 The Ellman Surgitron
Radiofrequency device is used to make exceptionally precise and minimally
traumatic incisions. At South Coast Urogynecology we take advantage of the
Ellman Surgitron in our surgical procedures, which benefits patients in the following ways:
The laser is an important surgical tool that has many advantages. Certain lasers are very precise and are used as scalpels. Some lasers are ablative (destructive) and used more to destroy abnormal tissue or to resurface the skin. Many dermatologist and plastic surgeons use this type of laser. However, there is no magic in the use of lasers. In fact, other modalities such as radiofrequency cautery units , such as the Ellman Surgitron, can give more precise cuts and less tissue destruction by a factor of ten or more. Other surgeons will avoid electrical units altogether and use highly precise scissors or scalpel units. Another way to look at lasers is to realize that it is a tool in the doctor’s bag but that it is not ultimately any better than a cold knife. However, it is undeniable that using the term “laser” adds glamour and a sense of prestige to a procedure. In my opinion, the Ellman Surgitron is more precise and reduces lateral heat damage by a factor of thousands. It is the device of choice by experienced and knowledgeable vaginal surgeons. Labiaplasty Ellman Surgitron Radiofrequency Photos and Comparisons
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PROCEDURES
Dr. Alinsod's surgeries have been highlighted by the company and presented to a national audience.
Additional Reading
Ellman Comparison Sheet (pdf)Diamond laser scalpel vs. steel scalpel: A side by side comparison of cutaneous wound healing
The lateral thermal damage with the Ellman Surgitron is 20-30 microns. Very very minimal. It has a “Cool Tip.” The Diamond Laser Scalpel has lateral thermal damage measured at 150 to 350 microns, about 10 times MORE than the Ellman. The 980 diode laser and standard electrocautery has thermal damage measured in millimeters, a quantum jump in thermal injury. There is no device as precise and as safe for labial surgery when compared to the Ellman. Claims that both 980 diode lasers and Diamond Lasers have less tissue damage, less pain, better healing, and better aesthetic results have not been shown to be true by independent clinical studies. Side-by-side comparisons visually show the excellence of the Ellman over other current modalites. |
vs. Laser Surgery By Edward Jacobson, MD If you have visited the many vaginal rejuvenation and labia reduction websites on the Internet you have probably discovered several different techniques promoted as the best for aesthetic vaginal reconstruction, especially laser surgery. As someone who was personally trained by the two top two pioneers in the specialty and who has over eight years experience with aesthetic vaginal surgery, let me share with you my thoughts on this subject. For the first five years working in this subspecialty I used the laser for all of my vaginal rejuvenation and labia reduction procedures. The laser was highly marketable and well known to the public, literally and figuratively the ‘cutting edge’ of medical technology, and achieved very good results. Even today, many women believe if their surgeon isn't using a laser he is behind the times. Well, if the laser is so outstanding, what convinced me to switch to high frequency surgery to perform the same procedures? Before we go there, let’s talk about the laser first. This is a device that focuses and concentrates light energy into a very precise cutting instrument. The type of laser used for vaginal rejuvenation uses a wavelength designed to seal small blood vessels as it cuts. The result: a precision incision with virtually no bleeding. However, there is a significant downside. The laser generates intense heat. The remaining tissue edges that need to be stitched together sustain a lot of thermal damage, resulting in swelling, peeling and inflammation that lasts for days or even weeks. A significant amount of post-operative discomfort persists and it takes a long time to heal, especially after vaginoplasty. During labiaplasty, if the inner labia are thin the residual heat damage can be very traumatic and result in distortion and prolonged discomfort, even it the best of hands. High frequency surgery provides the best of all worlds. It generates a radiowave emitted by a fine wire. This cool tip doesn't even touch the skin as it cuts. As a result there is virtually no thermal effect, charring, swelling or inflammation. In fact the cut edges are ‘cleaner’ compared with a scalpel or knife because the width of the incision is so fine. Patients who waddled into my office the day after laser surgery now walk in with minimal discomfort, whether they had undergone vaginoplasty or labia reduction. Where I previously ordered Percocet and Oxycontin for post operative pain with laser surgery I now only use a mild narcotic such as Vicodin, and even then only as a backup medication. Needless to say, you can be up and about and can return to normal activities faster and with greater comfort compared with the laser. The problem with high frequency surgery is that women don’t know about it and not many surgeons are trained in its use. It’s actually been around for a long time and has been used by neurosurgeons, ENT surgeons and dermatologists. This is simply a new application of a well established instrument. It may not be sexy but it makes for a wonderful marriage of technology and aesthetic vaginal surgery. |
Physician Letters / Testimonials
Pelleve - Dr. Phillip Miller "Turning Back the Clock" (pdf) Ellman Testimonial - Dr. Scott Goldstein (pdf) Ellman Testimonial - Dr. Burke (pdf) Ellman Testimonial - Dr. Bradley Lemke (pdf)