The struggle to eliminate unwanted fat is incredibly prevalent in the cosmetic world, with patients regularly looking to reduce fat in very specific areas of the body. Luckily, there are several solutions now available that can remedy these concerns, each providing unique and tailored results. Fat reduction solutions like EvolveX, Liposuction, FaceTite, and AccuTite, all of which are offered at The MedSpa at Burlington Plastic Surgery, provide patients with both surgical and non-invasive methods of reducing fat, ensuring there is an option to suit everyone.
The Different Methods of Fat Reduction
Every treatment provides patients with unique results. The first step for those interested will be to come into the The MedSpa at Burlington Plastic Surgery office for an initial consultation. Your cosmetic goals, as well as medical history, will be evaluated to ensure that you are offered the treatment that will best address your concerns.
The Struggle To Lose “The Last Few Pounds”
It has been proven that “spot reduction”, AKA targeting fat in a specific area using particular workouts, does not work well. This is why even people who regularly exercise and eat well still struggle with stubborn pockets of fat, particularly around the stomach, arms, thighs, and under the chin. Cosmetic solutions have, therefore, become a popular option for those who are only a few pounds short of their optimal bodies; the most suitable candidate is generally within 15-30% of their ideal body weight.
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Liposuction
The most popular method of reducing fat in America – and one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in any category – is liposuction, a surgery that dramatically decreases fat content in targeted areas. For those looking to eliminate larger deposits of fat, it may be the best option. Optimal results take up to six months to develop following treatment.
During surgery, a thin tube known as a cannula is inserted into the treatment area. A very small incision is made to insert the cannula under the skin, and it suctions out unwanted fat cells. The procedure will require either local or general anesthesia, depending on the treatment area and size. Some patients are given a sedative to keep them calm throughout treatment. Compression garments must be worn after surgery.
What is “SAFE” Liposuction?
At The MedSpa at Burlington Plastic Surgery, we use a liposuction technique called “SAFE” Liposuction. This stands for “Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalization”, where three stages of liposuction are performed instead of just one (aspiration). This method requires greater care and attention to how fat cells are removed and re-distributed, allowing for greater consistency in results, smoother contours and less irregularities.
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Non-Invasive Body Contouring with EvolveX by InMode (Link to Body Contouring with EvolveX)
EvolveX is the newest generation of hands-free radiofrequency-based technology. It is a one-of-a-kind machine that uses radiofrequency energy to target three different tissue types: skin tightening, fat reduction and muscle toning through EMS (electrical muscle stimulation). It involves applying applicators to the targeted areas depending on your needs for 20-45 minutes per session. Most people will require 4-6 sessions spaced approximately 1 week apart. You may see results as early as the first few weeks as collagen production occurs, and will continue to see results over the next few months. Membership pricing is available for those who want to target multiple areas on their body. EvolveX is a great way to contour your body with the treatment protocol targeted to meet your needs.
FaceTite
This minimally-invasive cosmetic solution tightens the skin on the face and neck using radiofrequency technology that is sent under the skin via an electrode on the skin’s surface and a fine probe inserted just beneath the skin. A local anesthetic is used to ensure the patient’s comfort. This treatment simultaneously tightens the skin, which makes it a popular anti-aging solution as well. It’s used in particular to treat concerns on the lower half of the face and neck, including sunken cheeks and jowls.
AccuTite
Like FaceTite, radiofrequency technology is used to tighten the skin and destroy fat cells all in one go, except this treatment is used on smaller areas of the face and body, such as below the eyes, around the brows, nasolabial folds and labia. Once swelling is reduced post-procedure in the first 1-2 weeks, results are almost immediately visible, and will continue to improve for months after treatment.
BodyTite
Like FaceTite and AccuTite, BodyTite uses similar radiofrequency technology on larger areas of the body for both skin tightening and some fat reduction. This will not provide significant fat reduction due to the large size of the areas being treated compared to liposuction, but will work well in conjunction with liposuction to tighten loose skin that liposuction cannot address.
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Factors To Consider
Surgical vs Minimally-Invasive vs Non-Invasive
Whether a patient chooses to undergo surgery or opt for a less invasive treatment will generally depend on how much fat they are carrying, the cost, whether they are a surgical candidate, and the time they have to recover. Liposuction is widely considered the most effective way to reduce fat, and it can eliminate more fat than other treatments, but it is not a suitable option for those who cannot take time off work or are worried about using an anesthetic. In contrast, minimally-invasive treatments such as FaceTite, AccuTite and BodyTite tackle less fat but also require less downtime and tighten loose skin. Non-invasive fat reduction treatments including EvolveX require minimal to no downtime, however, require more sessions for optimal results.
A Permanent Solution When Well-Maintained
Fat cells are a unique type of cell in that the body stops producing them after adolescence, except in very rare instances. This means that once fat cells are destroyed, there is almost no risk that they will reappear, making the results of fat reduction essentially permanent. It is worth noting, however, that not all fat cells are destroyed during the treatment mentioned above. Some just shrink down as they release fluid, and therefore have the potential to expand in the future if a patient again puts on significant weight. For this reason, patients are encouraged to maintain a similar weight following their treatment. This can be achieved through simple practices like daily exercise and a balanced diet.
Natural-Looking Results
Many patients appreciate that the results from these treatments look like they have been achieved naturally through diet and exercise. This is because patients should already be in a similar weight range to where they will be after treatment, plus the results develop gradually in the months following treatment. Patients appreciate that this allows them to keep details of their treatment private if they so choose.
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An Option for Everyone
There is no shortage of groundbreaking and versatile options when it comes to fat reduction; from completely non-invasive and liposuction to FaceTite and AccuTite, there is a suitable and effective treatment for everyone regardless of their price range, availability, weight range, and health concerns. To learn more about the variety of treatments, contact us today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Shih.
