Non-Surgical Fat Reduction: What Areas of the Body Can Be Treated?

Non-invasive fat removal is an effective way to reduce fat in almost any area of the body without surgery. Learn more about CoolSculpting, Kybella and other non-surgical treatments.

Non-Surgical Fat Reduction: What Areas of the Body Can Be Treated?

Non-invasive fat removal is a gentle and effective way to reduce fat in almost any area of the body. The abdomen, flanks (love handles), thighs, chin, neck, back, upper arms and knees are all treatable with today's non-surgical treatments. The FDA-approved Zerona low-level laser is one of the most popular treatments for the waist, hips and thighs. According to Zerona, the average patient loses approximately 3.72 inches of circumference in just 6 treatments.

Other non-invasive body contouring procedures rely on cryolipolysis, laser technology, radiofrequency energy or injection lipolysis to reduce and eliminate fat cells in the treatment area. CoolSculpting and Kybella are two of the most popular non-surgical fat reduction treatments available. These treatments are not weight-loss solutions and are not substitutes for surgical liposuction, but they can be used to remove unwanted fat in various areas such as love handles, double chin, bra fat, stomach bulges, inner and outer thighs, and upper arms. CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis or fat-freezing technology while Kybella injections dissolve unwanted fat cells in the target area.

To ensure optimal results with non-surgical fat removal procedures, it's important to see a board-certified dermatologist for treatment. Dr. Green is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with more than 25 years of experience providing some of the most demanding patients around the world with the best non-invasive treatment options available. He will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that best suits your specific concerns, ideal aesthetic goals, and budget.

The most popular non-invasive treatment for reducing persistent pockets of fat in the abdomen is CoolSculpting. Injectable fat reduction treatments such as Kybella require advanced knowledge of anatomy and should only be performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon or provider with equivalent training and experience. SculpSure is another non-invasive fat removal treatment intended to remove persistent areas of fat in people with a body mass index of 30 or less. These treatments provide effective body contouring results without significant downtime or such a high risk of serious side effects.

The total cost of non-invasive fat reduction will ultimately depend on a number of contributing factors including geographical location, size of the treatment area, type of body contouring procedures included in your treatment plan, and number of treatment sessions needed to achieve optimal results. Kybella injections in areas other than submental fat are not yet approved by the FDA. Full cosmetic results from CoolSculpting are seen within three to four months after the treatment ends. When it comes to exploring the many treatment options available for non-surgical fat reduction, it's best to consult with a board-certified expert dermatologist such as Dr. Green.

Deoxycholic acid injections such as Kybella work well in areas of moderate to severe fat accumulation.

Rachel Greenweig
Rachel Greenweig

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