Share This Post

Non-Surgical Fat Reduction: What is Lipolysis?

Even if you lead a healthy lifestyle and are proud of your hard work, you may have areas of stubborn fat that affect your confidence. These pockets of fat can be nearly impossible to eliminate with traditional methods, but you can make them disappear with non-surgical fat reduction or lipolysis. These treatments remove unwanted fat with minimal to no recovery time so you can start appreciating your slimmer, more sculpted figure. You can trust your Skinatomy Laser Clinic team to help you choose the right treatment for you. 

Non-Surgical Fat Reduction: What is Lipolysis?

If you have a few areas of hard-to-remove fat but are not interested in a surgical procedure, fat reduction with lipolysis offers a solution. “Lipo” means “fat,” and “lysis” means “to break down,” so lipolysis is a treatment that damages and breaks apart fat cells so your body can remove them. These non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures can target your fat cells in several different ways. They can also be combined with other treatments to help you achieve the sculpted figure you have worked for.

Lipolysis, CoolSculpting, Body FX

What Types of Lipolysis Are Available?

Fat cells do not behave like many other cells in your body, so we can use treatments that target them without affecting your skin or other tissues. All of these options offer little to no downtime and help you eliminate unwanted fat in problem areas. Each one offers different benefits, so we will discuss your goals and expectations before selecting the best method for you. 

Fat Dissolving Injections

This treatment injects a compound that breaks down fat into targeted areas. One advantage of this method is that these injections can be given in areas such as behind the knees that are too small for other types of lipolysis. Other popular areas for this method include the submental area (a double chin), abdomen, thighs, and ankles. These precisely targeted injections are ideal for addressing your most annoying problem spots. 

Lipolysis injections are one of the most effective ways to slim and sculpt all your problem areas, including those not suitable for other methods. Injections can be used to enhance your curves and remove unsightly fat almost anywhere. 

CoolSculpting®

This treatment uses a method called cryolipolysis. “Cryo” means “cold,” and CoolSculpting® works because fat cells freeze at a temperature harmless to skin and other tissues. Freezing causes damage that will cause your fat cells to be removed by your body. This treatment is often used to treat areas like the abdomen, thighs, and flanks. It is non-invasive, but its applicators limit it to fewer areas than can be treated with injections. 

CoolSculpting® may be right for you if you want to treat areas where its applicators can be used and you prefer the option of a single treatment session. However, some people may need more than one, so discuss this during your consultation. 

Body FX®

Using a combination of radiofrequency energy and vacuum suction, Body FX® uses pulses of energy that damage fat cells and cause the remaining fat and skin to tighten. This skin-tightening effect offers an added bonus for those with concerns about skin elasticity. Body FX® is also an excellent way to improve the appearance of cellulite for smoother buttocks and thighs. The skin tightening results are long-lasting due to new collagen formation. 

Body FX® is an excellent option for those with skin laxity in the treatment areas or who have concerns about cellulite as well as unwanted fat. Its skin-tightening abilities are an added benefit that makes this treatment appealing to many people. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Lipolysis?

Most healthy adults can benefit from at least one of our lipolysis methods. Good candidates have reasonable expectations and want to target specific problem areas. Those who are at or near their goal weight will usually see the best results, but others may still see benefits. Only a consultation can determine if you are a candidate. 

You should generally not have any form of non-surgical lipolysis if you have irritated or broken skin in the treatment area. Certain medical conditions may mean you are not a good candidate for some methods, but we can usually find an option that works safely for you.

Consultations Available Now

Take the first step. Get your questions answered and find out which treatment option is best for you by meeting with one of our knowledgeable providers at Skinatomy Laser Clinic for an in-person consultation. Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our experienced team members will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.

Is There Any Downtime After Lipolysis?

Non-surgical fat reduction requires little to no downtime. You can return to work and most other activities without delay. After CoolSculpting® or Body FX®, your skin may look red or flushed for several hours after treatment, and you may experience warmth, tingling, or numbness. If you have lipolysis injections, we recommend limiting strenuous activities for one week. You may notice bruising, swelling, or redness in the injection area lasting a few days. 

Some people notice areas of firmness under the skin in the weeks after lipolysis. This effect is normal and indicates that your body is responding properly to recognize and remove the treated fat cells. Most people experience no issues after treatment. 

How Many Lipolysis Treatments Will I Need?

How many treatments you need will depend on the type of treatment and how much fat you want to remove. Most people only need one CoolSculpting® treatment, while Body FX® will usually require a few sessions. The number of lipolysis injections needed will depend on the areas being treated and how your body responds. We will discuss the type of treatment and how many sessions you may need during your consultation. 

How Long Does it Take to See Results After Lipolysis?

Since non-surgical lipolysis does not use any incisions, it relies on your body’s lymphatic system to remove the fat cells after treatment damages them. You may start to see changes after a few weeks, but full results will usually take up to three months to develop. While there is not much you can do to speed up this process, staying hydrated and physically active may help your body remove the treated cells more efficiently. 

How Long Do Lipolysis Results Last?

You enter adulthood with all the fat cells you will ever have. If you gain weight, existing fat cells expand to hold the extra fat, but your body does not make new ones. As a result, lipolysis can last a lifetime. You will see changes in your results if you have significant weight changes, so we recommend a healthy lifestyle. While you can still gain weight after non-surgical fat reduction, your results may still be noticeable since you have fewer fat cells in the treated areas.

Testimonials

Dark Star Rating

Take The Next Step

Are you ready to learn more about non-surgical fat reduction with lipolysis? If so, we would love for you to take your next step and call the professionals at Skinatomy Laser Clinic to schedule your complimentary consultation. We can help you choose the treatment that is perfect for you. Fill out the form on this page or call us at (416) 901-9392 (Toronto) or (905) 949-9198 (Mississauga). We look forward to helping you become the best you possible!

More To Explore