Non-surgical fat reduction is an option to reduce stubborn fats in specific body areas, such as the chin, arms, abdomen, and thighs. It does not require surgery, or it could also be minimally invasive, thus requiring little to no downtime. Note that this is not a weight loss alternative as it only targets eliminating fats that cannot be removed by diet or exercise alone. Getting rid of these fats can help boost self-confidence as you will feel better about your appearance. Below are various non-surgical fat reduction options to consider.
Red light therapy
It’s one of the latest technologies to be approved for fat reduction. A special lamp is used to send light wavelengths to the targeted area. It creates small openings on the fat cells, releasing their content, thus making them smaller. It’s mainly used on thighs, hips, and abdomen, although your doctor may also use it in other areas. The treatment often lasts for half an hour with minimal to no downtime so that you can go back to your routine. You may see changes within a few hours of the treatment, although full results may happen after three or more sessions.
Cryolipolysis
This treatment uses extreme cold to freeze fat cells and destroy them. It keeps your nerves, skin, and muscle tissues safe through the process. According to studies, fat reduction can be an average of 25% per session. The treatment can last from half an hour to an hour, with mild discomfort due to coldness. Common side effects are redness, numbness, and swelling. However, the result is not instant, as you may see it after a month.
Injection lipolysis
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally found substance in the body that dissolves fat cells. It’s also injected in specific areas to eliminate hard to remove fats. The procedure takes around 20 minutes, including applying a topical cream or local anaesthesia to minimize discomfort. Some side effects are tenderness, bruising, and swelling, which often disappears after four to seven days. You may also need two to four sessions of these fat dissolving injections for the best result. Moreover, you may need to take a couple of days off if you had it on your face and you are uncomfortable showing up with swelling or bruising on the injected part. Avoid strenuous physical activities too for at least a week.
Laser
While cryolipolysis uses freezing, laser treatment uses controlled heat to remove stubborn fats. Laser wavelength breaks down fat cells eliminating them in the process. It also comes with a cooling mechanism to control the temperature to avoid damaging the skin. You may feel something warm, but it is generally painless. Treatment for each area may take about 25 minutes, and results are noticeable in six weeks.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound energy creates sonic waves that break down fat cells without harming the tissues. You may need one to three sessions with two-week intervals for optimal results. Signs of changes may appear gradually, and the complete outcome may be visible in six to twelve weeks.
If there are stubborn fats in various areas of your body, and you don’t want to undergo a surgical procedure, consider these non-surgical options for eliminating fats.
Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.