Body shaping

Non-surgical fat reduction includes minimally invasive treatments that selectively break down fat cells in specific areas to reduce the size of subcutaneous fat pockets (fat deposits that sit beneath the skin, but above the muscle). A number of FDA cleared treatments are available, each achieving gradual, modest fat loss without surgery or downtime. Choose from the options below, or read our entire guide to learn more:

Benefits of non-surgical fat reduction

• Little to no downtime is required
• No general anesthesia, incisions or scars
• Side effects are minimal for most patients
• Gradual onset of results allows patients to be discreet about treatments
• Results can last as long as a patient maintains his or her weight

Limitations

• Reduces fat only (minimal sculpting ability compared to liposuction)
• We cannot choose exactly how much fat is lost, only estimate a percentage
• Multiple treatments may be needed to achieve desired results
• May not be suitable for patients with significant amounts of fat to lose

No cosmetic procedure, surgical or non-surgical, is intended for weight loss. Treatments will not significantly change a patient’s weight, and a healthy lifestyle and weight maintenance are essential to maintain results.

• Treatments take 35 to 60 minutes to perform; any discomfort is typically mild and includes an intense cold feeling
• Common side effects include temporary, mild swelling, numbness, redness and tingling. Serious or lasting side effects are extremely rare
• Typical patient is satisfied after 1 to 2 treatments
• Results are noticeable within 1 month and final after 2-3 months
• Results last barring significant weight gain

Ultrasound fat reduction uses highly focused sonic waves to break down fat cell walls in the treatment area, thereby releasing the fat inside to be metabolized by the body and reducing the size of a fat deposit. The ultrasound energy transmits through the skin, creating rapid pressure changes that cause the fat cells to break down while leaving surrounding tissues unharmed. FDA cleared ultrasound fat reduction treatments include UltraShape, which uses a pulsed ultrasound technology, and Liposonix, which uses a high intensity focused ultrasound.

Fast facts about ultrasound fat reduction

• Treatments are intended for use on the abdomen and flanks
• Ultrasound is noninvasive and no downtime is needed
• Typical patient requires 1 to 3 treatments spaced 2 weeks apart, depending on treatment
• Results appear gradually and are typically final within 6 to 12 weeks
• Destroyed fat cells do not grow back; results can last with weight maintenance