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What dissolves fat cells?

americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org - Non-Surgical Fat Reduction | ABCS - American Board of Cosmetic Surgery

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Guide to non-surgical fat reduction

Non-surgical fat reduction includes minimally invasive treatments that selectively break down fat cells in specific areas to reduce the size of subcutaneous fat pockets (fat deposits that sit beneath the skin, but above the muscle). A number of FDA cleared treatments are available, each achieving gradual, modest fat loss without surgery or downtime. Choose from the options below, or read our entire guide to learn more:

Is non-surgical fat reduction a good option for me?

For patients at or near their ideal body weight who do not need significant reshaping in an area, non-surgical treatments can be a great option to reduce isolated pockets of diet and exercise resistant fat without surgery, and with little to no downtime. However, it is important to have realistic expectations about what results a non-surgical treatment can achieve.

Benefits of non-surgical fat reduction

Little to no downtime is required

No general anesthesia, incisions or scars

Side effects are minimal for most patients

Gradual onset of results allows patients to be discreet about treatments

Results can last as long as a patient maintains his or her weight

Limitations

Reduces fat only (minimal sculpting ability compared to liposuction)

We cannot choose exactly how much fat is lost, only estimate a percentage

Multiple treatments may be needed to achieve desired results

May not be suitable for patients with significant amounts of fat to lose No cosmetic procedure, surgical or non-surgical, is intended for weight loss. Treatments will not significantly change a patient’s weight, and a healthy lifestyle and weight maintenance are essential to maintain results.

Non-Surgical Body Contouring: a Guide to Your Options

Non-surgical body contouring includes much more than fat reduction. Today, you have options to smooth cellulite, tighten skin, rejuvenate vaginal tissues, and remove unwanted hair. The guide below outlines your many options. The best way to learn whether non-surgical fat reduction is suitable for your goals is to consult with an experienced cosmetic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. An ABCS diplomate will be appropriately trained in both surgical and non-surgical techniques and can help you choose the right treatment option for your needs.

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Non-surgical fat reduction treatments & technologies

Outlined below are FDA cleared treatments that are generally available across the U.S.

Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting®)

Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive technology that uses extreme cold to dismantle fat cells and help reduce a fat pocket. A paneled or cupped device is placed on top of the skin in the treatment area, where it transmits temperatures that are just low enough to freeze fat cells, essentially destroying them. Because skin, muscle and nerve tissue freeze at a lower temperature than fat, these tissues remain unharmed. CoolSculpting is the brand name of cryolipolysis.

Fast facts about CoolSculpting

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FDA cleared for abdomen, hips, inner or outer thighs, back (“bra rolls”), upper arms, under the buttock, and under the chin Best for patients who wish to reduce the size of a fat bulge with little reshaping

Studies show that up to 25% fat reduction per treatment is typical

Treatments take 35 to 60 minutes to perform; any discomfort is typically mild and includes an intense cold feeling Common side effects include temporary, mild swelling, numbness, redness and tingling. Serious or lasting side effects are extremely rare

Typical patient is satisfied after 1 to 2 treatments

Results are noticeable within 1 month and final after 2-3 months

Results last barring significant weight gain

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Laser Treatment (SculpSure®)

Laser fat reduction works by dismantling subcutaneous fat using controlled heat. A specific laser wavelength is delivered through the skin, heating fatty tissues to the point where fat cells begin to break down. A constant cooling mechanism ensures that skin is not damaged in the process. SculpSure is the brand name of this non-invasive laser technology.

Fast facts about SculpSure

FDA cleared for abdomen and flanks. Can be used on other areas.

Treatment is typically painless; patients feel a warming sensation

Treatment takes 25 minutes per area

Results are noticeable in ~6 weeks and final in ~12 weeks

Results should last barring significant weight gain

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Injectable Deoxycholic Acid (Kybella®)

Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps break down fat for digestion. In injectable form, deoxycholic acid can break down fat cells on contact for isolated reduction of a fat pocket. Currently, Kybella (formerly called ATX-101) is the only FDA approved form of injectable deoxycholic acid, and can be used to effectively reduce a double chin.

Fast facts about Kybella

FDA approved for reducing submental fullness (fat beneath the chin).

Treatment involves multiple injections underneath the chin, using a very thin needle

Injections take about 20 minutes to perform; local anesthetic may be used to enhance comfort Little to no downtime is required; most patients return to full activity within 2 days The typical patient requires 2 to 4 treatments, spaced 1 month apart, for optimal results Common side effects include temporary, mild swelling, numbness, redness, and bruising at the treatment side. Serious side effects, such as facial weakness or prolonged numbness, are rare and usually resolve on their own Fat cells destroyed with Kybella do not return, and results should last barring significant weight gain

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Ultrasound Fat Reduction

Ultrasound fat reduction uses highly focused sonic waves to break down fat cell walls in the treatment area, thereby releasing the fat inside to be metabolized by the body and reducing the size of a fat deposit. The ultrasound energy transmits through the skin, creating rapid pressure changes that cause the fat cells to break down while leaving surrounding tissues unharmed. FDA cleared ultrasound fat reduction treatments include UltraShape, which uses a pulsed ultrasound technology, and Liposonix, which uses a high intensity focused ultrasound.

Fast facts about ultrasound fat reduction

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Treatments are intended for use on the abdomen and flanks

Ultrasound is noninvasive and no downtime is needed

Typical patient requires 1 to 3 treatments spaced 2 weeks apart, depending on treatment

Results appear gradually and are typically final within 6 to 12 weeks

Destroyed fat cells do not grow back; results can last with weight maintenance

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Red Light Therapy (UltraSlim)

One of the newest technologies to be FDA cleared for non-surgical fat reduction uses red light therapy to reduce the volume of subcutaneous fat cells. Instead of removing or destroying fat cells, photonic lypolysis, or “red light therapy,” delivers specific wavelengths of light through the skin using a specialized lamp. This light triggers selected fat cells to create small openings and release some of their contents, thus helping them shrink in size. FDA cleared treatments that use photonic lipolysis/red light therapy include UltraSlim.

Fast facts about red light therapy fat reduction

Red light therapy is intended to treat the abdomen, hips, or thighs; your cosmetic surgeon may use it for additional areas

Treatment is noninvasive and no downtime is needed

Treatments take about 30 minute to perform

Results begin to appear within a few hours after treatment and continue to improve as the body metabolizes the fat

Fat released by treatment is naturally eliminated as waste

Patients typically choose to have 3 or more treatments to achieve their goals Results can last as long as a patient maintains a healthy lifestyle and stable weight Red light therapy is a very low-risk treatment with no determined side effects; however, patients who are pregnant or have reduced liver function should not undergo treatment

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Choosing a Provider for Non-Surgical Fat Reduction

Because non-surgical fat reduction treatments vary widely in mechanism, they may be performed by a medical aesthetician, registered nurse, or cosmetic surgeon. In general, completely non-invasive treatments (such as CoolSculpting or SculpSure) can be safely performed by a licensed, trained aesthetician working under physician supervision. Injectable fat reduction treatments, such as Kybella, require an advanced knowledge of anatomy and should be performed only by a qualified cosmetic surgeon or provider with equivalent training and experience. The best place to start? Find an ABCS diplomate cosmetic surgeon near you, and schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and goals, review your treatment options, and learn what results you might expect with non-surgical fat reduction.