Body Procedures

Nonsurgical Fat Reduction

Also known as noninvasive body contouring

Nonsurgical fat reduction is a procedure that uses specialized equipment to create a controlled injury to small volumes of fat. This allows outpatient treatment resulting in efficient and consistent fat reduction as well as enhanced body contour.

When to Consider Nonsurgical Fat Reduction

  • If you are struggling with pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise programs.
  • If you have undesirable but limited fat deposits on your abdomen, flanks, back or thighs.
  • If you wish to achieve a trimmer appearance without having to undergo surgery.

Considerations

Pros

  • Effective in diminishing stubborn areas of unwanted body fat.
  • Outpatient treatment with little to no downtime and minimal discomfort.
  • No incision required.

Cons

  • Multiple treatment sessions may be needed to produce satisfactory results.
  • Small burns are extremely rare but have been noted with ultrasound devices.
  • Temporary redness and numbness may occur.

These are the top three pros and cons to weigh when considering nonsurgical fat reduction. If you want to focus on those specifically unique to you, please consult with your aesthetic plastic surgeon.

Are you a good candidate for nonsurgical fat reduction?

Following are some common reasons why you may want to consider nonsurgical fat reduction:

  • You are in relatively good shape but have modest bulges of fat on your abdomen, flanks, back or thighs that you’d like removed.
  • You have pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.
  • You wish to achieve a trimmer look without having to undergo an invasive surgical procedure.

It is important to note that nonsurgical fat reduction is not a weight loss treatment. This procedure is best suited for treating very limited volumes of fat of the abdomen, flanks, back and thighs. Because larger volumes of fat require multiple nonsurgical treatments, liposuction is probably a better option for larger fat accumulations.

If you are in good general health and have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.

Detailed Procedural Info

Depending upon your needs, your surgeon may recommend one of the following treatment modalities:

  • Premedication is usually not needed.
  • Your treatment areas are marked by your surgeon.
  • A technician applies a thin layer of gel to your skin.
  • The transducer head is then moved over the treatment area. The same area may be treated more than once.
  • Your session may last anywhere from a half hour to several hours.

What are my options?

Your board-certified plastic surgeon will determine what is best for you based on his or her experience, your body type and your cosmetic goals.

Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon if you are considering a nonsurgical fat reduction procedure.

What are the brand names for nonsurgical fat reduction?
Your surgeon may use one or a combination of the following devices, depending on your skin type, the amount of fat being treated, the size and location of the area being treated and the treatment timing:

Selecting a Surgeon

It’s important to choose your surgeon based on:

  • Education, training and certification
  • Experience with nonsurgical fat reduction surgery
  • Your comfort level with him or her

After finding a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area who is experienced in performing nonsurgical fat reduction, you will need to make an office appointment to set up your consultation. Generally, because of the in-depth nature of the consultation, there is a cost associated with the initial visit.

Your initial consultation appointment

During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals. Your surgeon will evaluate you as a candidate for nonsurgical fat reduction and clarify what nonsurgical fat reduction can do for you. Understanding your goals and medical condition, both alternative and additional treatments may be considered.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your complete medical history. This will include information about:

  • Previous surgeries
  • Past and present medical conditions
  • Allergies and current medications

Your treatment plan

Based on your goals, physical characteristics and the surgeon’s training and experience, your surgeon will share recommendations and information with you, including:

  • An approach to your treatment, including the type of procedure or combination of procedures.
  • The outcomes that you can anticipate.
  • Your financial investment in the procedure.
  • Associated risks and complications.
  • Treatment location options.
  • What you need to prepare for your treatment.
  • What you can expect to experience after treatment.
  • Show before-and-after photos of cases similar to yours and answer any questions.

Questions to ask your aesthetic plastic surgeon

For a general list of questions to ask your surgeon about his or her background, to find out about plastic surgery safety and to plan your procedure.

We developed these questions to help you:

  • Make the most informed and intelligent decisions about your procedure.
  • Confirm that you have the right surgeon for your procedure.
  • Make your initial consultation as rewarding as possible.
  • Understand your options, potential outcomes and risks.

It is important for you to take an active role in your treatment, so please use this list of questions as a starting point for your initial consultation.

  • Am I a good candidate for nonsurgical fat reduction?
  • Are the results I am seeking reasonable and realistic?
  • Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for the procedure I am undergoing?
  • Will there be scarring?
  • What will be the costs associated with my treatment?
  • What will you expect of me to get the best results?
  • What kind of recovery period can I expect and when can I resume normal activities?
  • What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
  • How are complications handled?
  • What are my options if the cosmetic outcome of my treatment does not meet the goals we agreed on?

Preparing for Your Procedure

Your surgeon will provide you with pretreatment instructions and answer any questions that you may have.

In advance of your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:

  • Stop smoking before undergoing treatment to promote better healing.
  • Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
  • Regardless of the type of procedure to be performed, hydration is very important before and after treatment for safe recovery.

Nonsurgical fat reduction is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after treatment and stay with you at least the first night following treatment.

What can I expect on the day of nonsurgical fat reduction treatment?
Nonsurgical fat reduction is performed on an outpatient basis. Most nonsurgical fat reduction sessions take less than an hour to complete but may take up to several hours.

  • Medications may be administered for your comfort during the procedure.
  • Your surgeon will follow the treatment plan discussed with you.
  • After your procedure is completed, you will be able to return home and resume your normal activities.

Aftercare and Recovery

Nonsurgical fat reduction usually requires little, if any, recovery. For most patients, full activity may be resumed immediately. After the procedure, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about your post-treatment care, including information about:

  • Skin care
  • Normal symptoms you will experience
  • Potential signs of complication

Immediately after your nonsurgical fat reduction
You may notice temporary skin redness, swelling of the treated area and numbness of the area, but these side-effects usually resolve quickly. Some patients (especially those with larger treatment areas) may benefit from oral pain medication. It is important that you follow all patient care instructions provided by your surgeon.

Recovery time frame after nonsurgical fat reduction
You will be able to return to work and resume normal activity right away. You’ll see noticeable fat reduction in the treated areas within one to two months following the procedure.

How Long Will the Results Last?

The results are permanent, because the adult body does not produce new fat cells. When you gain weight, your existing fat cells expand. Once fat cells are destroyed and removed from the body, you will not gain weight in the treated areas.

Maintain a relationship with your aesthetic plastic surgeon
For safety, as well as the most beautiful and healthy outcome, it’s important to return to your plastic surgeon’s office for follow-up evaluation at prescribed times and whenever you notice any changes in the treatment areas. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon when you have any questions or concerns.

Associated Costs

The cost of nonsurgical fat reduction varies from doctor to doctor and from one geographic area to another. Like any new treatment, the total treatment cost may be higher than traditional liposuction. Because nonsurgical fat reduction is an elective procedure, insurance does not cover the costs. Many surgeons offer patient financing plans to make the procedure more affordable.

Choose your surgeon based on quality, training and experience—not cost.

Limitations and Risks

Fortunately, significant complications from nonsurgical fat reduction are infrequent. Your specific risks for nonsurgical fat reduction will be discussed during your consultation.

All procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications include:

  • Infection and bleeding
  • Scarring
  • Allergic reactions
  • Damage to underlying structures
  • Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures

Other risks specific to nonsurgical fat reduction are outlined below:

  • Temporary redness, bruising, tingling and tenderness.
  • Temporary dulling of sensation or cramping.
  • Small burns are extremely rare but have been noted with the ultrasound devices.

You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your board-certified plastic surgeon, both before and after your nonsurgical fat reduction treatment.

 

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Harake Plastic Surgery

 

Dr. Mazen Harake
1050 Wilshire Drive
Suite 100
Troy, Michigan 48084

 

248-825-4011