Do you have stubborn body fat that does not seem to go away even with a healthier diet and routine exercise? Are you thinking about cosmetic treatments but don’t want to undergo surgery? If so, you may want to look into alternative forms of fat removal.
Since these procedures do not always require surgery, you may be wondering if they work. These procedures target and destroy fat, just like surgical treatments with less dramatic results but results all the same. To find out whether non-surgical cosmetic options are right for you, continue reading below!
What is Alternative Fat Removal?
Non-surgical or minimally invasive fat removal options include innovative techniques and technology using cold, heat, injections, and natural weight loss programs to reduce stubborn areas of fat. While these methods cannot entirely replace liposuction and other fat removal procedures, they do help you achieve a tighter, slimmer figure.
What Are Some Alternative Treatments for Fat Removal?
Non-surgical fat removal methods often include a wide range of brand name options. Trusted names, like CoolSculpting®, Releana®, and Ultherapy®, can produce significant results. They use light, lasers, freezing, cryotherapy, radiofrequency, or ultrasound. Each procedure is designed to target and destroy fat cells, which your body filters and eliminates over time.
CoolSculpting is a procedure approved by the FDA. Your cosmetic plastic surgeon uses cold temperatures to break down specific areas of body fat. The CoolSculpting hand-held applicator allows your doctor to target and reduce fat cells in various areas of the body. These include the jawline and chin, the stomach, thighs, back, upper arms, and underneath the buttocks. CoolSculpting treatments usually take up to two sessions, depending on your situation.
Releana uses the hormone HCG (Human Chronic Gonadotropin) in liquid drops combined with a restricted calorie diet. Releana is FDA approved and involves a carefully planned diet that helps burn stubborn fat stores. Successful treatment typically results in noticeable weight-loss in a short window of time. This alternative treatment is typically set up in short phases, with treatment lasting between twenty and thirty days.
Ultherapy for the body is a non-surgical treatment that uses ultrasound technology. Ultherapy involves lifting loose skin and eliminating fat deposits throughout the body. These areas include the abdomen, chest, knees, and arms. This procedure can also be performed on the face, neck, lips, and eyes.
Ultherapy options can take one to three sessions using laser and ultrasound to focus energy. This produces heat that destroys stubborn fat. Session times can range from four to ten treatments.
What is Recovery Like After Alternative Fat Removal?
You may likely return to your daily routine almost immediately following treatment, depending on your procedure. Some discomfort, bruising, and swelling after treatment are typical. These side effects should not interrupt your life or cause downtime.
Who Qualifies for Non-Surgical Fat Removal?
Ideal candidates for minimally invasive fat reduction treatments have small bulges remaining in problem areas throughout the body despite diet and exercise. Individuals must also stay at a healthy weight. This is because alternative fat removal treatments are not intended for those who are obese, but instead for those at a good general weight that still have areas of fat in need of removal.
Other requirements often include:
- Good overall health
- Not pregnant or trying
- Not smoking or quitting well before treatment
- Have realistic expectations for treatment
- Spend time becoming educated about your treatment options
How Can I Know Which Option is Right for Me?
If you’re interested in non-surgical fat removal but are unsure which treatment is right or where to start, you should schedule a visit with a trusted cosmetic plastic surgeon. Make sure to do your due diligence and choose a professional with experience in minimally invasive techniques. After a detailed consultation, he or she will recommend treatments based on your unique needs.
Your cosmetic plastic surgeon may need to treat areas of damaged or loose skin before fat removal. This helps ensure you receive the best results possible.
Non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures for fat removal can be useful in achieving specific goals. Newport Beach MedSpa, our skilled cosmetic plastic surgeon, Dr. Emerico Csepanyi, and his team are dedicated to helping you look and feel your best through alternative fat removal methods. To discover how we can help you, contact us to get started today!