From cryolipolysis to BioStimology® and mesotherapy, alternatives to liposuction are gaining in popularity. While liposuction is indeed capable of removing excess subcutaneous fat, it remains an invasive surgical procedure requiring anesthesia. This brings with it a number of risks and side-effects… as well as restrictive precautions, including wearing very tight compression garments day and night for 1 month after the procedure. That’s why non-surgical techniques are becoming increasingly popular: we present the main ones to help you reshape your figure.
How does cryolipolysis work ? Destroy subcutaneous fat cells by exposing them to intense cold (-5°C and -10°C), delivered by a cooling suction cup. Unlike liposuction, no anesthesia or incisions are required.
In a way, this aesthetic medicine technique can be said to “freeze” adipose tissue. Its cells are then gradually eliminated by natural means.
Visit Cryolipolysis reduces fat in well-targeted areas. It can be indicated for :
Although it has a number of medical contraindications (e.g. diabetes, pregnancy and breastfeeding, circulation disorders, skin infections, cancer), it is one of the best alternatives to liposuction because its side effects are minimal. Indeed, it rarely causes more than temporary redness or tightness. On the other hand, it is not very suitable for overall slimming.
High Intensity Focus Ultrasound (HIFU) therapy takes the opposite approach to cryolipolysis. The aim here is not to eliminate fat tissue by cold, but to burn it, using a laser machine.
During the session, high-intensity waves (around 40 KHz) are propelled to destroy subcutaneous fat cells. This raises the temperature in highly targeted areas. In this way, only fat cells are burned. These are then eliminated naturally by the body. It’s not really painful, but you may experience an unpleasant sensation during the session.
Saddlebags, buttocks, hips, arms, stomach: these are the main areas treated by high-intensity focused ultrasound. Like cryolipolysis, this aesthetic medicine technique is mainly used to refine specific areas. While there are a few contraindications (e.g. pregnancy, pacemakers, abdominal hernia), side effects are minor (e.g. temporary skin sensitivity, redness and swelling of the treated area).
Another of the best alternatives to liposuction is BioStimology®. How does it work ? Diffuse a low-frequency alternating BioEnergy field to induce insensitive muscle contractions. These contractions induce energy consumption. The result is the melting away of fat reserves ! Non-invasive, this technique also has the advantage of being painless and without side effects.
Like most slimming technologies, it is contraindicated in certain cases (e.g. pregnancy, pacemaker use, serious illnesses such as cancer, skin infections) as a precautionary measure.
In institutes, BodySculptor machines are designed for overall slimming of the silhouette. But you can also use BioStimology® in a more targeted way at home thanks to :
Good to know too: while BioStimology® eliminates cellulite and other fatty deposits, it is also used to tighten the skin. Belly, face, arms, thighs: virtually any area of the body can be treated.
Also read: Do slimming belts work for weight loss ?
Also known as poly-vitamin injections, mesotherapy is an aesthetic medicine technique that both restores skin elasticity and activates lipolysis (fat destruction).
More concretely, a mesotherapy session consists of several injections into the treated area, using ultra-fine needles. The products used are based on non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid, vitamins and minerals essential for the skin.
As a general rule, anti-cellulite mesotherapy targets the abdomen, thighs and hips. The technique is also used to tighten skin on the face, neck and low-cut.
Blood coagulation disorders (e.g. hemophilia), pregnancy and breastfeeding, severe hypertension, skin diseases and infections: these are the main contraindications to mesotherapy. Side effects are very rare. Occasionally, bruising may occur during a session, but this quickly disappears. There is also a risk of allergic reaction to some of the substances injected. It’s also best to be sure of the seriousness of the doctor performing the procedure, to avoid any risk of infection.
Another interesting alternative to liposuction is radiofrequency. Radiofrequency is based on the diffusion of an alternating electric field that causes water molecules in the middle (dermis) and deep (hypodermis) layers of the skin to rotate. This rotation in turn generates thermal energy, which raises the temperature of the area to be treated. This activates lipolysis and cell renewal.
Radiofrequency is therefore one of the technologies that combat both excess fat and skin aging. It can be used on the face as well as the body, in particular to eliminate subcutaneous fat in the :
The contraindications to radiofrequency are similar to those for other slimming technologies (e.g. pregnancy, pacemaker, skin infections, serious illnesses, etc.). Side-effects are very rare, and mainly include redness and swelling. There are, however, exceptional cases of burning. But this only happens when the device is incorrectly adjusted, or when the practitioner insists too long on the same area.
Also read: How can I get rid of visceral fat for good ?
An electromagnetic muscle stimulation device diffuses a high-intensity magnetic field. This new technology should not be confused with “conventional” electrical stimulation devices, which deliver electrical stimulation via an electrode applied to the skin’s surface.
Electromagnetic muscle stimulation triggers contraction of all the muscle fibers in the area to be treated. This strengthens muscles and activates fat loss. Particularly on the stomach and buttocks, two areas where muscle relaxation is common.
In short, it’s an interesting, pain-free option for building a slimmer, more muscular figure. Note that the same contraindications apply: pregnancy, pacemaker, serious illness, etc.
Often practiced by physiotherapists in medical centers, lymphatic drainage is also increasingly used in spas and beauty salons for its wellness and slimming effects. Based on gentle movements, it dislodges fat deposits while improving lymph circulation in the lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic system, responsible for draining the tissues, will then carry the dislodged fat and toxins for elimination. Lymphatic drainage helps reduce cellulite.
While there are several types of lymphatic drainage, the two most commonly used methods are :
Both of these methods can be effective against cellulite. But that’s not all ! Lymphatic drainage also improves blood circulation, as the lymphatic and blood systems work in symbiosis. Good lymphatic drainage helps combat the symptoms of venous insufficiency, such as water retention. After just a few sessions, your legs will often feel lighter and more toned… and much less swollen.
Finally, there are some contraindications to lymphatic drainage. In particular, avoid lymphatic drainage in cases of :
Also read: Top 5 most popular treatments at beauty salons
As you’ve seen in this article, there’s no shortage of alternatives to liposuction. The great advantage of cryolipolysis, BioStimology® and the other techniques presented? They are much less invasive than liposuction. Although liposuction is now well under control, there is no such thing as zero risk for any surgical procedure. Thrombosis, infections, allergic reactions to the anesthetic: these risks do exist with liposuction.
Other significant advantages of non-invasive alternatives: recovery is much faster after sessions, and the results obtained are natural.
The instructions to be followed after treatment are also much less onerous than with liposuction, or even non-existent, depending on the technique used. In the case of radiofrequency, for example, the recommendations can be summarized as follows:
After liposuction, on the other hand, you have to wear compression garments day and night for generally 4 weeks to reduce post-operative edema, and take anti-coagulant injections for 7 days to prevent the risk of phlebitis, etc. In short: the after-effects are really much heavier after liposuction.
Last but not least, these slimming techniques can also boost your well-being and self-confidence. Feeling bad about your body is bad for your mental health. However, to stay in good physical shape, you’ll also need to adopt a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise.
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