Abstract:
A method of liposculpting a predetermined body area which is adjacently associated with at least one muscle bundle resulting in a natural, defined appearance of the muscle bundle. A treatment area from which fat tissue is removed by suction is at least partially defined by determining positions of the muscle in at least a relaxed state and a flexed or contracted state. Dependent on the particular physical characteristics of the affected muscle bundle, the flexed state can be defined by an isometric contraction as well as an isotonic contraction of the associated muscle bundle. The naturally defined appearance is accomplished by removing variable quantities of fat tissue from different portions of the treatment area, to the extent that greater quantity of fat tissue remains within the treatment area in a direction towards the substantial center of the muscle bundle and a gradually, successively lesser quantity of fat tissue remains within the treatment area in a direction away from the muscle bundle.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention is directed to a method of performing a liposuction procedure resulting in a naturally defined area of a predetermined muscle bundle(s) resulting in an improved liposculpting technique. The treatment area from which fat tissue is removed by suction is determined by the positions of at least a portion of the associated muscle bundle when in a relaxed state and a contracted or flexed state. Thereafter, variable quantities of fat tissue are removed from different portions of the treatment area in order to better accentuate the appearance of the associated muscle bundle when in both the relaxed and contracted states. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Liposuction is a surgical procedure which was introduced into the United States approximately thirty years ago. As such, the liposuction procedure is a common method for removing subcutaneous fat in order to achieve a more desirable and acceptable appearance of the body. Specifically, liposuction has been used in situations where conventional exercise and/or dieting has not been effective. It is generally recognized that liposuction surgery can be done safely and effectively in the removal of the subcutaneous fat deposits located relatively deep with respect to the under surface of the skin. 
     In accomplishing such fat removal and in performing the liposuction procedure, relatively blunt instruments are used. Such instruments are connected in fluid communication with a source of negative pressure or suction. The conventional use of such instrumentation and high pressure vacuum source accomplishes a generally random removal of fat tissue from the affected area. As a result, the overall appearance of the body area and that of the individual is dependent upon the judgment and skill of the medical personnel involved. Misjudgment occurring during the performance of such a procedure may result in a substantially abnormal, unnatural appearance. Accordingly, even with highly skilled surgeons variations in appearance of the body area and the overall body shape of the patient may vary significantly. Assuming the possibility of complications, unsuccessful results may be demonstrated by uneven or “lumpy” skin areas and an absence of definition of associated muscle groupings. In addition, safety factors must be seriously considered, due to the fact that a liposuction procedure may result in traumatized tissue, substantial blood loss, severe swelling and extensive post operative bruising. All of these occurrences extend the healing period and discomfort which the patient must endure. 
     In recent years the liposuction procedure has been improved to the extent that an experienced surgeon, utilizing appropriate instrumentation, can provide a more “sculpted” appearance resulting in improved body contour and muscle definition with minimal pain and scarring. As a result, liposuction procedures have more recently been sometimes referred to as “liposculpture”. Accordingly it should be apparent, that an individual or patient undergoing the liposuction procedure hopes for removal of an appropriate amount body fat from certain areas of the body in a manner which leaves the patient with a more natural appearance, specifically but not exclusively, in the area from which fat tissue has been removed. Accordingly, an effective “liposculpture” procedure facilitates the defining of predetermined muscle groupings resulting in the individual having a “sculpted” appearance rather than just a body contour which appears to be reduced in overall bulk. 
     Therefore, there is a need in the area of “liposculpting” for a procedure and method which assuredly accomplishes a more defined appearance of any of a variety of different muscle groupings or muscle bundles. Such a proposed improvement should provide the patient with an appearance represented by clearly defined muscle bundles at the treated areas of the body including, but not limited to, muscles of the arms, legs, buttocks, abdomen, etc. In applying such an improved liposculpting method, medical personnel will be able to accomplish a more precise defining of the treatment area from which fat tissue is to be removed. The treatment area may be accurately determined by recognizing that the appearance of the treated individual will be observed while the affected muscle bundles are in both a relaxed state and a contracted or flexed state. 
     As a result, the improved method of liposculpting should consider removal of selective, rather than random, quantities of fat tissue from different portions of the treatment area. Such selective and variable fat tissue removal will serve to better accomplish the naturally defined and highly desirable appearance of the associated muscle grouping or groupings. Specifically, an improved method of liposculpting should include the variable quantities of fat tissue being removed from the treatment area to include and result in a greater quantity of fat remaining within the treatment area in a direction towards the substantial center of the associated muscle bundle(s). Such a variable quantity of fat tissue removable may be further defined by a gradual and successively lesser quantity of fat tissue remaining within the treatment area in a direction extending away from the center of the muscle bundle(s). 
     Practice of the proposed and practice surgical procedure results in a liposculpting method which accomplishes a clear and specific definition of associated muscle bundles when either the relaxed state or in various states of contraction. As such, it should be recognized that certain muscles of the body may assume an “isometric” contraction, wherein the flexing of the muscle results in outward bulge or protrusion thereof. During such an isometric contraction the muscle remains in a substantially static position and/or orientation. In contrast, an “isotonic” contraction of any of a plurality of different muscle bundles results in a movement of the muscle while under tension. This in turn results in a lengthening and shortening of the muscle as the body part with which the muscle is associated moves. An isotonic contraction of a muscle grouping typically occurs when, by way of example only, an individual lifts an object, such that the configuration of the muscle lengthens and shortens depending upon the position of the object being moved. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a method of performing a liposuction procedure and more specifically, a method of utilizing a “liposculpting” technique on a predetermined area of the body. As set forth in greater detail hereinafter, the “treatment area” is generally associated with at least one muscle bundle or a grouping of such muscle bundles, as will be apparent. In performing the subject liposculpting technique, substantially conventional instrumentation may be utilized and a sufficient source of negative pressure be applied to affect a precise removal of unwanted fat tissue from the treatment area. 
     In addition, the method includes a specific defining of the treatment area from which the fat tissue is to be removed. In at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a determination is made of at least a first position of a predetermined muscle bundle, such as when it is in a relaxed state. Cooperatively, the method also includes the determination of at least a second position of the predetermined muscle bundle when it is in a “flexed” or contracted state. The method of the present invention recognizes that certain muscle bundles may be disposed in different flexed or contracted states or positions. By way of example only, the bicep muscle of the arm may assume an “isometric contraction” wherein the muscle is effectively contracted into a flexed orientation resulting in a noticeable outward protrusion or “bulging” thereof. During such an isometric contraction, the flexed muscle maintains a substantially static orientation while the arm assumes the position or orientation to accomplish the flexed position of the muscle. 
     In contrast, the bicep, as well as other muscle bundles of the human body, may also assume an isotonic contraction or state, wherein the limb or other body part associated with the affected muscle bundle is moving while under tension. As a result, the length and/or other orientation of the affected muscle bundle lengthens and contracts as it passes through the isotonic contraction. A typical example of the bicep of the individual assuming an isotonic contraction is when an object is lifted, substantially at a constant speed. During such an isotonic contraction the affected muscle bundle lengthens and/or contracts during the lifting procedure. Therefore, at least one preferred embodiment of the liposculpting method of the present invention is accomplished by determining a first and second position of the affected muscle bundle when in a relaxed state and in a contracted state, respectively. As set forth above, depending upon the specific muscle bundle under consideration, the third position of the affected muscle bundle may be determined by orienting the affected muscle bundle into an isotonic contraction and determining at least one third position of the muscle when it is so contracted. In contrast, the above-noted second position of the affected muscle bundle is accomplished in a flexed or static orientation thereby defining the affected muscle bundle in an isometric contraction. 
     As practiced, one preferred embodiment of the liposculpting method of the present invention comprises determining a first position and a second position of the muscle bundle when in a relaxed state and when in a flexed or isometric, contracted state. Determination of each the first and second positions, is accomplished by applying a visual indication, typically in the form of a visual marking, on the skin of the patient or individual under treatment. As such, the first visual indication or first marking occurs when the associated or affected muscle bundle is in a relaxed state and the second indication when the affected muscle bundle is in the flexed or isometric contracted state. 
     The first and second visual indicators and/or first and second markings will be cooperatively disposed to at least partially define a “treatment area” from which fat tissue is to be removed in a selective manner. A clearly defined muscle bundle having an overall natural appearance for the body area is accomplished when the selective muscle bundle(s) is in either the relaxed position or either of the isometric or isotonic contracted position. Moreover, the various preferred embodiments of the liposculpting method of the present invention are in contrast to the random removal of fat tissue from the defined treatment area. Accordingly, even when carefully and skillfully performed by talented and skilled medical personnel, the random removal of such fat tissue may result in an unnatural, unattractive appearance of the affected body area, as well as the muscle bundle(s) associated therewith. 
     Therefore, at least one preferred embodiment of the liposculpting method of the present invention comprises the removal of variable quantities of fat tissue from different portions of the treatment area. Such selective and variable fat removal serves to more reliably accomplish a clearly and specifically defined muscle bundle when the muscle bundle is in either a relaxed or contracted state. The removal of variable quantities of fat tissue from different portions of the treatment area can be more specifically defined as removal of different quantities of fat in such a manner that a greater quantity of fat tissue remains in a treatment area in a general direction towards a substantial center of the muscle bundle. Defining the variable quantity of fat tissue to be removed from the treatment area can be further defined the treatment area including a gradually and successively lesser quantity of fat tissue remained therein in a direction away from the center of the muscle bundle. 
     In practicing the various preferred embodiments of the present invention it is recognized that different muscle bundles will assume at least generally different orientations when in the relaxed state and/or when in the contracted state. By way of example only, the bicep muscle of the arm will be disposed in a substantially static orientation resulting in an outward “bulging” or protrusion, when in the isometric, contracted state. In contrast, the muscle bundles of the abdomen assume a somewhat elongated or “larger” overall configuration when relaxed. However when contracted into a flexed or isometric contracted state, the muscle bundles of the abdomen become somewhat smaller and are collectively disposed in closer relation to one another at least in terms of the center of the abdominal muscle bundles. Therefore, it is recognized that the above noted first and second positions, indicating the associated muscle bundle being either in a relaxed state or a flexed state, may define different orientations, shapes, and locations of the treatment area. As set forth above and described in greater detail hereinafter, the defined treatment area is the portion of the body from which fat tissue is to be removed by suction in selective and variable quantities, depending on the portion of the treatment area being. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic representation in block diagram form of at least one preferred embodiment of the liposculpting method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of a body area and an associated muscle bundle being treated with the liposculpting method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of another muscle bundle associated with the liposculpting method of the present invention and further represented as assuming various states of relaxation and/or contraction. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are schematic representations of abdominal muscles representing the body area being treated by the liposculpting method as respectively disposed in a relaxed state and a contracted state. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are schematic representations of a single abdominal muscle wherein selective and variable quantities of fat tissue have been removed from different portions of a defined treatment area associated with the represented abdominal muscle. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As represented in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed to a dynamic method  10  of liposculpting different body areas each of which are substantially associated with a predetermined muscle bundle or bundles. As such, application of one or more preferred embodiments of the method  10  of  FIG. 1  results in a clearly and specifically defined one or more muscle bundles associated with area of the body being treated. More specifically, at least one embodiment of the method  10  comprises the establishment of the body area to be treated as at  12 . As represented in greater detail in the embodiments of  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 A- 4 B and  5 A- 5 B, the physical characteristics of various muscle bundles may vary thereby further emphasizing the utility of the liposculpting method of the present invention. 
     Again with primary reference to  FIG. 1 , a specific muscle bundle  100 ,  102 ,  103 , etc. is first determined for treatment. Subsequently thereafter a first position of the associated muscle bundle is determined when in a relaxed position, as at  14 . The first position is therefore clearly indicated, preferably by a visual indication such as a marking  16 , and placed on the skin of the patient in overlying and at least partially outlined relation to the associated muscle bundle  100 ,  102 ,  103 , etc. A second position  18  of the associated muscle bundle is then determined while the muscle bundle is in a flexed state or condition. The second position  18  is provided with an appropriate visual indication such as an additional marking  20 . As clearly represented in  FIG. 2 , both the first position and second position  14  and  18  are respectively represented by the indicated markings  16  and  20 . 
     As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention defines the contracted or flexed position of the muscle bundle  100  when experiencing an isometric contraction, as at  18 ′. As recognized, a flexing or isometric state or orientation of the associated muscle bundle  100  occurs when the muscle bundle is in a substantially static orientation. Such an isometric contraction or static orientation of an associated muscle bundle may, by way of example, occur when an individual flexes the bicep and/or other muscles of the arms. As such, the muscle bundle bulges or protrudes outwardly from the body part with which it is associated but maintains a substantially static orientation with little or no movement. 
     In contrast, the flexed or contracted state of any of the associated muscle bundles  100 ,  102 ,  103 , etc. may be in the form of an isotonic contraction  18 ″. As also recognized, an isotonic contraction occurs when the muscle bundle is maintained under a given tension but is moving relative to the limb or body part with which it is associated. Further by way of example, the bicep or other muscles of the arm may demonstrate or be oriented in an isotonic contraction when it lifts an object from the floor or other supporting surface. Therefore, at least one additional preferred embodiment comprises the liposculpting method  10  including the determination of a third position  22  and provides a visual indication of such third position  22 , such as a marking  24 . The third position  22  therefore is directly associated with the orientation of the associated muscle bundle when in an isotonic contraction  18 ″, and may also be used in the determination of the treatment area  26 ′. Moreover, the treatment areas  26  and  26 ′ may at least partially overlap or otherwise coincide. 
     Therefore, the liposculpting method  10  of the present invention thereby serves to define a treatment area  26 , such as when the visual indication  16  and  20  define the first position  14  and the second position  18 , respectively, of the associated muscle bundle. The treatment area, as schematically represented in  FIG. 2 , is indicated as  26  and is defined and/or at least partially established by the disposition of the visual indications or markings  16  and  18  when the associated muscle bundle  100  is in a relaxed state and/or a contracted or flexed state. The treatment area  26  can then be further defined as the body area of the individual or patient from which selected and/or variable quantities of fat tissue is removed by suction utilizing appropriate liposuction instrumentation and/or techniques. 
     With primary reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the treatment area  26 ′ may vary or be specifically defined such as when the associated muscle bundle  102  assumes an isotonic contraction as schematically represented. More specifically, the relaxed state of the associated muscle bundle  102  is represented by the visual indication or marking  16 . In addition, the orientation of the muscle bundle  102  in a flexed and/or isometric contraction is represented by the visual indications or markings  20 . However, when the associated muscle bundle  102  is also oriented in an isotonic contraction as at  18 ′ in  FIG. 1 , the third position of the muscle  102 , when in such an isotonic contraction, is represented by the visual indication or markings  24 . As such, the treatment area  26 ′ is thereby defined by the collective disposition of the visual indications or markings  16 ,  20  and  24 . Due to the fact that the isotonic contraction of a given muscle bundle  100 ,  102 ,  103 , etc. represents the associated muscle bundle being under tension and concurrently moving relative to the limb or body part with which it is associated, the actual visual indication or markings  24  may vary relative to the other markings  16  and  20 , as should be apparent. 
     In either of the above noted preferred embodiments, once the treatment area  26  and/or  26 ′ is defined and established, the fat tissue disposed therein is processed, such as by being fragmented or otherwise prepared to facilitate removal of such fat tissue by suction, as at  28 . 
     Each of the various preferred embodiments of the liposculpting method of the present invention  10  features the removal of selective and/or variable quantities fat tissue from different portions of the treatment area  26  and/or  26 ′, as at  30 . As a result, the variable quantities of fat tissue removed from the treatment area may be defined and selectively established by a greater quantity of fat remaining within the treatment area  26  and/or  26 ′ in a direction towards a substantial center of the associated muscle bundle  100 ,  102 ,  103 , etc, as at  32 . Cooperatively, the selective removal of variable quantities of fat tissue from different portions of the treatment area  26  and/or  26 ′ will be further defined as including a gradual and successively lesser quantity of fat remaining within the treatment area  26  or  26 ′ in a direction depending away from the center of the directly associated muscle bundle  100 ,  102 ,  103 , etc, as at  34 . 
     A comparison of  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 A,  4 B,  5 A and  5 B indicates the different orientations of the muscle bundles  100 ,  102 ,  103 , etc. By way of example, a thigh or leg muscle as represented in  FIG. 2  may be flexed into an isometric contraction wherein the treatment area  26  is defined by the disposition of the visual indications or markings  16  and  18 .  FIGS. 4A-4B  and  5 A- 5 B collectively represent a different muscle bundle or associated muscle bundles in the form of abdominal muscles  103 . As represented in  FIG. 4A , when the abdominal muscles  103  are in a relaxed state they differ from other muscles, such as in the arms, legs, etc. More specifically, the abdominal muscles  103  tend to elongate or become effectively larger than when in a contracted state, as schematically represented in  FIG. 4B . For purposes of clarity,  FIGS. 4A and 4B  include the visual indications or for appropriate markings  16  and  18 , indicating the first and second positions of the muscle bundle(s) when in the relaxed state and/or the flexed state, respectively. With further reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the treatment area may thereby be defined by the area disposed in overlying and/or peripheral relation to a single abdominal muscle bundle  103  or the entire bundle of muscle bundles. For purposes of clarity, a single abdominal muscle bundle  103  is being schematically represented in terms of the treatment area  26  and the positioning of the visual indications or markings  16  and  18  when in a relaxed state “R” and a contracted state “C”. 
     As set forth above, once the treatment area  26  or any muscle bundle or bundles  103  is defined and established through the collective disposition of the visual indications or markings  16  or  18 , the removal of variable and selective quantities of fat tissue from different portions of the treatment area  26  is conducted, as schematically represented as  30  in  FIG. 1 . As also more specifically defined, the selective or variable quantity of fat tissue removed from the treatment area  26  can be specifically defined by leaving a greater quantity of fat tissue within the treatment area  26  in a direction towards the substantial center  103 ′ of the associated muscle bundle  103 . Removal of selective and variable quantities of fat tissue from the treatment area  26  may be further defined by including a gradual and successively lesser quantity of fat tissue remaining within a portion of the treatment area which is disposed in a direction extending generally away from the center  103 ′ of the muscle bundle  103 . 
     As a result, the liposculpting method  10  of the present invention results in the aforementioned selectively removal of fat quantities from different portions of the treatment area(s)  26  such that instead of having the undesirable, undefined appearance of the associated muscle bundle(s)  103 , as represented in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a clearly defined muscle bundle  103  is readily apparent by the establishment of the treatment area having an effective sculpted appearance which corresponds to the directly associated muscle bundle  103  as specifically represented in  FIG. 5B . 
     Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
     Now that the invention has been described,