Nonsurgical body contouring, often referred to as body sculpting, is a term that encompasses a popular group of non-invasive fat reduction treatments. The procedures typically fall within three distinct categories: those that use cooling, those that use heat, and those that utilize an injected medicine to reduce undesired fat.
The four most common types of nonsurgical procedures are cryolipolysis, laser lipolysis, radiofrequency lipolysis, and injection lipolysis.
Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis is a technique pioneered by Dr. Rox Anderson and approved by the FDA in 2010. A device that uses a vacuum-like handheld component targets your unwanted fat cells and freezes them. This causes the fat cells to die and your body will absorb and excrete these cells over time. Ideal for tough to tone spots, such as the abdomen, hips, and thighs, the most popular form of cryolipolysis is CoolSculpting.
For more information, check out “What is CoolSculpting?”
Laser Lipolysis
Laser lipolysis uses concentrated energy in the form of a laser and delivers that energy (heat) through a fiber-optic applicator. The treatment is now widely used to reduce unwanted fatty tissue. The health care provider will focus the energy and adjusting the wavelengths of the laser to target, and heat undesired fat cells. Laser lipolysis allows you to target those pesky areas in an isolated fashion.Many candidates are those who want to have traditional liposuction, but fear sagging, loose skin as a result. Laser lipolysis may actually increases the body’s natural production of collagen, making skin taught in the process. The most popular form of laser lipolysis is SculptSure.
Radiofrequency Lipolysis
Similar to laser lipolysis, radiofrequency lipolysis is a treatment that uses radio frequencies to target and heat fat cells. The applicator is positioned a centimeter or two away from your body, requiring no physical contact for successful treatment. By isolating the fat at a cellular level, no other cells are damaged in the process.If you have tough to lose bulges, you may be a good candidate for radiofrequency lipolysis. The most popular forms of radiofrequency lipolysis are UltraShape and Vanquish
Injection Lipolysis
Injection lipolysis uses deoxycholic acid in an effort to target and “melt” unwanted fat. The chemical causes fat cells to die and is typically reserved for patients seeking to reduce the appearance of a double chin. The injection is administered by a licensed professional and you may elect to use a local analgesic for superior comfort. If you have a lack of facial tone or an excess of loose skin, you may not be good candidate for the treatment. The most common form of injection lipolysis is a drug by the name of Kybella.
Which Nonsurgical Liposuction/Body Contouring Treatment is Right for Me?
Are you looking to remove a few inches off your waistline?
CoolSculpting and SculptSure are your two best options.
Looking to get rid of a muffin-top?
SculpSure is typically the nonsurgical go-to for removing muffin tops.
Want to tone up after having a baby?
Both CoolSculpting and SculpSure are good bets.
Want to remove fat in tough to tone areas like love handles, arms, and knees?
Vanquish may be your best option.
Have you had liposuction in the past and just want to tone up a bit more?
We also suggest Vanquish as the best nonsurgical option to tone your body after you’ve already used liposuction.
Read to get rid of that pesky double-chin?
Kybella all the way.
It is important to note that all body contouring treatments take time to achieve final results. Almost all of these procedures take on average 6 weeks to reach full realization.
Sources
1. “Non-Surgical Fat Reduction: American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: CoolSculpting, Kybella, SculpSure, UltraShape.” American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Accessed 2019.
2. “Laser Lipolysis: An Update.” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. July 2011. Accessed August 2019.
3. “Injection Lipolysis: Nonsurgical Fat Reduction.” American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed August 2019.