Scott C. Young, MD

Your question about options for breast reconstruction after radiation treatments for breast cancer is a good one. Breast reconstruction after radiation can be done, and I believe the best option is to have fat grafting for reconstruction. The fat grafts can help to reverse the radiation damage. This is probably because fat grafts have many stem cells in them.

Vaser liposuction is less effective than SmartLipo. SmartLipo use lasers to vaporize fat and shrink loose skin. Vaser liposuction, on the other hand, only adds mechanical power to move the liposuction cannula to and fro more quickly. In my option, there is no advantage for the patient.

We have found SmartLipo to be a very effective treatment for the hips, with very low risk to the patient. If the skin is not loose, then conventional liposuction may be adequate.

There are many non-surgical options for skin tightening. At our practice, we choose the best treatment based on a personal consultaiton and a skin assessment. For patients exhibiting the early signs of aging, I recommend Thermage CPT, which uses radio frequency to tightening the skin. Another treatment option --the Elite MPX Yag laser -- can help soften fine lines and tighten the skin also. The type of treatment that is effective for you will depend upon your skin type. There are many options available, which allow patients to customize the treatment for aging skin.

I look at the skin care regimine as a primary tool to maintain the health of the skin and keep up a youthful appearance.  We recommend SkinCeuticals, whose products contain the three fundamental elements --prevention, protection, and correction. Their products are designed to prevent future damage, protect healthy skin, and correct previous damage. But when lines or sagging starts to show, radio frequency or non-ablative laser can help.

When you ask the difference between the many varieties of liposuction, it is important to realize that no matter which method a physician prefers, it is the experience and knowledge of the surgeon that must be the primary consideration. I do believe that SmartLipo can give superior results to traditional liposuction on the abdomen because more fat can be removed. And SmartLipo shrinks the skin as well. The SmartLipo Triplex actually vaporizes the fat with its three different lasers. It does not just attempt to mechanically suction the fat.