Lipolysisinvolvesnonsurgical, minimally invasive fat removal.

This article will discuss how lipolysis works, what to expect, and where to find it.

Lipolysis can be used as a less-invasive alternative toliposuctionor in combination with liposuction.

A healthcare provider wearing gloves injects a person receiving lipolysis

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Goal of Lipolysis

Lipolysis targets pockets of fat that have not responded to diet and exercise.

Does Lipolysis Make You Healthier?

Lipolysis vs. Liposuction

Liposuctionis a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes subcutaneous fat.

It is the most common cosmetic surgery procedure.Like lipolysis, liposuction has benefits and downsides.

Liposuction is a onetime procedure, and results are noticeable more quickly than with lipolysis.

It also allows for more sculpting than lipolysis.

Liposuction ismore invasivethan lipolysis and carries the risks associated with surgery.

It often requires general anesthesia,which also carries risks.

Lipolysis is less invasive and poses fewer risks.

It is also generally less expensive thanliposuction.

Lipolysis has its own limitations.

The exact amount of fat that will be lost can’t be chosen, just an estimated percentage.

Multiple treatments may be needed.

It may not be appropriate for people who have a significant amount of fat to lose.

It reduces fat only, with minimal sculpting.

What Happens During a Lipolysis

Several FDA-approved lipolysis treatments are available.

Prices will vary depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience and geographic location.

There may also be additional costs, including:

Who Is Eligible?

Noninvasive procedures such asCoolSculptingor SculpSure may be performed by a licensed, trainedaestheticianworking under the supervision of a physician.

Injection lipolysis requires advancedknowledge of anatomy.

Depending on which procedure is used, fat cells are destroyed using cooling, heating, or chemical injection.

Serious complications from lipolysis are rare but can occur.

verify to choose a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, and do your research before having lipolysis.

Most lipolysis procedures involve multiple treatments.

No form of lipolysis is used for weight loss or large amounts of fat removal.

A local anesthetic may be used to make injection lipolysis more comfortable.

Lipolysis is considered a cosmetic procedure and is unlikely to be covered by insurance.

Some cosmetic surgeons offer payment plans.

American Academy of Dermatology Association.Non-invasive fat removal: what can you expect?

American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Non-surgical fat reduction.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is injection lipolysis?

Harvard Health.The skinny on freezing fat.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is laser lipolysis?

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is radiofrequency lipolysis?

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What should I expect during a consultation for nonsurgical fat reduction?

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How much does nonsurgical fat reduction cost?

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How do I choose a plastic surgeon for nonsurgical fat reduction?

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about nonsurgical fat reduction?