Nonsurgical Fat Reduction
Diet and exercise aren’t always enough to erase stubborn fatty deposits. Problem areas can persist just about anywhere on your body. At Faith Regional Physicians Services in Norfolk, Nebraska, we offer nonsurgical fat reduction and minimally invasive procedures to treat these and other cosmetic concerns.
Our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon performs many procedures to help loosen and remove fat. Your plastic surgeon can treat multiple problem areas, from the face, neck, upper arms, and belly to the back, buttocks, thighs, knees, and ankles.
Nonsurgical Fat Reduction Options
If liposuction surgery isn’t right for you, Faith Regional offers nonsurgical alternatives to consider. Nonsurgical techniques typically have fewer risks and shorter recovery times than surgery.
At Faith Regional, we offer these and other nonsurgical fat reduction procedures:
- Injection lipolysis – Injections of Kybella or other prescription medication
- Laser Lipolysis – SculpSure
Expert Consultation and Guidance
You can schedule an initial, free consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon at Faith Regional. You’ll learn more about procedures done alone or together to help you achieve your desired results. Your doctor will consider your age, goals, body shape, condition, and other factors. You’ll learn more about potential benefits and risks and what to expect before and after each procedure.
Nonsurgical fat reduction treatments won’t treat obesity and aren’t a substitute for a healthy diet, nutrition, and exercise. These procedures can’t treat loose, hanging, or dimpled skin (cellulite).
During your office visit, your doctor may share examples of treatments and conditions similar to yours. At Faith Regional, we offer advanced 3D imaging. This technology helps you and your doctor to visualize and discuss potential results using your own simulated image.
Nonsurgical fat reduction procedures treat problem areas such as:
- Abdominal area
- Back
- Buttocks
- Calves and ankles
- Chest area
- Face, chin, and neck
- Hips and thighs
- Knees
- Upper arms
To have a nonsurgical fat reduction, you should meet these and other requirements:
- Adult, within 30% of your ideal weight
- Firm skin and muscle tone
- No serious medical or health conditions
- Nonsmoker
- Reasonable expectations
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
Preparing for Nonsurgical Fat Reduction
Your plastic surgeon and other practitioners at Faith Regional will give you custom information, guidance, and answers to your questions. You’ll get details about how to plan, where to go, and what to do on the day of your procedure. You’ll learn about the benefits and risks of your procedure and your expected recovery process.
Steps before treatment vary based on individual goals and procedures. Preparation may include:
- Lab tests
- Medical and health evaluation
- Evaluation of problem areas to be treated
- Review of medications and supplements
- Guidance about medications before and after surgery
- Instructions to stop smoking
- Instructions about post-operative care and recovery
Injection Lipolysis (Kybella)
The injection lipolysis procedure is commonly referred to by the brand name Kybella. Your plastic surgeon injects a chemical called deoxycholic acid. This chemical disrupts and destroys targeted fat cells. It is used to treat fatty areas under the chin, including features described as a “double chin.”
Risks of Injection Lipolysis
Injection lipolysis is a safe, FDA-approved treatment for the chin area, and complications are rare. Potential risks include:
- Nerve injury, which can result in an uneven smile
- Difficulty swallowing
What to Expect if You Have Injection Lipolysis
Injection lipolysis is usually done under local anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon injects the anesthesia into the area beneath your chin. Your doctor pre-marks the area to be treated. The surgeon then injects tailored amounts of medication in a grid pattern.
After Injection Lipolysis
You won’t have any downtime after this procedure and your normal activities won’t be restricted. You may have some swelling, bruising, redness, and discomfort in the treated area. You might feel areas of hardness that typically soften over time. You should notice visible fat reduction within two months.
It’s common to have at least two treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. This allows any swelling to subside. You can have up to six treatments to the area under your chin.
Your plastic surgeon develops a customized care plan for you. Before swelling subsides, the area treated may temporarily look fuller than it did before treatment. As fat cells are disrupted and inflammation diminishes, you should see results within 6 to 8 weeks. If you don’t have any major weight gain, you should see long-lasting results.
Laser Lipolysis
Laser lipolysis can reduce the volume of fat bulges in your upper abdomen and sides. Your doctor may use a branded laser lipolysis therapy such as SculpSure.
Your plastic surgeon directs laser energy to fat cells using a medical device. This heats and disrupts fat cells without affecting other tissues. This procedure is not a treatment for loose skin or deeper fat and tissues inside the abdomen.
Risks of Treatment
Complications of laser lipolysis treatment are rare. You may have some temporary redness, tenderness, and swelling.
What to Expect if You Have Laser Lipolysis
You won’t need anesthesia for laser lipolysis. Your plastic surgeon assesses the size and shape of the fatty bulge in your abdominal area or sides. The doctor marks it for applicator placement. As your doctor applies the applicator, you’ll feel a cooling sensation. Your treatment should take less than 30 minutes. You may also feel some warmth and tingling.
You won’t have any downtime or activity restrictions after treatment. You might feel some tenderness or have some redness and swelling. You should start to see reduced-fat volume in about 6 weeks, with full results evident within 3 months.
Your Plastic Surgery Team
At Faith Regional, your plastic surgeon, a specialized nurse and other healthcare professionals such as an advanced care practitioner and aesthetician may be involved in your care.
Schedule a Consultation
You can reach us at 402-844-8167 or email frpsclinics@frhs.org to schedule an appointment.