Do I Need Fat Removal Surgery?

Body contouring and reshaping techniques, including non surgical liposuction, are the methods we like to refer to for removing unwanted fatty areas of the face and body. It is important to know that fat is a substance and not a size. Some people carry more fat than they should, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are overweight. Therefore, surgery to remove fat should not be regarded as a “heavy” weight-loss plan, as this can only really be achieved through diet, increased exercise, or bariatric surgery (gastric bands, etc.).

These stubborn fatty areas, including the upper arms and love handles, could be a result of dramatic weight loss, pregnancy weight gain, other health conditions, or medication. If you are considering surgery or minor treatment, remember it is for aesthetic improvement rather than a way to combat obesity.

There Are Non-Surgical Ways to Remove Fat

Usually, the best treatments are those that do not involve too much trauma to the body – or mind! With recent innovative developments in the aesthetics industry, we are seeing amazing results from non-invasive treatments such as laser lipolysis (liposuction) and the non surgical tummy tuck. Some new-to-market procedures, such as SculpSure, are impressive.

Like any surgery or health treatment, it is very important to do your research – both in terms of choosing the right body contouring procedure for your condition and where to have that procedure carried out.

SculpSure

Leading the way in laser lipolysis is the SculpSure™ system from Cynosure®. Using hyperthermic laser technology, the SculpSure™ procedure targets areas of stubborn fat through the laser light device. The impact of the heat-based energy causes the fat cells to form an emulsion of fatty tissue, which is then gently removed via ultra-fine probes.

With the minimum invasion and, therefore, virtually no downtime or recovery time, this treatment offers quick results that continue to improve when the area settles. Favoured by our clinicians at Juvea Medical, the SculpSure™ device is easily controlled, making accurate targeting of unwanted fatty areas a reliable method for long-term results.

CoolSculpting

Cryolipolysis® (or fat freezing) is a recent addition to the fat removal options. The fat cells are literally frozen to death, and their elimination from the body occurs via the lymphatic system over several weeks or months. With the CoolSculpting® system, a gel pad and applicator are applied to the area. Applicators that use a vacuum will draw the tissue into the applicator cup, and with this, a patient might feel a tugging or pinching sensation. With a non-vacuum surface applicator, it is more of a sense of pressure. The freezing method is then applied to the targeted fat for about 10 minutes. Intense cold followed by numbness is the typical experience. The applicator is then removed, leaving a bulge that can be massaged and warmed.

Optimum results are not usually seen until around three months. Quality or evenness might vary from patient to patient.

Both the SculpSure™ and CoolSculpting® treatments offer similar results, with minimum skin invasion. The main difference between the two approaches is the technology – one is a heat process, and the other is a freezing process.

Advantages of SculpSure®:

Suitable for all healthy adult men and women.
Suitable for all skin types.
No invasion, low risk of infection.
Established procedures with longer-term success rates.
2-3 applications are usually all that is needed.
The fat gently depletes over time (at least several weeks) by the body’s own lymphatic drainage system.
Immediate visible results that improve with time.
Able to treat multiple and even small surface areas.

Disadvantages of SculpSure®:

Long-term results and effects have not yet been reported.
Usually, no sedative is offered, but there are reports of some discomfort.

Advantages of CoolSculpting®:

Suitable for all healthy adult men and women.
Suitable for all skin types.
Some options are zero invasion = no risk of infection (adverse reactions can occur).
Fat cells are destroyed – in theory, this should mean no “re-filling” of fat in treated areas.

Disadvantages of CoolSculpting®:

Targeting the fat is less controlled. The clinician and patient will not know how effective the fat removal is until some weeks have passed. Therefore, more sessions might be required.
Optimum results could take four or more months.

SculpSure™ is Our Method of Choice

Partnering with Cynosure, Juvea Medical has conducted many highly successful laser lipolysis procedures. We feel the laser SculpSure™ gives our clinicians more control over targeting the areas of unwanted fatty tissue. Our patients report that they can see almost immediate results, which just improve with time.

Moreover, by working together, Cynosure and our sister company, MATA Courses, offer industry-leading training courses for medical and aesthetics qualifications. This gives us greater exposure to the latest developments and knowledge on success rates in this area of aesthetic practice.

What Should I Do Next?

The good news is that there are several ways to tackle the problem of fatty body parts. The only issue is which method to choose. Talking to an expert at Juvea Medical will help you decide if a fat removal procedure is right for you and, if so, how to plan your body contouring treatment.

Key Facts about Body Contouring and Fat Removal:

What is body contouring?
Body contouring refers to cosmetic procedures designed to improve body shape and appearance.

Does body contouring work?
Yes, it effectively targets and reduces fat deposits.

Does body contouring help lose weight?
No, it is not primarily a weight-loss solution.

Does non-surgical fat removal work?
Yes, non-surgical options like laser liposuction and Emsculpt Neo are effective for body contouring.

What is the most effective non-surgical fat removal?
Techniques vary, but SculpSure™ and CoolSculpting® are popular and effective methods.

What are the benefits of non-surgical options?
Non-surgical options provide:

Minimal downtime
Targeted fat removal
Skin tightening
Quick results

The Role of Diet and Exercise

It’s important to note that non-surgical fat removal methods work best in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. While these procedures can help achieve your desired body shape and destroy fat cells, they are not substitutes for a balanced diet and regular exercise. Maintaining healthy habits can maximise the results of treatments and help prevent the accumulation of new fat deposits.

Potential Side Effects

As with any cosmetic procedure, non-surgical fat reduction techniques may have some side effects. These can include temporary swelling, redness, or discomfort in the treated areas. Most patients find these effects manageable and short-lived compared to the potential complications associated with surgical fat removal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re considering whether to undergo fat removal surgery, it’s essential to evaluate both surgical and non-surgical options. While surgical fat removal treatments can provide significant results, non-surgical liposuction and similar techniques offer effective alternatives with less downtime and fewer risks. Understanding what body contouring involves and whether it aligns with your goals is crucial in making an informed decision.

Whether you choose non-surgical tummy tuck options or more traditional surgical methods, consulting with a qualified professional is key to ensuring you select the best treatment for your needs. For more information on fat removal options and to schedule a consultation, visit Juvea Medical.