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Non-Invasive Fat Removal: Vanquish

Vanquish Non-Invasive Fat Removal

Non-Surgical Fat Removal in the San Diego Area

Art of Skin MD is the FIRST dermatology practice in San Diego to provide Vanquish to patients. Dr. Melanie Palm is one of a few elite group of physicians nationwide to unveil this non-invasive, non-surgical, no pain approach to eliminate unwanted fat of the abdomen, flanks, upper back, arms and bra line. Dr. Palm serves as a clinical investigator, advisory board member, speaker and consultant for BTL, the company that makes Vanquish.

What is Vanquish?

This procedure is the first non-invasive, non-surgical, non-contact, no pain, no downtime device used to eliminate unwanted fat. Vanquish is FDA-approved for deep tissue heating and nonsurgical circumferential reduction of the abdomen. Rather than freezing fat like CoolSculpting, The equipment heats fat to cause permanent fat cell reduction and uses high frequency radiofrequency to gently warm the fat layer of the abdomen, creating heat damage that kills unwanted fat cells.

How Does it Work?

This amazing device uses radiofrequency energy in an adjustable panel that hovers over the targeted area of unwanted fat. Radiofrequency energy from the device is specially tuned to target fat cells. The energy passes easily through the skin but has a harder time getting through the fat. The energy collection in the fat causes heating of adipocytes (fat cells), leading to heat damage that causes a natural, controlled form of cell death termed “apoptosis.” The elimination of fat cells leads to a decreased thickness of the fat layer in the area of Vanquish treatment.

Who is a Good Candidate for Vanquish?

Adults in good shape with areas of unwanted fat that do not want to undergo surgery are ideal candidates. Good candidates are already physically active and adhere to a healthy diet.

What is Radiofrequency?

Radiofrequency is a special form of electricity that is used extensively in dermatology and cosmetic surgery to target certain layers of the skin to help with skin tightening, collagen regeneration, and now deep tissue heating and fat elimination.

What Areas of the Body Can be Treated?

Treatment is intended to “Conquer Your Core” – the treatment panel fits over the abdomen and flanks to reduce the size of the tummy and love handles (flanks). A new FLEX applicator allows treatment of smaller targeted zones of fat. The following areas of body may be used for noninvasive fat reduction:

  • Abdomen
  • Flanks
  • Posterior waistline (“muffin top”)
  • Bra line
  • Back
  • Inner and outer thighs
  • Upper arms
CoolSculpting, Art of Skin MD
Non-Invasive Fat Removal: Vanquish, Art of Skin MD
Applied to Abdominals
Art of Skin MD
Fat reduction to inner and outer thighs in female

Vanquish Treatment FAQ

There is a mild, gentle warming sensation during treatment that is similar to having a heating pad placed in the area of treatment. Vanquish is not painful, and the patient’s comfort level is monitored during Vanquish treatment.

During treatment, patients are requested to stay well hydrated. Patients should continue to drink appropriate amounts of water through the treatment day and even the day afterwards. Water helps to hydrate the skin. This allows the radiofrequency energy from Vanquish to travel easily through the skin and target the fat layer more effectively.

Patients should avoid dehydrating activities during treatment. This would include high-intensity, high-perspiration activities such as extensive aerobics, physical training, or hot yoga. Patients should also avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine intake prior to Vanquish as this can have a dehydrating effect on the body.

All metal jewelry should be removed from the treatment area. Patients with metal implants in the area of treatment cannot undergo Vanquish as the implant attracts radiofrequency energy.

A Vanquish treatment session lasts 30 – 45 minutes. Clinical studies on Vanquish were based on a total of four weekly sessions. Individual results may vary and some patients may require more treatments or wish to undergo additional series of treatments to target additional areas of the body.

The skin in the area of the treatment will be warm to touch as the core fat has reached an approximate temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit and the skin approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The skin remains warm and slightly pink for a period of minutes to a couple of hours following Vanquish treatment. Temporary swelling is also possible in the area of treatment and resolves within a few hours.

Our experience at Art of Skin MD has been that some patients may experience mild thirst or fatigue following treatment. Symptoms are not significant enough to interfere with return to work or daily activities.

Based on clinical studies in Europe, patients may report an improvement in their waistline as soon as 2 weeks following the last (fourth) treatment with Vanquish.

According to clinical studies patients experienced approximately 2 inches of fat loss off their waist circumference. Individual results will vary. Some patients may experience mild weight loss, although this does not always occur.

Animal studies using Vanquish demonstrated a 60% reduction in fat in the areas of treatment. Human studies are currently underway to measure the decrease in fat thickness using ultrasound measurements.

Fat cells that undergo apoptosis (the natural form of cell death) are broken down by our own body’s scavenger cells, filtered through the lymphatic system, metabolized by the liver, and finally eliminated from the body, primarily through urine.

Individuals with a metal or implantable device should not be treated with Vanquish. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding cannot undergo treatment with Vanquish.

Yes, Vanquish is safe for deep tissue indicating as validated by animal and human studies.

There are very few side effects from Vanquish treatment. A “hot spot” may occur if Vanquish is positioned too close to a bony area of the body. This is remedied by repositioning the Vanquish panel around the body.

During treatment, patient’s skin may warm causing light perspiration that can attract heat, leading to an increased warmth sensation. To avoid this or the opportunity for a skin burn, the individual is monitored during treatment and excess sweat is removed mid-way through Vanquish treatment.

Vanquish is very safe and has built-in safety measures to ensure patient comfort and health during treatment. The high frequency nature of the device preferentially targets fat. Skin, sweat glands, hair follicles, muscle, and internal organs are not affected by treatment, as proven by clinical studies of the Vanquish device.

If the skin accumulates moisture during treatment, or if the Vanquish panels are positioned too close to an underlying bone, the patient could feel a “hot spot” on the skin. The panel is simply repositioned and perspiration on the skin is removed by the operator if needed to ensure that treatment is comfortable.

A safety cord is provided to the patient during treatment, and if discomfort is experienced, treatment can be stopped through this device. Furthermore, there are automatic shut off mechanisms built into the device. The Vanquish device continually adjusts the level of energy delivered to the tissues through feedback mechanisms and monitoring of the tissues.

Vanquish is intended for individuals close to their ideal body weight that struggle with stubborn areas of fat deposition, resistant to dietary and exercise measures. It is not a substitute for liposuction, which allows a greater volume of fat removal. However, for some patients that are not candidates for surgery or who do not wish to undergo surgery, Vanquish may be a good treatment option.

Cryolipolysis, often termed “CoolSculpting” by Zeltiq, is a method of non-invasive fat removal that freezes fat, causing fat death and elimination. Like Vanquish, CoolSculpting is non-invasive and can reduce unwanted fat. However, cryolipolysis is a form of spot treatment for fat reduction. Larger areas such as the abdomen often require multiple applications, each session lasting 1 hour. The fat during treatment is frozen, and must be massaged afterwards, as it feels like a frozen stick of butter after treatment.

In a small minority of cases, cryolipolysis can cause significant discomfort following treatment, rarely requiring pain medication after treatment. Additionally, cryolipolysis is somewhat technique-dependent. Multiple applicators to treat a large area such as the abdomen must be stacked and overlapped to avoid irregularities following treatment.

Yes, as Vanquish causes apoptosis (cell death) of fat cells, affected cells are permanently eliminated. So long as weight and diet are maintained, the results following Vanquish are likely to be permanent.

Diet and exercise maintenance are encouraged following Vanquish treatment. An increase in weight will allow fat stores to accumulate. This may occur disproportionately in areas untreated by Vanquish.

Costs vary by the number of Vanquish sessions completed. Vanquish is priced competitively with other non-invasive fat reduction and body contouring devices. Generally speaking, each 30-minute session is priced between $500-$800. This makes Vanquish an affordable, no-downtime option for non-invasive fat removal.

If you are looking for a Vanquish expert in the San Diego area for non-invasive, non-surgical fat removal, call Dr. Melanie Palm at 858.792.SKIN (7546) to schedule your appointment.

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