With more and more people wanting to avoid going under the knife to remove excess fat, there’s been a proliferation of so-called “non-surgical” fat removal technologies.
These techniques usually rely on interventions which dislodge stubborn chains of fat cells, either removing them directly or helping the body to burn them more quickly.
Slim waistline; image source: healthiack.com
Non-surgical fat removal therapies began gaining traction in the early 2000s. Although the principles underlying the techniques had been known for a while, it was only after the start of the millennium that the FDA began approving such therapies for the general public. Lipolysis, for instance, was first approved by the FDA in 2010, and lipo laser treatment in 2005.
Types Of Non-Surgical Fat Removal
There isn’t one single type of non-surgical fat removal. In fact, there are many.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy works by emitting cold lasers into body tissues which break down chains of fat cells in the body. Laser therapy can target problem areas, like thighs, stomach, buttocks and arms. The therapy is usually administered by a handheld device which doesn’t come into contact with your skin.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound waves are a semi-non-surgical method of removing fat. Ultrasound waves are emitted by a device held close to problem areas which liquefy fat under the skin. Once the fat is liquefied, the doctor can then insert a thin cannula to scoop the fat out, rather than the thick cannula used in conventional liposuction therapy.
Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis involves cooling fat tissue so that fat cells die and can no longer store fat. There are no needles and no blood during the therapy.
Radiofrequency Energy
This therapy is used mainly for contouring purposes, applying heat to the skin to reduce cellulite, wrinkles and folds in the face and body.
The Benefits Of Non-Surgical Fat Removal
No Invasive Procedures
The great thing about these techniques is that they do not involve any invasive procedures. There are no surgical incisions, injection points or areas of skin affected by treatment. This means that patients who do not want to go under the knife just for the sake of cosmetics, don’t have to. Neither do those who are squeamish about medical instruments being inserted into their bodies to remove fat.
Safer Than Conventional Approaches
Another major benefit is that non-surgical fat removal procedures are generally considered to be far safer than invasive methods. All regular surgeries carry the risk of infection and the risk of adversely reacting to anesthetics. Though few people are willing to accept the risks of conventional surgery on cosmetic grounds alone, many are willing to experiment with fat removal techniques which do not break the skin.
Economical & Convenient
Non-surgical procedures are typically far less expensive than their surgical equivalents. On top of that, going to the gym every day and trying to eat healthily has a significant impact on your time. But getting fat removed through non-surgical techniques often takes little more than 60 to 90 minutes per week.
Effective
Though not as drastic as conventional, surgical fat removal procedures, non-surgical fat removal methods can still have a dramatic effect. Some people can lose up to three inches around their waist and other targeted areas, resulting in a far leaner appearance.