BTL, the makers of Exilis, have launched VANQUISH: the world’s first non-surgical, no-downtime and no-contact radio-frequency device with effectiveness approaching many invasive surgical procedures.

Vanquish, a new non-invasive procedure that uses radio frequency waves to kill fat cells without damaging skin or muscle, has been labelled a ‘breakthrough’ by experts. The device uses “focused-field radio frequency” to zap fat without ever touching the patient’s body.

In the last 35 years, entrepreneurs have introduced a cavalcade of technologies to reduce fat, each with its own drawbacks. First came liposuction: It requires anaesthesia and surgery and sometimes leaves patients with uneven results and weeks of bruising. Then there was ultrasound: A technician moves a hand piece over the body to deliver deep-diving sound waves that destroy fat below the surface of the skin. But it, too, requires pain medication. More recently, we have been offered cryotherapy, which kills fat cells by freezing them, but the results can be slow-coming.

All of which explains the excitement that Vanquish has been generating in the UK. It is approved for deep-tissue heating, a known method for targeting fat, and has minimal side effects. During four sessions spaced a week apart, the patient lies underneath an apparatus with adjustable panels that are positioned around the areas of the body to be treated but don’t actually touch them. Sensors built into the device “read” the patient’s body fat and customise the amount of energy the machine will deliver during each 30-minute treatment.

At present the treatment is exclusively available at Harvey Nicholls, but will be available to other clinics in February.

“This new procedure is a real game changer- it’s the safest, easiest way yet to remove fat,” says Preema Vig, Medical Director at Beyond MediSpa, Harvey Nichols.

With Vanquish, a radio frequency panel is placed over the abdomen or flank area for approximately 30 minutes. Built-in heat sensors “read” the skin’s temperature to assure it does not exceed the desired thermal threshold. While the radio frequency emitted from the panel heats the surface skin to a warm 101˚F, the underlying adipose (fat) cells can reach temperatures up to 120˚F. This intense heat causes apoptosis (cellular death) of the fat cells.

The body then utilises these fat cells for other functions, such as energy or creating muscle. Any unused cells are excreted from the body through normal body functions. A series of four treatments must be performed for maximum benefit and results can take 2 to 3 months to become evident. Vanquish effectively treats subcutaneous fat, but will also have an effect on deep visceral fat that is found below the muscles. Because the device kills fat cells themselves, not just the fat within cells, the results are long lasting.

Lee Boulderstone, UK Manager of BTL Aesthetics said:

“Vanquish has been scientifically proven to destroy fat cells, leading to fat reduction in the targeted area. The device offers a remarkable difference when it comes to non-invasive fat reduction techniques.”

“It’s a really exciting time at BTL and we’re proud to add Vanquish to our already sterling portfolio of products,” he concludes.

BOX OUT//

BTL at a glance

Established in 1993, BTL Aesthetics has become one of the major world manufacturers of medical devices. Representing the best in body contouring, fat reduction, skin tightening, and anti-wrinkle devices in the UK, BTL’s range of products are both innovative and highly-sought after. More information can be found at www.btlvanquish.com or by calling 01782 579060