Non-Invasive Liposuction Alternatives

Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that's become popular world-wide, removing fatty cells from targeted areas of the body. This in turn shapes the contours of the body into a more pleasing form, boosting the confidence of the patient and helping them feel more attractive.

However, many patients often ask plastic surgeons if there is a way to get the results of liposuction without surgery.. Fortunately substantial progress in the field of body contouring has discovered non-invasive liposuction procedures that can offer similar results as liposuction.

Body by Thermage^TM

Body by Thermage^TM is probably the most non-invasive liposuction alternative offered by plastic surgeons. This technique literally melts unwanted fat with the use of a heated laser that causes the patient's collagen to tighten. Thermage^TM is also an effective way to tighten the skin on the face as well as the body, and is frequently used as a non-surgical alternative to the popular face lift procedure. Patients that have mild to moderate skin laxity are good candidates for Body by Thermage^TM.

In order to achieve the best possible results, patients may need to undergo several Body by Thermage^TM treatment sessions. Patients that have significant skin laxity may be better candidates for tummy tuck or another body lifting surgery.

VelaShape^TM and VelaSmooth^TM

The non-invasive liposuction alternatives VelaShape^TM and VelaSmooth^TM  don't involve general anesthesia or incisions. The systems incorporate radiofrequency energy, massage rollers, suctioning, and infrared light to break up fat cells and allow them to be naturally expelled from the body.

An added benefit of the VelaShape^TM and VelaSmooth^TM treatments is that they help improve skin tone by tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of cellulite. However, several treatment sessions are required to achieve dramatic results.

Lipodissolve

Lipodissolve is a non-invasive liposuction alternative that removes fat with tiny injections of various solutions to dissolve fatty tissue. Lipodissolve injects mild medications and enzymes into areas with unwanted fat, which then dissolves and moves out of the treatment area. However, researchers do not agree on where the unwanted fat goes after lipodissolve. Some believe that the fat cells move to other areas of the body, including into the arteries. Others believe the fat cells are naturally expelled from the body during the next few days. While some limited studies have shown lipodissolve to be effective, many experts believe that more research needs to be done of the procedure to prove that it is safe and effective.

Diet Pills

There are a few different types of diet pills that are sold over-the-counter or on a prescription basis. Many diet pills are designed to suppress a person's appetite so they consume fewer calories, and those known as laxatives stimulate the digestive process and natural removal of the foods you eat. Other diet pills target fat cells and break them up. Some people find that diet pills help them in their efforts to lose weight, but this may be due to a placebo effect.

Many diet pills are not approved by the FDA, and are associated with serious side effects and the potential risk of developing health problems. If you are interested in taking diet pills, talk to your doctor to find out which type, if any, are right for you.

Diet and Exercise

As effective as some of these non-invasive liposuction alternatives can be, the most successful form of managing your body's appearance is through a healthy diet and exercising for at least 30 minutes, five days a week.

Still, liposuction can be a powerful tool when coupled with eating right and working out. Liposuction is typically only performed on one or two areas of the body, so fat that stubbornly clings to the body can be eliminated with targeted precision. After liposuction, the results can be kept in good shape through exercising regularly and eating healthy foods.

To learn more about what makes up a healthy diet and some tips for good exercises, visit Nutrition.gov (part of the USDA) and Fitness.gov (part of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition).

Visit the DocShop gallery to view liposuction before and after photos.

Photo credit: Aesthetic Day Surgery

Find the Right Plastic Surgeon for You

DocShop can help you find a plastic surgeon in your area. If you are interested in plastic surgery treatments other than non-invasive liposuction alternatives or liposuction itself, Docshop.com has several educational sections that can help you find the information you need to make a smart, informed choice.