Liposuction after Age 50- Are you a Candidate? Vaser May Help Skin Tightening,*

The best results with liposuction occur when patients have targeted deposits and good skin tone. Skin tone or elasticity allows retraction of the skin as liposuction results in fat loss but frequently loosening of the targeted areas. Patients with stretch marks, overhanging skin folds or significant pannus development may not be suitable for liposuction alone and might be better suited for excisional procedures such as tummy tuck, body lift, etc. Aging results in loss of skin elasticity. Often liposuction is not the best choice as we age. Deflating the fat can lead to excessive skin laxity and potentially a worse cosmetic result. A variety of techniques and special equipment have been used to overcome some of these challenges. S.A.F.E liposuction is one technique to improve skin retraction. Devices such as SmartLipo and Vaser are energy-based devices designed to alter and tighten the collagen and elastin in the fibers between the skin and deeper structures that are exposed during liposuction. Renuvion is another device used in conjunction with liposuction to do the same thing. This 60 yr. -woman wanted improvement in her abdomen, flanks and thighs. Her skin tone was reasonable. 360-degree Vaser assisted liposuction (using ultrasonic energy) was used to remove just under 5 liters of fat from multiple areas. She is only 2 months out from surgery but very happy with the changes. She is now more motivated to exercise and watch her weight to maximize the result.