Perhaps you are looking at removing or reducing fat in your stomach area but are not sure how to go about it. There are many alternatives now to surgery but are they effective, and how long do the results last? Are there side effects, and is it suitable for everyone?
Here are some things you might want to know before trying non-surgical liposuction.
What is non-surgical liposuction?
Non-surgical liposuction is not really liposuction at all. It is a term that is used because both liposuction and the newer non-surgical techniques both remove fat cells and reduce fat in the human body. They are not only different from each other but there are many different types of non-surgical fat removal procedures too.
Some of these new procedures use radiotherapy others use ultrasound or laser treatments. They all have one aim and that is to destroy fat cells and leave the patient feeling thinner and more toned.
What does non-invasive or non-surgical mean?
Non-invasive means that there are no cuts, skin breaks including any natural orifice. All the procedures involve techniques to break down fat cells without harming your skin and without the need for scalpels or stitches.
What options are there?
There are quite a few of these modern non-surgical or non-invasive options on the market now. If you were looking to reduce stomach fat then you can have one of these treatments at a medical spa or clinic in a fairly short space of time. There is no surgery involved so you would find it a straightforward procedure.
The main options are the following:
Fat freezing or cryolipolysis
This procedure is also known under its brand name CoolSculpting which is a lot easier to say than cryolipolysis! This procedure uses a vacuum applicator to cool the skin. The applicator is placed on the skin along with a gel and then vacuums the skin. This causes a cooling effect and leaves a numbing effect on the skin without causing any damage. The cold temperature doesn’t go deep enough to damage any organs and the skin and tissues are left unharmed. The fat cells however are frozen as they are more susceptible to cold. Once frozen they die.
Laser fat removal
This is where heat is used to kill off fat cells. It is also good for removing fat from the stomach area along with thighs and love handles. This is a minimally invasive procedure though unlike the other procedures.
Ultrasound treatment
This procedure uses sonic waves to kill the fat cells in the stomach. After the ultrasound treatment there is no damage to the skin or tissues and no swelling as the waves affect the fat only.
Radiofrequency procedures
These use magnetic waves. These waves heat up the fat cells until they melt while at the same time leaving the skin unharmed. This method is good for treating large areas such as the stomach but sometimes needs a few sessions.
Red light therapy
This procedure shrinks the fat cells and is a good option for the stomach area as it also helps to tight and smooth the skin of the patient. It can work as well on hips and thighs too.
Is cryolipolysis an effective way to reduce fat in the stomach?
Fat freezing is ideal for reducing the fat on your stomach. How effective it is would depend on your weight. Fat freezing has been shown to remove up to 28% of the fat cells in the area that is treated. Someone who is around 10-15 pounds off of their ideal weight would be an ideal candidate for cryolipolysis for stomach treatment.
Can they help me control my weight?
Fat freezing or indeed any non-surgical fat removal procedures should not be seen as a way to lose weight. They are a way to tone your body and improve the appearance of the stomach or other body parts that have been treated. You should practice living an active lifestyle alongside using cryolipolysis.
Your practitioner should advise you on exercise and diet when you discuss your treatment options.
What is the difference between this and traditional liposuction?
The difference between liposuction and non-surgical procedures are many. First there is no need for cuts and stitches with non-surgical treatments which speeds up recovery time. With liposuction you will be given a general anesthetic and then have incisions made in the area to be treated. You may be injected with chemicals and then a tool is used to remove fat. After being stitched up you will experience bruising, soreness and swelling for at least a few weeks. You will more than likely have to take antibiotics and also wear compression garments for up to 2 months to aid in reducing the swelling.
With cryolipolysis there is no anesthetic and no cutting or stitching. This reduces the chances of any side effects and risks that come with any surgical procedure.
What are the comparable recovery times?
Liposuction recovery times can take months for the swelling to go away and the results to be seen. In comparison cryolipolysis has no recovery time. A patient can resume their lives straight away. For example, you could go to a clinic for CoolSculpting and in a couple of hours be sitting in a cafe catching up with friends. The only thing that takes some time is for the results to be fully seen.
After the fat cells are frozen and die your body will need to get rid of them. For them to be metabolised takes time and for the full results to become clear can take from 6 to 12 weeks.
Can anyone use cryolipolysis?
Anyone who is of sufficient health and within a certain range of weight should be fine for cryolipolysis. Fat freeing can leave loose skin behind after the procedure so someone who already has poor skin tone or loose skin may not be suitable. Anyone with cold related conditions such as cold urticaria should also avoid the treatment. All procedures should be discussed with a professional before decisions are made.
Summary
Cryolipolysis is a way to remove fat from the stomach without the need for surgery. It can also be used for other areas of the body but it must be remembered that it isn’t a weight loss program and leading an active life while eating healthily is important.
