Non-Surgical Liposuction
Looking slim and slender is the target of every single woman. On the way to this target some women are ready to go through surgery in order to get rid of excess fat or cellulites. Some women struggle with excess weight for years and try different diets. Thanks to technologies, it is now possible to contour the body without operation, scars and downtime. These days non-surgical liposuction becomes popular for its no-pain and fast effect. If you are also interested in fat removal options without surgery, continue reading the article to learn about different methods and treatment options.
When non-surgical liposuction can be a good option?
Non-surgical liposuction involves minimal invasion and it aims to reduce subcutaneous fat by breaking down, freezing or liquefying fat cells. However, it is not the best option for everyone and it can’t replace regular liposuction. Non-surgical treatments are used when significant reshaping is not needed. Therefore, it’s not suitable for removing a considerable amount of fat.
Moreover, depending on your dream body contour your doctor will recommend you liposuction method for different body parts. The procedure can help to remove double chin, belly bulge, stretch marks, saddlebags, and of course cellulite. Also, with non-surgical liposuction you can tighten the skin on abdomen, upper arms and thighs.
Benefits
The word “non-surgical” sounds like less painful and less risky, that’s true. However, its benefits are far beyond this extent.
1. Procedures can be carried out in outpatient basis and require very little downtime.
2. Has minimal side effects.
3. No anesthesia, no incision and no scars.
4. Quick recovery.
5. Some procedures stimulate collagen production.
Limitations
Any kind of procedure has a certain degree of risk and a limitation, so non-surgical liposuction is not the exception.
1. Not for people with a significant amount of fat.
2. Can be needed multiple treatments.
3. Some procedures may lead to thermal skin damage.
4. May cause redness, bruise or swelling.
Methods of non-surgical liposuction
There are several non-invasive technologies and methods to remove excess fat with non-surgical way.
Laser lipolysis
Laser fat reduction works by damaging the fat cells using the heat energy from various wave length of fiber-optic laser. A specific laser delivers waves through the skin and at some point heated fat tissues start breaking down. This technology has special constant cooling mechanism that doesn’t allow the skin to get damage. The most common brand name for non-invasive laser liposuction is SculpSure.
Best for: Laser liposuction is best for skin tightening, body contouring and sculpting in abdomen and flanks.
Pain tolerance: The procedure is rather painless; patients can feel the warmth in treated area.
Side effects: Side effects can be redness, swelling and tingling because of the heating effect.
Session duration: Duration of the procedure lasts about 25 minutes per area.
Cryolipolisis
Another name for cryolipolisis is CoolSculpting and this is the most popular non-surgical fat reduction method in the world. Comparing with laser liposuction, cryoliposis works with freezing method to destroy fat cells. During the procedure a specialist uses a technology with vacuum to suck up the treated area into a cold-plated cup. Then the device transmits cold temperature onto the skin and reduces the temperature to -4-6 degrees. The temperature is low enough to freeze the fat cells and destroy them.
In cryolipolisis you won’t see any needles, anesthetics and blood. So, the skin, nerve and muscle tissues also won’t get any harm. After the procedure is ended the treatment area will be numb for some time and will require massage from clinician. The process is effective for people who are slightly overweight and try to get rid of fat packs and stubborn bulges.
Best for: It is used for little reshaping and reducing fat in lower abdomen, inner and outer thighs, under the buttocks and chin.
Pain tolerance: Patients will feel discomfort from intense cold and feel pain from numbness because of freezing sensation.
Side effects: Extreme side effects are rare. Common side effects include temporary numbness, redness, swelling and tingling.
Session duration: The treatment takes about 35-60 minutes and patients are usually satisfied after 1 or 2 sessions.
Ultrasound Fat Reduction
Ultrasound fat removal uses non-invasive highly-focused ultrasound to break down fat cells in treated area. Sonic waves transmit through the skin destroying fats beneath the skin leaving other tissues unharmed. Then the body naturally removes the fat reducing the size of the treatment area.
Like other non-surgical liposuction methods, ultrasound fat reduction also is not intended as a weight loss method. However, unlike the other fat removal methods after one session of ultrasound liposuction you can reduce your waistline by about 2,5 cm or for one dress size. There are two most common ultrasound fat reduction treatments:
1) Liposonix, which uses a high intensity focused ultrasound.
2) UltraShape which uses a pulsed ultrasound technology.
Best for: Best for fat removal in waistline, abdomen and thighs.
Pain tolerance: The process is painless.
Side effects: Patients haven’t reported about side effects.
Session duration: One session may last from a half hour to several hours. On average a patient needs 1 to 3 treatments. The results appear within 8-12 weeks.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
LLLT is another non-invasive liposuction option that uses laser for fat reduction. The procedure requires using cold laser treatment for body contouring by eliminating fat deposits. The most common and well-known brand for cold laser treatment is Zerona. This is an FDA approved technology and known as the most gentle fat removal treatment today.
During treatment, a specialist uses the device to direct cold laser at targeted area to disrupt the membrane of fat cells. Cold laser energy forces fat cells to expel lipids into the body. The device doesn’t touch the body, so the patients won’t feel any pain or discomfort. However, they need to be ready to follow a strict diet before and after the treatment.
Best for: The procedure is effective in reducing fat in waist, chest, back, neck, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms and ankles.
Pain tolerance: The procedure is totally painless; patients may feel a slight tingling.
Side effects: No negative side effects have been reported.
Session duration: The procedure lasts from 20 to 40 minutes. After 6 treatments patients can see clear results.
Radiofrequency Energy
Radiofrequency (RF) is the most effective option for body contouring and removing cellulite without surgical intervention. Moreover, this method is widely used for skin tightening and enhancing the skin’s texture. During the procedure the specialist will use special device that delivers radio frequency energy to skin tissues targeting fat cells under the skin. Under the therapeutic heat fat cells start breaking down and the body will absorb the leftover lipid fluid.
The most common brands for this treatment are Exilis and Velashape. This method of non-invasive liposuction greatly helps to remove cellulite when it is difficult to get rid of with exercises and diet. Besides, when used to aged facial skin RF energy increases blood circulation and strengthens the collagen network. Also, there is no downtime.
Best for: It is best for skin tightening and removing fat and contouring thighs, hips and buttocks.
Pain tolerance: The process is painless; patients can feel only a warming sensation.
Side effects: No anesthesia before or after the process and no side effects after the treatment.
Duration: Session duration is about 20-30 minutes in length. Optimal results can be achieved after four or six sessions.
Injectable Deoxycholic Acid
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body and it helps in breakdown and absorption of fats. Kybella is the synthetic deoxycholic acid and when injected it destroys fat cells significantly reducing fullness under the chin (submental fullness). After the treatment the cells under the chin will no longer accumulate fat, therefore you won’t need the further treatment.
Currently, Kybella is the only form of injectable deoxycholic acid that is approved by FDA. The healthcare specialist decides on the number of treatments after examining your chin. Typically, patients need 2 to 4 sessions with 1 month apart. Go only to a trained healthcare specialist or a qualified cosmetic surgeon. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking some medications.
Best for: The treatment works best for removing submental fullness or double chin.
Pain tolerance: The injection process is rather painful, so the specialist uses local anesthetic.
Side effects: Common side effects are numbness, pain, swelling, and redness. Serious side effects are rare and may include trouble swallowing, nerve injury, bruising and hair loss.
Session duration: Injection process takes about 15-20 minutes. A patient should not receive more than 6 treatments.
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