Lipo Alternative: How to Lose Fat Without Liposuction?

Liposuction is a kind of body plastic surgery through which the unwanted body fat is melted by laser beams, vibration, or ultrasound waves, and the fat cells are then drained out of the body by a suctioning device or a needle. 

Liposuction has long been popular for those looking to remove stubborn fat and achieve a slimmer, more toned appearance. However, the invasive nature of the procedure, along with the associated risks and downtime, has led many individuals to seek out alternative options for fat reduction.

Fortunately, several non-invasive alternatives to lipo can help you achieve your desired body shape without surgery. From CoolSculpting to Mesotherapy, these treatments offer a safe and effective way to eliminate unwanted fat and achieve a more confident, streamlined look. In this article, we'll explore some of the top liposuction alternatives and help you determine which option may be right for you.

Liposuction Vs. Nonsurgical Fat Reduction

Liposuction differs from nonsurgical fat reduction methods in terms of its level of invasiveness, results, pre-op requirements, and duration of the recovery period. Learn the main differences between lipo surgery and nonsurgical body contouring methods.

Read more: Liposuction Surgery Types: What is the Safest Lipo Method?

Invasiveness 

Standard liposuction is an invasive procedure and is mainly done under general anesthesia. This operation involves weeks of scarring, pain, bruising, swelling, and bleeding. On the other hand, nonsurgical methods are usually gentle and cause minimal discomfort during and after the surgery. They are mostly performed under mild sedatives or topical anesthesia so the patient doesn’t face anesthesia complications. 

Results

Neither liposuction nor nonsurgical fat reduction techniques are considered a weight-loss procedure; however, liposuction results are dramatic and last longer. On the other hand, the outcome of nonsurgical methods is immediate, while the results of liposuction are visible once the swelling has subsided, i.e., 3 to 6 months after the surgery.

Requirements

Since standard liposuction is done under general anesthesia, the patient must have good general health and not have drug allergies. However, this isn’t necessary for nonsurgical fat reduction methods as they are done under topical or local anesthesia. However, some requirements are mutual between these methods, including:

• Having good, elastic skin;
• Being a nonsmoker;
• Being mentally healthy;
• Having localized fat pockets that do not go away by exercising and going on a diet;
• Having moderate cellulitis;
• Having no intention of getting pregnant in the future;
• Having a stable, healthy BMI.

Recovery

The recovery time of liposuction ranges between two to six weeks and involves moderate pain, swelling, and bruising. During this time, the patients have movement restrictions and cannot exercise until their wounds are completely healed. In nonsurgical body contouring techniques, on the other hand, the patients can get back to work a couple of days after the procedure. They can resume their daily exercises a week after the surgery. Notably, drinking alcohol, smoking, strenuous activities, and taking herbal medicines are prohibited after all invasive and nonsurgical treatments for fat reduction methods. 

What Are the Alternatives to Liposuction?

Standard liposuction is mostly performed for those with a large fat volume, and a great shift in their appearance is expected after the procedure. However, if the patient has an insignificant amount of stubborn fat, the following less-invasive fat reduction methods for weight loss suit them.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a proper technique for people near their ideal weight but with a small volume of fat on specific parts of their body, such as the lower abdomen, thighs, hips, under the chin, and arms. The plastic surgeon freezes the fat cells in a cryolipolysis device without damaging the surrounding tissues and nerves. The frozen (and dead) fat cells are then processed by the lymphatic system and flushed out of the body for months after the surgery. Although this method is non-invasive and takes only 60 to 0 minutes, its results are revealed gradually within three to six months. 

TruSculpt

TruSculpt is another liposuction alternative in which low-level radiofrequency energy is transmitted to the fat cells to destroy them. The lymphatic system removes the melted fat cells from the body as waste. This technique, which takes almost one hour, is mainly suitable for reducing unwanted fat from hips, thighs, belly, and buttocks. Most patients require two or three sessions of truScuplt to lose a significant amount of fat.

BodyTite

BodyTite is a minimally invasive operation that involves local anesthesia and a tiny incision on the less visible part of the functional area. In this method, the surgeon makes a three to five-millimeter cut on the skin and inserts an ultrasound probe into the body. This probe emits thermal energy to melt the fat cells and strengthens collagen proteins below the skin’s surface. In the meantime, the doctor moves an external radiofrequency applicator on the skin to stimulate collagen production and tighten the saggy skin. 

This method is useful for those with moderate fat volume and loose skin. The patients can get back to work a couple of days after the operation and usually see the actual results of their surgery two or three weeks following the procedure. 

SmartLipo 

SmartLipo, also known as laser liposuction, is a new technique that can be used for both the face and the body. In this technique, the surgeon uses laser devices to melt the fat cells without damaging the surrounding tissues and vessels. Then, a small incision is made on the skin, and a narrow tube is inserted into the operated area to drain the excessive liquids. This method is appropriate if you have stubborn fat in your waistline, abdomen, back, thighs, chin, jaw, neck, upper arms, and buttocks. The recovery of laser liposuction is 7 to 10 days, and its results can be seen a few days after the procedure. 

SculpSure

ScuplSure is a combination of laser liposuction and CoolSculpting. In this novel treatment, the surgeon emits laser energy on fat cells through four applicators. Unlike CoolSculpting, the fat cells are not frozen in this method but are killed by heat. Then, the dead fat cells are removed from the body as waste. This method is suitable for all skin types but benefits those close to their ideal weight more. 

Injection lipolysis

If the volume of the fat deposit is insignificant, the surgeon injects deoxycholic acid to break the bonds between the fat cells and destroy them. Deoxycholic acid is available in several brands, including Kybella, Aqualyx, and Lipodissolve. Although injection lipolysis is a practical liposuction alternative, it is sometimes painful and requires 3 to 4 treatment sessions. Also, it needs to be considered a proper procedure and may spread beyond the main intended site. 

Other ultrasound-base treatments

In addition to the mentioned alternatives to liposuction, other ultrasound-based techniques are similar but slightly differ. Methods such as Vanquish, ultraShape, and Liposonix use radiofrequency waves to destroy fat pockets and reduce your size up to 4 inches. 

Nonsurgical Treatments for Fat Reduction Pros and Cons

Nonsurgical fat reduction methods are usually preferred to standard liposuction for the following reasons:

• They have no or short recovery time. Nonsurgical body contouring methods are noninvasive and have a short recovery time (usually two or three days) with minimum discomfort. 
• They have no or minimal scars. Although liposuction scars are barely visible, nonsurgical techniques do not have those scars either. In minimally invasive body sculpting methods, such as bodyside and laser liposuction, where small incisions are made to insert a probe or tube, the surgeon stitches the cuts so delicately that they are almost invisible. 
• They have no risk and few complications. Since these methods are non-surgical and do not involve anesthesia and large incisions, they mostly have a few side effects that go away a couple of weeks following the surgery. 
• They are suitable for all body types. No matter your skin type or how healthy you are, you can always count on nonsurgical treatments for fat reduction methods as they have minor complications and do not affect your general health to a great extent.  
• They have zero chance of infection. Infection is a life-threatening complication of liposuction because this surgery involves cuts and wounds. However, all alternatives to liposuction are safe and have almost zero chance of infection.
• Their results are immediate. You can see the results of your nonsurgical body contouring right after the operation. Although the outcomes are revealed 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery (when the fat cells are flushed out and the swelling is subsided), you can enjoy your new body shape immediately after the operation.

On the other hand, alternatives to liposuction have some drawbacks too, such as:

They have less dramatic effects and are not suitable for the ones with large volumes of stubborn fat;

• Due to the uneven reduction of fat, lumps and bumps may develop on the skin;
• The results are not permanent, and the operations must be repeated every 5 to 10 years;
• The skin of the operated area may get red, sensitive to touch, itchy, or numb for a couple of weeks;
• They are mostly novel treatments and require two or more sessions and
• They are less practical for difficult body parts such as the chin or inner thigh.

What Is the Best Alternative to Liposuction?

Based on the findings of numerous plastic surgeons, BodyTite is the best alternative to liposuction because it removes excess unwanted body fats from the body, tightens the skin, and makes the body look younger. Although this technique involves small incisions, it is mostly pain-free and has a short, comfortable recovery period. 

Should I Get Liposuction or a Nonsurgical Fat Reduction Operation?

The results of nonsurgical fat reduction are mild and usually last for a shorter period. Therefore, lipo surgery is a better option if you have large fat deposits or seek a permanent solution to your stubborn fats. On the other hand, if you want a change in your body but are low on budget, nonsurgical body contouring techniques are more proper for you because they mostly cost less than liposuction (they are done under local and topical anesthesia) and require less pre- and post-op medications and medical evaluations.

FAQs About Liposuction Alternatives

1) Are liposuction alternatives accurate?

As nonsurgical fat reduction techniques are done externally, they are less accurate than liposuction surgery. Therefore, you should expect a moderate fat reduction in areas surrounding the actual surgical site.

2) How long do the results of nonsurgical fat reduction last?

If you maintain a steady weight and have a regular exercise routine, the results of noninvasive body contouring can last up to 10 years.

3) Can I get a nonsurgical fat reduction when I’m breastfeeding?

Getting all types of liposuction alternatives is prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

4) What are the best nonsurgical alternatives to liposuction for belly fat?

CoolSculpting, SculpSure, and bodyTite are the best techniques to eliminate belly fat.

Read more: Liposuction Surgery Types: What is the Safest Lipo Method?

5) Isn’t Surgery More of a “Sure Thing”?

While surgery can effectively remove belly fat, it is not a guaranteed solution. Like any medical procedure, surgery has risks and potential complications, such as infection, bleeding, and scarring. Additionally, surgery can be expensive and requires a longer recovery time compared to non-invasive alternatives.