The VANQUISH system is commonly used in problematic areas of fat deposition, such as the abdomen (“the muffin top”), or the flanks (“the love handles”). Because the system hovers over the skin, it can treat a larger area, often treating the entire abdomen and love handles at the same time without the rick of a “ledge”. VANQUISH can also be used to reduce back fat, the “bra bulge”, both the inner and outer thighs in the same session. Newly added extensions of the system will now allow treatment of the upper arms and inner thighs as well. Vanquish can reduce both thigh and arm circumference and eliminate excess inner thigh or outer thigh fat, including “saddlebags” in the hip area.

VANQUISH is best utilized in healthy adults who have areas of unwanted fat but do not desire surgical interventions such as tummy tucks or liposuction. Those who are able to continue with a healthy lifestyle of good eating habits and are physically active will optimize their results. Individuals with pacemakers or metal implants may not be candidates. Those who are pregnant or nursing should wait to undergo treatment with VANQUISH.

VANQUISH treatments are typically 30-45 minutes. Clinical studies show measurable decrease of approximately 2 inches in waist measurements after four weekly sessions. Some individuals may require more or less treatments or undergo additional sessions to target multiple areas of the body. Individual results may vary.

Coolsculpting uses cryolipolysis or cold to eliminate fat, while Vanquish ME uses radiofrequency heat energy to target fat cells; Kybella is an injectable medication that dissolves fat in small areas. At The Derm Institute, we offer all these modalities and will look at your body type and area of concern to customize a treatment plan which determines the best treatment or combination of treatments for you. Typically Vanquish ME (link) is used for debulking, Coolsculpting is for “sculpting” definitive bulges or problem areas, and Kybella is used for small areas to perfect and contour.

You will be placed in a comfortable, relaxed, reclined position. The VANQUISH system will be hovered over the target treatment area. You will feel a mild to moderate warming sensation while you close your eyes and relax. Sessions last 30-45 minutes each time.

VANQUISH is a safe and pain-free procedure. During the treatment the skin will feel gently warmed, like the sensation of a heating pad placed on the treatment area. Patients are able to return to their normal routine right after each treatment. Mild redness, hot-spots, slight swelling and tenderness is uncommon.

Patients should not wear any metal jewelry during the treatment. It is important to be very well hydrated for the 24 hours preceding the procedure and continue to drink lots of water for 24 hours after. Hydration is important as it allows the VANQUISH radiofrequency system to more effective penetrate the skin and target fat cells. Post procedure hydration helps improve elimination of the fat layer.

Some patients see results as early as days after their first treatment. However, studies show most individuals will see optimal results as soon as 2 weeks after 4 sessions of VANQUISH are completed.

Patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle, but the reduction in the fat layer in clinical studies in patients treated with VANQUISH were independent of any specific diet or exercise. Because VANQUISH causes a controlled elimination or apoptosis (cell death) of fat cells, the results are likely permanent if you maintain a similar or healthy and active lifestyle.