Millions of people across the globe deal with excess fat they can’t seem to get rid of. Whether from pregnancy, genetics, or weight fluctuation, excess fat can be embarrassing for some and hinder one’s confidence. When diet and exercise have run their course, many people opt for liposuction. While liposuction is an effective way to get rid of excess fat, to some, this invasive surgery comes with too many risks. Thankfully there are multiple non-surgical alternatives to liposuction that are safe and can yield the results you’re looking for. Find out more about liposuction alternatives from the Baton Rouge cosmetic dermatologists at The Dermatology Clinic.
What Is Non-Surgical Fat Reduction?
Non-surgical fat reduction, also known as minimally invasive fat reduction, is a type of surgical procedure that utilizes things like heating and cooling processes or an injected medication to reduce fat cells. While none of these treatments can replace liposuction, they do provide healthy alternatives for patients who are apprehensive about having major surgery. These procedures include:
-Ultrasound
-Radiofrequency
-Infrared light
-Vacuum massage
-Injectable medication
Benefits of non-surgical fat reduction include: -Little downtime required Thanks to rapid advances in technology, cosmetic surgeons now have multiple options to choose from when catering to the skin tightening concerns of their clients. Before deciding between liposuction and non-surgical fat reduction, you should do your own thorough research and make an educated decision based on what you think would work best for you. The three main things you should consider are each procedure’s invasiveness, results, and downtime. Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small, hollow tubes known as cannulas to remove excess fat from your body. While this surgery is considered minimally invasive, Its side effects are still more severe than non-invasive options and can cause bruising, swelling, and soreness. The trauma from this procedure can last up to 10 days after your surgery date. Non-surgical fat removal, on the other hand, causes minimal discomfort during and after treatment and requires no cutting or incisions. You can see the results from your liposuction procedure once the swelling and fluid retention subsides. As you age, you may lose some firmness, but most of your improvements should be permanent as long as you keep a healthy weight. Similarly, non-invasive procedures also yield good, long-lasting results. Recovery after a liposuction procedure involves limiting regular activities for a few days and gradually getting back to everyday activities like driving and work. There is no downtime required for non-invasive fat reduction procedures. Meaning you can get back to work and play as soon as you leave the doctor’s office.
-No general anesthesia
-No incisions or scars
-Side effects are minimalLiposuction Vs. Non-surgical Fat Reduction
Invasiveness
Results
Downtime
Options for Non-invasive Fat Removal
Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis, also known as “Coolsculpting,” uses cold temperatures to break down fat cells. Unlike other types of cells, fat cells are susceptible to the effects of cold. This means your fat cells end up freezing while the skin around it is spared from injury. With over 450,00 procedures performed worldwide, this is one of the most popular non-surgical fat reduction treatments.
Laser lipolysis
Laser lipolysis shoots laser energy rays through an applicator to heat and disrupt fat cells without impacting the other types of cells in your skin. The laser beam heats the fat cells and disrupts them without affecting surrounding cells. Laser lipolysis is unsuitable for patients with deep sitting abdominal fat.
Ultrasound
Commonly known as UltraShape, this non-surgical fat reduction technique destroys select fat deposits in the body by exposing them to ultrasound waves. This procedure is used on stubborn fat deposits under the skin surface. The effects of this treatment are evident within 14 days and may require multiple visits.
Radiofrequency energy
Radiofrequency energy is a non-surgical liposuction alternative in which radiofrequency is used to heat targeted fat. Compared to other procedures such as CoolSculpting, the use of radiofrequency energy does not involve physical contact with the treatment tools, and many patients have no sensation of it. Vanquish is one of the most common fat reduction alternatives that utilizes this technique to achieve desired results. If your skin is loose or has a poor tone, this procedure is not for you.
Who Is a Candidate For Non-invasive Fat Reduction?
Non-surgical fat reduction is recommended for those who are already at a comfortable stage in their weight loss journey, possess excellent elasticity of their skin, and are eager to get rid of small fat deposits in specific parts of their body. An ideal candidate also understands that there are limitations to all types of fat reduction surgery and should not expect instantaneous, perfect results.
Non-invasive Fat Reduction FAQs
What is the most effective non-invasive fat reduction?
This depends on the patient and their body aesthetic goals. To find the best effective procedure for you, you should discuss your options with the experts at The Dermatology Clinic.
What is a cheaper alternative to liposuction?
All non-surgical fat reduction techniques are cheaper in comparison to liposuction. Speak to a Baton Rouge cosmetic dermatologist for advice on which one will suit you best.
What is the best non-invasive way to get rid of belly fat?
The best way to get rid of belly fat without invasive procedures is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, observe a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and manage your stress levels. If none of that works, you should discuss with your doctor which alternative options would work best for your body type.
How long does non-surgical liposuction last?
The results of your non-surgical liposuction depend on your diet and exercise routine. If you fluctuate in weight after your procedure, your results will not last long. But if you maintain a healthy weight, your results should be pretty long-lasting.
Contact The Dermatology Clinic
If you’re considering non-invasive body contouring, the team at The Dermatology Clinic can help. Schedule an appointment with us today by calling (225) 396-2923.
