Liposuction in Connecticut More Effective than Non-Surgical Body Contouring
In recent years, new non-surgical body contouring treatments have entered the marketplace. These treatments advertise a slimmer shape without surgery, and while it is true that they can achieve a degree of fat reduction, the reality is that traditional liposuction remains popular for Connecticut women and men looking to improve their physique. Many people are seeking a more extensive body contouring result than can be provided through a non-surgical approach alone, at least as the technology exists today.
Non-Surgical Contouring Explained
There are several different types of non-surgical body contouring devices for fat reduction. Some of the most widely known are ZERONA® and CoolSculpting™ by ZELTIQ™. During a CoolSculpting treatment, the fat is cooled almost to the point of freezing, permanently damaging the cells and eventually causing them to die off. The cooling effect is achieved through a cooling panel placed on the skin above the targeted area of fat. Treatment only takes an hour or two, and a Connecticut plastic surgeon offering this treatment may allow patients to read, take a nap or even work on a laptop during the procedure. In addition to requiring no surgery, CoolSculpting limits downtime, but the results are certainly not immediate – the body may take several months to remove all of the damaged fat cells.
ZERONA is another non-surgical body contouring method that is typically used to contour the midsection, waist and thighs. A series of treatments spaced out every few days over the course of 2 to 3 weeks is needed in order to achieve optimal results. The treatment works by using a low-level laser to break up the fat and encourage the body’s own natural removal of the fat. Similar to CoolSculpting, ZERONA requires little to no downtime, and patients can return to their normal activities following treatments.
Drawbacks of Non-Surgical Contouring
Non-surgical body contouring can yield satisfying results in appropriate candidates – those who are very close to their ideal body weight yet would like to subtly improve a specific area. It is popular for the lower abdominal region as well as the “love handles” and thighs – places where fat often collects despite regular exercise and a healthy diet. In general, non-surgical body contouring is not capable of removing the amount of fat that a liposuction treatment can, and also may require several treatments for results to show.
When to Choose Liposuction
In most cases, traditional liposuction will be able to provide better and more satisfying results than these newer non-surgical treatments, especially when more extensive reshaping of the body is the goal. Traditional liposuction is a time-tested technique that has been used for decades to contour different areas of the body. It can yield beautiful results when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon.
There are many different types of liposuction, some of which utilize lasers to help smooth and tighten the skin during treatment. Additionally, liposuction can be used on several different areas of the body, including the midsection, thighs, knees, and arms. Some Connecticut face lift specialists will use liposuction along with a neck or face lift to remove unwanted fat below the chin as well. Many non-surgical body contouring techniques cannot reduce fat in some of these areas, making liposuction a better option.
Patients interested in achieving slimmer body contours should schedule consultations with several plastic surgeons who can offer individual treatment recommendations. It is best for patients to have a good understanding of the results that can reasonably be expected from various body contouring procedures so that they can achieve a satisfying result.
About the Author
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ellen Mahony specializes in liposuction in Westport, Connecticut. She also focuses her practice on breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), face lift and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Her office is located in Westport and serves Fairfield, Bridgeport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Shelton, Darien, Redding and Monroe.
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