Non invasive fat removal technologies – Do they really work?
Non invasive fat removal technologies – Do they really work?
The eternal with battle with fat is one that frustrates many in this country. As technology advances, breakthroughs are inevitable. Michigan Plastic surgeons have always offered conventional surgical solutions to fat removal such as tummy tucks and liposuction. However in Ann Arbor, we are interested in both looking better and staying healthy, so many of us try to find alternatives to surgery. Often our family structure entails two working parents whose jobs or family responsibilities do not allow for lengthy recovery time.
Scientists have had several breakthroughs in developing technologies to reduce fat cells without surgery and without time off from work or exercise. All of these technologies share some common features whereby some sort of transducer is used to target fat cells through the skin without affecting the skin. The issues surrounding previous technologies were often that either the cost was prohibitive for small gains, or the gains were just too miniscule. With new scientific breakthroughs, the pendulum has swung to more efficacious treatments.
There are three technologies that hold great potential. The first category uses sound waves or ultrasound to modify fat cells. These technologies are not yet FDA-approved but will be available as Ultrashape or Liposonix. The verdict on these new developments is still to be decided, but they could prove very effective. The Coolsculpting machine by Zeltiq is FDA approved for non-invasive fat reduction. This is the first time the Food and Drug Administration has approved a device for fat reduction. This technology reduces the fat layer in the abdomen or in the flanks (the “love handles”), by about 20% in scientific studies. We have been using this technology for our Michigan and Ann Arbor Coolsculpting patients with good results.
In the next few years, several technologies will emerge that will provide alternatives to the conventional surgical procedures. These innovations will allow people to experience moderate reductions in fat without the risks of surgery or the inconvenience of time off from work. As always, these technologies must be applied for patients whose anatomy and body contours are appropriate for non-invasive treatments. Contact double board certified Michigan plastic surgeon Pramit Malhotra MD for more information on fat reduction with no down time using Coolsculpting, Zeltiq, Zerona, Liposonix, or Ultrashape. Find a plastic surgeon in Michigan to help.