5 Alternatives to Liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery for remodeling some areas of the silhouette by the suction of fat deposits resistant to dieting . This procedure is performed for over 25 years, but there are now other alternatives may be less expensive and with fewer side effects to consider.
If you want to lose weight, it’s not a secret that you must watch your portions and your diet and expend energy through physical activity. (See article Lose fat: the best scientifically proven way). However, sometimes despite your best efforts, the rebels deep fat deposits resist. You might be tempted to turn to a medical-cosmetic procedures. The technology is constantly evolving and several more or less known alternatives are now possible. Here is an overview to help you find your way.
Liposuction
As it has been practiced for over 25 years, we know a lot about it. The bad news is that there is always a risk when it comes to surgery, even in the case of liposuction. The golden rule: choose a competent surgeon, certified and recommended.
How it works
This is the removal, through a small tube inserted into a specific region of the body of excess fat (fatty deposits) which we can not get rid of. Areas that can be treated are of course the thighs, buttocks and stomach (the most common interventions) but also calves, knees, arms, ankles, cheeks, neck, chin …
Treatment
The surgery is usually done by local anesthesia, which reduces the risk of complications. The surgeon inserts a small tube in the region to operate, releases an anesthetic solution, adrenaline and bicarbonate to prevent bleeding, draining the fat, the fat cells swell, locally reducing the sensations of pain and reduce bruising. Then removed fat from problem areas. The operation lasts 1 to 3 hours and leave a few stitches. Then you have to wear an elastic bandage or compression sleeve over the treated area for two weeks to one month to avoid bruising and allow the fat tissue and skin to properly retract. Sometimes it is recommended to take antibiotics for a few days to avoid any risk of infection.
Price
$2500 to $5000
Results
The results from liposuction are seen after 3 weeks and is complete after 6 months.
Risks
As it is, in most cases, a local anesthetic, the risk of complications is low, however, it happens that some people experience complications. It is normal to see bruises and swelling after surgery. Pain may be present. Some complications are also possible infection, unexpected skin reaction ( undulations and irregularities , asymmetry, hyperpigmentation), bleeding etc.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting destroys fat by the cold. This technology utilizes a controlled cooling method to freeze and remove unwanted fat cells without surgery nor need recovery time. Once dead fat cells, the body naturally eliminated by the lymphatic system. It works well on the love handles, belly and inside thigh. It can also be used for other areas.
Technology
Cryolipolysis
Treatment
Treatments last 1 to 2 hours. When cold is activated, intense cold sensation is felt during the first few minutes, but it dissipates quickly. The discomfort felt is very minimal; many people read, watch videos, work on their computer, or even make a nap during their treatment.
Price
$750 per zone. Each side is equivalent to an area.
Results
The CoolSculpting procedure is completely non chirugicale, so it requires no recovery time. Some patients have redness, bruising lightweight feel tingling, numbness or comfort level of the treated area but this is temporary and eventually disappear completely. Results are visible after one treatment. According to clinical tests, the CoolSculpting procedure achieved a satisfaction rate of 95% among patients. Although transformation can occur in some patients during the first three weeks following their session, the most dramatic results usually appear one to three months after treatment.
Where to go
There are 17 clinics which now offer Coolsculpting in Montreal and surroundings.
A place known for its service and professionalism is Clinique médico-esthéthique of Dre. Morin.
Zerona
Zerona has the effect of emptying fat cells of their contents. Zerona stimulates fat cells so that the fat becomes liquefied (emulsified). The liquefied fat is then moved from within the cell to the outside through a temporary pore formed in the cell membrane. The liquefied fat remains there until its absorption by the lymphatic system. This results in a reduction in the volume of millions of fat cells, and consequently thinning the body. The fat cells are not damaged in any way during this process .
Technology
Low level laser
Treatment
The treatment usually lasts 40 minutes (20 minutes per side). The Zerona treatment is completely painless. There is no heat or sensation during treatment.
Price
Approximately $3000 for 6 sessions
Results
There is no recovery. Once you are done, you can immediately return to your normal activities. Some people may see results after only a few treatment sessions. In most cases, a difference is visible after 4-6 sessions. In clinical trials, an average loss of 3.5 inches from the waist, hips and thighs was observed after treatment for 6 sessions. However, it is to remember that this vacuum processing fat cells, but does not destroy them.
Where to go
9 clinics in Québec province. Find them here
Liposonix
LipoSonix is a noninvasive treatment. The energy of high intensity ultrasound is focused on fat to eliminate and destroy fat cells in the surface layers of the skin. Fat cells reach a temperature of 56C for one second, which induces the death of these cells. Fat referred attacked continuously and the dermal layer is not damaged . The natural healing process and disposal of the organization are responsible for discharging the treated adipose tissue.
Technology
High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
Treatment
The Liposonix treatments usually take place over approximately one hour. During treatment, patients may experience moderate to high level of discomfort; sensations of heat or cold, tingling or prickling. After treatment, patients may experience some degree of discomfort (pain) and present bruising, redness and edema.
Price
Approximately $2000 per treatment.
Results
Most patients notice results with a single Liposonix treatment. As part of a clinical studies, the average reduction in waist circumference after a single treatment has proven to be about 2.5 cm, which typically amounts to a dress size or pants. The final results are generally observed after 8 to 12 weeks, though the results themselves vary from one person to another.
Where to go
There is only a few clinics which offer this treatment around Montreal.
UltraShape
UltraShape is a non invasive treatment using pulsed ultrasound targeted for selective destruction of fat. UltraShape provides ultrasound energy directly into stubborn fat below the surface of your skin. The rapid evolution of the pressure waves create steam cavities in fat cells. This highlights the membranes of fat cells, causing them to rupture – while leaving the skin vessels, nerves and safe surrounding blood vessels. Unlike other fat reduction procedures, UltraShape does not use heat or cold.
Technology
Non-thermal pulsed ultrasound focused (PFU)
Treatment
UltraShape treatments are comfortable and do not show any visible signs of treatment. They last about 1 hour.
Prixw
Prices range from $1200 to $1400 per treatment. 3 to 4 treatments are generally recommended.
Restults
The results are visible 2 weeks after the first treatment, but 3 to 4 treatments at 2-week intervals are usually recommended .
Where to go
There are about ten clinics which offer this treatment in Québec province.
Vanquish
Vanquish is a body contouring device that uses radio frequency (RF) targeted. It is designed to work on problem areas abdomen (belly and love handles). You must visit a clinic a few times to undergo treatment. The treatment heats fat until 46C to destroy them.
Technology
radio frequency (RF)
Treatment
4 to 5 treatments with a duration of 30 minutes each. There is no pain associated with the treatment Vanquish. During treatment, mild to moderate feeling of warmth is felt.
Price
$650 to $1000 per treatment
Results
There is no recovery. The results are beginning to see a few days after the first treatment. However, optimal results are visible after the first 2 weeks of the final processing. Side effects are minimal and include mild redness, heat and tissue tenderness.
Where to go
There are only a few places in Quebec to receive these treatments and they are not listed.
Closing
f you are considering other medical aesthetic procedures, remember this: the weight loss and fat reduction are not the same. When we lose weight, our fat cells become smaller, but the number of fat cells remains the same. When we gain weight, these fat cells become larger still. Make sure that the treatment you receive actually reduces the number of fat cells in the treated areas, because once fat cells are removed, they are gone for good, and the results are durable.