Lipolysis
Types

Lipolysis is the process of eliminating or killing fat cells through various nonsurgical techniques to reshape your body.  The methods we use depend upon your expectations and location of the stubborn fat.

Cryolipolysis

More commonly known as CoolSculpting, works by freezing fat cells in selected areas of the body. The fat cells are destroyed by the freezing process and the fatty material is flushed out by the lymphatic system. The surrounding tissue is left unharmed. Each treatment takes from 30-60 minutes, and multiple treatments are usually required. Their may be some mild discomfort and downtime is minimal.

Target areas include:

• abdomen
• flanks or love handles
• arms
• thighs
• bra and back fat
• chin fat
• banana roll (underneath the buttocks)

One disadvantage of Cryolipolysis is that it does not stimulate skin tightening to go along with the fat reduction.

Laser Lipolysis

Destroys fat cells by overheating them. SculpSure and the Zerona laser are such devices that will accomplish this. Treatment areas include the abdomen and the flanks.  Each treatment takes about 25 minutes. Multiple treatments are usually necessary. The material from the destroyed fat cells is eliminated by the lymphatic system over the course of 3 months.

Radiofrequency Lipolysis

Vanquish ME from BTL or Evolve from Inmode employ radiofrequency energy to deep heat fat cells which results in their destruction. Each treatment takes between 30-60 minutes with no discomfort or downtime. Multiple treatments are usually necessary. Radiofrequency lipolysis has the added benefit of producing skin tightening by simultaneously inducing collagen formation.

Target areas:

• abdomen
• thighs
• love handles
• arms

Injection Lipolysis

Kybella was approved by the FDA in 2015 as a treatment to treat submental fat (under the chin) also know as double chin. Kybella is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a substance our own body uses to absorb fat. Multiple injections are given once the area is marked with a treatment grid. Each treatment takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and patients will experience a burning sensation immediately after the injections. Swelling and bruising are also not uncommon. Two treatments are usually required for the desired effect.