Patients who have trouble spots or problem areas of fat now have a non-surgical option: the Vaser Shape from Sound Surgical. As seen on San Francisco Channel 7 ABC News, the Vaser Shape uses ultrasound technology to heat the fat cells to a point of liquefaction, which is then expelled by the body's natural processes.
Vaser Shape: Non-Invasive Body Contouring
Image Courtesy of San Francisco Channel 7 ABC News
"This is a dual-headed, ultrasonic externalized treatment that treats underlying fat," says plastic surgeon Dr. R. Laurence Berkowitz, M.D. The Vaser Shape works by combining two ultrasonic signals which penetrate and meet under the skin to heat the fat cells but without burning skin. And while it is not a substitute for liposuction, Dr. Berkowitz says it is effective for trimming small areas of fat on the body.
"The front of the knees, the thighs, the lower abdomen that's not quite enough fat to warrant liposuction," says Berkowitz.
The Vaser Shape delivers ultrasound through a handheld device which is placed directly over the area to be treated. Dr. Berkowitz also uses an external heat gauge to monitor the patient's skin temperature to prevent burns and generate the optimal amount of heat below to liquify fat cells, which are then eliminated through the patient's liver and lymphatic system.
While results will vary, Vaser Shape is best for spot fat reduction and results will not be as dramatic as liposuction. The procedure consists of a series of 5 treatments, spread out over several weeks and total cost is approximately $2,500.
