The biggest beauty breakthroughs of the decade are the fat-melting treatments that change the way we tone and sculpt our bodies. If you’ve been searching for nonsurgical solutions to your body contouring needs, consider this your cheat sheet for the latest technologies and what they mean in our fight against fat. This industry is increasing by 17% per year as great options come to the market.
Cryotherapy (Cold) Devices
Doctors have long known that cold can be used to destroy fat, and devices like Zeltiq CoolSculpting and Zerona take advantage of this fact. They work by targeting and freezing fat cells without harming the surrounding cells. Fat cells die at lower temperatures while other cells do not. Freezing temperatures destroy the targeted fat cells, which are then eventually eliminated through your body’s natural system. The result is the permanent removal of those fat cells without ever having to undergo surgery. Keep in mind that the best candidates for cryotherapy will already be at or close to their target weight. The number of treatments needed depends upon how much fat you have and which machines are used. This technique is constantly improving so visit this link to learn the most current information.
Ultrasound Technology
UltraShape and the newer UltraShape Power are ultrasound devices that mechanically break down fat by painlessly shaking it with ultrasound waves until it is broken down. This novel technique allows the body to recycle the fatty acids and other beneficial components of fat while getting rid of fat cells that cause unwanted bulges. For most people, three treatment sessions will reduce the treated area by 2 inches. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine, you can lose even more inches. I had one patient lose 5 inches after 3 treatments combined with diet and exercise in about 3 months. UltraShape can help to tone and shape your contours for a smoother, sleeker physique. The fats results can help jump start your exercise routine by helping you see early results. Ultrashape devices direct pulses of ultrasound waves to the targeted fat cells, destroying them and causing them to be eliminated from the body–with no pain and no downtime. You can go out in a bikini immediately after without any tell tale signs.
Liposonix is a different ultrasound-based body-contouring treatment that crosses waves of ultrasound to generate friction and high levels of heat to melt fat. This causes visible fat reduction in just one session. Although Liposonix treatments are very uncomfortable because of the heat, it’s a great option for those who want fast results. It can also be combined with UltraShape Power treatments for even more dramatic bulge-busting results. Liposonix treatments cause soreness and bruising for about 2 – 3 weeks. The number of treatments needed depends upon the amount of fat. Click here to see a newscast about Liposonix.
Kybella
The fat-melting injectable Kybella has been getting a lot of media attention, and for good reason. Kybella contains a synthetic version of bile salt (deoxycholic acid) which is a naturally occurring substance that helps the body break down fat in the diet into healthy recyclable components such as fatty acids. Currently, Kybella is FDA-approved for use in the submental or chin fat area. I did the research trials that led to FDA approval of this exciting new treatment. Kybella injections are spaced 4 weeks apart. Most people require 3-4 treatments but this depends on how much fat you have and how many vials of Kybella are used. The cost of Kybella is per vial so it varies depending on the amount of fat that is present. The removal of fat is permanent. I believe that liposuction is obsolete in the chin area now that Kybella is an option. I have seen amazing results and have received Kybella injections myself. Click here to see a TV clip about Kybella on Youtube.
Cellulite Treatments
Ultrashape Power, Liposonix and Zeltiq do not help the appearance of cellulite. For this reason, these treatments are combined with other cellulite targeted procedures such as VelaShape and Venus Legacy. This treatment uses a combination of suction and heat to boost the skin’s natural collagen production which has been shown to improve the skin’s tautness as it removes ripples and other unsightly irregularities. Click here to see a newscast on Venus legacy.
Combination Treatment
In my practice, we combine all the various methods of fat removal and skin tightening tailored to your body’s shape for the best results. We often do Ultrashape Power, Liposonix, Velashape and Kybella injections in one session in various areas. Velashape is usually performed after Ultrashape Power treatments in the same session. Kybella is used to treat pockets of fat in the chin that is resistant to treatment with these devices. It is important to get a customized treatment plan that is right for your needs. I advise that you discuss the options with your doctor. Pricing will depend on the package that you purchase and how much fat you have but ranges from $1000 – $3000 a session.
Body Contouring Supplements
While many people have already been extremely satisfied with the results of fat-melting technologies, even more dramatic results may be possible by combining these treatments with specific oral supplements. There is no good data on which supplements are best. It is important to discuss which supplements to use with your doctor.
Diet and Exercise
If you are going to spend money on these treatments, think about adding in other things to boost the efficacy which will lower the number of treatments you need and reduce your cost. Some ideas that I have seen to boost the efficacy of fat loss treatments are: logging in calories on your FitBit or other device (Studies show that people who do this lose more weight), add 30- 60 minutes of cardio at least 3 times a week, 2 weight bearing exercise sessions a week, and one stretching session a week. Eat 1.5mg/kg of protein a day to help reduce your appetite and build muscle. Building muscle increases your metabolism which helps these machines burst fat more quickly. Lowering fat in your diet may change the bacterial flora in your gut making you absorb less fat in your diet. Combining these tricks with body contouring devices can have dramatic results on your body shape.
In Summary
Advancements in medical technology have given us the ability to refine our bodies’ contours quickly, safely and effectively without relying on surgical procedures. While more research will continue to improve and perfect the ways that we deal with stubborn excess fat, we’re well on our way to winning the battle against the bulge with these amazing fat-melting treatment options. Make sure you see a physician to discuss which treatments are best for you. There are many less effective “copycat” products that you do not want to waste your money on.