Liposuction

How Does CoolSculpting Work?

June 10, 2017 by The LASSI

Some bulges of body fat are really stubborn. Even with a proper diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle, there are still a few problem areas that just don’t seem to respond well. You can blame genetics, but you don’t have to live with it. If you are tired of working hard and not seeing results, it might be time to get a little help from the professionals. And while you may think that liposuction is the only surefire way to rid yourself of pesky, unwanted fat, you’d be wrong. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive alternative to liposuction. It can help freeze off unwanted fat to reveal the slimmer, more contoured body that you seek. You’re probably skeptical, and we don’t blame you. How does CoolSculpting work? This article will answer common questions and help put your skepticism to rest.

How does CoolSculpting work?

CoolSculpting uses a specialized fat freezing technology called cryolipolysis; this process targets and eliminates unwanted fat cells by using a low temperature that targets only fat cells, leaving surrounding tissue untouched. After a few treatments, most patients see a noticeable reduction in fat. Some even see results after just one treatment. This is all without any scalpels or needles.

How does CoolSculpting work when compared to liposuction?

Rather than making an incision to physically extract excess fat, cryolipolysis utilizes a machine to target and freeze specific areas of fat without surgery. No surgery means less recovery time, less pain and no scarring. Results happen over the long term, and while you may not notice an immediate difference, your body will transform over time as the fat cells are steadily eliminated from your body.

How does CoolSculpting work compared to other non-surgical body contouring treatments?

CoolSculpting is the only non-surgical liposuction alternative that utilizes crylipolysis. Other FDA-approved devices use heat or laser to melt away fat. While these are useful as an alternative to liposuction and have shown good results, the risk of damaging surrounding tissue is higher with heating. CoolSculpting is also the only device approved to treat the double chin and some other areas of the body, giving you more options with cryolipolysis than fat melting methods offer.

FDA-Approved Treatment Areas for CoolSculpting

Is CoolSculpting safe? CoolSculpting is FDA approved to treat a variety of areas where stubborn fat bulges tend to hide. This includes the arms, double chin, thighs, tummy, love handles, bra bulge, back fat, and buttocks. New treatment areas are being approved all the time, and clinical trials show that CoolSculpting really does work to reduce unwanted fat without surgery.

How Does CoolSculpting Work? Find Out for Yourself!

Does CoolSculpting work for everyone? No treatment is right for all patients, so it’s important to have a consultation with providers you can trust, like the aesthetic providers at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana. Contact us for a consultation today and find out more. Our friendly and professional staff is more than happy to speak with you and work out a specialized plan to get the results you’re looking for.

CoolSculpting for Arms

May 26, 2017 by The LASSI

The dreaded “bat wings.” Do you have them? If your upper arms have a noticeable sag despite the number of bicep curls you complete at the gym, then consider trying CoolSculpting for arms. The #1 non-surgical alternative to liposuction, CoolSculpting gained national and international recognition for its ability to eliminate belly fat and love handles and has quickly grown to accommodate more treatment areas. Arm fat is just the latest in a series of treatment areas that have been FDA-approved, and we’re pleased to announce that the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana was the FIRST medical practice in Indiana to offer the new applicator for arms. We’re excited to tell you all about this new treatment, so keep reading to learn more and find out if CoolSculpting is right for you!

CoolSculpting for Arms: How does CoolSculpting work?

While liposuction and brachioplasty surgeries have been around for years, CoolSculpting for arms is a new treatment option for the smooth, toned arms you’ve always wanted without surgery. FDA approved CoolSculpting uses advanced cooling technology to freeze away unwanted fat just about anywhere on the body. With the new CoolSculpting for arms applicator, we are able to target smaller areas of the body and complete a treatment in only 35 minutes; this is much faster than with larger treatment areas that typically take 1 hour to perform.

CoolSculpting is a system designed to break down unwanted fat almost anywhere on the body. The FDA approved it for those who have a Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 30 or less. When you have a CoolSculpting treatment, it can minimize the appearance of stubborn fat bulges that won’t respond to diet and exercise.

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical treatment option that takes advantage of a technique known as cryolipolysis. With this technique, your provider freezes the fat beneath the areas of your body that you want to be treated. This destroys fat cells permanently. Once frozen, fat cells die off, and your body’s lymphatic system eliminates them.

indiana coolsculpting for arms — Individual results may vary from person to person.

It usually takes a few treatments to see results, but most people report that CoolSculpting triggers a noticeable decrease in unwanted bulge. In addition, these fat cells will never come back, which means that you’ll enjoy long-term results without facing surgery or needles.

Even people who eat properly and exercise have areas on their body that maintain sections of fat. This is often hereditary. Before your CoolSculpting treatment, you will have a consultation with our team to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

Try CoolSculpting for Arms and Other Areas of Unwanted Fat at the LASSI

If you’re looking for CoolSculpting in Indianapolis, then look no further than the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana. At the LASSI, we specialize in a variety of cosmetic treatments, including CoolSculpting for arms, double chin, belly fat, and other treatment areas. Our founder, Dr. C. William Hanke, is a leader in tumescent liposuction, making him an expert in fat reduction and body contouring. He has a triple professorship and completed his fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic. If you’re interested in CoolSculpting for arms or other treatment areas, contact us for a consultation and find out if CoolSculpting is right for you.

Awake for Liposuction? Tumescent Liposuction Safety

February 15, 2017 by The LASSI

Awake for Liposuction: Why patients are choosing local over general anesthesia

When we think of any type of surgery, we usually picture a patient in a bed who is completely asleep as surgeons perform a procedure. There are well-known exceptions to this, such as cesarean births that provide patients with a spinal that blocks nerve impulses, affecting the sense of touch and ability to move. However, there are a growing number of both medically necessary surgeries and cosmetic surgeries that are exploring local anesthesia over general anesthesia, effectively keeping patients awake for surgery. Tumescent liposuction is no different, keeping patients awake for liposuction surgery. Why are dermatologic surgeons embracing this concept?

Awake for Liposuction and Other Surgeries: How does it work?

As stated above, many surgeries usually require general anesthesia with a few notable exceptions. The most well-known and extensive are c-section births. However, there are other well-known surgeries that use local anesthesia while patients are awake, including mole and skin cancer removals, wisdom tooth extractions, and cyst extractions. However, as these procedures are generally small and less invasive, many patients forget that they are surgeries.

Local anesthesia works by delivering a localized anesthetic to the treatment area. With a mole removal, for example, lidocaine is administered via needle to the treatment area. Once the area is sufficiently numbed, the dermatologic surgeon gets to work removing the mole. The same is true of other surgeries mentioned above, with the exception of c-sections that have anesthesia administered into the spinal column.

Liposuction, being less invasive that a cesarean, also uses local anesthesia that is injected directly into the treatment area. The anesthesia contains a combination of diluted lidocaine and epinephrine, which keeps the patient comfortable while minimizing bleeding. The patient feels no pain but may feel movement and some pressure to the area while the unwanted fat is extracted through a slim cannula that is placed through a very small incision.

Why do patients want to be awake for liposuction?

All surgeries carry risk, but that risk increases when general anesthesia is introduced. Risks associated with general anesthesia include, but aren’t limited to:

Sudden drop in blood pressure
Allergic reaction
Heart Attack
Stroke
Postoperative confusion and stress

These are only some of the risks associated with general anesthesia. In some cases, patients metabolize the anesthesia too quickly, resulting in a patient who wakes during surgery. Other patients have the opposite reaction, where the surgeons have trouble waking the patient once the procedure is completed.

Being awake for liposuction sounds scary. What if I’m nervous?

All surgery carries some anxiety with it, and this is totally normal for patients receiving tumescent liposuction. Dr. C. William Hanke, dermatologic surgeon at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, will be able to provide you with an anti-anxiety medication or sedative to calm your nerves for your procedure.

What do patients say about tumescent liposuction?

The majority of patients find that being awake for liposuction is worth it for the results and the reduction of risks associated with dermatologic surgery. Our primary goal is patient safety and comfort at every step of the process. Our team will ensure that the patient is both emotionally and physically comfortable. Patients report feeling relaxed during the procedure, experience less downtime than with surgeries requiring general anesthesia, and experience less postoperative discomfort.

Not everyone is a good candidate for tumescent liposuction for a number of reasons. Patients who are allergic to lidocaine should not have tumescent liposuction. Other patients would benefit more from a non-surgical procedure such as CoolSculpting or Kybella. Every patient is different and should schedule a consultation to discuss their concerns and desired outcome with our team.

Schedule a Consultation for Fat Reduction in Indianapolis

Dermatologic surgeon Dr. C. William Hanke is a leader in tumescent liposuction, performing countless procedures every year while also lecturing and training other dermatologic surgeons on his techniques. He has also contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications about the trend of being awake for liposuction in addition to other high-profile dermatologic procedures. Our Indianapolis dermatology practice also participated in a clinical trial for Kybella, the first non-surgical double chin treatment to be FDA-approved. Dr. Hanke’s reputation, skill, knowledge, and expertise make him a top choice for patients seeking cosmetic fat reduction in Indiana, and we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team today to find out how we can help you achieve the figure of your dreams.

Who Can Get a Tumescent Liposuction Procedure?

January 13, 2017 by The LASSI

For most of us, the desire to look and feel better by getting rid of unwanted fat doesn’t supersede our need to be safe while undergoing a procedure to do so. If excess fat is causing you to feel uncomfortable about your appearance, consider getting a tumescent liposuction procedure or other contouring treatment. A tumescent liposuction procedure removes stubborn sections of fat that remain despite a healthy diet and regular exercise. While traditional liposuction requires patients to be asleep with general anesthesia, the tumescent option improves patient safety by keeping them awake and utilizing local anesthesia to ensure total patient comfort during surgery.

The tumescent liposuction procedure can be used almost anywhere on the body, including the abdominal area, flanks, back, thighs, upper arms, and especially the double chin. These stubborn pockets of fat are usually caused by genetics and cannot be reduced with diet and exercise alone. Once treated, fat cells are gone for good.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Tumescent Liposuction Procedure?

tumescent liposuction procedure before and after — Individual results may vary from person to person.

You are a good candidate for a tumescent liposuction procedure if you have one or more fat deposits on your body that remain despite your best efforts to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Your candidacy for the procedure also relies on whether your general health is good and you’re committed to a healthy lifestyle. While it’s safer for you to have a procedure with local anesthesia, your body still needs to be healthy enough to undergo surgery. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to local anesthesia, a tumescent procedure is not right for you. Reactions to local anesthesia, however, are rare.

It’s also important to have realistic expectations regarding the results of a tumescent liposuction procedure. Keep in mind that liposuction is not a weight-loss tool, but a contouring procedure that allows you to remove stubborn fat deposits that remain despite a healthy lifestyle.

What’s it Like to Get a Tumescent Liposuction Procedure at the LASSI?

What If I’m Not a Good Candidate for the Tumescent Liposuction Procedure?

If you’re not a good candidate for a tumescent liposuction procedure due to a health condition or simply because you would prefer to avoid surgery, there are alternative options. At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, we provide two of the best non-surgical fat reduction treatments, both of which are FDA approved: CoolSculpting and Kybella.

CoolSculpting Nonsurgical Liposuction Alternative

coolsculpting before and after — Individual results may vary from person to person.

When it comes to non-surgical liposuction alternatives, CoolSculpting has quickly become one of our most popular options. CoolSculpting involves the use of a handheld device that’s designed to freeze and eliminate the fat cells that are located below the skin’s surface. Most people get this procedure to treat love handles, belly fat, thighs, and the rolls that tend to form across the back, beneath the chin, and under the arms.

Kybella, the First FDA-Approved Nonsurgical Double Chin Reduction Treatment

Modern technology is bringing specialized treatments to the cosmetic industry. An example of this is Kybella. The cosmetic product is designed to diminish your double chin without surgery. To do away with your double chin, the injectable substance attacks fat cells in this part of your body, causing them to die off. Your body will naturally remove the dead fat cells. After several treatments, the skin under your chin will become tighter. Once fat cells are eliminated, they are gone for good.

Dr. Hanke of the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana took part in the clinical trials for Kybella, so if you are considering this type of treatment, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re working with someone who has more experience with this product than most other physicians in the area. Kybella is also FDA approved, so you know that it has been thoroughly vetted.

Interested in a Tumescent Liposuction Procedure in Indianapolis?

Is a tumescent liposuction procedure right for you? Whether it’s a liposuction treatment or one of our non-surgical alternatives, the best way to find out if it’s right for you is to schedule a personalized consultation with our board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. C. William Hanke. He will give you a thorough examination and go over your medical history with you to help you determine which treatment is right for your needs and desired outcome. Contact us for a consultation or to learn more about these procedures from our helpful staff in our Indianapolis practice today.

Holiday Beauty Tips

November 14, 2016 by The LASSI

Top Holiday Beauty Tips and Treatments

This time of year, the Internet is full of holiday beauty tips and makeup tutorials for a beautiful holiday season. But that’s not what you’re going to find here! Forget about contouring with makeup, because our holiday beauty tips will give you lasting results in anti-aging and skin care that will leave you looking great long after the makeup wears off. Learn about wrinkle relaxing injectables, dermal fillers, and skin care treatments that will have you looking amazing at your next holiday party.

Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin Wrinkle Relaxers

Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are injectables using the FDA-approved botulinum toxin for cosmetic anti-aging and chronic conditions such as hyperhidrosis and migraines. Before holiday parties, we recommend getting Botox treatments for:

forehead lines
crow’s feet
brow lines
non-surgical brow lift
non-surgical neck lift
hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating)

Cosmetic Dermal Fillers

Facial anti-aging is more than tighter skin and smoothed lines; lost facial volume is responsible for hollow cheeks, thinning lips, and sagging jowls. Fast acting hyaluronic acid fillers restore lost volume, enhance facial features, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and folds. Some of the most popular filler treatments include:

Liquid Facelift: Often used in combination with Botox, a liquid facelift uses fillers to restore lost facial volume, including in the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, cheeks, lips, and even the temples and neck. Results last up to 4 months with Botox and 2 years with fillers. Get your treatments 3-4 weeks prior to a major event. Dr. Hanke utilizes painless cannula techniques for fillers. The results are outstanding and side-effects are infrequent.
Lip Enhancement: Juvederm Volbella and Restylane Silk are specially formulated to provide fuller, more youthful, symmetrical lips with a soft, natural-looking appearance. Results last up to 3-4 months, and we recommend having your treatment 2-3 weeks prior to a big event.
Cheek Augmentation: Some patients have always wanted fuller “apple” cheeks, while others have seen their cheeks “sink” over the years. This is a natural part of the aging process, but thanks to fillers like Juvederm Voluma and Restylane Lyft, you don’t have to live with it. Even better, results can last up to 2 years! Get your cheek fillers at least 2-3 weeks prior to any party or photo shoot.
Under-Eye Rejuvenation: Whether it’s the stress and lack of sleep that comes with the holiday season, or you suffer from allergies, non-surgical under-eye rejuvenation with Restylane can help smooth away dark circles and bags under the eyes. Results last up to 3-4 months. For best results, get your under-eye treatment 3-4 weeks prior to a big event.

Holiday Beauty Tips for Injectable Treatments

If you’re considering Botox or fillers as a pre-holiday cosmetic treatment, follow these tips to recover from your treatments more quickly:

Avoid aspirin and other blood-thinning medications before and after treatment to reduce bleeding and bruising.
Apply ice after treatment to more quickly reduce swelling.
Get your treatment 3-4 weeks prior to your holiday parties and portraits. This provides you with ample time to heal from your treatment and see full results.
Don’t miss your follow-up appointment.
Don’t get injectable treatments for the very first time prior to a major event or photo sitting. If you’ve never had Botox or fillers before, we recommend coming in for your first treatment about 6-7 months prior to ensure your results are as expected.
Don’t drink alcohol for one week before and after your treatment, as alcohol increases bleeding.

Quick-Fix Aesthetic Treatments and Holiday Beauty Tips for Flawless Skin

Need a deep exfoliation or a quick treatment to clear up acne? Looking for holiday beauty tips for better home skin care products? We also provide skin care services in our LASSI Skin aesthetics clinic. Some great treatments to get one week prior to a holiday event include:

Dermaplaning: This deep exfoliating treatment uses a specialized blade in the hands of a licensed aesthetic specialist to “shave” away fine facial hair and dead skin cells, leaving behind a smooth, fresh canvas.
Blemish Injections: Potent cortisone injections are placed directly into blemishes to blast them away quickly and effectively.
Hydrafacial: Also known as hydra-dermabrasion, this deep cleansing facial also delivers potent nutrients to the skin to address common skin concerns.
Chemical Peel: Peel away dead skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines, scars, brown spots, and facial redness.

Get More Holiday Beauty Tips at the LASSI

Are you ready to take advantage of our holiday cosmetic treatments? Are you looking for more holiday beauty tips for a more beautiful and youthful holiday season? Schedule a consultation at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, your premier dermatology destination in Indianapolis for cosmetic injectables and aesthetic services. Our board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. C. William Hanke and our licensed aesthetician Maura Holland are here to help you look more beautiful and youthful for your holiday parties and portraits, and we all look forward to wishing you a very happy holiday season.

Non-Surgical Turkey Neck Lift

November 7, 2016 by The LASSI

Turkey neck, wattle, double chin, dewlap…whatever you call it, unwanted fat and loose skin on the neck can be a pain in the…well…neck! But how can you get rid of the loose hanging skin and extra fat beneath the chin without neck lift surgery or liposuction? For years, patients’ only option was elective surgery; today, however, non-surgical turkey neck lift options are numerous, giving patients more choices in their cosmetic care.

Non-Surgical Turkey Neck Lift Treatments in Indianapolis

At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, we offer patients with loose skin or excess fat on the neck several non-surgical options, including cosmetic injectables and newly FDA-approved non-surgical fat reduction treatments. While these treatments are non-surgical, all procedures are provided by board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. C. William Hanke. This provides patients with the best possible cosmetic results, as Dr. Hanke is an experienced liposuction surgeon and board-certified dermatologist who conducted clinical trials on a few of the treatments discussed below.

Cosmetic Injectables for Neck Rejuvenation

Botox Neck Lift: Botox is commonly used as a localized muscle relaxer, or what is commonly referred to as a wrinkle relaxer. However, Botox is also administered as an off-label solution for neck tightening. When injected into the platysmal bands of the neck, patients see a marked improvement in skin laxity and wrinkling. Results are temporary, lasting 3-4 months. However, most patients say that returning for repeat treatments is worth it to avoid turkey neck lift surgery.

Dermal Fillers for Neck Lines and Tech Neck: For patients who have tight, youthful skin in the neck, but are dealing with horizontal lines associated with tech neck, dermal fillers like Belotero Balance can help. When injected below the skin by a dermatologic surgeon, the thick gel filler plumps up the area to smooth out lines and folds, revealing a smooth, youthful neck.

Non-Surgical Double Chin Reduction

Kybella Non-Surgical Double Chin Injections: Before 2015, the only solution for double chin fat was liposuction. However, after clinical trials were conducted across the United States, including here at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, Kybella was FDA-approved and placed on the market as a non-surgical double chin reduction treatment. After a series of 4-6 treatments provided at one-month intervals, patients see a dramatic reduction in submental fullness.

CoolMini Double Chin Reduction by CoolSculpting: Not long after Kybella received the first ever FDA-approval for non-surgical double chin reduction, CoolSculpting received FDA-clearance for their new CoolMini applicator. Using a technology known as cryolipolysis, CoolSculpting was already a popular choice for non-surgical body contouring to reduce fat around the midsection and thighs. With the addition of the CoolMini applicator, patients now have more choices for double chin reduction.

Seeking a Non-Surgical Turkey Neck Lift in Indianapolis?

Whether you’re looking for a non-surgical solution to correct loose skin, lines, and wrinkles, or just want to eliminate your double chin, there are a variety of turkey neck lift options available here at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana. With options such as Botox, dermal fillers, Kybella, and CoolSculpting, patients can work with Dr. Hanke to determine the best non-surgical turkey neck lift options for them. Contact us for a consultation and start on the path toward a more youthful neck.

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