‘LSSA,’ which was first introduced in March this year, is the world’s thinnest 0.9mm-diameter probe that melts fat only through the hole of a needle without incision or suture. When I asked New Pong who was the master of this equipment, the name of Apgujeong Leaders Dermatology Clinic Director Yoon Seong-Jae was noted without a moment's hesitation. I interviewed Yoon Seong-Jae, who is also my college junior, for the column running on my feet.
- It is the first time to see you in private. What position do you currently hold in which academy?
I am presently serving as the academic director of the Korean Society for Skin and Anti-aging and the Public Relations Director of the Korean Society of Aesthetic and Dermatological Surgery. Through society's activities, I am trying to deliver a variety of new techniques to help fellows in treatment. Not long ago, I wrote a book called 'Thread Lifting Technique,' published in three languages: English, Chinese, and Japanese. I am in the middle of writing the textbook ‘Liposuction/Transplantation’ of the Aesthetic and Dermatological Surgery Korean Society.
- Among the various dermatological procedures, which area are you particularly interested in?
I am very interested in skin photoaging and the lifting procedure that restores sagging skin caused by it.
I also widely use various energy-based medical devices, including high-frequency waves. And I am also very inquisitive in thread lifting and natural, non-obtrusive liposuction.
- How long have you been using LSSA?
I'd been using LSSA's previous model made in New Pong for over ten years for abdominal liposuction.
I was always thinking about a procedure that could be performed on complex structures such as the face and leave less scarring. As soon as I heard that a probe with a diameter of 0.9mm was developed, I introduced it right after it was released. I later found out that I was the first doctor. LSSA can be effectively used to correct a sagging chin or double chin like a bulldog.
- LSSA is a liposuction machine. Which part is it tmainly used for?
A local accumulation of fat accompanies skin sagging due to aging. In particular, the chin is more prominent. When correcting a sagging chin or double chin like a bulldog, LSSA is an immaculate device for the jawline by dissolving fat cells with ultrasound and strengthening the surrounding tissues. It is often used to treat nasolabial folds and fat accumulation in the cheek area. The 0.9mm probe can be operated without an incision to be conveniently used on any part of the face.
- How do you dispose of melted fat with LSSA?
If the amount of melted fat is small, it is absorbed even if left alone. If there is a considerable amount, it is recommended to discharge it after the procedure to reduce inflammation. For the face area, it is enough to squeeze it out. Additional suction is sometimes performed for large areas such as the abdomen.
- Does it cause pain compared to other procedures?
LSSA, operated after swelling (tumescent) anesthesia, causes almost no pain. Let me compare it with some other devices. Implanted laser treatment generates heat and melts fat cells, so the recovery period is long and lymphatic vessels are often clogged. The jawline is prone to nerve damage, so it is a burden to be treated aggressively. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is more distressing and challenging to observe the immediate effect. A recently introduced device that allows cryolipolysis for double chin treatment is also challenging to use on other face parts. Since nervous tissue is vulnerable to freezing, it should be used with caution. LSSA has minor lymphatic swelling and less chance of nerve damage.
- What special precautions should be taken during the procedure?
Local fat accumulation, which is the size of apalm, takes about 15 to 20 minutes, including anesthesia. No particular post-treatment is required, and a simple dressing on the face is sufficient. If a tiny probe is used on the face, even antibiotics are not required. There may be some swelling, but it will go away in a week or two and recover faster than any other procedure.
- What is the difference in effect according to age?
Young people as well as the elderly can be treated without any worries. However, for older patients, adding elastic lifting is suggested for correcting sagging. Moreover, same-day treatment is conceivable. Depending on the patients ' preference, a thick probe can be used, but I recommend using the thinnest probe to see the natural effect.
Translated by Jini Jung
