The Pros and Cons of Non-Invasive Fat Reduction

Learn about non-invasive fat reduction treatments such as liposuction, cryolipolysis (fat freezing), laser liposuction & CoolSculpting - their pros & cons.

The Pros and Cons of Non-Invasive Fat Reduction

If you're someone who's had trouble losing weight and reducing fat, you may have read about or researched processes such as liposuction, cryolipolysis (fat freezing), laser liposuction, and other surgical and non-surgical options. Each of these treatments has its own set of pros and cons, so it's important to understand the side effects of each before making a decision. Liposuction is a surgical process that involves removing fat cells through a vacuum while the patient is anesthetized. The procedure takes about an hour to perform and can cause mild discomfort, cold, tingling, or warmth.

After Liposonix, there may be some bruising, redness, swelling, and discomfort at the treatment site. These side effects are usually mild. However, there are numerous surgical risks associated with liposuction, as well as the potential for fat cells to develop and grow in other areas of the body. Cryolipolysis, or fat freezing, is a non-surgical process that kills fat cells found underneath the skin in extreme cold weather.

CoolSculpting is a brand-name form of cryolipolysis. This procedure can cause mild side effects such as irritation and pain. Some people may also experience a rare side effect in which fat cells get bigger in response, instead of getting smaller. Destroying or killing fat cells can cause fat to develop and grow in other areas of the body, including around organs.

Erchonia Emerald Laser is the preferred lipo laser method for many medspas in North America and Europe. This process uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to break down the walls of the fat cells in the treatment area, thus releasing fat from the inside to be metabolized by the body and reducing the size of the fat deposit. Unlike other processes, lipo lasers don't kill fat cells. A study found that there was no onset of persistent neuropathy, paresthesia, or numbness after more than 2000 cases.

There was also no increase in triglyceride and lipid profiles. Injectable deoxycholic acid can break down fat cells upon contact to reduce a pocket of fat in isolation. It is important that injuries occur only in small volumes of fat, because there is a risk of scarring if too much fat is damaged in a single area. One of the benefits of CoolSculpting is that, unlike diet and exercise, fat cells are destroyed and eliminated from the body. For patients with or close to their ideal body weight and who don't need significant remodeling in an area, non-surgical treatments can be an excellent option to reduce isolated pockets of fat resistant to diet and exercise without surgery and with little or no downtime.

It is also recommended that those interested in pursuing any non-surgical fat removal treatment seek a qualified medical professional who has been properly trained in the process. When considering non-invasive fat reduction treatments such as liposuction, cryolipolysis (fat freezing), laser liposuction, injectable deoxycholic acid or CoolSculpting it's important to weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision. While these treatments can be effective for reducing isolated pockets of fat resistant to diet and exercise without surgery and with little or no downtime, it's important to remember that they don't address visceral fat which can contribute to insulin resistance, increase blood pressure and increase the risk of serious health complications.

Rachel Greenweig
Rachel Greenweig

Freelance zombie evangelist. Total zombie evangelist. Avid beer geek. Devoted twitter specialist. Typical food trailblazer. Evil food advocate.