Cynosure sets the benchmark with the world’s first hyperthermic laser treatment for removal of stubborn fat, taking only 25 minutes per treatment.
SculpSure, distributed by Cynosure, is the world’s first hyperthermic laser treatment for the removal of stubborn fat.
Not only is SculpSure the first FDA-cleared laser treatment for non-invasive lipolysis of the flanks and abdomen, but the treatment has also received the European Medical Device Directive certification ‘CE Mark’.
SculpSure is a versatile, hands-free, non-suction device featuring a flexible applicator system with a 1060nm diode laser that can treat multiple areas simultaneously. As well as the flanks and abdomen, the device is also being used to target fat on the upper arms, thighs and knees. The treatment does not require anaesthesia and requires no downtime.
No two patients are the same and tailored treatments yield the most aesthetically pleasing results. With this in mind, the Treat to Complete protocol ensures a customisable treatment for each client.
Dr Davin Lim is a dermatologist from Brisbane who has been using SculpSure since February 2016. He explains that the Treat to Complete protocol means patients undergo multiple treatments in order to achieve their goals.
“The benefits of Treat to Complete include further fat reduction in the areas treated. Remembering that one treatment will destroy up to 24% of fat cells, repeated treatments will increase the efficacy of this device,” said Dr Lim.
“Additionally, I often use SculpSure in other sites to help de-bulk fat in the area. As this device is FDA approved for the treatment of fat in areas involving the abdomen and flanks only, I extend the Treat to Complete protocol to treat areas such as the inner thighs, outer thighs and under the arms.”
SculpSure in action
The 1060nm wavelength targets subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) at 42-47˚C, coupled with minimal absorption in the dermis, allowing SculpSure to efficiently treat areas of troublesome fat.
“Results can be seen as early as four weeks; however, it does take anywhere up to 10 to 12 weeks for optimal outcomes. This is because with any non-invasive body contouring device, we rely on the body’s innate immune system to remove adipose tissue after its destruction,” said Dr Lim.
A controlled and well-tolerated procedure, SculpSure does not damage dermal tissue. It can be used on all skin types and features an advanced contact cooling technology for patient comfort.
SculpSure is versatile, convenient and profitable. Shorter treatment time benefits practitioners and patients, enhancing return of investment. With the 25-minute treatment practitioners are able to treat twice as many patients in the same amount of time compared with other treatments available.
Additionally, the device does not have to be administered by a doctor or nurse, meaning treatments can be easily incorporated into a clinic using existing staff.
“I do believe SculpSure is one of the better treatments for de-bulking fat and also contouring areas such as the flanks and the abdominal area. In my opinion, this is the best device when it comes to downtime. Patients can exercise and carry on normal activities immediately after SculpSure – this is almost unheard of with other procedures,” said Dr Lim.
“Treatments with Sculpsure are quick, well tolerated and also effective, providing expectations are realistic and candidates are suitable,” concludes Dr Lim.
Treat to Complete Protocol
A customised treatment plan is created to ensure full coverage of fat and to address all potential treatment areas. Together with the client, practitioners determine the number of areas to be treated to maximise body contouring, as well as the number of treatments needed to achieve desired results.
The first step is to conduct a full core assessment. It is advised to encourage using as many PACs as needed to achieve optimal results. Even if the patient only wants to do one area, practitioners can highlight or strongly suggest adjacent areas for treatment to yield better results.
By reviewing the Zone Chart and titrating energy based on the client’s reported heat sensation, clinicians can achieve optimum results while obtaining patient comfort. It is crucial to review the importance of Target Zone 4 (fat destruction zone).
As with any treatment, patient satisfaction is pivotal. It is therefore important to set realistic expectations and explain to the patient that a single area may need multiple treatments.
“Essentially, the number of treatments will be determined by several factors including patients expectations, the amount of fat present, the anatomical location of fat and the suitability of the device in this area. This means I may use one to three treatments, but I may also introduce another non-invasive body contouring device in order to treat that area more effectively. SculpSure is an excellent device; candidate selection and realistic expectations need to be considered for optimal outcomes,” said Dr Lim.
A six-week follow up is scheduled with the client to discuss the treatment outcome. Sometimes more than one treatment is necessary to achieve the desired result. If required, the same area can then be re-treated after 6 weeks.
“Typically we bring our patients back at six to eight weeks. We then undertake photographic documentation together with standardised measurements of the areas treated. If we are treating the waistline/abdominal area we usually expect a 1-inch to 2-inch drop in waistline diameter at this time. Some patients will have a delayed response and will notice a difference at the 10-week mark. Having said that, we also weigh all patients to ensure that their BMI is stable, in that they have not actually gained weight during this time,” said Dr Lim.
Expert Tips
• Do not undertreat
• Patient zone score should be 4
• Customise every treatment
• For better results treat the full core area
• One treatment with multiple applicators and multiple body areas can make noticeable difference, but having more treatments 6 weeks apart enhances the contouring effect of the SculpSure treatment.
