Liposuction continues to be the gold standard in fat reduction treatments, but as technology evolves, so do the less painful, less invasive liposuction alternatives. For many patients, the proliferation of these has made non-surgical fat reduction much more attainable.
At Gold Skin Care Center, Nashville cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michael H. Gold and the rest of our expert staff are proud to offer several effective, less invasive liposuction alternatives to help you reach your body-shaping goals with minimal fuss.
Pros and Cons of Fat Reduction Treatments
Both traditional liposuction alternatives and top non-surgical alternatives to liposuction offer advantages and disadvantages. However, to get results and then maintain them, you still must exercise and eat well. Neither liposuction nor liposuction alternatives are a replacement for a healthy diet and lifestyle.
If you’re deciding between the two types of procedures, the following could provide you with insight.
Effects and Results
The effects of your liposuction are first noticed once the swelling recedes and your bandages are removed, usually 1-2 weeks after surgery. After that, your improvement gradually continues until your final results are noticeable after 6 months. Liposuction is good for moderately to very overweight patients, so results tend to be dramatic.
With liposuction alternatives, sometimes results are immediate and then followed by gradual improvement in the ensuing months, while at other times, results don’t take effect immediately. Although fat reduction is usually permanent, results are usually much less dramatic.
Invasiveness
Liposuction is surgical, so it causes trauma to your body. It’s an aggressive fat reduction procedure that results in soreness, pain, bruising, and swelling.
Liposuction alternatives are much less invasive because they employ technologies that minimize the trauma on your body. This reduces your discomfort during treatment sessions as well as post-procedure side effects.
Healing and Downtime
The downtime and healing from a liposuction session can disrupt your life. You’re limited in what you can and can’t do until your swelling goes down and your bandages are removed. Typical downtime is a minimum of a few days and total healing can take longer.
However, liposuction alternatives have no such downside. At most, your downtime may be 1-2 days, but it’s rare. The vast majority of patients return to their busy schedule quickly. Healing is faster, as well, and the side effects, such as mild swelling or soreness, are fewer.
The Best Non-Surgical Lipo Alternatives at Gold Skin Care Center
CoolSculpting – A Fat-Freezing Liposuction Alternative
CoolSculpting is ideal if you are close to your ideal weight but have stubborn pockets of fat. Among liposuction alternatives, this is the only one that uses cryolipolysis, a fat-freezing procedure that crystallizes your targeted fat cells until they break apart painlessly.
As the destroyed fat cells are gradually eliminated from your body, your fat reduction and resulting body shape continue to look natural. With regular exercise and a proper diet, your fat loss in the treated area will be permanent.
CoolSculpting is helpful for fat reduction in the following areas:
- Stomach
- Love handles
- Thighs
- Back fat
- Upper arms
UltraShape – Ultrasound for Fat Reduction
UltraShape is the only body sculpting device that targets and vaporizes fat cells within a single area with waves of ultrasound energy. The targeted cells are eventually and permanently flushed from your body, giving you natural-looking fat loss.
It’s non-invasive and you don’t need anesthesia. There’s no downtime and very few side effects, which might include mild soreness, tenderness, and swelling for no more than a few days. Your results are balanced and even, first showing within a few weeks before becoming more apparent in 6-8 weeks.
Although UltraShape is commonly used on stomach fat, it is also effective for the following areas:
- Love handles
- Butt
- Hips
- Thighs
- Upper arms
ThermiRF – Radiofrequency Fat Reduction Treatment
ThermiRF is a minimally invasive procedure unique from other liposuction alternatives. It uses radiofrequency waves to heat up your fat cells until they dissolve while also tightening loose skin. Your body gradually and naturally eliminates the remains. It’s safe and effective for fat loss, with an added bonus of being a skin tightener, as well.
ThermiRF is ideal for hard-to-treat areas that other treatments or diet and exercise won’t fix, such as the following:
- Under your chin
- Neck
- Upper arms
- Stomach
- Upper legs
Contact Gold Skin Care Center for More about Top Non-Surgical Lipo Alternatives
Why consider liposuction alternatives? Unless you need drastic results from your fat reduction procedure, liposuction might not be your best choice. This is especially true if you want a non-surgical procedure and don’t have enough time for a lengthy recovery. Find out if one of the top liposuction alternatives is right for your case. Contact Gold Skin Care Center today to schedule a consultation. Contact us online or call 615.645.2314 today.
