Do you find yourself constantly looking in the mirror at those stubborn fatty areas? During this time of year, everyone becomes self-conscious of their fat so you’re not alone. If you’re looking for a solution for that stubborn fat, there are many fat reduction procedures on the market. Fat reduction treatments are best for individuals who have tried diet and exercise, but still have pockets of unwanted body fat that just won’t go away! It may be hard to decide which one is best for you, so we have compiled a list of 3 of the most popular ones. All the procedures permanently get rid of fat cells, just in different ways. We weigh the pros and cons of each, to help you make the best decision.
Laser Lipo
Laser Lipo is a medical procedure that uses a fine fiber optic cable. It is put inside your skin and melts away your fat.
Pros
- FDA Approved treatment areas: abdomen, flanks (love handles), inner thighs, outer thighs, back, under the chin, and arms.
- Results visible in 1-2 weeks
- Doesn’t require multiple treatments
- Promotes collagen production
Cons
- Minimally invasive and uses local anesthesia
- 1-2 hour sessions, depending on the size of the area being treated
- Requires a few days of downtime
- Minor swelling or bruising afterward
- Risk of uneven textures
Liposuction
Liposuction is a medical procedure that uses a long tube to break up and suck out your body fat. An incision will be made and the cannula is pushed inside your skin. Then the vacuum sucks fat from the treatment area.
Pros
- FDA Approved treatment areas: abdomen, flanks (love handles), inner thighs, outer thighs, back, under the chin, arms, and chest.
- Results visible in 1-2 weeks
- Doesn’t require multiple treatments
- More dramatic results
Cons
- An invasive outpatient procedure that uses local anesthesia and in some cases the patient is put to sleep
- 1-4 hour sessions, depending on the size of the area being treated
- Requires up to 3 weeks of downtime
- Swelling, bruising, and stitches afterward
- Risk of uneven textures, infection, numbness (other risks associated with surgeries)
Coolsculpting
Coolsculpting is the process of freezing and eventually killing your fat cells. Cooling applicators are placed on your skin that lower the temperature of your fat cells to the point that they are damaged and eventually die. Your body will naturally eliminate the fat cells in a few months. Please note that it’s important to go to a CoolSculpting clinic that is certified.
Pros
- Non-invasive (applicators are placed on the skin)
- FDA Approved treatment areas: abdomen, flanks (love handles), inner thighs, outer thighs, chin, and the back.
- 30-minute sessions
- Minimal side effects
- No downtime
- Cooling effects used during procedure help numb the area, keeping pain minimal.
Cons
- Results not visible for 6-12 weeks
While CoolSculpting takes longer to see results, it is much safer and non-invasive. Therefore, we offer it at Alazzo Med Spa. If you’d like to come in for a free consultation to further discuss if CoolSculpting is the right procedure for you, please call us at 301.810.5740.