While non-surgical fat reduction technologies can yield dramatic results, stubborn and residual swelling often remains present in the treated areas. This is where the Z Wave from Zimmer MedizinSystems (Irvine, Calif.) comes in. Using radial pulse energy, the Z Wave device enhances the outcome of cryolipolysis treatments by transmitting high-energy acoustic waves through soft tissue, which spread radially beneath the skin’s surface.
Eileen Summer Black, M.D., a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New Orleans, La., employs Cynosure’s SculpSure laser treatment for non-invasive lipolysis followed by aggressive massage utilizing a series of Z Wave treatments. “Heat-based treatments will reduce fat by a certain percentage,” she expressed.
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“One thing you can get with this and similar modalities, such as cryolipolysis, are lumps or nodules, but since we’ve been using Z Wave massage post treatment we have seen virtually none of that. It has become our routine to follow each SculpSure procedure with a series of four Z Wave treatments. We have noticed that this enhances our fat reduction and results in a smoother contour.”
For Brian Biesman, M.D., F.A.C.S., an oculofacial plastic surgeon in Nashville, Tenn., “Z Wave provides a way to standardize the post-procedure massage, as well as make it easier on the staff. We do a lot of CoolSculpting and Z Wave offers a break from having to do a lot of manual massage. The product is very easy to use.”
Z Wave enhances the uniformity of results following CoolSculpting treatments, added Dr. Biesman. “It is well established that massage enhances CoolSculpting outcomes, and Z Wave has helped us in a positive way to improve the consistency of patient results. It has become part of our CoolSculpting routine.”
Z Wave offers practitioners considerable versatility, as well, noted Dr. Summer Black. “It is not a one trick pony. I use it regularly as a post treatment therapy for almost all of our surgical procedures. For instance, Z Wave relieves the swelling and firmness that occurs after performing surgical liposuction, abdominoplasty, neck-lift or brachioplasty. Three to five Z Wave sessions spaced a few days apart are the equivalent of four to six weeks of manual massage. It is really impressive,” she stated.
Dr. Biesman echoed these sentiments. “The Z Wave treatments seem to help manage persistent post-operative swelling, although this is completely anecdotal based on our experience with a small number of patients,” he noted.
In addition, Dr. Summer Black has found Z Wave helpful in addressing scars. “It is good for patients who begin to for scars that are becoming hypertrophic. The company also markets the product for treating cellulite, and it works fine for that as well,” she said.
Overall, patients have been very happy with results from the Z Wave system. According to Dr. Black, they will even come back and ask for it by name. “They say, ‘It helped me so much, can I do another one?’” she reported.
