Fat removal procedures are used in cosmetic surgery with the purpose of removing unwanted tissues. The process may be invasive as with liposuction or non-invasive laser therapy, ultrasound, infrared light, and radiofrequency. There are non-surgical and minimally invasive options for fat reduction, including technology that uses heat or cooling and sometimes a combination of injections to reduce the fat cells.
Though the non-invasive procedures for fat removal cannot replace liposuction, they provide options for patients who are not willing to undergo surgery. The dermatologist can remove a pocket of unwanted fat permanently without making an incision. If the fat does not budge even with diet and exercise, you may consider non-invasive fat removal.
Non-invasive fat removal involves the dermatologist using either a handheld device or injections to destroy the fat cells. These devices are placed on or just above the skin. They work by sending heat, cold or sound waves directly into the fat cells. The machines destroy the fat cells without injuring the skin, nerves, or other parts of the body.
The injections contain an acid, which is similar to bile acid, the substance that allows the body to digest fat. The acid in these injections helps dissolve fat cells.
As these treatments kill or dissolve the fat cells, the outcome of such procedures is permanent.
Non-invasive fat removal typically requires more than one session with the doctor. Each session can last between thirty to ninety minutes and sometimes even longer. After the sessions are completed, your doctor will re-evaluate your progress till the final result is achieved. If you are treated with a device, you may notice some changes as early as three weeks. The full effect of the treatment can take anywhere between three to six months. With this method, the results appear gradually.
There are different types of cosmetic treatments that use lasers to remove fat from the body. Some procedures are minimally invasive, while others are non-invasive. Some of the laser procedures include the following:
Laser Liposuction: This procedure is an alternative to traditional liposuction. It is a minimally-invasive procedure where the doctor uses laser energy to liquefy fat in a targeted area. The fat is removed through a cannula, a thin tube performed under local anesthesia. The duration of the treatment is about 45 to an hour.
There are other treatments to remove fat, like cryo lipolysis, also known as cool sculpting, a non-surgical or non-invasive procedure that does not use laser technology.
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