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 6,000 members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises 90 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
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Note: Many of the procedures and technologies presented above are currently under investigation and presented for research and educational purposes. More scientific study is needed to determine efficacy and success rate. The ASPS and the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation do not endorse the procedures or technologies presented in the panels and recommend that any reporting of the presented information be done responsibly with full disclosure of their unproven nature.
The panel “Hot Topics in Plastic Surgery” is being presented Saturday, Oct. 27, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the panel “Non-invasive Body Contouring: Are We There Yet?” is being presented Tuesday, Oct. 30, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore.
Reporters can register to attend Plastic Surgery 2007 and arrange interviews with presenters by registering for the meeting online or by contacting ASPS Public Relations at (847) 228-9900 or in Baltimore, Oct. 27-31 at (410) 649-6205.
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