Fat Reduction and Liposuction at DAA Explained

The physicians and providers of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta understand that everybody is different and every body is shaped differently. For that reason, we offer a variety of fat reduction and liposuction procedures that aren’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you just want to tighten loose skin, get rid of excess fat, or do a little of both, we have a body contouring procedure to meet your needs. Our patients often ask about the differences in fat reduction procedures, so we’ve decided to compile an overview so that our cosmetic treatment patients can be more aware of all of their options.

Drs. Griffin and Karempelis have been practicing tumescent liposuction procedures since 1986, a method that’s still often performed today. In fact, a liposuction study published in ASAPS’ Aesthetic Surgery Journal earlier this year stated that 51% of surgeons preferred tumescent liposuction to other techniques. During tumescent, or “wet,” liposuction, a diluted solution containing a local anesthetic and epinephrine is injected to “puff up” the fat for easier removal. Most patients are able to get back to their normal activities within a week of their procedure, although they should continue to wear post-surgical compression garments in order to reduce swelling and optimize the fat reduction results.

While not exactly a fat reduction procedure, many liposuction patients also pursue fat transfer. During fat transfer, a patient’s own unwanted fat is used to plump up wrinkles and areas of lost volume that contribute to signs of aging similar to the way facial fillers such as Restylane® and Juvéderm work to rejuvenate the appearance.  After the excess fat is removed, it is purified and then re-injected into those areas that need refinement like the hands, wrinkles, and even acne scars. Fat transfer also promotes collagen production for ongoing rejuvenation. › Continue reading

Tags: atlanta, atlanta dermatology, atlanta liposuction, atlanta slimlipo, Coolsculpting, coolsculpting by zeltiq, cosmetic procedures, cosmetic surgery, dermatology, dermatology associates of atlanta, dr griffin, dr scott karempelis, Dr. Edmond Griffin, facial fillers, facial rejuvenation, fat reduction, fat reduction Atlanta, fat removal, fat transfers, freeze fat off Atlanta, liposuction, slimlipo, smartlipo, tumescent liposcution, zeltiq

Fat-Be-Gone: Fat Reduction and Skin Tightening with Liposuction, Exilis, Zeltiq™, and Fat Transfer

As the weather warms and swimsuit season gets closer, fat reduction seems to be at the forefront of everyone’s mind (both men and women).   If the dizzying array of swim suit styles has your head spinning, then you’re sure to be shocked by the staggering amount of weight loss, fat reduction, and skin tightening options available.  This is why we’d like to take the opportunity to explain all of the body contouring procedures available at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s specialty centers:

Tumescent Liposuction- One of the most trusted liposuction techniques, tumescent liposuction is performed under general anesthesia and used to remove areas of excess fat from men and women.  › Continue reading

Tags: atlanta, atlanta dermatology, Atlanta fat reduction, coolsculpting by zeltiq, cosmetic procedures atlanta, cosmetic surgery Atlanta, daa, dermatology, dermatology associates of atlanta, Dr. Edmond Griffin, exilis treatment, fat reduction, fat reduction techniques, fat transfers, freeze the fat off, laser liposuction, liposuction, liposuction Atlanta, skin tightening, Zeltiq procedure

Stem Cell Enriched Fat-Grafting Promising for Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dermatology Procedures

To most people these days, the term “wrinkle fillers” is highly recognized. Some of the products associated with wrinkle fillers are Juvéderm®, Radiesse®, Sculptra®, Restylane®, and Perlane®.  These dermal fillers have soared in popularity due to their dramatic facial rejuvenating abilities.  There is an exciting movement on the anti-facial aging horizon: PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and stem cell enriched fat grafts.

Instead of injecting a “foreign material” (one that has been produced outside the body, commonly used in the above products) doctors are now injecting the patients with their own fat. Doctors have proven that fat can be injected with predictable longevity by using an enhancement technique. The patient’s own fat, which is obtained from another area through liposuction, is enriched with stem cells.   Another product collected from the patient’s blood works to collect the platelets which are concentrated. Then growth factors, which promote tissue growth and improve the take of the transferred fat grafts, are released.  Replacing and filling areas that are sunken due to age makes a person look refreshed and younger.

In an article published in the March issue of Skin & Allergy News, European and Asian researchers are quoted describing the potential of stem cell enriched fat grafting not only for cosmetic purposes like plumping lips and cheeks, but also for reconstructive surgeries.  The article specifically sites the process’ potential in repairing damage caused by wasting conditions like lupus or radiotherapy damage from the treatment of various cancers.

Board certified dermatologist, and founder of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, Dr. Edmond Griffin already utilizes science similar to that of stem cell enriched fat grafting along with PRP.  Platelet Rich Plasma is similar to stem cell enriched fat grafting in that it also employees a patient’s own material (platelets instead of fat), which is then re-injected into targeted areas to rejuvenate the skin’s appearance.   While Dr. Griffin currently uses PRP to treat mild facial and neck wrinkles, the development of stem-cell enhanced material will likely facilitate expanded uses of PRP.  He also primarily uses these materials in restoring tissue lost due to acne scarring.  Scars can be softened with PRP alone or in combination with subcisions, and they can even be softened in some patient’s fat grafting to lift the depressions left as a result of their teenage years.

To learn more about the cosmetic procedures available at DAA’s specialty center Atlanta Laser and Cosmetic Surgery Center, visit their website or contact their office.

Tags: Atlanta facial procedures, Atlanta facial rejuvenation treatments, Atlanta Laser and Cosmetic Surgery Center, Atlanta Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, Atlanta PRP therapy, Atlanta wrinkle fillers, Atlanta wrinkle reduction, dermal fillers Atlanta, dermatology associates of atlanta, dr griffin, facial rejuvenation, fat transfers, juvederm, perlane, Radiesse, restylane, Sculptra, Stem Cell enriched fat-grafting, using my fat to enhance my face