Get Ready for Summer with Laser Liposuction at Shu Cosmetic Surgery Center in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Area

Posted on March 12, 2013 by admin

It has been a long and chilly winter, but warm, sunny weather is just around the corner. Soon we will be peeling off the layers of clothes and donning our shorts and t-shirts, only to find that it has been too easy to hide those creeping winter pounds under our sweaters and winter coats.

Are you sick of dreading the impending summer months? Now is the time to act if you want to make it a summer to look forward to with an improved swimsuit body. For liposuction in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, we offer the premier service of laser liposuction. With very little downtime and very concrete fat removal/body contouring results, laser liposuction is the key to making you ready for a summer of fun and feeling good about yourself.

Laser liposuction is a procedure that removes fat and tightens skin by directing laser energy into the fat cells and liquefying it, and then drawing it out through a cannula. It works on many areas of the body including the thighs, buttocks, stomach, waist, back, chest, face, chin, neck, arms, and ankles. An added bonus is that the laser stimulates collagen contraction, resulting in firmer, smoother skin. You will be able to resume most normal activities the following day, and more strenuous activates within a few days.

Laser liposuction is the optimal way particularly to get rid of those unruly areas that don’t respond well to diet and exercise. Laser liposuction is much less harmful and aggressive than traditional liposuction, with minimal bruising and less tissue damage. Also recovery time is shorter because it is much less invasive.

Minneapolis area laser liposuction is a long term solution and only done one time as a rule, as once fat cells are gone, they can’t come back. You will see dramatic results within 1 to 2 weeks after your procedure, but final and conclusive results require 4 to 6 months to fully appear.

A Slimmer, Sleeker Body is Possible with Minneapolis Liposuction Procedures at Shu Cosmetic Surgery

Posted on February 19, 2013 by admin

Liposuction can help anyone who needs excess fat removed from their bodies and wants to look trim and sculpted. It is one of the best procedures for people who have recently lost weight to tone up the areas of loose skin and other loose areas that will not firm up with exercise. Some of the Minneapolis liposuction offerings at Shu Cosmetic Surgery include Laser Liposuction, Vaser Liposuction, AquaShape Liposuction, and Hi-Def Liposculpture.

Laser Liposuction utilizes a laser to tighten the client’s skin and help to dissolve the fat all over the body. This form of liposuction is not able to be used on larger masses of fat, but can be used on areas like the upper arms or chin.

Vaser Liposuction utilizes ultrasound to get rid of a person’s fat cells while bypassing the client’s nerves and connective tissues. The mechanism used in Vaser Liposuction is not as high in temperature as the mechanism used in Laser Liposuction. It also helps to soften a person’s excess fat in an efficient way and can be used in areas where there are larger amounts of fat, such as the abdomen.

AquaShape Liposuction, otherwise referred to as Body Jet Liposuction, is a technologically advanced form of liposuction. This form uses a water jet that uses a pulsating action to dissolve fat cells. With this form of liposuction, there is a reduced amount of swelling and bruising, and clients tend to recover more quickly. This methodology can also be used as a general skin-tightening procedure. This kind of liposuction can also be used along with fat transfer procedures. Shu Cosmetic Surgery is one of the best places to get Body Jet Lipo in Minneapolis.

Hi-Def Liposculpture is the newest form of liposuction in Minneapolis. This procedure can help to make muscles more defined, since it dissolves fat that accumulates around and near the muscles. This form of liposuction is very selective and is a highly targeted procedure. This procedure is the first of its kind available when it comes to St. Paul liposuction. For the very best in Liposuction MN, select Shu Cosmetic Surgery.

Liposonix in Minnesota: Proven Effective For Reduction of Adipose Tissue

Posted on February 6, 2013 by admin

Liposonix is the newest nonsurgical treatment for body contouring in Minnesota. It uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to disrupt adipocytes (fat cells) percutaneously. Afschin Fatemi, M.D. wanted to find out about Liposonix’s efficacy and effectiveness, so he conducted a study and found that out of his 282 patients that underwent a single HIFU treatment in the areas of their abdomen and flanks, the waist circumference decreased by an average of 4.7 cm after 1 treatment. The time required to complete treatment was approximately 45-60 minutes, and they were on patients of all ages with the average age of 41.3 years. Final size circumferences were seen at 12 weeks; however, there were noted size decreases at 8 weeks post procedure. The study also found that collagen denaturation from the heat of the machine resulted in new collagen formation and tightening of fibers and skin.

Another study conducted by Mark Jewell, M.D. found that on his 180 patients from 2009-2010; one HIFU treatment was associated with average reductions in waist circumference of 2.52 cm when the abdomen and flanks were treated. When looking at the histologies of the patients, it clearly showed that adipocytes are disrupted by HIFU and it was a safe distance from dermis and/or the epidermis.

So how does this technology work? The Liposonix technique delivers energy across the skin surface at a relatively low intensity, and brings this energy to a sharp focus in the subcutaneous fat. At the skin surface, the intensity of the ultrasound energy is low enough so that no damage occurs. The focusing of the ultrasound beam at specific depths beneath the epidermis, results in adipose tissue disruption. Once adipocytes have been disrupted, chemotactic signals activate the body’s inflammatory response mechanisms. Macrophage cells are attracted to the area to engulf and transport the lipids and cell debris. This results in an overall reduction in local adipose tissue volume. Therefore, Liposonix is a safe and effective technique for nonsurgical body sculpting for reduction of fat deposits.

Shu Cosmetic Surgery in Edina, MN owns the newest generation of Liposonix and offers complimentary consultation and 10% introductory rate in the first 3 months.

Fuller Breasts in the New Year from Dr. Shu who Performs Breast Implants in Minneapolis

Posted on January 20, 2013 by admin

Breast implants are artificial materials that are used to enhance the size of the breasts. Breast augmentation in Minneapolis is one of the most sought after cosmetic surgeries by women today. Silicone and saline are the types of implant material that are used today. The type of implant material that the doctor recommends depends on the patient’s goals and needs.

Patients who get breast augmentation must be driven home by a family member or friend. They are advised to have someone stay with them for at least 24 hours. Discomfort and soreness after surgery are extremely common. Medication can be prescribed to control the pain.

Swelling is another common side effect of surgery, and it can last up to five weeks. Patients may also experience a burning sensation in their nipples and pain, but those problems usually go away two weeks after surgery. Stiches are removed after one week. The patient will also be able to return to work one week after surgery. However, patients will be advised to wait between two and four weeks before they start an exercise program.

If the implants are placed above the muscle, then the final results will be noticed within one month. It can take up to four months for a person to see the results if the implants are placed below the muscle. Serious complications from breast implants are rare, but they have been reported. Bleeding, scarring, delayed healing, implant rupture and permanent numbness in the breasts are just a few of the many potential complications. There is also the chance that a person could have a life-threatening allergic reaction to the anesthesia.

There are a number of benefits that can be reaped from getting breast implant augmentation by Dr. Shu in Minneapolis. This procedure can help improve a woman’s overall appearance. It can also help her fill out her clothes better. Additionally, breast implants can help increase a woman’s confidence.

St. Paul Area Liposuction by Dr. Shu Can Get You a Slimmer Body for the New Year

Posted on January 14, 2013 by admin

If you have difficulty removing excess body fat with the best diet and exercise regimen, liposuction is the alternative that should be considered. This is a common surgical procedure that consists of the removal of unwanted pockets of fat from different areas of the body. The shape of the body can be dramatically improved when the procedure is effectively performed by an experienced Minneapolis Liposuction plastic surgeon.

Liposuction in Minneapolis

Dr. Shu is a board certified surgeon in Minneapolis who is proficient in providing a wide range of cosmetic procedural and surgical services. Patients have the benefit of choosing from various types of liposuction procedures that will give them the expectation they are looking for. Some of these options consist of the Laser Liposuction. This is a minimally invasive procedure where fat is melted away with the use of a laser. The technique is normally used on the chin, neck, and other smaller areas of the body.

The Vaser lipoSelection performed at Shu Cosmetic Surgery Center in Minneapolis is an innovative technology that is performed in larger areas of the body. This is a very safe technique that includes the use of a focused ultrasound energy that dissolves fat cells without causing harmful side-effects to the nerves and tissue.

Fat cells from the body are easily dislodged by an AquaShape Liposuction that does not cause danger to the surrounding tissues. This technique includes the use of pressurized streams of water that gently loosens fat cells. Patients who opt for this procedure experience less bruising and swelling. Ideal candidates for the AquaShape Liposuction are individuals with good skin quality for fat transfer procedures. Additionally, the visibility of the body’s natural contours can be improved when a patient undergoes the Hi-Def Liposculpture procedure. This is the newest and the most advanced technique that creates a sculpted, athletic appearance.

Most of these procedures are affordable and considered a worthy investment when you are able to finally remove all the unwanted fat. Dr. Shu is a Liposuction Minneapolis plastic surgeon who will utilize the best techniques that will reduce healing time and provide the best results for patients.

Shu Cosmetic Surgery Announces New Liposonix Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Treatment | Minneapolis

Posted on January 5, 2013 by admin

One treatment, lasting one hour, to get one size smaller–without surgery. That’s Liposonix.

Shu Cosmetic Surgery is now offering Liposonix treatments, the latest in non-invasive fat reduction technology. Liposonix uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) energy to permanently destroy targeted fat cells without surgery. The Liposonix service officially starts in the 2nd week of January, 2013.

“Liposonix is a revolutionary non-surgical solution for people who are close to their ideal shape, but have stubborn areas of fat that just won’t go away no matter how much they exercise or diet. The procedure takes about one hour and, while individual results can vary, patients typically achieve a waistline reduction of approximately one inch (equivalent to one pant or dress size) within 8-12 weeks after receiving a single treatment,” said Dr. Steven Shu.

The Liposonix system technology was developed over a period of 10 years by leading scientists and ultrasound experts with more than 200 years of combined experience in the field of therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasound devices. It works by focusing ultrasound energy below the surface of the skin in order to heat only targeted fat tissue – similar to how light from the sun can be focused with a magnifying glass to create heat. The treated fat tissue is removed through the body’s natural healing process, leaving the patient with a thinner, more contoured waistline.

During the treatment, patient may experience some discomfort, cold, prickling, tingling or warmth. After treatment, patients may experience temporary redness or minimal bruising, discomfort, and swelling. There is no special post-care or special diet or exercise program required in order to achieve results. Patients typically resume normal activities immediately after the Liposonix procedure. Clinical studies of more than 200 patients, showed an average waist circumference reduction of approximately one inch (2.5 cm) at 12 weeks after a single Liposonix treatment. Liposonix is not intended for those that are pregnant or suspected to be pregnant. It is also not recommended for those who have a BMI >30 or for those who cannot “pinch an inch”.

History Behind Liposuction for Those Living in the Twin Cities

Posted on December 5, 2012 by admin

Liposuction has become one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the world. Liposuction is a technique in which excess fatty tissue is suctioned from beneath the skin. There are several liposuction technologies available today. I’d like to review the history behind liposuction for those living in the Twin Cities.

Pre-liposuction period:

In 1921,Charles Dujarrier, in France, attempted to remove subcutaneous fat using a uterine curette on a dancer’s calves and knees. A tragic result of gangrene occurred due to injury of the femoral artery leading to amputation of one of the dancer’s legs. In 1964, Schrudde extracted fat from the lower leg through a small incision with a curette. Irregular results with high morbidity, seromas, and bleeding occurred with this technique.

Modern liposuction period:

In 1974, Dr. Giorgio Fischer, a gynecologist from Italy invented the original form of liposuction.

French physicians Illouz and Fournier further developed liposuction around 1978. By 1980, liposuction was extremely popular in the United States but was confronting negative publicity due to patients experiencing excessive bleeding and undesirable rippling of the skin after surgery.

In 1985, Dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey A. Klein, a California Dermatologist, invented the tumescent technique for liposuction, revolutionizing liposuction surgery. Tumescent is a solution composed of lidocaine (a local anesthetic) saline, and epinephrine (a drug that constricts blood vessels to reduce bleeding during surgery). His “Tumescent Technique” allowed patients to have liposuction performed totally by local anesthesia using much smaller cannulas. Patients could now have liposuction surgery without general anesthesia and without the fear of excessive bleeding and undesirable skin depressions.

In the late 1990s, the first generation of ultrasound device was introduced to facilitate the fat removal by first liquefying the fat using ultrasonic energy. The Vaser, the third generation of ultrasound becomes a popular modern liposuction technology to achieve the superior results while minimizing the complication rate. Technologies relating to the use of laser tipped probes which induce a thermal lipoysis have been introduced recently and help to skin to become tighter after the procedure due to the heat that is given off from the probe. More recently, AquaShape with the Body-jet technology claims the least trauma in liposuction. It harnesses the pulsations of a water-jet, gently and efficiently dislodging and washing out the fat without damaging the nerves and vessels.

Overall, the advantages of 30 years of improvements have been that more fat cells can be removed, with less blood loss, less discomfort, and less risk; leading to a shorter recovery period.

Getting the Facts on Minneapolis / St. Paul Liposuction Procedures

Posted on November 25, 2012 by admin

Liposuction at Shu Cosmetic in Minneapolis / St. Paul area offers a way to slim down areas of the body that exercise and diet don’t seem to touch. This cosmetic procedure has come a long way from its early days in the 1980s. Today, the basic procedure is to make microscopic incisions and use a long narrow tube to selectively remove fat cells. A good surgeon will use various techniques to get the best results.

Shu Cosmetic Surgery in Minneapolis offers four different types of liposuction:

Laser liposuction uses a laser to liquefy the fat cells. The body absorbs the liquefied cells and the treated area is slimmer as a result. This procedure is great for small areas like the chin and neck areas. Because the fat is absorbed back into the body, the doctor cannot use it for re-sculpting other areas of the body.
Vaser liposuction uses ultrasound waves to break down and release fat cells. Then the surgeon goes in and removes the loosened cells. This procedure is easier on the body than the traditional procedure. It allows the surgeon to target specific points of fat without leaving uneven areas.
AquaShape liposuction is a great option for those who want to remove fat from one location and use it to sculpt another one. The surgeon uses a gentle spray of water to dislodge fat cells. Then using gentle suction, the fat cells become available for injection into other parts of the body. It is a great option for natural breast augmentation and butt lifts.
Hi-Def liposuction is a great option for those who want more muscle definition. Those who exercise often get frustrated by small pockets of fat that prevent their muscle definition from showing through. This type of liposuction removes these small pockets and gives the body a better defined shape.

At Shu Cosmetic Surgery, we know that one technique may not be enough for some patients. That is why we look at each case and work out a treatment plan to give each patient their unique look.

General Anesthesia Drives Adverse Events | Minneapolis

Posted on November 13, 2012 by admin

The use of general anesthesia in conjunction with cosmetic surgery (e.g. liposuction) has been shown to significantly increase the risk for adverse events in office-based surgery. The new data published in the February issue of Dermatologic Surgery, 2012 (Dermatol Surg. 2012;38:171-179) states that two-thirds of deaths and three-quarters of hospital transfers were performed under general anesthesia as opposed to local anesthesia.

The study, derived from 10-year data from Florida and 6-year data from in Alabama, “confirms trends that have been previously identified in earlier analyses of this data,” write the authors, led by John Starling III, MD, from the Skin Cancer Center, Cincinnati, and the Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, Ohio.

309 adverse events were reported in Florida, consisting of 46 deaths and 263 complications or hospital transfers, the majority of these as a result of cosmetic surgery done under general anesthesia. In Alabama, 52 adverse events were reported, consisting of 3 deaths and 49 complications or hospital transfers. 89% of these had a causal link to general anesthesia, and 42% were cosmetic surgeries. Pulmonary complications, including pulmonary emboli and pulmonary edema, were implicated in many deaths in both states.

Plastic surgeons were linked to nearly 45% of all reported complications in Florida and 42.3% in Alabama, write the researchers. No clear correlation was seen in regards to office accreditation, board certification, or hospital privileges.

According to commentary from C. William Hanke, MD, of the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, three patient safety practices he recommends are “(1) Keep the patient awake!… 2) Think twice before supporting a patient’s desire for liposuction that is to be done in conjunction with abdominoplasty under general anesthesia…. 3) [B]e advocates for prospective, mandatory, verifiable adverse event reporting…[that] should include data from physician offices, ambulatory surgical centers, and hospitals to define and quantify problems that can be largely prevented and eliminated.”

The authors and editorialist were especially critical of liposuction done under general anesthesia. “No deaths occurred in the setting of local anesthesia. Liposuction under general anesthesia accounted for 32% of cosmetic procedure-related deaths and 22% of all cosmetic procedure-related complications,” the researchers write.

Dermatol Surg. 2012;38:171-179. Article abstract, Commentary extract.

Look No Further For Breast Implant Procedure in Minneapolis Area

Posted on October 26, 2012 by admin

What Are Breast Implants in St. Paul?

Breast implants are artificial materials that are used to enlarge the breasts. Saline and silicone are the two types of implants that are used during traditional breast augmentation. Both of these implants have their advantages and disadvantages.

How Many Women Are Happy With Breast Implants in Minnesota?

A recent poll has shown that 92.5 percent of women who have received breast implants are happy with the results. Eighty-two percent of the women stated that they would do it again without a doubt. Only two percent of the women surveyed stated that they would definitely not do it again.

Are Breast Implants Minneapolis Right for Me?

If you are a healthy woman who is over the age of 18, then you will most likely be considered a good candidate for breasts implants. However, if you want to get silicone implants, then you must be at least 22 years old. Only a plastic surgeon can determine whether you are a good patient for breast implants.

Do Implants Last A Lifetime?

Breast implants can last several years, but they are not considered permanent devices. You will probably have to get the implants replaced at some point in your life. At that point, you will have the option of replacing your implants or having them removed altogether.

How Long Will It Take Me to Recover After I Get Implants?

You will probably be able to return to work or school within a week. However, it is important to note that you may experience pain and swelling that lasts for a few weeks. Even though you will be able to return to work or school within a week, you will need to avoid vigorous activity for at least three weeks after surgery. You should consult with your plastic surgeon before you begin your exercise routine again.