There’s a reason why the internet is flooded with articles and blogs with titles like, “10 Workout Moves to Banish Belly Fat” and “Top Weight Loss Foods”—because looking slimmer is a goal that nearly everyone has, and it’s one that is particularly difficult to achieve. While diet and exercise are important for our everyday health and can help reduce overall body fat, they don’t allow us to pick and choose where the fat comes from, and those with a healthy body weight are often left with localized pockets of fat that won’t budge despite their best efforts. Fortunately, researchers recognized this problem and have developed procedures that can target specific areas of unwanted fat. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the latest fat reduction technology and breaking down the facts on each procedure.

CoolSculpting®

CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical and non-invasive fat reduction technique that uses controlled cooling plates to apply precise cold temperatures to the targeted fat. Patients only feel a sensation of momentary cold and pressure, and can rest comfortably throughout their treatment while using a cell phone, reading a book, or even watching TV.

How does it break down fat cells? Fat is more vulnerable to cold than skin and other surrounding tissues. Applying controlled cold to an area of excess fat causes around 20% of the fat cells to freeze and die, and they are then naturally eliminated by the body.

What is the recovery process? CoolSculpting® treatments don’t require any downtime, so you can go right back to your normal daily activity after treatment.

Why might a patient choose CoolSculpting® over other fat reduction procedures? CoolSculpting® is entirely non-surgical and has achieved very high satisfaction throughout the thousands of CoolSculpting® treatments we’ve performed at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta (DAA), the first practice in Atlanta to offer the procedure.

What is a typical course of treatment? Patients only need one CoolSculpting® treatment to see results, although many patients choose to schedule multiple treatments for optimal results. Each treatment takes around one hour per treatment area, but as one of the few practices to offer DualSculpting®, DAA can use two CoolSculpting® devices to treat two areas of the body at once, cutting treatment time in half for patients who would otherwise need to treat the two areas back-to-back. Because the body gradually eliminates the frozen fat cells, most results are seen within about twelve weeks of the treatment session, although the results can continue to improve for up to six months.

SlimLipo™

SlimLipo™ is a laser that is used in conjunction with tumescent liposuction. The laser makes it easier for our surgeons to remove the fat, while also improving the skin’s firmness and tone in the process. Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the country because it achieves high patient satisfaction, and after performing the procedure for 25 years, Dr. Edmond Griffin and Dr. Scott Karempelis have seen SlimLipo™ boost those results even further.

How does it break down fat cells? SlimLipo™ uses targeted energy of a precise wavelength to break down the walls of fat cells in the treatment area so that the liposuction can be less invasive and more effective. The laser also sends a second wavelength that tightens and firms the surrounding tissue for a slimmer, younger look.

What is the recovery process? SlimLipo™ is a surgical procedure, so most patients are advised to avoid strenuous physical activities for a few weeks, but because it is less invasive than traditional liposuction, many patients can return to work after a shorter recovery time than a traditional liposuction procedure requires.

Why might a patient choose SlimLipo™ over other fat reduction procedures? No fat reduction procedure is a substitute for a weight loss program or a healthy diet and exercise, but SlimLipo™ is able to produce more significant results than non-surgical treatments can.

What is a typical course of treatment? SlimLipo™ achieves results after just one procedure, but as with all fat reduction treatments, a healthy lifestyle is advised to help patients maintain their results long-term.

UltraShape®

Like CoolSculpting®, UltraShape® fat reduction is entirely non-surgical and gradually reduces targeted fat using a handheld applicator which is guided across the treatment area by one of our highly skilled providers. Each 45-minute session is painless and patients can comfortably rest during their treatment.

How does it break down fat cells? UltraShape® uses precise ultrasound energy to break down the walls of fat cells in the treatment area. These damaged fat cells are then naturally eliminated by the body.

What is the recovery process? There is no downtime required after UltraShape® treatments, so patients can jump right back into their normal daily activities.

Why might a patient choose UltraShape® over other fat reduction procedures? Because UltraShape® treatments are painless, quick, and require no downtime, they’re especially easy for busy patients to fit into their schedules.

What is a typical course of treatment? While results start to show after just one treatment, patients who see the best results typically opt for three treatments, each spaced two to three weeks apart.

Every patient has unique needs and cosmetic goals, and with no shortage of fat reduction options available, most patients can easily find a treatment that fits them. However, it is important to note that fat reduction treatments are not meant to be a weight loss method; instead, they are designed for patients who have already reached or nearly reached their ideal weight, with only localized areas of fat that they would like to polish off. Schedule an appointment at DAA to discuss whether a fat reduction treatment can help you get your “beach body” back into shape. Or, to learn more about the many services we offer and to hear about the latest news in dermatology and skincare, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.