Summer is almost here & the ads for non-surgical fat reduction treatments are everywhere. Do you want to lose 1-3 inches off your waist? Is the hype real? Does it work?
The short answer is YES! But these are not a miracle cure, and patients should not expect to see a complete removal of fat. These procedures will not work for everybody, and some people may experience more side effects than others. It is essential to know body-contouring medical procedures are NOT for weight loss. If your BMI (body mass index) categorizes you as obese, you may not qualify. But if you have stubborn fat that does not respond well to diet & exercise, a physician may be able to help you with these non-invasive procedures. Here is information about two of the most popular FDA cleared treatments.
Recently there’s been heavy advertising for CoolSculpting®, a cryolipolysis (freezing temperatures to break down fat cells) treatment. This procedure works by using a medical device that contacts & vacuums up your skin and then freezes fat cells. The applicator typically treats an area one section at a time. So a more substantial area such as your abdomen may need to be treated section by section. Some diseases and medical conditions may prevent you from getting this treatment. As per Medical News Today, typical immediate though temporary side effects may include redness, swelling, blanching, pinching sensation, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, mild to moderate pain, muscle cramping, or skin sensitivity. Some patients may experience numbness or loss of sensation in the treatment area for around a month & other rare side effects are possible. Results can appear 1-4 months after treatments. Costs may range from $2k-$4k depending on the treatment area.
Another treatment option is from the Vanquish ME™ device. Non-invasive and painless, Vanquish ME™ offers an FDA cleared fat removal treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy fat cells while leaving nearby cells unharmed. This treatment is perfect for patients who have a hard time getting rid of the stubborn fat around the abdomen or thighs. It destroys unwanted fat cells throughout 4-6 treatment sessions that last 30-45 minutes each. Results of this treatment are permanent because the fat cells are destroyed and naturally flushed by the body, therefore cannot return.
Vanquish’s equipment never touches your skin so there is no pain involved and patients describe the treatment as a relaxing, warm feeling like sitting in the sun. Vanquish has very few risks and side effects. Occasionally, the skin on the treated area might get temporarily red or inflamed. There is no downtime, so afterward you can go back to your routine!
Vanquish ME™ may provide more even results in the treatment area because the procedure does the entire section at once with its large applicator delivering even strength as opposed to multiple treatments in a section over various visits.
Some common contraindications for this treatment include implanted electronic devices, acute inflammations, pregnancy or nursing, or metallic implants. There may be other exclusions. You should consult with your doctor to determine if this treatment is right for you.
Patients often begin to see results after 1-2 sessions and report a loss of 2-5 inches after 3-4 sessions. The cost per session is around $500 and typically equals a total lower price per treatment area than other devices.
The ideal candidate for any of these treatments is someone who is generally in good health and has realistic expectations of results. Non-invasive body-contouring procedures do not deliver miracles and are not weight loss treatments!
Though your body will naturally flush dead fat cells, if you engage in an unhealthy lifestyle, other fat cells will swell & take over the old treatment area eliminating any benefit gained!
Liposuction and surgery are no longer your only options. New technologies and FDA clearances give you a compelling reason to visit your doctor to discuss safe alternative options to help you look and feel your best.