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You’ll find the latest video from the ASPS below, and be sure and check back with us each month for new and updated stories. If you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sukkar, please contact us today.

Plastic Surgeon in Houston Utilizes Advanced Power-Assisted Liposuction

Houston, TX — At his center for plastic surgery in Houston, Dr. Sam Sukkar has announced he will be now providing an innovative technique for liposuction to help patients achieve a slimmer figure with less downtime and discomfort than traditional procedures. As modern plastic surgery continues to evolve and progress towards providing safer, more successful care, Dr. Sukkar says his new PowerX® Power-Assisted Liposuction device is a top-of-the-line advancement designed to increase efficiency and effectiveness. He says he is excited to introduce the new procedure and hopes it will allow him to enhance the level of care available at his practice through constant pursuit of the latest techniques and technologies.

As a plastic surgeon in Houston, Dr. Sukkar focuses on a wide variety of aesthetic treatments, ranging from liposuction and tummy tucks to breast augmentation and facial rejuvenation. With demand for cosmetic surgery at one of the highest levels in recent history, he says staying up-to-date with the most advanced devices and approaches is essential for treating patients, particularly with a procedure such as power assisted liposuction in Houston. Thanks to a host of patient benefits, Dr. Sukkar says the PowerX® Liposuction System will be a welcome addition to his practice’s line of procedures to help men and women gain confidence in their bodies. “PowerX is a powerful liposuction aspiration technology that will allow a more efficient fat removal with ultimately less down time for the patient and less fatigue on the surgeon. This is exciting because it will allow more time for precise sculpting,” says Dr. Sukkar.

Developed by the same company that produces VASER® Liposuction, Sound Surgical Technologies, Inc., the PowerX® Liposuction System utilizes a rotational handpiece and continuous, uninterrupted suction to reduce fat deposits and create a more sculpted appearance. Dr. Sukkar says some of the most notable benefits available from the innovative design are optimal control and precision from the surgeon, which allows for minimized trauma and bruising to the surrounding areas, lower discomfort, and a shorter procedure and recovery time. Because of advancements in body contouring in Houston like the PowerX® Liposuction System and VASER®, he says patients will be able to achieve a more toned figure, as well as the lasting reduction of fat in problem areas such as the hips and abdomen: “Patients will enjoy a smoother final result and optimal shape after liposuction with VASER and PowerX. Liposelection with VASER and evacuation with powerX will result in less trauma to the patient with a quicker recovery and minimal downtime.”

As with any medical procedure, Dr. Sukkar says he recommends any patient considering a liposuction procedure consult with a properly-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon before undergoing treatment. He says taking the time to select the right practice, equipped with the right tools, will be one of the most important factors in attaining effective, safe, and beautiful results from a cosmetic enhancement like body contouring: “Providing state of the art technology is an indication of a plastic surgeon’s commitment to excellence and his patient’s ultimate result. An appropriate use and selection of the latest technology will allow for the very best for my patients- minimizing their recovery and providing superior outcomes with complementary tools such as VASER and PowerX by Sound Surgical Technologies, INC.”

For more information about the PowerX® Power-Assisted Liposuction procedure, click here.

About Sam M. Sukkar, MD, FACS

Dr. Sam Sukkar graduated from medical school at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, after which he completed a general surgery residency at the University of Texas Hermann Hospital at the Texas Medical Center and a plastic surgery residency at Northwestern University. During his training, he was awarded the Thomas D. Cronin Fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Division of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Sukkar is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He has been selected to Houston Magazine’s “Top Doctors for Women” on several occasions.

Located at 1616 Clear Lake City Blvd Suite 102 in Houston, TX, Sukkar Aesthetic Plastic Surgery can be reached at (281) 940-1535. It can also be contacted online via the website drsukkar.com or the Sukkar Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Facebook page.

Contact:
Rosemont Media
Aaron Hurst
aaron@rosemontmedia.com
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com

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At his Houston plastic surgery practice, Dr. Sukkar provides a wide range of aesthetic surgical and non-invasive procedures from liposuction to BOTOX® Cosmetic. With the addition of the Vectra 3D machine, he says he hopes to provide patients with further peace of mind in their plastic surgery decision by refining the capacity to predict results from a procedure and encouraging an open discussion between patient and doctor about their individual aesthetic goals. Dr. Sukkar says he also aims to demonstrate his commitment to providing the latest in patient care technology and effective results with the addition of the Vectra XT imaging device.

Using high-resolution, color image capture and sharp, 3D resolution, the Vectra XT takes pictures of a patient’s face, breast, and body and combines the images with a software program that lets surgeons manipulate their appearance on the digital display to project possible outcomes following a procedure. Dr. Sukkar says the image capture takes only a few minutes and patients will then be able to experiment with different looks until they find the one that fits their needs. He says the images then help him create a customized surgical plan with his patients to establish an appropriate treatment.

“In our office, we spend a great deal of time going over appropriate implant sizes with patients and try to help them visualize their new look with implant sizers. However, patients continue to agonize over implant size. Vectra 3D Imaging can alleviate this concern for patients by providing a digital, interactive 3D image of their expected results.”

Dr. Sukkar says he hopes the new technology enhances his patients’ plastic surgery experience and provides them with the comfort of knowing what to expect from their procedure. Regardless of whether they are looking for breast augmentation or tummy tuck in Houston, he adds that patients should be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon so as to receive the highest quality care and safe, effective results.

Click here for more information about the Vectra 3D imaging device.

About Sam M. Sukkar, MD, FACS

A graduate of Louisiana State University and the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, Dr. Sam Sukkar completed his general surgery residency at the University of Texas Hermann Hospital and a plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Texas Division of Plastic Surgery, where he was awarded the Thomas D. Cronin Fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He also completed his plastic surgery residency at Northwestern University. Dr. Sukkar is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Sukkar has also been selected by Houston Magazine as one of the “Top Docs for Women.”

Located at 1616 Clear Lake City Blvd, Suite 102 in Houston, TX, Dr. Sukkar’s practice can be reached at (281) 940-1535. He can also be contacted online via the website drsukkar.com or facebook.com/sukkarplasticsurgery.

Contact:
Rosemont Media
Aaron Hurst
aaron@rosemontmedia.com
(858) 200-0044

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Plastic Surgeon in Houston Introduces New Cellulite Reduction Treatment to Practice

At his Houston plastic surgery practice, Dr. Sam Sukkar recently announced the addition of Cellulaze, an innovative new procedure approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the reduction of cellulite, to his list of available cosmetic enhancements. Using laser fiber technology, Dr. Sukkar says he has been impressed by the results of Cellulaze and is excited to offer the treatment to his patients interested in improving the appearance and elasticity of the skin on their legs and abdomen through cellulite reduction in Houston.

Following recent approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Cellulaze from Cynosure, Inc., Dr. Sam Sukkar has announced he and his practice will now be providing the innovative treatment as an effective solution for cellulite and fat pockets on the skin around the hips, thighs, and buttocks. As a plastic surgeon in Houston, Dr. Sukkar focuses on a wide range of body contouring and breast surgery procedures at his practice and says the new therapy has a number of benefits to offer patients looking for cellulite treatment in Houston. Having seen firsthand the results of Cellulaze and its ability to tone and sculpt skin, he says he is excited about the chance to diversify his procedures with the advanced technology and enhance his ability to provide the highest quality treatment for his patients.

Cellulaze is a one-treatment procedure that typically requires only a few weeks for patients to see the results, although the most significant reduction in cellulite may continue to develop over the months following the procedure. Performed by inserting a tiny laser fiber beneath the skin, Dr. Sukkar says the fat is heated and disrupted, while releasing the fibrous bands that cause skin to dimple and stimulating collagen formation to further improve skin tone and elasticity. He says Cellulaze works to address the structure of skin underneath the surface, providing an effective, lasting treatment for cellulite by increasing the thickness, flexibility, and vitality of one’s skin. “Cellulite is a condition that causes dimpling, pits and a cottage cheese-like appearance to the skin. It most commonly affects women in the buttock and posterior thigh areas. The laser is geared towards reducing some of the pseudo herniated fat, as well as releasing the vertically oriented fibrous bands traversing from the dermis of the skin down to the muscle layer. These bands are what cause the dimpled, pitted appearance. Finally, the laser allows for thickening of the skin, which smooths and tightens at the skin level, adding to the final result.”

Dr. Sukkar says he is excited about the new procedure and is looking forward to its application in his practice for achieving the highest quality results and patient care. He adds that he hopes to continue pursuing the latest developments in cosmetic enhancement technology so as to improve the overall plastic surgery experience of his patients and further boost their self confidence and appearance. “Innovations like Cellulaze play an important role in advancing the treatment options available to my cosmetic plastic surgery patients. As a one time stand alone treatment delivered on an outpatient basis, Cellulaze offers an innovative treatment option for cellulite, which has been a problematic condition affecting a large number of women. I look forward to using this new technology to treat cellulite and perhaps this new experience will lead to further breakthroughs in other areas.”

About Sam M. Sukkar, MD, FACS

A summa cum laude graduate of Louisiana State University, Dr. Sam Sukkar earned his medical degree from the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed a general surgery residence at the University of Texas Hermann Hospital in Houston, where he was awarded the Thomas D. Cronin Fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Division of Plastic Surgery. He was also accepted into the Division of Plastic Surgery at Northwestern University for his residency training fellowship. Dr. Sukkar is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Medical Association, and several other professional organizations. He is active in continued medical education, participating in numerous annual meetings around the U.S. and publishing articles on a range of aesthetic topics. Dr. Sukkar has also been named one of Houston’s “Top Docs for Women” by Houston Magazine.

Located at 1616 Clear Lake City Blvd. Suite 102 in Houston, TX, Dr. Sukkar’s practice can be reached at (281) 940-1535. He can also be contacted online via the website drsukkar.com or facebook.com/sukkarplasticsurgery.

Rosemont Media
Contact:
Aaron Hurst
aaron@rosemontmedia.com
(858) 200-0044

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About VECTRA® 3-D Imaging

This technology has actually been around for quite some time, but it has finally evolved into a user friendly system that can be used in a time efficient manner in a busy clinical practice. Capturing the photo only takes about a second and the data is then processed by a computer. By the time the patient has returned to the consultation room, their images are ready to simulate and can then be reviewed with them.

The beauty of this system is that it has all of the commercially available breast implant sizes loaded in so that with the click of a button, a patient can see not only how she looks currently, but how she will appear after her augmentation. several published studies have validated it’s accuracy and patient satisfaction is around 95%! In addition, many of the patients who would have been reluctant to proceed with an operation were able to do so because of this technology.

This system is going to be implemented into our practice in the next several weeks and we are eagerly awaiting it’s arrival. While it will initially slow down the consultation process, after about a month of use the studies have shown that it actually makes the consultation more efficient, because narrowing down the appropriate choices is quicker and patient understanding is better facilitated. The patient can even get a printout of their anticipated result to take home and review!

The system has been clinically studied in several offices around the country prior to its release. Our office will be one of the first in Houston to get this new technology and I suspect that in a few short years it will be required for the offices of Plastic Surgeons practicing state of the art breast and body contouring surgery. In addition, i believe that the more discriminating,technology savvy patient will demand it, and seek out those practice locations for their breast augmentation surgery.

This new technology is one of several being incorporated into the practice in 2012. In addition to the 3D imager, we will also be rolling out the following: cellulaze Smartlipo laser for cellulite treatment, powerX power assisted liposuction machine, as well as many other exciting things at sukkar aesthetic plastic surgery.

I will be writing informative articles on all of these exciting events in the next few weeks. We will continue to try and educate our patients and separate what is hype from fact. If there are other topics that you would like to see discussed, contact us or call us at 281.990.8487.

Try an Online Demonstration of Vectra 3D

Experiment with different possible results by visiting the Sculpt My Dream website.

While there are many differences between the various liposuction technologies and modalities available, you may be surprised to learn that all liposuction procedures have many common features which I will outline for you.
There are three main phases to most if not all liposuction procedures – infiltration phase, fat preparation phase, and fat aspiration phase. The infiltration phase consists of infusing a saline solution containing numbing agents (lidocaine), and epinephrine to shrink the blood vessels to minimize bleeding. When awake liposuction is performed, bicarbonate is also added to decrease the stinging sensation as the fluid is infiltrated.

The second phase of liposuction involves preparation of the fatty tissue for extraction. The way this occurs is dependent on each unique technology and it’s effectiveness also varies. For example, ultrasound energy is used to soften the fat with ultrasonic liposuction (Vaser), whereas a laser is used to soften the fat with laser liposuction (Smartlipo). Traditional and power assisted liposuction utilize mechanical energy to prepare the fat.

The last phase of liposuction is aspiration of the fat. This is the phase that ultimately determines your result and is dependent on the skill and artistry of the surgeon performing your procedure. When the fat has been prepared adequately, the fat comes out easily and with minimal trauma, whereas with no fat preparation it may be difficult to extract and the amount of trauma required to do so may be more extensive.

A good surgeon should be able to deliver a nice result utilizing the technology that they are the most comfortable and experienced with. It remains controversial as to what system is the best or gives the best result, but I will offer a few observations based on my experience with all of the main liposuction technologies.

I no longer perform traditional liposuction as I consider it too traumatic and less controllable with regards to fat extraction. I have utilized power-assisted liposuction since 2003 and continue to use it as it minimizes surgeon fatigue and allows for more expeditious fat removal. I recently replaced my microaire pal system with a newer, advanced system called powerX and am very excited with the implementation.

Since late 2009, I have also utilized ultrasonic Vaser liposuction in my practice. It is very effective at removing large deposits of fat.

In addition to this technology, I was also concurrently trained in Vaser HI DEF liposculpture, which is a technique. This has revolutionized my results and allowed me to transition from a suctioner of fat to a sculptor of fat.

The best analogy that I like to use to explain the concept of vaser technology is to liken the fat to a stick of frozen butter. Vaser is able to turn the frozen butter (fat) into a malleable state that allows it to be manipulated and shaped, much like a sculptor works with clay. This is crucial, because now the fat liposuctioner who has been trained in The HI DEF technique can literally sculpt his result much like Michelangelo created the statue of David. Obviously, this requires a bit of artistry and is a very exclusive technique, meaning that the vast majority of doctors do not even know what it is, much less how to perform it.

These concepts can confuse some patients, so I will elaborate further to better explain. Vaser is what I call an enabling technology, whereas HI DEF liposculpture is a technique. Just because one has a Vaser, does not mean he has the ability to perform HI DEF liposculpture. The technique requires extensive training and experience. Likewise, it is also possible to perform HI DEF liposculpture without the Vaser, but without the Ultrasonic enabling technology, it is exceedingly difficult.

In 2010, I added Smartlipo laser lipolysis to my armamentarium of equipment. I feel that it plays a role in smaller areas where some skin tightening is desired. A new exciting development has just been released with the approval of the cellulaze Smartlipo laser 2 weeks ago. Its indication and FDA approval are for the permanent treatment of cellulite. I will be training on this next week in Toronto.

So perhaps you are now more confused than when you started. Suffice it to say that when a patient sees a hi def result, most will choose this as the desired outcome they would like to have. It is a mistake, however to assume that everyone is doing liposculpture and delivering these kinds of results, because they are not. How do I know this, you might ask? Because I used to be a fat suctioner before I evolved into a fat sculptor. My results were good and my patients were happy. When the HI DEF technique was introduced in 2007, it became quickly apparent that what we once thought was not possible, was now achievable. Initially, many of the results were scrutinized and the photos were declared to be doctored. At the present time, those of us who know how to perform the technique are in some ways ostracized and the NaySayers continue to suction fat in the traditional manner.

A recently departed entrepreneurial spirit encouraged us to THINK DIFFERENT. I choose to do so and the personal satisfaction gained from helping to literally reshape and sculpt the human form back to the beauty that god intended is immense. Once you see the magic, you can’t go back!

I encourage you to continue to educate yourself about body contouring procedures. I see my experience in this field as a tool for you to rely on to help answer your questions.We will continue to try and educate our patients and separate what is hype from fact. If there are other topics that you would like to see discussed, contact us or call us at 281.990.8487.

Q: What exactly is Cellulaze™?

Dr Sukkar: Cellulaze™ is an exciting new laser technology, just approved by the FDA for the treatment of cellulite. The cellulite treatments that are currently available were temporary in nature and required multiple sessions. This is the first time that we will have a machine that can deliver a substantial improvement in one treatment session.

Q: How long has Cellulaze™ been used?

Dr Sukkar: This laser was developed over the last 3 years through research and development by Cynosure Laser corporation at 2-3 treatment centers around the country. Study data shows improvement in the treated areas at 2 years with a 93% patient satisfaction score.

Q: Does this treatment require general anesthesia?

Dr Sukkar: The treatment session can be performed with local anesthesia with the patient wide awake or with light sedation if desired. I have a great deal of experience doing awake liposuction and this knowledge will easily translate to the Cellulaze™ treatment. This means that the treatments will be done on an outpatient basis with essentially no down time.

Q: When will patients see their results?

Dr Sukkar: The results will be evident at 4 weeks and continue to evolve and improve at 3, 6 and 12 months. The patients followed out to 2 years continue to show improvement from the pre-treatment state.

Q: What exactly is cellulite?

Dr Sukkar: Cellulite is a condition that causes dimpling, pits and a cottage cheese like appearance to the skin. It most commonly affects women in the buttock and posterior thigh areas. The laser is geared towards reducing some of the pseudo herniated fat, as well as releasing the vertically oriented fibrous bands traversing from the dermis of the skin down to the muscle layer. These bands are what cause the dimpled, pitted appearance. Finally, the laser allows for thickening of the skin which smooths and tightens at the skin level, adding to the final result.

Q: Will patients legs be completely smooth after treatment?

Dr Sukkar: We tell our patients that they can expect at least a 50-60% improvement in the appearance of their cellulite. This improvement has been documented to persist for at least 2 years. It is possible that they may get more improvement than expected, but we like to err on the conservative side so patients don’t have unrealistic expectations.

Q: Can regular liposuction be done at the same time as Cellulaze™ treatment for cellulite?

Dr Sukkar: Yes. Liposuction with fat removal can be performed at the same time. The cellulaze treatment is at a fairly superficial level, so typically this would be performed after the liposuction portion of the treatment. Of course, we have to assess patients individually and plan their treatment accordingly.

Q: How is Cellulaze™ priced?

Dr Sukkar: Cellulaze™ will be priced based an treatment zones similar to how we price liposuction procedures. Cynosure has facilitated this with a visual aid, which is basically a grid which will be drawn on the patient. Each individual square measures 5×5 cm and a typical zone would have 9-12 squares which is roughly the size of your hand. Within each square, the fatty nodules and the pits are marked to help facilitate the treatment in the recumbent position. A certain amount of energy is then delivered to the square grids with the intent of releasing the pits and flattening the nodules.

Q: Is there a suction or aspiration phase, similar to liposuction?

Dr Sukkar: No, this is more of a treatment at the superficial skin level. Some fat will be emulsified and this represents the pseudo herniated nodules that were marked. At the completion of the procedure, a rolling maneuver to express any residual fluids or emulsified fat is carried out. The tiny access incisions are then left open and will have some drainage for 1-2 days.

Q: Why don’t you close the incisions?

Dr Sukkar: We learned with liposuction, that if the fluids are allowed to drain after the procedure, the patient experiences less pain, swelling and bruising. The same concept applies to Cellulaze™ treatments. The only exception is the bruising and ecchymosis that we tend to see with Cellulaze™. Because the treatment is performed at such a superficial level, and because we are using the 1440nm wavelength laser which is specific for fat and not the 1064nm wavelength laser which is more specific for blood vessels, we tend to see more bruising. This bruising resolves over a 2-3 week time period.

Q: How will the results be evaluated?

Dr Sukkar: Assessment will be documented with 2 dimensional photography at 3, 6, and 12 months. I also just learned that the Vectra xt 3-dimensional camera system by Canfield is being used to document improvement in cellulite for the studies being published. I am excited about this, because it is very precise and shows results that might be washed out by an over- exposed flash with 2-dimensional photography. Fortunately, I just purchased this system to use in breast augmentation in my office to assist patients in visualizing their post operative results as it simulates how they will look with a variety of different implant sizes. The Vectra xt will have a dual role in my office for both breast patients as well as body contouring patients.

Q: When can patients get their Cellulaze™ treatments?

Dr Sukkar: We are already booking patients for these treatments, even though the machines have yet to be delivered. Our smartlipo™ triplex machine is being upgraded at the moment, and will be ready in about a week. I was one of the first doctors in Texas to get training and am ready to begin patient treatments as soon as the machine arrives. Fortunately, my vast experience with liposuction in general and more specifically with smartlipo™ triplex laser liposuction made the learning curve very short. After I treated 1 or 2 squares, I was ready to go. It really is a very methodical treatment with 3 basic steps to ensure proper energy delivery to the treatment zone.

Q: Any last thoughts?

Dr Sukkar: I can’t wait to get started using this new technology! I think this is going to have a huge impact and an unprecedented demand from patients who would like to smooth out their problem areas. We will be able to offer in one treatment, on an outpatient basis,a significant improvement in their cellulite. This is going to be a game changer. I now have a complete package of therapies available to offer the body contour patients- Vaser lipo, powerX lipo, Smartlipo, and now Cellulaze™ for cellulite. All of these are great technologies, and really complementary modalities which will allow for the customized treatment design for each individual patient.

We will be having our first event of the year 2012, on Thursday, February 23rd. This event will focus on Smartlipo™, vaser lipo, fat grafting and now Cellulaze™ treatments. This will be a great time to come out and learn about this new technology!

I will be writing informative articles on all of these exciting events in the next few weeks. We will continue to try and educate our patients and separate what is hype from fact. If there are other topics that you would like to see discussed, email us or call us at 281.990.8487.