Liposuction Alternatives: Other Fat Reduction Procedures Besides Liposuction
Liposuction (like many other weight loss surgeries) is a common cosmetic procedure for fat reduction, but it is not without its downsides.
The invasiveness, cost, painful procedure and long downtime are reasons why people may choose to seek alternatives to it.
Newer technology has made it possible to have fat removed from trouble areas with little discomfort and almost no downtime and this article explores these alternatives to liposuction.
Ultrasound
This is a non-invasive technique in which the fat deposits are liquefied using ultrasound. The select area is marked out and a local anesthetic is applied. Your doctor then inserts a smaller cannula through a small skin incision and suctions the liquefied fat deposits. Unlike liposuction, these liquefied deposits can be easily separated from the body wall and removed through the cannula.
Candidates for ultrasound are not overweight, not looking to lose weight around but desire body shaping or fat reduction in specific areas.
Common brand names it could be are Ultra shape or Liposonix and a session can last several hours.
CoolSculpting
Cryolipolysis or cool sculpting is another common alternative for liposuction. It involves freezing fat cells that cause damage to them and are naturally removed from your body through excretion. It is non-invasive and is suited for people who want to lose weight in select areas.
Results may take several weeks to months for you to notice and there may be side effects from the extreme cold. These could be numbness, tingling, slight swelling and redness which all subside after some time.
It Is FDA-approved and multiple sessions may be required to achieve your desired goal.
Laser Lipolysis
This procedure differs from coolsculpting in that fat cells are targeted using heat. Examples of this non-invasive fat reduction technique are Red Light Body Sculpting (Contour Light) and Sculpsure.
Ideal candidates for Laser lipolysis are not looking to lose weight overall but in target areas like love handles, lower abdomen, arms, chin etc
Nicknamed lunchtime lipo, a Sculpsure session or can last about 25 minutes with little to no downtime so you can catch up with your daily activities.
Minimal side effects from the heat could occur and these include soreness, redness and slight swelling that can occur from the heat but subside in much less time than liposuction would require.
Low-level laser therapy
This is a non-surgical alternative to liposuction with several advantages. These include no pain and quick recovery time so you return to your daily activities after having the procedure.
It typically lasts for about 25-40 minutes and can be used to reduce fat in problem areas in individuals who are not overweight.
Cold laser is emitted to target fat cells which liquefy the fat and empty them into the body which excretes them over time. Fat pockets around your thighs, Butt, stomach and various areas of the body can be targeted with results over time.
These alternatives to liposuction would give you the results without the pain and the downtime. They are not substitutes to exercise and eating healthy but might be the solution to give your confidence level a boost.