Stubborn fat – it wouldn’t be called such if it was easy to remove. Indeed, these pockets of pesky and often unsightly fat deposits seem immune to diet and exercise, no matter the effort. People with stubborn fat are generally resigned to living their lives with these unwanted excesses, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Thanks to modern liposuction technology at Amaris B Clinic paired with Dr. Ivan Puah’s very own body sculpting approach known as the MDC-Sculpt® Lipo  technique, there is now a way to eliminate them.

Dr. Ivan Puah’s MDC-Sculpt® Lipo technique and his “30% Science and 70% Art” Approach To Body Sculpting

Dr. Ivan Puah, who has more than 15 years of clinical experience in medical aesthetics and performing body contouring surgeries, believes that it is 70% art and 30% science when it comes to aesthetic science. Therefore, being meticulous and having a superb aesthetic sense are traits that a truly experienced and qualified doctor should possess. Only with this can he then effectively deliver the intended goals without compromising a patient’s safety in the process.  

Like how an artist uses his tools and aesthetic flair to craft beautiful art pieces, Dr. Ivan Puah sculpts masterpieces of beautiful, natural-looking contours according to his clients’ body aspirations. 

This has led him to create the MDC-Sculpt® Lipo approach.

The MDC-Sculpt® Lipo is a technique that Dr. Ivan Puah developed to help patients achieve their body aspirations. This technique is paired with body sculpting procedures such as VASER Lipo and VASER Hi-Def Lipo to render higher efficacy and better precision. The fat removal achieved is more thorough as more than 90% of the localised fat tissues are permanently eliminated. This also allows Dr. Ivan Puah to better sculpt the physique and smooth the body contours for a natural-looking result.

He believes that the success of a body sculpting procedure depends primarily on the skill sets of the liposuction doctor. Getting your liposuction procedure done by a trained, licenced and experienced doctor with an appreciation and eye for the aesthetic will pay off positively in terms of results.

Types of Modern Liposuction Procedures

Over the years, liposuction technology has improved remarkably to provide a better experience and results. The improved techniques and enhanced safety are done with the patient’s best interest in mind. 

Looking for an effective way to permanently remove excess body fat? Here are some types of modern liposuction procedures you may consider. 

Tumescent Liposuction

The tumescent technique is one of the most internationally recognised and considered to be of a high standard for liposuction methods. It provides all the benefits of fat removal and body contouring with fewer associated risks and offers better results than traditional liposuction. In addition, tumescent liposuction utilises tiny microcannulas, thus reducing the possibility of irregularities that may come with using larger cannulas. 

A quicker recovery can be expected with this procedure, as well as less bruising, swelling, and other painful problems post-procedure. This technique requires the doctor to infiltrate formulated solution into the targeted treatment region, which is the subcutaneous layer of fat between your skin and muscles. The solution numbs the area and temporarily constricts the blood vessels, significantly reducing blood loss during the procedure.

VASER Liposuction

Developed by Dr. John A. Millard, VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) Liposuction is an improved form of assisted liposuction that is more gentle, and less invasive than traditional liposuction. It utilises the assistance of  ultrasonic sound wave technology to gently break down unwanted fat tissues in the targeted areas, selectively fragmenting them into liquefied fat followed by suction using its specialised cannula. The result is a more contoured and defined appearance.

VASER lipo targets fat while leaving other important connective tissues intact, delivering smoother contours with less pain and recovery time than traditional liposuction. In just a single procedure, it can sculpt and shape multiple areas on your body. Commonly treated areas include jowls, belly, waist or love handles, hips, male chest (pseudogynecomastia and gynecomastia), arms, back, inner and outer thighs, knees and calves. 

Another advantage of VASER lipo compared to other types of fat removal treatment is that it enhances skin retraction resulting in firmer and tighter skin over time. 

VASER Hi-Def Lipo

VASER® Hi-Def Lipo is arguably the crème de la crème of fat removal and body contouring procedures. 

VASER® Hi-Def Lipo targets superficial layers of fat that reside directly over your muscles. It removes both the superficial and deep fat surrounding muscle groups to enhance the visibility of underlying toning and musculature. During the procedure, the targeted areas will be marked out, and fat will be removed via a sculpting process to create a frame around the muscles that are to be enhanced. More precise sculpting follows where a small amount of fat will be left to amplify the underlying muscle tone.

In women, the commonly targeted areas include the serratus, obliques and rectus muscles in the abdominal area to create the “11 line” definition. The gluteus and paraspinal muscles are also targeted. For men, the most desired physical trait has to be the “six-pack” or washboard abs. In addition, the same abdominal muscles are targeted, including the pectoralis muscles, to create the desired appearance.

This advanced body sculpting technique can only be performed by skilled and experienced doctors with substantial training in VASER and an eye for artistry to create a natural and tone sculpting for the patient.

SmartLipo

SmartLipo is also known as Laser Lipolysis. It is laser-assisted liposuction that breaks down fat cells into liquified fat, which is then removed through suction. Unlike traditional liposuction, there is minimal blood loss with SmartLipo.

Performed under local anaesthesia, the SmartLipo procedure begins with marking the treated area. Tiny incisions or small puncture holes are then created to allow anaesthetic fluids to infiltrate the skin. Next, an optic fibre with laser light is inserted through a micro-cannula into the fat layers. The doctor will then guide the optical fibre to where the localised fat tissues are to be melted. These melted fat tissues are then removed via suction. 

This treatment is minimally invasive and is used to treat small areas of fat such as on the waist, love handles, double chin, upper arms, and back of the neck area. 

What you need to know about liposuction in Singapore 

To find the right VASER Lipo doctor in Singapore, having trained to perform liposuction is only the beginning. It’s crucial to find a VASER Lipo doctor who not only performs the procedure regularly but has consistently achieved a high patient satisfaction rate.

Do check out the before and after photos of cases performed by your doctor, which are good indications of results. After accessing your condition and medical history, they should give you an uncomplicated and straightforward explanation of the recommended treatment. Do not opt for a procedure just because it is cheap. The intent is to find a doctor that can carry out a safe body sculpting surgical procedure that best suits your body shape, without incurring unnecessary risks to your health and wellbeing.

To carry out liposuction procedures in Singapore, doctors must meet specific requirements to meet and fulfil to receive accreditation. Doctors, regardless of speciality, must meet the stringent criteria set by the board before they can be licensed by the Ministry of Health Singapore. Those who are not accredited cannot perform the procedure, which applies across all specialities, including plastic surgery.

On top of that, to be able to perform VASER Lipo, the doctor must have completed the VASER training by a VASER certified physician.

Day Surgery Centers and operating theatres must meet the ambulatory requirements and licensing from the Ministry Of Health before they can take in liposuction cases. During the procedure, an anesthesiologist must be present to manage the patient together with the liposuction doctor. The doctors will be assisted by a team of experienced surgical and OT nurses. 

An experienced body sculpting physician, Dr. Ivan Puah has undergone body sculpting training, including VASER Fundamental and Advanced Body Sculpting training in the USA and Argentina as well as SmartLipo in Italy. He is the Chairman of the Lipo Peer Review Committee in Singapore and is also accredited by the Ministry of Health Singapore to perform liposuction. 

Who is Liposuction Suitable for?

If you are looking to get liposuction, here are the criteria you must fit to be eligible for the procedure. 

  • BMI Level of between 17 and 28
  • You have firm elastic skin and good muscle tone
  • You are healthy, without any life-threatening illness or underlying medical condition 
  • You have a positive outlook, specific goals and realistic expectations for fat removal through a liposuction procedure
  • You are NOT pregnant


How Much Fat Can Be Removed Through Liposuction? 

Liposuction procedures are strictly regulated by the Ministry of Health Singapore. The regulations have limited the amount of fat removed via liposuction from a single patient in a single session to two litres. An amount greater than the stipulated volume could lead to higher risk of complications. Therefore, it is best to stagger your procedure schedule if you require more fat removal in the treated areas.

Will Liposuction Help with Weight Loss or Obesity? 

The simple answer is, no. Liposuction may reduce the amount of overall fat in your body, however, do not expect the number on the weighing scale to drop. Liposuction is not a tool for weight loss or obesity. In maintaining good liposuction results, patients should do their part by keeping a good diet and regular exercise schedule. 

How Can I Maintain Liposuction Results? 

Dr. Ivan Puah has some healthy lifestyle tips for you to maintain the results of your liposuction treatment. 

First of all, eat the rainbows. Incorporate vegetables and fruits from different colours to get the essential nutrients and vitamins your body requires. The next tip is to eat in moderation. Do not eat more than you should. Also, keep unhealthy snacks away during times such as when you’re watching television or working. This is to avoid eating just because you are bored. He also advises increasing your consumption of healthy carbs and proteins, and most importantly, keep moving to maintain a healthy physique!