A faster way to wash board abs

Under the Knife - A fasterway to washboard abs

As man’s most visible attributes, physical features will always play an appointed role in forming first impressions and, as biology dictates, has always been a reliable—if not superficial—gauge of good health.

A faster way to washboard abs

LIPOSUCTION- the cosmetic surgery procedure that removes fat from specific areas of the body for a more contoured shape—used to be a taboo topic, discussed only in hushed tones among exclusive social circles. But modern day technology, and a society that has become more open to aesthetic enhancements, have made the procedure more acceptable, becoming one of the most popular cosmetic services performed locally these days.

The procedure has even branched into different methods. While traditional liposuction merely removes the excess fat from one’s body, a newer liposuction technique, called high-definition liposculpture, also shapes a patient’s body and enhances the visibility of well –toned muscles. This kind of fat removal method claims to provide the coveted “six packs” abdominals, which can take years of crunches and dieting to form, in as short as six hours.

Developed by Colombian plastic surgeon Dr. Alfredo Hoyos, high –definition—liposculpture is touted to be able to create an athletic appearance by enhancing the contours of the subcutaneous fat and the definition of the underlying muscles. The procedure involves precisely performed, deep and superficial liposuction around the muscle groups in areas such as the abdomen, the chest for men, and the lower back for women using the latest ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty. And unlike the traditional liposutcion, high definition liposuction does not damage connective tissues, thereby preventing the appearance of bruises.

Dr. Hoyos’ technique is an improvement of a procedure called abdominal etching, which was developed to give patients the desired six- pack look. While abdominal etching showed good results on men, it left an odd and unnatural appearance among women. High-definition liposculpture was created precisely to address its forerunner’s failure to consider other muscles.

Despite its lofty promises, the procedure should not be seen as a magic wand that can make a highly overweight person instantly leaner. According to the Cosmetic Surgery’ Times, the procedure is ideal fro those with substantial good muscle tone and without excessive fat or stretched skin. It is estimated that 95% of patients who undergo high-definition liposculpture are able to maintain their post-surgery condition because they already have a regular exercise regimen even before they went through the procedure.

The procedure starts with the doctor marking the muscle bellies that will enhanced. For women, the serratus muscles, the obliques and the rectus muscles in the abdominal area are focused on. The same abdominal areas are targeted for men, but more attention is given to the transverse tendinous intersections within the rectus abdominus muscles to achieve that washboard appearance.

Fat is then removed in these areas to create a “picture fame” around the muscles. Finally, the surgeon performs a more precise sculpting procedure that leaves behind small amounts of fat to strengthen the primary muscle tone. Patients have to wait for at least a month before returning to their exercise routine, with the final results of the surgery being more evident in four months—Michelle S. Caligan

And while not everyone is genetically blessed with flawless skin, slender legs or red, pouty lips, cosmetics companies have tried to make up for man’s hereditary shortcomings with various beauty –enhancing products—from the simple moisturizing lotion to more acute measures like whitening pills and fat burning drinks.

Recent years however, have seem a drastic shift from simple beauty rituals to one-time operations, as developments in aesthetic medicine have led to the mushrooming of plastic surgery clinics that offer relatively cheap, lunchtime procedures for every body part that can be tightened, nipped, tucked, or enlarged.

According to Dr. Jose Joven Cruz, head of the Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery at Asian Hospital and Medical Center, roughly 90% of the division’s patients undergo liposuction and nose and breast augmentation. “The rest usually opt for a tummy tuck, eyebag removal, or thread lifting. We have also performed breast reduction, although it is a very rare case,” said Dr. Cruz. Patients who seek these services are typically 40- to 60- year-old women, and majority are either returning Filipinos, or balikbayans, or medical tourist.

Dr. Claudine S. Roura, who heads Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute, says these foreigners are lured to the country because of the cheap rates local hospitals and clinics charge for the face and body sculpting jobs. “The procedures are much cheaper in the Philippines. Whereas liposuction can cost between $15,000 to $20,000 in the United States, here it can go for as low $5,000,’ said Dr. Roura. Many cosmetic centers have also gotten themselves certified by international health institutions, and their doctors licensed to perform delicate treatments like the new VASER High-Definition Liposculpture, to make them more credible to international clients.

Not every perfection-seeking patient, however, can go under the knife. “Patient selection is the cornerstone of cosmetic surgery. First, they have to set their expectations, which have to be realistic, and from there, we can be met”, explained Dr. Cruz.

Before any feature-changing procedure, a patient is required to undergo a series of test, including a complete medical history checkup, physical examination, and a psychological profile. “We are very strict with our pre-surgery screening because we have to make sure that the patient has logical reasons for wanting to have the surgery.” Said Dr. Cruz.

Psychological tests, for instance, help cosmetic surgeons detect if a patient has a body dismorphic disorder, a mental condition that drives a person to undergo repetitive cosmetic surgery procedures to constantly improve his looks. “We improve his looks. “We always remind our patients that cosmetic surgery is not a life-saving procedure. It can be scheduled, postponed, or not even done at all,” said Dr. Cruz.

Despite advances in the field, risk of complications resulting from surgery still need to be kept in mind, said to Dr. Cruz, but being handled by well-trained and board-certified cosmetic surgeon should minimize possible health hazards to the procedure.

And just like any medical field, cosmetic surgery is perennially in the process of perfecting its techniques. For now, however, the arena has made much headway in minimizing incisions and downtime after treatment. Facelifts that use threads, instead of the traditional hairline slicing, were introduced around three years ago, the same year that third-generation silicon implants were approved by the United States Food and Drug Authority. The new breast implants are composed of silicon gel which, contrary to the previous silicon oil, has a safer consistency and is encased in a much stronger shell to prevent any leakage.

The Vaser Body Sculpture

I always look forward to my monthly facials and visits to dermclinics; this time since May was all about mothers, as a mother of 3, I thought of treating myself to something new. As per advised by good friends, I visited Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute conveniently located in Paseo de Magallanes commercial center.

I was impressed on how they conceptualized the institute because it definitely does not look like a typical cosmetic surgery clinic. Had I not read fully the name of the institute I wouldn't even have the slightest idea that I stepped in to a surgical clinic.

The lobby or receiving area was calm and serene. Once registered they will then lead you to the adjacent waiting room enhanced once more with its modern classical design.

Definitely not the usual dark, cold and eerie clinics we usually go to. Don't get intimidated by its name, although they are a "body sculpting institute" whose forte lies in the areas of slimming and body contouring (either surgical or non-surgical) they also offer the dermatological services we meticulous ladies love.

As I was waiting for my facial and (the something "new" for me that I decided to try) diamond peel I was lucky enough to meet Dr. Claudine S. Roura, the brains behind Contours who out of concern asked me if everything was okay and made sure I was taken cared of.

I was pleasantly surprised, she not only has the brains, but this young and attractive Board-certified dermatologist is a graduate of University of Santo. Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, my alma matter and with her long list of medical achievements which includes being awarded the 2005 Walter de Groot Phlebology Fellowship, I knew instantly I was in good hands.

Because of her great passion in the art of body sculpturing she had undergone extensive training and is proud to say that she is the first and only cosmetic surgeon certified to do VASER High Definition Liposculpture in the Philippines. She was personally trained by Dr. John Millard of Colorado,, USA and Dr. Hoyos, the "Father of VASER Hi-Definition Liposculpturing".

I am not much of a fan of "liposuction" because first, I wince on the idea of being cut up open and second because of the horrifying stories that I've heard regarding this procedure that is why I couldn't help myself but ask what makes the VASER Hi-Def treatment different from the "traditional liposuction".

Have you ever wondered what happens after religiously going to the gym and miraculously surviving all the diet do's and don'ts and achieving your desired weight and still you haven't actually achieved your desired "drop dead gorgeous body".

To be more specific, as far back as I can remember, after having 3 kids, I have been doing all sorts of crunches just to have my old abdominals backs; the one which I can be proud to show off especially in the beach. I've been doing crunches practically all my life and still not satisfied, then this is where VASER Hi-Definition Liposculpturing comes in.

Dr. Roura said VASER is best suited for men and women who are generally healthy and fit. These are the people who desire a more sculpted appearance without having to go through pumping iron until you reach a "hulk" like appearance, yet in the end still not having the desired body contour.

Cosmetic surgeon can perform Liposculpture

Businessworld-Wed.-April 1, 2009

THE ADVANCE liposuction technique that enhances the visibility of well-toned muscles has reached Philippine shores.

VASER High-Definition Liposculture targets men and women who would otherwise never have considered themselves in need of liposuction.

Because VASER High-Def was conceived to be a scuplting rather than a debulking technique, a person who has good muscle tone but does not have excessive amount of fat or lax skin is the perfect candidate for the procedure.

VASER High-Def is intended for generally fit men and women who seek greater visibility of their muscular detail. This makes the procedure a sensible adjucnt to a fitness program rather than a response to failure.

The highly advanced liposuction technique VASER High-Def uses removed small fat deposits around specific muscle groups to enhance the visibility muscle of the natural contours.

VASER High-Def is the brainchild of Colombian plastic surgeon Alfredo Hoyos, M.D.., widely touted as the "father of VASER high-definition liposculptuting."

It was under Mr. Hoyos's expert tutelage that Dr.Claudine S. Roura, FPDS, got her training in VASER High-Def, making her the first and onloy Filipino cosmetic surgeon trained and certified to perform the procedure.

With Ms. Roura at the helm, Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute makes available to Filipinos VASER High-Definition Liposculpture that is proven as revolutionary as it is effective.

Just one of the numerous dermatological and cosmetic surgery services the clinic offers, the procedure eliminates the risks and complications normally associated with traditional liposuction.

Contours is located at the 2nd floor of South Park Plaza, Paseo de Magallanes in Makati City. Appointments and inquiries may be made through 489-8526 or 0918-926-4468. E-mail drclaudine@rouradermsurgery.com or visist www.rouradermsurgery.com

Advanced liposuction technique arrives in RP

Business Mirror - fri-sat - March 27-28, 2009

FIGURE-CONSCIOUS people worry no more.

The advanced liposuction technique that enhances the visibility of well-toned muscles has reached the Philippine shores.

VASER High-defintion liposculpture targerts men and women who would otherwise never have considered themselves in need of liposuction.

Ideal candidates

BECAUSE Vaser High-Def was conceived to be a scuplting rather than a debulking technique, a person who has good muscle tone but does not have excessive amount of fat or lax skin is the perfect candidate for the procedure.

What will do even more wonders to your body is the selectivity the Vaser instrument represents.The procedure can target only those exercise-resistant areas be selectively liquifying the fat in those areas.

Such selectively also allows the surgeon to targets specific fat layers to create the desired sculpted appearance without damaging connective tissue.

An adjunct to fitness program

THAR Vaser High-Def is intended for generally fit men and women who seek greater visibility of their muscular detail makes the procedure a sensible adjunct to a fitness program rather than a reponse to failure.

This is good news to people who have trouble achieving the muscular definition they want in spite of a workout routine they commit to like a second religion.

The highly-advanced liposuction technique Vaser High-Def zeroes in and removes small fat deposites around specific muscle groups to enhance the visibility of the natural contours.

It is not uncommon for patients to delight at the sight of that six-pack,washboard abs they got after undergoing the procedure.

Rather than looking down at Vaser High-Def as failure to achieve fitness, these people look at its as enhancement of their current form.

A contour exclusive

REGARDED as the last word in body contouring, Vaser High-Def is the brainchild of Colombian plastic surgeon Alfredo Hoyos,M.D., widely touted as the "Father of Vaser high-definition liposcuplturing."

It was under Dr. Hoyos's expert tutelage that Dr. Claudine Roura, FPDS, got her training in Vaser High-Def, making her the first and only Filipino cosmetic surgeon trained and certified to perform the procedure.

With Dr. Roura at the helm, Contours Advanced Face and Body Scuplting Institute makes available to Filipinos Vaser High-Definition Liposcuplture that is proven as revolutionary as it is effective.

Just one of the numerous dermatological and cosmetic surgery services the clinic offers, the procedure eliinates the risks and complications normally associated with traditional liposuction.

Not to mention reduced operating time as well as remarkably shorter recovery period.

Contours Advanced Face and Body Scuplting Institute is at the 2nd floor of South Park Plaza, Paseo de Magallanes in Makati City.

Fpr appointments and inquiries, call (02) 489-8526 or 0918-9264468; e-mail drclaudine@rouradermsurgery.com; or log on to www.rouradermsurgery.com