Most people would agree that getting rid of stubborn body fat can be a tough row to hoe. New techniques involving fat removal technologies that are regarded as non-invasive are coming forth, report scientists from the American Academy of Dermatology.
Such methods could be used for individuals not applicable for liposuction, which may help in eliminating excess fat effectively and safely. Three avenues have been introduced by the team namely, radiofrequency, cryolipolysis and ultrasound.
Dermatologist Lisa M. Donofrio, MD, FAAD, associate clinical professor, department of dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, quoted, “Fat cells are by nature very different than other cells, particularly in how they respond to stimuli such as temperature. Most of the new technologies recently introduced for fat removal were developed based on this knowledge and, as a result, can target specific areas of body fat using energy delivered as either heat or cold.”
Radiofrequency is not approved by the FDA for fat reduction, but is being used by many dermatologists worldwide. The process involves delivering energy to specific portions of fat that results in controlled heat reaching far inside the fat cells. This subsequently leads to destruction of adipose cells. Another benefit of this avenue is that it reduces fat by targeting collagen.
Cryolipolysis has managed to receive FDA-approval for removing fat. Considering that fat cells are very reactive to cold temperatures, the procedure results in freezing of lipids in the fat cells. The latter freeze and melt later, without any effect on the ambient tissues. However, it may take around 2 to 6 months for this mechanism to show results. Lastly, ultrasound accesses high-intensity and objective ultrasonic waves to cause leakage of fat cells, with no influence on the nearby tissues. This technique is presently being investigated.
However, the team believed that the aforesaid non-invasive ways of reducing fat may not be as effective as liposuctions. Invasive procedures are supposed to be undertaken by a board-certified doctor with experience in the domain, the team concluded.