Nonsurgical Fat Reduction (Cool Sculpting / Cavi-
Lipo Laser)
Nonsurgical fat reduction is a procedure that uses specialized equipment to create a controlled injury to small volumes of fat. Currently, there are two types of devices used for nonsurgical fat removal:
ultrasound and cold energy or cryolipolysis. Both allow outpatient treatment resulting in efficient and consistent fat reduction as well as enhanced body contour.
When to Consider Nonsurgical Fat Reduction
– If you are struggling with pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise programs.
– If you have undesirable but limited fat deposits on your abdomen, flanks, back or thighs.
– If you wish to achieve a trimmer appearance without having to undergo surgery.
Considerations
Pros
– Effective in diminishing stubborn areas of unwanted body fat.
– Outpatient treatment with little to no downtime and minimal discomfort.
– No incision required.
Cons
– Multiple treatment sessions may be needed to produce satisfactory results.
– Small burns are extremely rare but have been noted with ultrasound devices.
– Temporary redness and numbness may occur.
Am I a good candidate for nonsurgical fat reduction?
– You are in relatively good shape but have modest bulges of fat on your abdomen, flanks, back or thighs that you’d like removed.
– You have pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise .
– You wish to achieve a trimmer look without having to undergo an invasive surgical procedure.
About your Procedure
How is a nonsurgical fat reduction procedure performed?
Depending upon your needs, your surgeon may recommend one of the following treatment modalities:
Ultrasound
– Premedication is usually not needed.
– Your treatment areas are marked by your surgeon.
– A technician applies a thin layer of gel to your skin.
– The ultrasound transducer head is then moved over the treatment area. The same area may be treated more than once.
– Your session may last anywhere from a half hour to several hours.
Cryolipolysis
– The fatty area is sucked up into a handpiece between two metal plates and the area is slowly cooled.
– Current treatment guidelines are one hour per site.
Preparing for Your Procedure
– Stop smoking before undergoing treatment to promote better healing.
– Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
– Regardless of the type of procedure to be performed, hydration is very important before and after treatment for safe recovery.
Aftercare and Recovery
Immediately after your nonsurgical fat reduction
You may notice temporary skin redness, swelling of the treated area and numbness of the area, but these side-effects usually resolve quickly. Some patients (especially those with larger treatment areas) may benefit from oral pain medication. It is important that you follow all patient care instructions provided by your surgeon.
Recovery time frame after nonsurgical fat reduction
You will be able to return to work and resume normal activity right away. You’ll see noticeable fat reduction in the treated areas within one to two months following the procedure.
How Long Will the Results Last?
The results are permanent, because the adult body does not produce new fat cells. When you gain weight, your existing fat cells expand. Once fat cells are destroyed and removed from the body, you will not gain weight in the treated areas.
Limitations and Risks
– Infection and bleeding
– Scarring
– Allergic reactions
– Damage to underlying structures
– Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures
– Temporary redness, bruising, tingling and tenderness.
– Temporary dulling of sensation or cramping.
– Small burns are extremely rare but have been noted with the ultrasound devices.