VANCOUVER, Wash. - PeaceHealth Medical Group - Plastic Surgery is introducing two revolutionary new fat-fighting procedures to the Portland-Vancouver area this month, each offering a non-surgical method for destroying unwanted fat cells.
"It's an exciting time for patients," said plastic surgeon Allen Gabriel, M.D., of the two new procedures. "These new treatments approach removal of unwanted adipose (fat) in a whole new way, without the use of surgery."
VANQUISH
PeaceHealth's new Vanquish system will debut on Monday, July 27. Featured on many nationally broadcast health programs, Vanquish is expected to be met with pent-up local demand.
"This is an extraordinary new way to deal with excess fat," said Manish Champaneria, M.D., of PeaceHealth Medical Group. "Rather than remove fat surgically, the new Vanquish system allows us to attack fat at is weakest point - its cellular structure. We have found that we can dissolve fat cells by heating them to a specific temperature without damaging surrounding healthy cells."
The Vanquish system is non-invasive, and uses a series of panels suspended approximately an inch above the skin. The panels emit low frequency radio waves, which warm the fat cells enough to cause cell death without damage to skin or muscle. Research shows that heating adipose tissue to 45deg C with radiofrequency energy causes a 60 percent loss of cell viability.
"Fat cells are denser and hold less water than surrounding skin and muscle cells," said Dr. Champaneria. "The heat destroys the fat cells. The dead cells are then filtered through the lymphatic system, metabolized in the liver, and excreted in the urine. It's quite amazing."
The Vanquish system is a complement to, but not a replacement for traditional fat removal methods including liposuction.
"Vanquish appears most appropriate for patients battling their annoying spare tires and muffin tops," said Dr. Champaneria. "Patients can anticipate losing up to four inches off their waist size, and the loss of two to three pounds of fat. The fat loss won't be as dramatic as with liposuction, which can remove larger volumes. However, with Vanquish the patient won't have the added concerns that come with surgery and anesthesia."
Besides the abdomen, Vanquish can also be used to eliminate unwanted fat on legs, upper back, arms and bra line.
KYBELLA
Patients with moderate to severe submental fat (double chin) can now benefit from a new treatment called Kybella which was just approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults with moderate-to-severe fat below the chin, known as submental fat
"Kybella is identical to the deoxycholic acid that is already produced by our bodies," said Dr. Gabriel. "Deoxycholic acid helps the body absorb fats. When Kybella is injected into fatty tissue, it causes lysis - destroying the fat cell membrane. The fat cell then releases its contents, and the body metabolizes those fatty contents as normal."
Kybella is administered by direct injection into the fat tissue in the submental area. Patients may receive up to 50 injections in a single treatment. It may take up to six single individuals treatments spaced at least one month apart to achieve maximum results.
The safety and effectiveness of Kybella for treatment of submental fat were established in two clinical trials which enrolled 1,022 adult participants with moderate or severe submental fat. Participants were randomly assigned to receive Kybella or a placebo for up to six treatments. The results showed that reductions in submental fat were observed more frequently in participants who received Kybella versus placebo.
Patients interested in learning more about Vanquish or Kybella can contact PeaceHealth Medical Group - Plastic Surgery at (360) 514-1010 or visit www. swplasticsurg.com.
About Kybella
Kybella is the first and only approved non-surgical treatment for reduction of submental fullness, a common yet under-treated aesthetic condition. Kybella is manufactured by Kythera Biopharmaceuticals Inc.
About Vanquish
Vanquish is a contactless, non-invasive fat removal treatment. It has been featured on numerous local and national TV programs, including The View, The Doctors, RealSelf and Dr. Oz.