I hope you have been re-connecting with friends and family, may be socializing more, and focusing on the true meaning of the season.
This month, I’m writing one of my “savvy consumer” articles. The topic is liposuction, a popular procedure at this time of year. I’d like to bring you the results of a new survey that confirms the enduring value of an old standby—traditional liposuction.

The prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons (which I belong to) asked 1,700 of its members which fat-removal they preferred.

Most board-certified plastic surgeons preferred the original fat-removal method that’s been around for decades, commonly called “traditional liposuction.”

The exact numbers:

• 51.4% preferred suction-assisted liposuction (traditional liposuction).
• 23% preferred power-assisted liposuction (traditional).
• 20.9% preferred ultrasound-assisted liposuction (traditional).
• 3.9% preferred laser-assisted liposuction.

I’m giving you these details to counter a marketing blitz I’ve been seeing for so-called “minimal-impact” fat-removal. There are two kinds:

• Laser-assisted liposuction—sold under brand names like Vaser, SmartLipo, etc. These apply laser energy directly to fat cells under the skin.
• Non-invasive fat-removal treatments such as Mesotherapy, Zeltiq and Zerona. Here, fat is encouraged to leave the body metabolically after being treated in a variety of ways.

Both are touted as being less traumatic than traditional liposuction. In my professional opinion, these are technologies in evolution, and I’m not convinced yet. I’ve avoided bringing them into my practice despite pressure from the manufacturers.

Why have I avoided laser-assisted lipo? For one reason: it’s too traumatic. Burning fat under the skin is hardly a “low-impact” approach. Apparently, the majority of plastic surgeons agree with me. The ASPS survey reports that: Fewer than 4% of practicing plastic surgeons believe in emulsifying fat with lasers while performing liposuction. Who, then, is performing laser-assisted liposuction? It seems we hear about it everywhere, particularly on websites that rave about its safety and results. Mostly it’s performed by physicians in other fields like dermatology, family practice, Ob-Gyn, etc. Since you don’t need board certification to practice liposuction, it can be done by people untrained in body contouring. Some practitioners literally take weekend courses to learn this modality. In the ASPS survey, the least popular and credible treatments were the so-called “non-invasive” fat removal methods. All of them combined were preferred by only 0.8% of those surveyed. Despite this resounding vote of no-confidence, non-invasive fat removal treatments continue to be marketed under a variety of brand names. The latest is Zerona. Zerona is a low-level laser that is said to emulsify fat. Its proponents claim that when it’s combined with exercise, niacin, hydration, massage and diet restriction, the body naturally and painlessly eliminates the emulsified fat. Unfortunately, science does not support Zerona’s claims. Zerona’s 635nm laser cannot penetrate the skin. Therefore, it cannot have any effect on fat cells. The loss of “inches and pounds,” if any, comes from the niacin supplement drink, diet and exercise plans patients must follow while receiving treatment.

You have to ask yourself: Why is it that modalities like Laser Lipo and Zerona are practically never offered by board-certified plastic surgeons—the physicians whose medical training is all about the art of molding shape and form? And why are these treatments mostly promoted by physicians whose primary specialty has nothing to do with body contouring?

More to the point: Why would anyone subject themselves to a marginal procedure performed by a minimally trained practitioner?

My guess is these treatments appeal to people who have heard stories about bruising and discomfort from liposuction, and some patients will do anything to avoid it.

But often, the stories come about because liposuction is sometimes performed by unqualified individuals, is not done in the right setting, or is performed improperly. Lately, we have heard of major problems from people having extensive fat injections, mainly to the buttocks. Done right, these procedures can give beautiful improvements and are safe. As a surgeon, I know there are risks, and discuss this with my patients before surgery.

That’s why I advise everyone to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon about liposuction, or any procedure that alters facial or bodily form. Don’t accept substitutes, and don’t take a chance on physicians who have taken weekend courses to learn what plastic surgeons go to school and train for years to master.

Why waste time and money on trendy solutions to fat removal?

There’s really no reason to take risks when a safe, proven method is close to hand.

If you have any questions about fat-removal, or want to discuss your own frustrations in this area, I’m always available for a consultation.

Feel free to share this article with your family and friends.