3 of the Best Non-Invasive Fat Reducing Treatments

More and more people are turning to non-invasive procedures to get rid of unwanted fat. And fortunately, there are a number of options out there. If you're looking to contour and sculpt the perfect shape for your figure, you may wonder which one to choose. Here are the three best procedures for reducing and getting rid of fat.   

Coolsculpting

Coolsculpting was developed by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, and it's the only FDA-approved fat-freezing technology. It only targets fat, so you don't have to worry about other types of tissue or organs being affected.

A small hand-held device, or applicator, is positioned directly over the areas of fat, and a gentle suction action pulls the bulge between two metal plates. The plates chill and freeze the fat without damaging any of the surrounding tissue. Over time, those cells die and your body eliminates them safely through your urine.

Sessions can be completed in about an hour if you only have one area to treat. But if you're looking to treat both your thighs and abdomen, it may take several hours, unless the facility has more than one device to use at a time.

Most patients report seeing a noticeable reduction in fat after the first treatment. And some will reach their destination "look" within a few weeks. But depending on how much fat you're trying to lose, you might need to return for multiple sessions. In most cases, patients will achieve their desired results in about 2-3 months, but it could take up to six.

Side effects are typically mild. You may have some soreness, redness, and swelling. But those symptoms should subside after a few days. When your session is over, you can immediately resume normal activity.

Laser Treatments

Unlike freezing fat cells, laser technology can be used to liquify them. This method targets the fat cell membrane, causing it to rupture without harming the surrounding tissue. The body either absorbs the fat as it leaks from the cells or burns it off.

Treatment sessions are about 40 minutes long: 20 minutes on the patient's front and another 20 on the back. The patient lies comfortably in a chair, and the laser is applied to the hips, thighs, abdomen, arms, chest, and anywhere else that needs attention.

This type of fat-burning technology is touch-free, so there isn't any associated discomfort. To achieve the desired results, you should have three sessions per week for at least two weeks. 

Ultrasound Technology

Using ultrasonic technology to remove fat is another non-invasive option. It's similar to the laser in that it liquifies fat cells, allowing the body to absorb what's left. But the device does need to contact the skin, so it isn't touch-free. Discomfort is minimal and you may feel a warming sensation as the wand moves across your skin.

Target areas include the waist, abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, and the back. And some clinics offer treatment to the chin and upper arms. Sessions can last anywhere from 20-60 minutes, depending on how many areas you're looking to target.

Most patients claim to enjoy initial results within a few days. Bit it often takes 6-12 sessions to achieve your ideal look.

Which one is the best solution?

Deciding on the best treatment will require a consultation with your physician to see which one you're a candidate for. But here are a few highlights about each procedure:

• Because it uses metal plates to sandwich areas of fat, Coolsculpting tends to be better for those who can pick up bulges of fat and hold onto them.
• Laser treatments don't result in permanent fat removal the way Coolsculpting and ultrasound technology does.
• Ultrasonic fat removal can assist with firming up the skin because it encourages collagen tightening as it ruptures the fat cells.
• None of the procedures are ideal for those who are obese.
• All three treatments require patients to adhere to a healthy diet and exercise plan to keep the fat from coming back. 

To learn more about your options, contact services like Countryside Dermatology & Laser Center.