What are the Alternatives to Liposuction?

Alternatives to liposuction may be suitable for those who don't want to undergo a surgical procedure, or for people deemed medically unsuitable for liposuction. Newer body sculpting treatments, such as VelaSmooth®, Thermage® and Lipodissolve®, typically use noninvasive techniques to dissolve unwanted body fat and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can be an alternative to liposuction for those who want to remove fatty tissue from large portions of the body. Shape-changing garments and alternative treatments like seaweed wraps are some additional alternatives to liposuction.

Some experts consider regular exercise and a healthy diet to be one of the best alternatives to liposuction. While many liposuction procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and use only local anesthesia, liposuction that removes fatty tissue from large portions of the body can became a major medical procedure. General anesthesia and even multiple surgeries may be necessary to remove large amounts of body fat via liposuction. Many cosmetic surgeons don't suggest using liposuction to effect large-scale weight loss, unless immediate, significant weight loss is medically necessary. Most cosmetic surgeons prefer to perform liposuction procedures on patients who generally maintain a healthy body weight and healthy diet and exercise habits.

Recent advancements in body sculpting technologies have made re-shaping the body without liposuction easier for many. VelaShape® and VelaSmooth® technologies generally use a combination of infrared light, massage and radio waves to improve the appearance of cellulite. Thermage®, a similar treatment, normally uses laser heat to dissolve fatty tissue and stimulate collagen production. This treatment is considered an effective, non-invasive option for lifting and tightening skin while re-shaping areas where fatty deposits have accumulated.

Some alternatives to liposuction depend on the injection of chemical solutions that may help to dissolve fatty tissue deposits beneath the skin. Treatment of this nature is usually referred to as mesotherapy. Drugs, minerals, amino acids, and vitamins can be combined into an injectable solution that can help remove fatty deposits from under the skin. This procedure is considered fairly painless and effective. Though multiple sessions may be needed to acquire the desired results, many patients begin to see results after only one session.

Alternatives to liposuction are generally considered safe and effective, but can be expensive. They can also cause some discomfort during the procedure, or during recovery. Body-sculpting clothing can be an option for those who do not want the expense or discomfort of other alternatives to liposuction. Seaweed wraps, which are not usually considered a medical procedure, can be administered to help improve skin tone, detoxify the body, facilitate weight loss, and improve the appearance of cellulite.