Non-surgical fat reduction methods are becoming increasingly popular, with an estimated 13 million non-surgical procedures being performed in 2016. Non-surgical fat reduction is a process where unwanted fat is removed from the body without the need for surgery.
The procedures can be divided into two main categories: physical and chemical. Physical non-surgical fat reduction methods include cryolipolysis, ultrasound, and radio frequency. Chemical methods of non-surgical fat reduction include injected chemicals, such as deoxycholic acid, that break down fat cells.
One study found that, on average, cryolipolysis resulted in a 24% reduction in fat thickness, while ultrasound and radio frequency resulted in an 8% and 4% reduction in fat thickness, respectively. Another study found that deoxycholic acid injections resulted in a 50% reduction in abdominal fat.
If you are unhappy with your appearance due to excess fat in specific areas (like the stomach, thighs, arms, or chin), then you should consider these treatment options. The results are usually long-lasting, and no downtime is associated with any procedures. It is important to remember that non-surgical fat reduction procedures are not meant for people who want to lose weight or improve their health. These procedures cannot replace a clean diet and exercise.
Furthermore, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have had recent surgery, are on blood thinners, have an active infection or chronic skin condition, or suffer from certain chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, this type of procedure is not the right choice for you.
However, if you are unhappy with your appearance due to excess fat in specific areas (like the stomach, thighs, arms, or chin), one of these procedures can be the treatment of choice for you. Non-surgical fat reduction procedures are ideal for people with a normal body weight who want to target stubborn fat pockets and improve their look.
If you already follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly but struggle to get rid of unwanted localized fat deposits, these might be just the procedures for you. Non-surgical fat reduction procedures are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. There are many benefits to these procedures, including:
There are many benefits to non-surgical fat reduction procedures but only when performed by highly-trained specialists. Always make sure to consult with a qualified professional before undergoing any type of fat reduction procedure. During the initial consultation, they can assess your individual needs and recommend the best course of treatment.
While several non-surgical fat reduction procedures are available, they can broadly be classified into two categories: those that use heat and those that use cold.
Heat-based procedures include radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasound treatments. The radiofrequency energy delivers controlled heat to the fat cells, causing them to break down and be absorbed by the body. RF procedures are generally considered to be more effective than ultrasound but can take longer to complete. Ultrasound treatments, on the other hand, use sound waves to break down fat cells. These procedures are often combined with massage or suction to help improve results.
Laser lipolysis is a new, non-invasive fat reduction treatment that uses laser energy to target and destroy fat cells. The laser energy is delivered through a handpiece placed over the treatment area. The laser light targets the fat cells and breaks them down, allowing the body to eliminate them through the lymphatic system. Laser liposuction is a safe and effective alternative to traditional liposuction surgery. It is less invasive and does not require any anesthesia or downtime. The treatment is quick and easy, and there is no risk of infection or scarring. Laser lipolysis can be used to treat small pockets of fat on the chin, arms, and thighs but also to target larger areas of fat, such as the stomach, hips, outer thighs, and buttocks.
Cold-based procedures include cryolipolysis, such as CoolSculpting. This fat removal treatment works by freezing the fat cells. The fat cells then die, shrink, and are slowly absorbed into the body through the lymphatic system. Cold treatments are usually done on areas of the body with a lot of excess fat, like the abdomen, hips, and thighs. Pretty much all cold-based non-surgical fat reduction procedures follow the same principle: they freeze fat cells until they are destroyed, and then the body absorbs them.
We then have the injectable treatments. These treatments involve injecting a solution into the fat cells to cause them to break down and be eliminated by the body. One of the most popular injectable treatments is Kybella. Kybella is a prescription-only injectable treatment that was FDA-approved in 2015 to reduce submental fat, or "double chin." The procedure uses deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps to break down fat cells. When injected into the submental area, Kybella helps to reduce the amount of fat in this area.
While there are many benefits to non-surgical fat reduction treatments, some risks should be considered. These treatments can sometimes cause bruising, swelling, and pain at the injection site. The skin may become red or irritated after the procedure. This usually goes away within a few days.
There is also a risk of infection, which can be serious if not treated promptly. Some people may experience changes in skin sensation, such as numbness, after the procedure. This is usually temporary and goes away within a few weeks. In rare cases, these treatments can lead to more serious side effects, such as skin necrosis (death of skin cells) and deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the veins).
This is a difficult question to answer, as each treatment plan has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some procedures are more effective than others, but they may also be more expensive or have more side effects. Ultimately, the best procedure for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Radiofrequency, ultrasound, and laser fat reduction treatments are becoming more popular mostly because they are effective and require no downtime. Non-surgical fat reduction is a new and exciting field of medicine. It offers patients an alternative to traditional liposuction surgery and solves the issue of unaesthetic fat bulges in just a few treatment sessions.
The best advice is to be realistic about what you want and what your body can achieve. If you are already at your ideal weight and seeking a fat reduction procedure to eliminate stubborn bulges of fat, non-surgical fat reduction treatments might be the best and most effective solution for you.
Discuss your options with a plastic surgeon or medical aesthetician to find the ideal treatment for your needs. The variety of body contouring technologies and non-surgical treatments allow you to get rid of unwanted fat cells and have a healthy and beautiful body without surgery.
Our experts at Prime Aesthetica in Tampa provide several non-surgical fat reduction treatment options. As mentioned earlier, these treatments are not a magic bullet but they can certainly help you get closer to your aesthetic goals. Contact us for a consultation with one of our medical specialists to discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and goals. We'll help you determine the best course of treatment to achieve your desired body shape.