Disclaimer: The results discussed in this blog are based on a retrospective study conducted by Dr. Vanek. As with any medical procedure, individual results can vary, and there may be other factors that influence the outcome. It’s important to understand that the study was conducted on a specific patient cohort, and the findings may not be universally applicable to all patients. Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified professional who can assess your individual needs, medical history, and goals.
In the world of plastic surgery, innovations in body contouring are continuously changing how we achieve optimal results. Dr. Paul Vanek, a well-respected plastic surgeon from Mentor, Ohio, has been a key figure in integrating energy-based technologies such as VASER and Renuvion into liposuction and abdominoplasty procedures. His groundbreaking retrospective study, presented at the Renuvion Users Summit 2024, sheds light on how combining these energy devices with traditional methods can significantly improve patient outcomes. This blog delves into Dr. Vanek’s study, sharing insights into the effectiveness, safety, and long-term benefits of using VASER and Renuvion together in body contouring.
Dr. Vanek’s Background and Practice
Dr. Paul Vanek is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and has been performing body contouring procedures since 2003. With a background in biophysics from Cal Berkeley and NYU, he is well-versed in the scientific principles behind energy-based devices. Over the years, Dr. Vanek has become a thought leader in plastic surgery, particularly in the use of VASER lipoabdominoplasty, and more recently, incorporating Renuvion for enhanced skin tightening.
His practice, Mentor Plastic Surgery, focuses on delivering high-quality cosmetic results, combining advanced technologies with skilled techniques. In this retrospective study, he compared two cohorts of patients: one receiving VASER lipoabdominoplasty alone and another receiving the combined VASER and Renuvion procedure.
The Retrospective Study: Comparing VASER and Renuvion
Dr. Vanek’s study involved 77 patients who underwent liposuction combined with abdominoplasty. The patients were divided into two groups:
- Group A: Treated with VASER lipoabdominoplasty only.
- Group B: Treated with both VASER lipoabdominoplasty and Renuvion for enhanced skin tightening.
Dr. Vanek’s goal was to examine whether the addition of Renuvion would improve skin retraction without increasing complication rates. The results were promising. The study demonstrated that incorporating Renuvion into the procedure led to superior skin tightening outcomes, with no increased risk of complications. In fact, patients treated with Renuvion reported improved skin texture and firmness compared to those who only received VASER treatment.
Key Findings and Observations
- Safety and Effectiveness: The addition of Renuvion did not introduce new complications. Dr. Vanek found that it enhanced skin retraction without compromising patient safety, which had been a concern with other energy-based devices in previous studies.
- Long-Term Results: Patients who received both VASER and Renuvion showed significant improvements in skin tightening that lasted for years. Many of these patients were followed for up to 14 months, and some even shared selfies, showing that the results were long-lasting without significant changes to their lifestyle.
- No Increased Risk of Adverse Events: Using a statistical analysis, Dr. Vanek found that the combined use of VASER and Renuvion did not result in more adverse events when compared to VASER alone. This finding is important because energy-based devices, especially those that involve skin tightening, have been associated with complications in some cases.
Energy-Based Technologies in Action: VASER and Renuvion
VASER liposuction uses ultrasound technology to emulsify fat cells, making it easier to remove them with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients seeking body contouring that includes areas with stubborn fat. Renuvion, on the other hand, uses helium plasma to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production. When combined, these technologies offer a comprehensive solution for both fat removal and skin tightening in a single procedure.
Dr. Vanek’s experience with both technologies has shown that the energy not only enhances body contouring results but also improves skin texture and tone. He believes that the key to success lies in carefully controlling the amount of energy delivered during the procedure. As such, he uses VASER at 70-80% power and adjusts the energy level based on the patient’s unique needs and skin quality.
The Seroma Study: Minimizing Complications
One of the critical concerns in body contouring procedures, particularly those involving liposuction and tummy tucks, is the formation of seromas—fluid accumulation in the spaces created during fat removal. Dr. Vanek conducted a study on seromas and their incidence after VASER lipoabdominoplasty. His findings showed that higher VASER energy levels above 80% significantly increased the risk of seromas, particularly in the side breast and flank areas. This led him to modify his technique, reducing the energy to 70% for most patients, as this significantly reduced the risk of seroma formation.
While seromas are a natural result of tissue inflammation and healing, Dr. Vanek emphasizes the importance of adjusting energy levels to minimize their occurrence. He also stresses that using ultrasound to monitor the thickness of the tissue flap post-surgery could be a valuable tool for further improving patient outcomes.
Fitzpatrick Skin Scores: No Significant Impact on Outcomes
An area of interest in many plastic surgery studies is the impact of skin type on the likelihood of complications. Dr. Vanek’s study also analyzed whether Fitzpatrick skin scores (a scale used to classify skin by its reaction to UV exposure) affected the incidence of complications like seromas or delayed healing. His research found no significant difference in outcomes based on skin type, which is a key takeaway for surgeons working with diverse patient populations.
Enhancing Recovery: The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Dr. Vanek also discussed his use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to enhance recovery after liposuction and abdominoplasty procedures. He has found that HBOT, combined with the use of TXA (Tranexamic Acid) in the tumescent fluid, helps significantly improve recovery times and reduce complications, particularly seromas. By increasing tissue vascularity and speeding up the healing process, HBOT has become a valuable addition to Dr. Vanek’s postoperative care protocol. He recommends five sessions post-surgery to optimize tissue healing and prevent complications such as seromas and excessive swelling.
The Future of Body Contouring: Combining Technologies
Looking ahead, Dr. Vanek believes that combining different energy technologies is the key to achieving superior body contouring results. He notes that as technology continues to evolve, it will allow surgeons to refine their techniques, offering patients even better results with less downtime and fewer complications. Dr. Vanek is excited about the future of Renuvion and VASER, and he plans to continue refining his approach, particularly in the areas of energy calibration and tissue response.
Conclusion:
Dr. Vanek’s study offers compelling evidence that combining VASER and Renuvion in body contouring procedures can significantly improve patient outcomes without increasing risks. With a careful balance of energy levels and a focus on patient safety, these technologies provide a comprehensive solution for both fat removal and skin tightening in a single procedure. By incorporating HBOT and TXA into his postoperative care, Dr. Vanek has further enhanced recovery, leading to quicker healing and fewer complications.
As energy-based devices continue to evolve, Dr. Vanek’s insights provide valuable guidance for both surgeons and patients. His emphasis on safety, precision, and long-term results is shaping the future of body contouring, making VASER and Renuvion a go-to choice for plastic surgeons who want to provide the best outcomes for their patients.
For patients considering body contouring, Dr. Vanek’s approach offers a safe, effective, and scientifically backed solution. Whether you’re undergoing a tummy tuck, liposuction, or a combination of procedures, combining these technologies could provide the results you’re looking for—tight, smooth, and sculpted skin with long-lasting effects.
