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Body Shaping Technology 2008-04-10 Dear Dr. Proskiw; I’m 34 years old and exercise regularly. I am not overweight, but despite watching my weight, exercising regularly and eating properly have two small areas on my thighs with cellulite. My lower abdomen also has an area with excess fat below my belly button. I don’t want liposuction but wonder if there are any other treatment options available to me. Answer: There are new non surgical treatments known as Body Shaping Technology which can substantially improve the areas you describe when exercise and diets are not enough. I find your question particularly common this time of year as people want to get in good bathing suit shape. Certainly liposuction is an option but surgical procedures have inherent risks that many people are not willing to take. Question: What are these newer options and what are they called? Answer: Body Shaping treatments include simple massaging machines and ultrasound or radiofrequency devices. These devices all can break down fat cell units in various ways. Massaging “endermologie”technology has been available for many years and gives variable results. In my opinion these “endermologie” machines only work with weight loss and exercise programs and there are better technologies available today. Radiofrequency devices like the Accent by Nexgen lasers and Thermage have been shown to “melt and contract fat” because they create heat in the fatty layer thereby destroying fatty structures. Ultrasound devices are new and still have to prove their efficacy. Radiofrequency devices have been out for the past 3-5 years and have proven to be very effective for the slightly overweight to fit patient who is healthy and likes to exercise. Radiofrequency devices work by vibrating the water molecules in the fat cells, creating heat, and thereby melting the fat. Some physicians combine Accent and Thermage treatments with injections that further melt fat cells. I have seen dramatic results using this combination. Question: What kind of down time can I expect with these treatments? Answer: Accent and Thermage treatments do not cause downtime for the patient since the treatments are performed at personalized weekly intervals that treat your affected area(s) gradually. The treatments feel like a warm to hot massage and therefore are well tolerated. You can usually resume normal activities immediately after each treatment session. Each session is booked at your convenience and performed in a medically supervised office. Question: Do I have to watch my sun exposure or limit my exercise program if I decide to have Accent treatments? Answer: No. Accent and Thermage do not treat the surface of the skin like a laser. Therefore you should resume normal activities immediately following each treatment session. If you have further questions about these body shaping technologies please contact your Aesthetic Medicine professional. Recommended Links: http://www.aestheticsolutions.ca/procedures/accent.htm

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