A lot of people struggle with stubborn belly fat, but rather than undergoing surgery, they may prefer non-surgical fat removal for their stomach. Is there even such a thing? Yes, and we’re here to tell you about your options.
Can Body Fat Be Removed Without Surgery?
If you were in doubt, yes, body fat can be removed without surgery. And no, we don’t mean just through exercise and eating a balanced diet (although that is important). Sometimes you’re stuck with some extra stubborn body fat that just won’t budge. That’s where non-surgical procedures come into play.
How Can Non Surgical Removal of Stomach Fat Be Permanent?
Our bodies are born with a certain number of fat cells, and this number never increases throughout our lives. Yes, the number remains the same even if we gain weight. We look heavier when we gain weight because fat cells expand with weight gain. When we lose weight through diet and exercise, those fat cells shrink and, in turn, our bodies shrink.
Although some procedures to target fat cells are non-surgical, the fat cells are still killed, which means those targeted fat cells are gone forever. Now, this doesn’t mean the treated area will no longer have fat cells, some will still remain. So, if you gain weight, these fat cells can expand, but there will still be less fat overall in the treated area.
What is the Best Non Surgical Way to Remove Belly Fat?
Non surgical fat removal methods include injections, ultrasound therapy, red light therapy, laser fat reduction, and cryolipolysis. However, injections, or Kybella, are typically only used for the chin area.
Ultrasound therapy is often used for stubborn belly fat. During ultrasound therapy, highly focused sonic waves break down fat cell walls. This releases the fat inside the cells to be metabolized by the body. This treatment option requires up to three treatments, each spaced two weeks apart.
One of the newest non-surgical fat removal methods is red light therapy, or UltraSlim. During this procedure, a specialized lamp delivers wavelengths of light through the skin, which triggers fat cells to release some of the fat. Three or more treatments are typically conducted before the best results are achieved. Red light therapy does not destroy fat cells, so results last as long as you maintain a healthy weight.
Laser treatment, or SculpSure, uses controlled heat to cause fat cells to break down. A constant cooling mechanism is used to protect the skin during the procedure, and treatment is typically painless, but a warm sensation can be felt.
The final fat removal method available, which is the gold standard and what we recommend here at Vujevich Dermatology Associates, is cryolipolysis, which is better known as CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting is a non surgical fat removal method for the stomach, as well as other areas of the body. It uses extreme cold to freeze and eliminate up to 25% of fat cells in the targeted area.
Is CoolSculpting Safe?
Yes, CoolSculpting is safe. Over 8 million CoolSculpting procedures have been conducted worldwide. There are no invasive techniques and anesthesia is not used. However, with most procedures, there are some people who are not candidates. We offer free CoolSculpting consultations here at Vujevich Dermatology Associates to see if the treatment is right for you.
Despite CoolSculpting being a safe, non-surgical method for fat removal from the stomach, you’ll want to make sure a highly trained professional performs the procedure. In our offices, our expert surgeons perform the procedure. They have undergone in-depth training and certification to ensure safe and effective treatments for our patients.
How Much Does CoolSculpting Cost?
Since CoolSculpting is not covered by insurance, we’re sure you’re wondering about the cost of CoolSculpting. Individualized CoolSculpting treatment plans can range from $2,000-$5,000. However, the exact cost will be based on the area being targeted and the number of treatments required to reach your goals.
The more areas you’d like to be treated, the more CoolSculpting will cost. Most patients require more than one treatment to see results. Full results are often seen after two sessions spaced eight weeks apart. However, your CoolSculpting coordinator will work with your goals and budget to create an individualized treatment plan for you.
What Should I Expect During a CoolSculpting Treatment?
Before your CoolSculpting treatment is scheduled, you will meet with one of our CoolSculpting certified physicians for a free consultation. During this appointment, you will discuss your goals for treatment, your dermatologist will use a 360-degree approach to evaluate your body, and you will discuss specific areas you’d like to have treated. This consultation will help identify if CoolSculpting is the ideal non-surgical fat removal treatment for you.
On the day of your CoolSculpting procedure, pre-procedure photos will be taken to track your improvement. Your CoolSculpting provider will then determine the size and number of applicators needed for the procedure.
To begin the actual CoolSculpting procedure, a gel pad is placed on the targeted area. This protects your skin from the extreme temperatures used. The applicator is then applied to the gel pad. You may feel mild discomfort during the first few minutes of the procedure. Once this mild discomfort has passed, you are able to rest or work during the remainder of the procedure, which can last up to two hours.
Because this is a non-surgical fat removal method, there is little to no down time once the CoolSculpting procedure is completed. Because side effects are minimal, most people resume their normal activities immediately following their appointment. However, some side effects can last up to a few weeks. Possible side effects include bruising, swelling, redness, firmness, stinging, tingling, cramping, aching, itching, tenderness, or skin sensitivity.
How Long Until I See Results from CoolSculpting?
Like most procedures, how quickly you see results will vary person to person. The typical CoolSculpting treatment plan consists of two sessions spaced eight weeks apart. You may start to notice results three weeks after your first appointment, but the best results are seen three months following your second appointment.
If you’re interested in discussing your non-surgical options for fat removal from your stomach or scheduling your free CoolSculpting consultation, contact our offices. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570, visit our contact page to see all of our locations, or fill out our form below. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.