Target problem areas without the need for surgery.
At one time, the most common solution for fat reduction was surgery. Even with commonly performed procedures, fat reduction or removal surgery typically involves incisions and invasive techniques. Thanks to advances in technology, there are now more less-invasive ways to remove pockets of stubborn fat without the need for surgery.
For many patients, it means noticeable results without having to deal with scars, possible surgical risks, or prolonged downtime. Learn more about non-invasive fat reduction in San Jose to see if it is right for you.
What Is Non-Invasive Fat Reduction?
Non-invasive fat reduction in San Jose refers to treatments that break down fat cells without the need for surgical incisions. There are many procedures of this nature that are FDA-approved to be used on patients hoping to achieve minimal or modest fat loss without surgery. Non-invasive techniques typically help patients by reducing or eliminating
- Double chins
- Belly bulges
- “Love handles”
- Problem area on thighs
- Cellulite
- “Saddlebags”
What Are Common Non-Invasive Options?
Patients have an increasingly diverse choice with non-invasive fat reduction treatments. Cryolipolysis targets fat cells with extreme cold. A special cupped device is placed in the area to be treated. Cold sensations are then delivered through the skin in a way that freezes and “destroys” fat cells. Because skin, muscle, and nerve tissues are affected by lower temperatures than fat cells, they are not harmed during treatment. Patients typically experience approximately 25 percent fat reduction with freezing procedures. Cryolipolysis is FDA-cleared for use on fat deposits affecting many different areas, including the upper arms, hips, abdomen, back area, and the area just under the buttock.
Laser fat reduction treatments target fat cells with the controlled application of heat. A special cooling mechanism protects healthy skin as the laser is applied to fat cells. Laser procedures are approved for use on abdominal and plank areas, although other areas may be treated.
Deoxycholic acid is a substance that breaks down fat that’s naturally produced within the body. When delivered in an injectable form, deoxycholic acid can target fat pockets in isolated areas. There’s only one brand of synthetic deoxycholic acid (Kybella) that has been approved for use to treat fat located beneath the chin (“double chin”).
With ultrasound fat reduction treatments, sonic waves are used to trigger the breakdown of fat cell walls. The treated cells are then absorbed by the body, which results in a reduction of fat deposits. Treatment with ultrasound is meant to target fat cells in the area between the ribcage and hips and the abdominal area. Fat cells targeted with ultrasound do not come back.
A newer technique approved by the FDA is referred to as red light therapy. With this non-invasive method, a specialized lamp is used to deliver different wavelengths of light to produce small openings within fat cells, which releases some of the inside materials. Doing so reduces the size of the cells. It’s usually used to address issues with excess fat in the abdomen, thighs, or hips.
Ideal Candidates
Non-invasive fat reduction procedures aren’t for every situation where somebody needs to lose weight in certain areas. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, preferred candidates for non-invasive fat reduction are patients who are already at or near their ideal body weight for their age and height and need shaping in a certain area. However, it’s not suitable for patients with significant amounts of weight to lose. Non-invasive procedures are generally recommended for patients looking to minimize or eliminate isolated pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise efforts.
What Are Possible Benefits of Non-Invasive Fat Reduction?
While there are many potential benefits associated with non-invasive fat reduction in San Jose, it’s important for patients to have realistic expectations with what to expect and what such procedures can accomplish. Also, only estimations of how much fat may be lost can be made, not specific amounts or guarantees. Most patients appreciate the fact that there are no incisions and no scar tissue to worry about after procedures are completed. Additional benefits often associated with non-surgical fat reduction include:
- Little or no downtime with most procedures
- No need to be placed under traditional sedation
- Minimal side effects associated with most procedures
- Gradual onset of results so it’s not so obvious that a fat reduction procedure was done
- The possibility of maintaining results by adapting healthy diet and exercise habits following treatment
Non-invasive fat reduction in San Jose is also appealing because it’s more accessible and affordable than what was normally available a decade or so ago. Because of the increased variety of procedures available today and the many different methods involved, more men and women have the opportunity to benefit from less-invasive procedures. Whether or not non-invasive fat reduction in San Jose is right for you will depend on your specific problem areas and goals and results from your initial consultation.
