Non Invasive Fat Removal: Options That Target Stubborn Fat
Liposuction is itself a minimally invasive procedure that only requires a few tiny incisions and has little downtime. But if you’re looking for liposuction alternatives that give you non invasive fat removal options, such as CoolSculpting and Kybella, we have all the details right here.
What Is Non Invasive Fat Removal?
Until recently, traditional liposuction was the only cosmetic procedure able to remove unwanted fat and contour the body. But now, new advances in medical technology have paved the way for non invasive fat reduction options. Liposuction is considered minimally invasive, since it requires anesthesia and involves making incisions in treatment areas. These new liposuction alternatives are completely non invasive because they require neither incisions nor any kind of anesthesia.
Advantages of Non Invasive Fat Removal
There are several different liposuction alternatives available. While they all differ in how they target and remove or reduce fat cells, they do share similarities. Non invasive lipo alternatives have the following advantages:
- Permanent treatments that destroy fat cells for good
- No incisions
- No anesthesia
- No recovery time after treatment – You can drive home, and don’t need to spend time on bedrest.
- Initial results visible in just a few weeks, with full results typically in one to three months, depending on the treatment
CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite
CoolSculpting is a body-contouring procedure that uses a process called cryolipolysis. This process involves freezing fat cells, which causes the cells to die off. The dead cells are eliminated from the body over the course of several weeks.
CoolSculpting is a versatile, fat freezing procedure that can be used on facial fat and the body, including:
- Under the chin
- Under the jawline
- Abdomen
- Back
- Upper arms
- Flanks (the area between the ribs and hips)
- Thighs
- Underneath the buttocks
- Bra fat
- Above the knees
What Is the CoolSculpting Procedure Like?
CoolSculpting uses a handheld device that’s placed on the skin to apply the treatment. With CoolSculpting Elite, the treatment is the same but uses two applicators to treat two areas at once. The redesigned applicator has a larger contact area, improving results.
During treatment, most people feel only a light vacuum pressure, along with intense cold in the treatment area. After a few minutes the treatment area becomes numb. This numbness wears off after the session is over.
The average treatment session lasts one to three hours. During this time, many patients like to read, watch TV, or catch up on email. Some people even take a nap! After CoolSculpting treatment is complete, the applicator is removed, and the treatment area is massaged for a couple of minutes.
Once the session is over, there’s no downtime. You can drive home or go back to work, and you can resume your normal activity level the next day.
Kybella
Kybella is different from the other lipo alternatives because it involves a course of injections, rather than treatment with a handheld device. The active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that breaks down fat deposits.
What Areas Can Kybella Treat?
Kybella is only for the treatment of what’s called submental fat, which refers to fat that is deposited beneath the chin. This means Kybella works to reduce the size of a double chin. Depending on the amount of fat in that area, Kybella can even remove a double chin altogether.
What Happens in a Kybella Treatment Session?
Most cosmetic practitioners apply a topical numbing cream to the Kybella treatment area. Once this takes effect, they inject Kybella. Most people feel this as a slight stinging sensation. The injection itself will cause a burning sensation as it starts to take effect. Once you feel this burning sensation, you’ll know the Kybella is working to destroy fat cells.
A typical course of Kybella injections involves from two to six sessions, four to six weeks apart.
What Results Can You Expect?
Common side effects of Kybella treatment include swelling, redness, and pain in the treatment area. These can last for two to three weeks. It’s also common to have some temporary numbness, or for hard spots to form in the treatment area.
After completing a course of Kybella injections, you’ll see a marked reduction in submental fat, reducing or even eliminating your double chin. Most people start to see results after two to four sessions. The time it takes to see results depends mostly on how much submental fat you have. Because Kybella destroys fat cells, the effects of treatment are permanent.
Is a Non Invasive Fat Removal Procedure Right for You?
One of these non invasive lipo alternatives could be right for you if:
- You have excess fat that hasn’t responded to diet and exercise.
- You want to streamline and contour your body; for instance, you want to remove excess fat from a double chin or from areas such as the back, love handles, or abdomen.
- Your skin has a good amount of elasticity. This is important because it helps ensure you’re not left with loose skin after the fat removal treatment.
- You want a procedure that doesn’t involve any downtime, so you can get back to your life without interruption.
Who Shouldn’t Have a Fat Removal Procedure?
You are not a good candidate for these treatments if you have loose skin in the regions you want to treat, as these options only target fat cells. For instance, if you’re hoping to achieve a flat belly, non invasive lipo alternatives alone aren’t suitable if you have loose skin in this area. In addition, these treatment options aren’t recommended during pregnancy or if you’re breastfeeding.
It’s also important to understand that these fat removal treatments aren’t a substitute for weight loss. Fat removal treatments target specific, localized areas of the body and are best used after you’ve lost as much weight as you can with diet and exercise options.
In addition, fat removal treatments aren’t always effective at removing cellulite. Some treatments can reduce the appearance of cellulite for some people but may not be able to completely eliminate it.
Yes, There Are Non Invasive Options for Loose and Sagging Skin Too!
If you’ve been left with sagging skin after fat removal, you may think a surgical lift is your only option. This used to be the case, but it’s not anymore! If you have a small or moderate amount of sagging skin, you may be an ideal candidate for laser skin tightening.
At Savannah Plastic Surgery, we offer Scarlet and Agnes radiofrequency microneedling, which are used to improve skin texture, minimize fine lines, and reduce scarring, as well as tighten skin. Results for most people last one to two years.
We also use the Sciton SkinTyte™ laser skin tightening system. This non invasive treatment uses targeted laser energy to trigger collagen production in the skin. It works to tighten skin on the:
- Face
- Neck
- Arms
- Abdominal area
Effects are seen within one to four months, and the results can last for years.
Are Non Invasive Lipo Alternatives Eligible for Insurance?
All these non invasive fat removal options are considered to be voluntary cosmetic treatments. As such, they’re not eligible for insurance covered. However, at Savannah Plastic Surgery, we offer multiple payment options, including CareCredit, Alphaeon Credit, and PatientFi, so you can choose what suits you best!
To learn more about your payment options, please visit our financing and insurance page.
Get Started on Body Sculpting with Savannah Plastic Surgery
Non invasive fat removal can be an effective way to sculpt and streamline your body. These are permanent fat reduction treatments, just like the liposuction procedure is. And with no downtime afterwards, there’s no need to interrupt your normal routine. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Savannah Plastic surgery today!