One of the most popular procedures performed by Raúl P. Rodriguez, M.D. at LipoBody Sculpture of Texas is Advanced Liposuction. Smartlipo and Vaser Lipo are the latest advancements in removing unwanted fat deposits with fast results, little or no

downtime, and no general anesthesia. Dr. Rodriguez applies his 23 years of laser experience to the first FDA approved Smartlipo laser device that melts fat pockets under the skin through an opening slightly larger than a pinhole.

The thin laser fiber also tightens the overlying skin, leaving a smoother appearance than with traditional tumescent liposuction.

This new form of liposuction is performed in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia. It’s so effective that patients walk out of the office 30 minutes after the procedure and are back to work in one to two days. But how does Dr. Rodriguez accomplish this? Before melting and removing the fat, Dr. Rodriguez infuses a saline fluid with anesthetic directly into the unwanted fat to avoid pain during the procedure and in the days that follow, allowing you to resume normal activity more quickly. Often the patient experiences only minimal bruising, and no strong narcotic medicines are necessary afterwards. Advanced liposuction procedures like SmartLipo or Vaser Lipo provide rapid results with minimal downtime, which is appealing to many, especially those with busy schedules.

Smartlipo and Vaser Lipo provide quicker, precise body sculpting results while answering most of the concerns that people have with traditional liposuction of unwanted fat deposits. “Even large quantities of fat can be removed through an opening slightly larger than a pin hole,” says Dr. Rodriguez who also cautions. “But you should never look at this as a weight loss operation. It’s body sculpting.”

After age 30, many people tend to add fat according to genetic predetermined patterns. These genetics are resistant to most diet and exercise. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and childbirth or with peri-menopause (in women) and andropause (in men) may also play a role in the places your body accumulates and stores fat. In many cases, liposuction is the only way to change the body silhouette.

“It’s not just about taking fat away, but about

creating beautiful proportions in three dimensions,” says Dr. Rodriguez. This is why he prefers to use the term “liposculpture” rather than liposuction.

“The fat you leave is much more important than the fat you take,” he says.

Dr. Rodriguez is considered to be one of the country’s leading experts in cosmetic fat removal. His appearance in 2003 with Barbara Walters on ABC News 20/20 created national interest in mesotherapy fat dissolving injections, now commonly called “lipodissolve.” Dr. Rodriguez helped bring this non-surgical fat reduction treatment from France where its popularity attracted celebrities like Madonna, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Roberta Flack.

“Many people seek out lipodissolve injections as a kinder, gentler alternative to traditional

liposuction,” says Dr. Rodriguez. “Smartlipo or Vaser Lipo are far better alternatives than lipodissolve injections for most body sculpting, since they give faster and consistent results while answering most of the concerns that people have with traditional liposuction.”

When asked the commonly posed question: “Does the fat re-accumulate elsewhere on the body after someone has liposuction?” Dr. Rodriguez responds, “If you continue to collect “loose change” (excess calories you are not spending), your body will have to store it in the previously empty pockets that did not need lipo." Laser or Vaser liposculpture are a dream come true for those people that take care of their bodies, eat right, and exercise. In

those situations, you can expect to keep your new body for many years to come.”

Dr. Rodriguez is frequently called upon by patients to repair or smooth out liposuction irregularities from prior procedures done elsewhere—Revision Liposuction.

He has also trained other physicians across the country in the techniques he uses.

Dr. Rodriguez is a native of Havana, Cuba but grew up in Dallas. After graduating from St. Mark’s School of Texas, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Tulane University in New Orleans before returning to Dallas to attend the prestigious University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, where he received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Society of Liposuction Surgery, is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Mesotherapy. Dr. Rodriguez has two offices. Dallas’ office is located in North Dallas in Greenville Medical Tower on Greenville Avenue. Houston’s office is just south of Memorial Drive on Waugh Drive.

www.lipobodysculpture-dallas-houston.comhttp://drraulrodriguez.com

In many cases, liposuction is the only way to change the body’s silhouette. “It’s not just about taking fat away, but about creating beautiful proportions in three dimensions,” says Dr. Rodriguez.

“Smartlipo is a far better alternative than lipodissolve injection for most body sculpting, since it gives faster and consistent results… a dream come true for those people that take good care of their bodies, eat right, and exercise.”

Smartlipo provides rapid results with minimal downtime, which is appealing to many, especially those with busy schedules.

HAS FAT MET ITS MATCH?Smartlipo (Laser lipolysis) and Vaser Liposuction Make Fat Removal Easy

This new form of liposuction is performed in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia. It’s so effective that patients walk out of the office 30 minutes after the procedure and are back to work in one to two days.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What is SmartLipo?SmartLipo is a remarkable method for removing unwanted body fat through a low-pain, highly efficient process. Instead of the bulky tubes and uncomfortable office visits required of traditional liposuction, SmartLipo utilizes smaller instruments and specialized technology to zap fat cells for contouring and reshaping areas of the body including the abdomen, love handles, backs, thighs, hips, knees, arms, neck, jowls, and chin. The SmartLipo laser is the first and only available FDA-approved laser device to rupture the membranes of the fat cells, which allows for the absorption and elimination process of excess adipose cells.

How does SmartLipo work?Through a special laser similar to that used in cataract surgery, fat cells are targeted and the heat energy literally dissolves the cells on contact. A gentle suction then siphons the dissolved fat out of the body. A very small percentage is retained, absorbed into the body, and excreted as waste within 24 hours. Worries about the safety of the laser should be quelled, if the doctor is experienced and knowledgeable in laser physics.

What is Vaser Lipo? Is it different than traditional liposuction?Vaser Lipo is a minimally invasive procedure that precisely and efficiently removes unwanted body fat. An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, Vaser Lipo uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology designed to gently reshape your body.

What distinguishes the Vaser Lipo procedure is its ability to differentiate targeted fat from other important tissues – such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Innovative VASER technology breaks up fat while conserving these other important tissues. Only the Vaser Lipo procedure uses the proprietary VASER System to first liquefy fat and then remove

it from the body to promote smooth results and rapid healing with only low to minimal pain.

What happens during Vaser Lipo?First, the area to be reshaped is filled with a special saline solution that helps numb the site and shrink the blood vessels (to minimize blood loss and reduce bruising). This solution wets and fills the area to be treated, making it easier to break up fatty tissue with the Vaser Lipo System’s ultrasound energy. Then a small probe transmits sound energy (similar to that used for cataract removal from the eye) to fragment fatty tissue on contact while leaving other important tissues largely intact. Finally, the liquefied fat is removed through a gentle suction process designed to minimize damage to surrounding tissues.

What are the common areas for SmartLipo or Vaser Lipo Procedure?SmartLipo or Vaser Lipo has the advantage of being able to treat small areas such as face, knees, anterior axillary fat pads (fatty pooch in front of armpits), forearms and the upper abdomen that have previously proven unsuitable with conventional liposuction equipment. With the introduction of laser lipo or Vaser Lipo, treatment of small areas are now possible due to the size of the cannulas which are thinner than a strand of pasta, some measuring less than 1mm in diameter. This allows treatment of the localized pockets of fat in previously hard to reach areas and can reduce up to 500mls (over one quart) of fat per area in a single SmartLipo or Vaser Lipo procedure session. This makes it ideal for problem areas such as double chins, jowls, love handles and male breast tissue (gynecomastia).

Using the finer, more delicate instruments, Vaser Lipo can correct irregularities left over from previous liposuction operations in a matter of minutes.

Larger areas traditionally treated with tumescent liposuction can also be reduced more effectively by melting the fat and tightening the skin prior to aspirating (sucking) the fat with Smartlipo or Vaser Lipo. Depending on the areas and the size of the patient, sometimes over five liters of fat can be removed from the body in just one day.

Is Vaser Lipo right for me?If you are frustrated by the resistance of certain body areas to diet and exercise, Vaser Lipo can provide a solution. If you are healthy and seeking a fast, low-pain solution for losing stubborn fat deposits,

the Vaser Lipo procedure could be your answer. Patients who say they would have never considered liposuction are now finding the Vaser Lipo procedure is a minimally invasive option for the achievement of their body reshaping goals. Although there are limits to the amount of fat that can be removed, your surgeon can assist you with your decision about potential areas for contouring, anticipated results, and the recovery process.

What will happen during my visits with Dr. Raul Rodriguez?Prior to your actual procedure, you will need to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Rodriguez. During this visit you will discuss your goals for the Vaser Lipo and your expectations. You will also need to share your medical history and other relevant information. You will be asked to bring all medications and supplements you are taking, including fat burning pills. After your medical examination, Dr. Rodriguez will inform you of the realistic expectations you can achieve based on your initial body state and the lifestyle modifications you plan to make.

It is important to recognize that though Vaser Lipo is highly effective, it is only appropriate for patients wishing to lose fat bulges in isolated areas to sculpt a better contour. Vaser Lipo will not provide satisfactory results for persons needing to lose significant amounts of weight -- such patients require alternate methods for weight loss. Dr. Rodriguez will counsel you on the method that is most appropriate.

What is the cost of Vaser Lipo Procedure?Fees for Smartlipo or Vaser Lipo in the Houston or Dallas area are dependent upon the size of the treated area and the number of areas to be treated. It can range from $3500 to $4500 per area. After your consultation and examination, a more specific costing can be advised.

Raul P. Rodriguez, M.D.Cosmetic Surgery

Aesthetic Medicine

Houston area call 713-523-2500 Dallas & Fort Worth areas

call 214-234-0413

Click on the link below to view the Vaser Patient Video:

www.LipoBodySculpture-Dallas-Houston.com