New in My Practice: Devices

NON-SURGICAL OPTION FOR SHAPING STUBBORN MID-SECTION BODY FAT

In each edition, Modern Aesthetics^® asks top aesthetic physicians about the newest devices in their practices. This month, HOWARD SOBEL, MD talks about the VANQUISH DEVICE FROM BTL AESTHETICS. Dr. Sobel is Director of the New York Institute of Aesthetic Dermatology & Laser Surgery in New York City and is an attending dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital.

WHAT IS THE VANQUISH DEVICE? HOW ARE YOU USING IT?

Vanquish is a focused radiofrequency (RF) field system from BTL Aesthetics that is designed for deep tissue heating without contact from the skin. Currently, the device is FDA cleared for deep tissue heating. Its energy flow fine-tunes the energy circuitry to selectively deliver RF to the adipose tissue with its distinctive impedance.

“We find Vanquish is a good non-surgical option for treating and shaping the stubborn mid section of the body—the abdomen and flanks and love handles,” says Dr. Sobel. “The device creates a large footprint so we can treat a large area of the body in one session.”

Dr. Sobel says that in his practice, they are treating just about any patient who is looking for a non-invasive alternative to liposuction, including women and men with pouches or flabby flanks, women who are getting ready for a beach vacation, new moms, post-partum women, men who work out but can't get their abs flattened, etc.

For optimal treatment results, Dr. Sobel says he stresses the need for patients to hydrate before and after treatment. “You should drink eight glasses of water the day before and the day of the treatment,” he explains.

WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN PATIENTS EXPECT? WHAT FEEDBACK HAVE YOU RECEIVED?

“Vanquish's advantages are that the treatment is virtually pain free and comfortable, takes only about 30 minutes in the office, and it's affordable for most of our patients,” Dr. Sobel says. “Results have been consistent, even, and I can achieve not only fat reduction but also shape—similar to what I do with liposuction—on patients who would not be appropriate candidates for liposuction, by using Vanquish. Patients and my office staff are losing inches and seeing more attractive body contours.”

The treatment is well tolerated by patients and there is no downtime, Dr. Sobel says. He also notes that many patients report seeing and feeling a difference within a reasonable amount of time post-treatment, with most patients seeing a 1.5- to 2-inch reduction after four treatments.

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF VANQUISH? WHAT BENEFITS HAS YOUR PRACTICE SEEN WITH THE DEVICE?

“A big plus with Vanquish is that almost all patients are candidates, and treatment is well tolerated. It's safe for patients and easy for the operator,” Dr. Sobel says, adding that he likes that the device has no consumables, and treatment with Vanquish can be combined with other procedures. Some cons, he notes, are that patients who are pregnant or lactating cannot undergo treatment. Also, patients with any metal devices in their bodies, such as stents, hip or knee replacements, hernia, heart valves, pacemaker, etc., are not candidates for treatment.

Dr. Sobel says Vanquish has been a great addition to his successful practice. “I have a tremendous liposuction practice and now I can offer patients who are reluctant to undergo a liposuction a nice alternative that helps them look and feel better about themselves, in their clothes, swimsuits, etc.,” he explains. “We've had good word of mouth about Vanquish and the excitement is spreading without any advertising per say.”