The beaches are calling your name and the perfect swimsuit sits in your closet — but do you feel ready to be seen in it? Sure, you can still enjoy the sun's rays even if you are not entirely happy with your physical appearance, but why not give yourself the opportunity to be truly excited when you look in the mirror or step out for a day by the ocean? Dr. Hoffman has spoken with many women and men who diligently follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly but cannot seem to rid themselves of the loose skin and extra fat deposited in their midsection.

There are many different options for slimming down using cosmetic procedures. A very common question from our patients is, "Which one is the best for me? Would Zerona be enough? Can liposuction give me the best result or do I need a tummy tuck?" These are questions that will be individually addressed and discussed when you come in for your complimentary consultation. In this issue, we would like to highlight the three major options for slimming areas so you have a better idea of what is available, what to expect, and which options will address your needs.

ZERONA™
During the May 16^th episode of Dr. Oz, a visiting expert discussed the ZERONA™ body sculpting system, a new technology that can painlessly "melt" inches off your abdominal area, thighs, hips and waist without any discomfort at all. Even though unsightly bulges can cause daily frustration, many of us are not ready for a surgical procedure. Unlike liposuction, which is done in an operating room, Zerona is a non-invasive laser treatment, which is performed in our Palo Alto office. The Erchonia Laser specifically targets subcutaneous fat, which is then absorbed and eliminated by the body's natural process. This process of six to nine 40-minute sessions, combined with specialized supplements and strict adherence to a diet and exercise protocol, has proven to be effective in losing inches in targeted areas. To learn more about Zerona, contact our office. You can also visit Erchonia's website at http://www.myzerona.com/.



LIPOSUCTION
Liposuction is the most requested procedure that Dr. Hoffman performs. Liposuction can eliminate areas of fat that have been resistant to a healthy diet and regular exercise, and it can also jump-start a new lifestyle. Many people come in asking about specific brands or techniques and we have many of them! There are different techniques that Dr. Hoffman can utilize for each individual in order to provide the best result for their body.

Basically, liposuction involves the removal of fat from the body by injecting a saline-type solution into the area to break up the fat cells and then gently remove them from the specified areas. To give each area the smoothest and most contoured appearance, an additional process may be added. Smartlipo™ is a laser technology that melts the fat cell and tightens the skin. This gives wonderful results anywhere on the body and is particularly useful on the abdomen where a smooth, flat surface is crucial. Vaser or Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction is another process that utilizes ultrasound to disrupt and break up dense fat in areas such as the upper back and "bra rolls." This modality is particularly beneficial in men as they tend to have thicker, more fibrous fat. The BodyJet is another process that uses water to gently break up fat with the suctioning process, making it very useful in fat collection and transfer to other areas such as the buttocks or those annoying "parenthesis" lines of the face. At your consultation, your personal consultant and Dr. Hoffman can determine the best technology for your needs.

ABDOMINOPLASTY
For some, abdominoplasty, known by most people as a tummy tuck, can provide that smooth, toned look that we all envy, with no extra bags and bulges. The most common cause of the exercise-resistant belly bulge is a loss of skin elasticity, which we frequently see in women who have been pregnant or in individuals who have lost significant weight. No matter how hard you work to develop and maintain your abdominal muscles, if there is an excess of droopy skin and stubborn subcutaneous fat on the abdomen, it is impossible to see the muscles underneath.

When Dr. Hoffman meets with a potential abdominoplasty patient, he evaluates the patient's personal needs and unique physiology to determine the best surgical plan. If it is decided that both the upper and lower abdomen are in need of surgical contouring, then Dr. Hoffman will perform a full tummy tuck; if only the lower abdomen needs to be addressed, then a "mini" tummy tuck may be preferable. In either case, the surgery starts with an incision just below the panty line, where Dr. Hoffman can access and repair weak tissues and remove extra fat and skin. Further, tumescent liposuction or newer techniques such as Smartlipo™ may be used to obtain optimum results. Within a few weeks of the surgery, and after plenty of rest, swelling will resolve and you will begin to see a slimmer, firmer shape.

After losing a large amount of weight, many people find themselves faced with a new challenge. The pounds have been shed, but the skin that was once stretched to accommodate a larger body is still there, and this sagging excess tissue can make it very difficult to appreciate all the hard work that goes into any weight loss transformation.

People of all ages can benefit from a post-weight loss surgical makeover, but younger patients generally experience more seamless results simply because younger skin tends to be more elastic and adaptive, so any scars will be less noticeable and skin will be tighter and smoother. If you, or someone you know, needs information about surgery after weight loss, do not hesitate to contact us for a complimentary consultation.

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