Many people want a flatter tummy, thinner thighs, or smaller hips, but traditional diet and exercise programs don’t always produce the desired results. If this sounds like a familiar struggle, then you may have considered fat removal surgery. At one time, fat removal surgery meant one thing: liposuction. Today, there are other less invasive options available that are designed to remove unwanted fat. So, which type of fat removal surgery is right for you? Let’s take a look at the options.
Liposuction procedures are often done in hospitals or surgery centers. During liposuction, patients are given general anesthesia and they go to sleep. Incisions are made in the skin and an instrument called a cannula is inserted, which loosens fat and sucks it out of the patient’s body.
This type of liposuction was once considered to be the gold standard in fat removal surgery because it is so effective. However, it is also considered to be the most invasive option as it involves incisions and typically causes extensive bruising. There’s about a 3-week recovery period before a patient can go back to work or resume normal routines. In addition, patients may need to wear a compression garment for up to 6 weeks post-surgery. Furthermore, while this method can remove a lot of fat it can sometimes leave patients with loose, flabby skin, which may require additional corrective, but invasive, procedures like post-massive weight loss surgery.
SculpSure is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive alternative to liposuction. It’s the perfect treatment for patients looking to address stubborn fat on the hips and abdomen quickly and effectively.
With Sculpture, there’s no anesthesia, cutting, or suction involved. Instead, SculpSure uses the power of heat and light generated by a laser to destroy fat cells. SculpSure applicators are placed directly on the area of the body to be treated. They deliver 20 seconds of laser heat followed by 10 seconds of cooling. The laser penetrates the skin and disrupts and damages the fat cells. Your body’s immune system then identifies the damaged cells as trash and naturally flushes them away.
However, you shouldn’t go into SculpSure sessions expecting results right away. This process can take up to 12 weeks to complete, although some patients may see results within 6 weeks. Also keep in mind that the results are more subtle than with liposuction. SculpSure helps contour and shape the body over time.
SculpSure sessions are quick, about 25 to 45 minutes. Once the treatment is complete you can immediately return to your normal routine. There’s no restrictions or recovery time. Some patients have reported some mild tenderness in the treatment area for a few days, but that dissipates quickly.
If you’re considering fat removal surgery and aren’t sure which option to go with, then start by asking yourself these questions:
Your answers to those questions are a good start to deciding on the right procedure for you. Of course, you should also speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Fodero. He can answer all of your questions and determine which procedure will help you best reach your goals.
Northeastern Plastic Surgery understands your desire for a beautiful, youthful looking body and glowing, healthy skin. We use the latest plastic surgery techniques to perform a variety of surgical procedures. Dr. Fodero and the staff are very friendly, helpful, and available to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.
