Is There an Affordable Alternative to Liposuction?
By Theresa Fontenot | Published on November 22, 2010 | 0 Comments
When you’re stuck with stubborn fat deposits that don’t seem to respond to diet and exercise, liposuction may seem like your only option. But in recent years, a number of liposuction “alternatives” have begun appearing in medical spas everywhere.
Are there really affordable, effective alternatives to liposuction? Definitely, says Texarkana liposuction alternative provider Theresa Fontenot of ReNew Medical Spa. But, she says, there’s really only one that offers the kind of results most patients are looking for. “At ReNew Medical Spa,” Fontenot says, “we use radiofrequency-assisted lipoplasty. The particular machine we use is called Lipo-Ex.”
What Is It?
Lipo-Ex, Fontenot says, is a completely non-invasive approach to reducing unwanted fat deposits. Lipo-Ex uses radiofrequency waves to heat fat cells and drain them. The liquefied fat is then naturally eliminated by the body’s lymphatic system. Lipo-Ex is effective not only on superficial, or subcutaneous fat, but also on visceral fat. Visceral fat, she explains, is the fat around internal organs.
“Visceral fat isn’t a cosmetic issue, but rather an actual medical risk factor,” says Fontenot. Radiofrequency-assisted lipoplasty, she says, is the only fat reduction technique that has been scientifically proven to reduce visceral fat. In fact, it’s the only thing besides diet and exercise that has been shown to reduce this dangerous fat.
“They’ve done CAT scans to assess both the subcutaneous and the visceral fat reduction from these treatments,” Fontenot explains, “and there is a substantial reduction in both. People could lose anywhere from three to 12 inches with these treatments.”
What is also exciting, she says, is that Lipo-Ex doesn’t require any downtime. In contrast, surgical liposuction requires a minimum of one week away from normal activities. Lipo-Ex procedure is not painful, and there’s no bruising. The treatment itself feels like a hot stone massage, Fontenot says.
Each session with Lipo-Ex takes about an hour. Once it’s over, you’re free to return home or to work and resume your normal activities. “This is definitely something you can do during a lunchtime appointment,” Fontenot says.
Beyond fat reduction, Lipo-Ex also produces a skin-tightening effect; so the procedure not only reduces circumference of the treated area, it also smoothes and improves its overall appearance. This is a big advantage over surgical liposuction, which often leaves behind loose skin or a lumpy appearance.
“In liposuction, you’re surgically removing the fat cell,” Fontenot explains, “whereas with Lipo-Ex, you’re simply shrinking existing fat cells by draining them of their contents. This allows you to retain a smooth appearance despite weight fluctuations.”
Is It Permanent?
According to Fontenot, treatment with Lipo-Ex produces permanent results. It is important, however, to note that weight gain is still possible after the procedure. “We tell patients that we’re giving them a clean slate,” she says, “and what they choose to do with that clean slate is up to them.”
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.