In the Media

Do Non-Invasive Treatments Really Work?

By: Dr. Steven Bloch, M.D.

We've all seen the ads, we've all heard the promises, but what is the truth? Do non-invasive treatments really work? The answer is a bit more complicated and it all depends. The key is selecting the right technology for the right patient. It often helps to have access to more than one technology. Each system targets certain cells and penetrates to a different level. Combining modalities is often more effective. We're all waiting for that magic wand that will transform our bodies with no downtime, no pain, and no cost. Unfortunately, that magic wand does not exist, but there are some really exciting technologies that can often give some very dramatic results.

All of these technologies involve delivering energy or heat to either the fat or the deeper layers of the skin. The trick is to deliver this energy without burning the skin. To do so requires cooling the skin so that the energy can pass to the deeper targeted level. Two of the most common requests are non-invasive liposuction and skin-tightening procedures.

Sometimes diet and exercise can only get you so far. It may be a stubborn metabolism or hereditary factors that prevent you from having the body you always dreamed. Non-invasive, FDA-approved treatments basically consist of delivering radio frequency waves to the targeted fat cells. This targeted energy helps reorganize the cellular environment, produce new collagen, and reduce retained fluids. Collagen fibers are stimulated and shortened. Fat cells, though not destroyed, are reduced in size. Patients can lose inches.

Technologies that use radio frequency include Thermage, Accent, Velashape, and Lipotron. Each works differently, and, depending where on the body and how large an area treated, we may use one or more technologies at the same time. In the future, ultrasound may be effective in destroying fat cells non-invasively.

As we age, we lose elasticity and collagen in our skin. This results in generalized laxity or loss of skin tone anywhere on the body. We know that if we can heat up the deeper layers of the skin while protecting the surface, collagen is also produced. Fractional infrared by Palomar delivers infrared light by fractional beams deep into the dermis, stimulating the body's natural healing response. This allows for the creation of new tissue, reducing the appearance of skin laxity on the face, neck, and abdomen. The results: a tighter skin appearance. This is a particularly good treatment for the thin patient who does not want to lose any volume.

So do these treatments really work? The answer is YES. However, 20% of patients will not respond, 20% will get a spectacular result, and 60% will get a satisfactory result. At Skin Deep Medical Spa, I guarantee the results. As a plastic surgeon and with the confidence I have in my highly experienced staff, I can offer other options and therefore guarantee our results.