Fat Reduction
Several ways can be used to reduce the size of fat pockets below the skin. These include non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment options that use heat, cooling, or a medication to reduce fat cells. Many patients may be more comfortable undergoing these procedures, in contrast to liposuction, due to their lower risk and minimal downtime. The purpose of non-surgical fat reduction is not to reduce weight or treat obesity, but to sculpt and contour different areas of the body.
Benefits
Fat reduction treatments offer a range of benefits:
Types of fat reduction treatments at Dr. Amna's:
Fat reduction treatments offered at Dr. Amna’s include:
- Lipolytic Injections
- These injections contain fat dissolving chemicals like deoxycholic acid, which breaks the membrane of fat cells causing them to be metabolized. This leads to a reduction in localized fat deposits and can help contour and reshape the treated areas.
- The number of sessions required depends on the response of the patient’s body to the injection, but usually 2-4 sessions may be required, spaced 1 month apart. The fat cells destroyed by these injections do not return until or unless there is significant weight gain.
- HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) (link it to the HIFU article)
- As the name suggests, HIFU delivers focused ultrasound energy deep into the layers of the body which generates heat. This heat causes selective destruction of fat cells in targeted areas of the body reducing fat deposits. The high energy is sent into the deeper layers of the skin, without the surface of the skin getting damaged.
- HIFU can effectively treat stubborn fat. The number of sessions required depends on the patient; most require 2 sessions while some may need more. The treatment has no downtime and results are visible within 6-12 weeks.
- Fat Freezing (Cryolipolysis)
- Extremely low temperatures are used to reduce fat deposits in different areas of the body. During the procedure, a specialized device is used to cool the targeted areas which crystallizes the fat cells. Compared to other cells, fat cells are more affected by cold temperatures. As a result, the surrounding tissue is not damaged in the process. The dead fat cells are eventually eliminated through the body’s lymphatic system.
- The number of sessions required depends on the area being treated; usually 1-2 sessions are required. The frozen cells are automatically removed by the body within 4-6 months and the targeted fatty area decreases by around about 20%.
Who is eligible for a fat reduction fat reduction procedure?
For the lipolytic injection procedure, anyone who has been on a weight loss journey and wishes to finish it is a candidate. Those who cannot reduce fat even after dieting and exercising may also opt for this procedure.
For the HIFU procedure to be beneficial, a BMI (body mass index) of lower than 30 is required. Patients with pinch-able fats from 1-3cm are the most suitable.
The fat freezing method is ideal for those who wish to reduce the size of a fat bulge with little reshaping. The procedure is more effective in those patients with lower body mass.
Are the results permanent?
All three treatments offer a permanent way to reduce fat as the fat cells are destroyed completely. A patient only needs to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and exercise to ensure that the results persist, and more fat does not accumulate.
Are the procedures painful?
Due to the procedures being non-surgical, they are hardly painful. Slight pinching may be felt when the procedure is performed.
What are the possible side effects of fat reduction treatments?
Side effects with non-surgical fat reduction are generally scarce, with only some mild symptoms appearing such as sensitivity, redness, swelling and slight pain.