Alternative to Liposuction

Liposuction is a particular plastic surgery technique, wherein accumulated layers of fat are removed from various places on the body. These places could be abdomen, thighs, hips or areas around the upper arm. This surgery involves inserting a cannula (suction tube made of stainless steel) at the desired area, which takes out all fat cells from that particular part. Due to numerous technological advances in the past few years, this method is considered to be a safe option, for people wanting to lose body fat.

Though highly effective, liposuction can be a costly and time-consuming choice. This has given rise to various alternatives to liposuction treatments, which are comparatively less costly and do not require the person to get hospitalized. These alternatives produce similar results, but need a longer time for the results to surface. Few common non-surgical liposuction alternatives are discussed below.

Non-Surgical Alternatives to Liposuction

Lipo-dissolve
This is a new alternative to liposuction. In lipo-dissolve, certain enzymes along with moderate medications are injected at places, where undesired fat has accumulated. Chemical reactions caused by these enzymes and medications help in dissolving fat, which gets out of the human body through urine. This method is more or less similar to mesotherapy, but is more advanced and popular in comparison, because it offers quicker recovery. Lipo-dissolve is mainly used for reducing fat on the face along with other body parts. Another benefit of this method is that it is useful in reducing cellulite. This method can cost anywhere around US $200 to US $850, based on the body part being treated.

Mesotherapy
In this method, certain medications are injected in a person's body at areas they want to lose fat. The solutions assist in preventing growth of fat cells in that particular area and also propels the body to burn more fat. The dissolved fat is flushed out of the system through urine. Stretch marks and saggy skin can also be treated through mesotherapy. There are very few side effects of this technique like skin discoloration, burning sensation , swelling or bruises around places which were injected. It takes about 10 sessions of an hour each to complete the whole procedure. The average cost per session, comes out to be anywhere in the range of US $250 to US $650, depending upon the area of treatment.

Thermage
For people who fear the touch of needle on their skin, this is the best alternative to liposuction. Thermage involves treating fat accumulated areas with a highly penetrating laser. The laser heats up layers of fat, shrinks them and tightens the flabby skin on the surface. Few side effects of this treatment include peeling and redness of skin around the treated area. Thermage is most effective in treating relatively smaller areas and is not recommended for large areas. Depending upon the area of treatment, thermage costs anywhere in the range of US $1000 to US $6000.

Lipoburn Gel
This particular alternative to liposuction is available in the form of gel, and can also be used by people at home. The ingredients of this gel include similar substances present in injections given for melting fat in the body. Unlike other creams, this one does not cause water-shedding from the body, but is potent enough to go beneath the skin and make layers of fat dissolve. This gel is very much inexpensive and costs around US $35 per bottle.

Ultrasound Liposonix
This is a rather expensive alternative to liposuction compared to other methods. Along with ultra shape, ultrasonic liposonix uses ultrasound technology to destroy and melt layers of fat in the body. This gets removed from the system through urine. There is no chemical laser technology used in this method. At present ultrasound liposonix is used only at selected few places, as it is currently under trial. Costs can be anywhere in the range of US $3500 to US $5500.

The above listed alternative to liposuction treatment options can easily be used to obtain results similar to one's achieved through a liposuction surgery. Details and prices mentioned can be a little different depending upon a person's doctor and location. As is the case with health related issues, always consult a doctor to get the best possible treatment option.