Choosing Among the Top Nonsurgical Fat Loss Procedures

Since the economy has forced many of us into a sedentary lifestyle, we could no longer control the rate at which we gain weight. The most exercise we get is commuting to and from work, which isn’t enough to keep us in shape. Plus, we often drop by the coffee shop or convenience store for some snacks, which are usually sugary or starchy.

Stress eating is another factor that adds up our pounds. We tend to unwind by turning to our comfort foods, or binge-drinking over the weekend. Though we can swap those out for exercise, it’s easier said than done. Besides, we need at least thirty minutes of vigorous physical activity every day to stay fit. If we can’t spare that amount of time every day, then it would take a long while before we see results.

If you’re getting impatient, perhaps going for a nonsurgical fat loss procedure will help you. Here are the top procedures to choose from, depending on your problem areas:

1. Laser Liposuction

Also known as laser lipolysis or iLipo treatment, this procedure uses heat from fiber-optic lasers at various wavelengths to melt away fat under the skin. It also triggers the production of collagen, making the skin tauter.

This benefits people who want to get traditional liposuction yet hesitate because the treated area becomes saggy afterward. True enough, the traditional liposuction procedure only uses a vacuum to remove body fat. It doesn’t tighten the skin afterward, warranting a separate skin tightening procedure, and thereby an additional expense.

The best results, however, come from combining laser and traditional liposuction. Both procedures are good at removing fat from the abdomen, backside, and other areas where stubborn fat usually settles. But if your case isn’t that extreme, or your skin is still taut because of your age, laser liposuction alone can deliver satisfactory results.

2. Fat Freezing

Fat freezing, a.k.a. CoolSculpting, is becoming increasingly popular. Instead of using heat, it delivers low temperatures beneath your skin to freeze the fat and make it leave your body through your lymphatic system. It has no downtime, and results can be permanent, as long as you’d consistently eat healthy and stay active.

CoolSculpting is best at targeting areas around the thighs, lower back, belly, and sides. It can also reduce the appearance of cellulite on the legs, buttocks, and arms. Some people also swear by it for removing their double chins.

In rare cases, though, CoolSculpting can increase the volume of fat cells in the treated areas instead of doing the opposite. It is unknown why this happens, but cases tend to be more common in men than in women. If you can’t risk this effect, there are other procedures to choose from.

3. Mesotherapy

If you have high pain tolerance, you might be able to handle mesotherapy or mesolipo. It’s not overly painful, but it uses injections, which can be intimidating for people who can’t tolerate pain well.

Mesotherapy is best at reducing fat from the stomach, thighs, buttocks, hips, legs, arms, face. It also reduces the appearance of cellulite, smooths out wrinkles and fine lines, and recontours the body. Moreover, it can treat hyperpigmentation and alopecia, a disease that causes hair loss.

But because it’s an injectable, an allergy test may be required beforehand. There isn’t a standard formula for the substances injected in mesotherapy. Doctors often use herbal extracts,collagenase,calcitonin, and vitamins and minerals. Get a thorough consultation before getting the procedure to be certain that it’s safe for you.

4. EMSculpt

EMSculpt isn’t really a fat loss treatment, but a muscle enhancement procedure. It uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to force your muscles to contract as if you’re engaging them to exercise. As a result, it can tone the abs and buttocks.

This procedure suits you if you’re already lean, but struggle in flattening your stomach and toning your glutes. EMSculpt also removes a small percentage of body fat after four treatments. It’s not the best for tightening the treated areas, though.

Which One is the Best?

Any of those procedures can be the best if you chose the one designed to solve your problem. Note that all of them require multiple sessions, so commitment is essential. Also, while they may help you cheat your way to weight loss, eating healthy and exercising regularly are still important. Combining these procedures with effort is the ultimate way to maintain your new figure.

If you just gave birth, let your body recover at its own pace before considering any of these procedures. If your belly refuses to tighten after treatment, a tummy tuck surgery may be best for you.

Lastly, manage your expectations. They’re not magical solutions to stubborn fat. Again, effort on your part is still necessary to make them deliver the best results.