When the first laser lipolysis device was approved by the FDA it started a whole new revolution in the medical spa industry.

Many physicians who invested in the technology believe it saved their practices from succumbing to the downfall of the economy. Soon after the approval, an array of new lipolysis technologies began to develop over time. Wavelengths were altered to find the optimal "melting point", ultrasound technology was applied, high-powered water jets were developed - all in the name of technological advancement. At that time I wondered, "What the industry could possibly develop to top this?".

It wasn't long until I received my answer! Enter, the Natural Breast Augmentation procedure utilizing fat transfer under local anesthesia! Hard to believe this procedure wasn't perfected sooner! Take the fat from one body area and put it in another - perfect! Up until this point, there was a lot of controversy regarding fat transfer. In fact, for 20 years it was denounced by U.S. plastic surgery societies as being a "dangerous" procedure. Unfortunately, this declaration was based on the technology and techniques utilized over 20 years ago. Heck, even our laptops are obsolete after 3 years!

Dr. Todd K. Malan of the Innovative Cosmetic Surgery Center in Scottsdale, AZ developed new techniques which resulted in the lifting of this "ban" in March of 2009. Many dispute the success rate for the survival of the fat after the transfer. However, with the latest technological advancements in fat harvesting, adipocyte survival rates have proven to be 85% to 90%. With the addition of adult stem cells to enhance the fat transfer and breast splinting technology, adipocyte survival rates have shown to be even higher. In fact, Dr. Malan states that when the fat transfer is concentrated with adult stem cells harvested from the patient's own fat, and is injected into the fat that is already within the breast, the result can equal a permanent increase of 250cc to 500cc in overall breast size equating to a 1 to 2 cup size increase.

Of course there are many facets to this procedure not covered in this post. I just applaud innovative technology when I see it for my own eyes. So much so, that Young medical spa (our medspa) is now performing this procedure after being trained by Dr. Malan himself and others like Dr. Jeffrey Caruth of Plano Aesthetics in Plano, TX. Technology is wonderful, isn't it?

I wonder what the industry could possibly develop to top this?

Author: Paula D. Young RN runs internal operations and training at Young Medical Spa and is the author of the Medical Spa Aesthetics Course, Study Guide, and Advanced IPL & Laser Training course for medical estheticians and laser technicians.

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