What is Non-Surgical Liposuction?

In the quest for a sculpted physique without the downtime of surgery, non-surgical liposuction treatments have surged in popularity in recent years. These innovative procedures offer effective fat reduction with minimal invasiveness.

At our clinics, we offer in a range of cutting-edge treatments tailored to your unique needs. In this comprehensive guide to non-surgical liposuction, we'll delve into how these treatments work, who they're ideal for, expected outcomes, risks and benefits, and the evidence supporting their efficacy.

Understanding Non-Surgical Liposuction

Non-surgical liposuction encompasses a range of treatments designed to eliminate stubborn fat pockets in the body without the need for incisions or general anaesthesia. In the past, surgical liposuction was one of the few treatments available to treat excess body fat, however, in the last 10-15 years, a host of non-surgical treatments have come to market. A challenge for patients is understanding which non-surgical liposuction treatments are best for them. These procedures utilise a number of different advanced technologies including injections, cooling, lasers, and radiofrequency to target and destroy fat cells - which is usually a permanent process. The body then naturally eliminates these cells as waste.

Fat-Burning Injections: Belkyra/Kybella and Aqualyx

How Do fat-burning injections work? Belkyra (known as Kybella in the US) and Aqualyx [LINK] are based on injection of deoxycholic acid, a bile acid naturally produced by the body to absorb fat. When injected into fatty tissues, deoxycholic acid disrupts the fat cell membrane, leading to cell death. The destroyed cells are then cleared by the body's immune system, reducing fat in targeted areas.

Are fat-burning injections suitable for me?

These injections are ideal for individuals with moderate stubborn fat deposits that do not respond well to diet and exercise, such as under the chin or around the abdomen. Optimal results generally require 2 to 4 treatments, spaced 4-8 weeks apart. Patients can expect a noticeable reduction in fat, typically observed within 3 to 6 months after the final session.

Risks of fat-burning injections and potential Benefits

Benefits: These treatments are minimally invasive and require no surgical incisions, offering a quick procedure with minimal downtime and fairly effective results.

Risks: Common side effects include temporary swelling, nodules, bruising, or numbness at the injection site. There is a small risk of more serious side effects, such as nerve injury that could cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness.

Evidence for the Treatment

Clinical trials have demonstrated that deoxycholic acid injections effectively reduce fat, however, the risk of side effects may be higher than with other treatments.

Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing)

How Does Cryolipolysis Work?

Cryolipolysis, often known by the brand names CoolSculpting or CoolTech, uses controlled cooling to target and freeze fat cells, which are particularly temperature sensitive and fragile, leading to their natural death—a process called apoptosis. The crystallised cells are then naturally eliminated from the body over the following weeks.

Ideal Patients for fat freezing

This treatment is suited for individuals who are near their ideal body weight but struggle with fat bulges in specific areas like the abdomen, flanks, or under the chin. Most patients see a 20-25% reduction in fat in the treated areas after just one session (sometimes more are needed), with results typically appearing within three to six months.

Risks and Benefits of fat freezing

Benefits: Cryolipolysis is non-invasive with minimal downtime, allowing patients to resume daily activities immediately post-treatment.

Risks: Some patients may experience temporary redness, swelling, or numbness in the treated area. A rare side effect is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), where the treated area increases in fat volume instead of decreasing. The incidence of PAH is quoted at 0.0051%.

Evidence for the Treatment

Extensive research and clinical studies have validated the efficacy and safety of cryolipolysis for fat reduction, making it a popular choice for non-surgical body contouring, however the risk of PAH is worth considering. 

Endolift

How Does Endolift Work?

Endolift is a minimally invasive laser treatment (otherwise known as laser lipolysis) that uses a micro-optical fibre inserted under the skin to deliver laser energy directly to fat cells and fibrous tissue. This laser energy stimulates collagen production, tightens the skin, and liquefies fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body. The benefit of this over other techniques is that it both reduces fat and tightens skin at the same time.

Expected outcomes of Endolift laser

Endolift is ideal for individuals looking to reduce mild to moderate sagging and refine contours in areas such as the jowls, neck, and abdomen, where there are little pockets of fat. Results can be seen after a few months, with optimal results after 9 months post treatment, as new collagen forms.

Risks and Benefits of Endolift

Benefits: The procedure offers dual benefits of fat reduction and skin tightening, with low downtime and more dramatic results than other non-surgical options.

Risks: Side effects are fairly mild and may include temporary swelling, bruising, or redness. There is a minimal risk of more severe complications such as burns, nerve damage or infection if not performed correctly.

Evidence for the Treatment

Clinical studies support Endolift's effectiveness in enhancing skin tone and reducing fat. 

Emerald Laser for non-surgical fat reduction

How Does the Emerald laser Work?

The Emerald Laser uses technology known as low-level laser technology (LLLT) using a unique green wavelength laser that specifically targets fat cells, creating temporary pores in the cell membrane. This allows the fatty acids to leak out without destroying the cells, thereby reducing the overall size of the fat deposits. The body gradually processes the released content through its lymphatic system.

Ideal Patients and Expected Outcomes

This laser may be effective for patients looking to refine their silhouette by reducing circumference in areas like the waist, hips, and thighs. Optimal results typically require multiple treatments, with patients often seeing reductions after 4 to 6 sessions.

Risks and Benefits of the Emerald Laser

Benefits: The Emerald Laser offers a pain-free, non-invasive treatment option with no downtime, suitable for all skin types.

Risks: While the treatment is generally well-tolerated, it requires several sessions to achieve significant results, which can often be very subtle, and effectiveness may vary based on individual physiological responses.

Evidence for the Treatment

Early studies have shown some evidence that the Emerald laser can reduce body circumference. 

Radiofrequency Treatments for fat reduction: Forma and Thermage

How does Radiofrequency reduce body fat?

Radiofrequency treatments like Forma and Thermage use RF energy to heat the deep layers of the skin and underlying fat, causing the collagen structures to tighten and the fat cells to reduce in size. This thermal injury also stimulates new collagen production, leading to firmer and smoother skin over time.

Ideal Patients and Expected Outcomes from Radiofrequency for non-surgical fat reduction

These treatments are best suited for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and small areas of fat they wish to diminish. Improvements in skin tightness and texture are generally observed after 4 to 6 treatments, with gradual enhancements continuing for up to 6 months.

Risks and Benefits of Radiofrequency

Benefits: RF treatments are non-invasive, with no need for anaesthesia and little to no downtime. They can be applied to various body parts, including the face, neck, and abdomen.

Risks: Temporary side effects may include redness or swelling at the treatment site. There is a slight risk of burns or changes in skin pigmentation if not performed properly.

Evidence for the Treatment

Clinical trials have consistently shown that RF treatments are effective in tightening skin and reducing fat, with a high level of patient satisfaction.

Morpheus8 Body for non-surgical fat reduction

How Does Morpheus8 body Work?

Morpheus8 Body combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy, employing ‘Burst’ technology to deliver energy at three different depths in one pulse. This technique allows for precise targeting of tissue layers, resulting in more significant fat reduction and skin tightening.

Am I a good candidate for Morpheus8 body?

This advanced treatment is ideal for individuals with lax skin and a little fat, seeking improvements in skin texture and fat reduction. Most patients require 2 to 3 sessions around a month apart, with results appearing gradually over a few months and continuing to improve for up to six months as collagen remodelling progresses.

Risks and Benefits of Morpheus8 Body

Benefits: Morpheus8 Body can provide substantial improvements in both skin texture and fat contouring with minimal recovery time, making it a robust option for those seeking noticeable changes.

Risks: As with any procedure involving microneedles, there is a potential for temporary redness, swelling, or bruising. In rare cases, there may be minor pigment changes or infection.

Evidence for the Treatment Clinical evaluations have shown significant improvements in skin laxity and fat reduction with Morpheus8, supported by high patient satisfaction rates. 

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for body fat reduction

How Does HIFU reduce body fat?

HIFU (including brands such as Ultherapy or Ultraformer) delivers focused ultrasound energy to specific depths beneath the skin. This heats subcutaneous fat cells to temperatures that cause cellular damage, effectively causing their destruction while sparing surrounding tissues and the skin surface. The procedure is meticulously controlled to ensure energy reaches only the intended depth, making it a safe option for reducing fat without damaging the dermis. In addition to fat reduction, the thermal effect initiated by HIFU stimulates collagen production, which can lead to skin tightening in the treated area. Over time, the body naturally processes and eliminates the damaged fat cells through its lymphatic system, resulting in a reduction of fat layer thickness.

Ideal Patients and Expected Outcomes for HIFU body

HIFU is ideally suited for individuals with mild to moderate body fat, who may not be significantly overweight but have localised fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise, such as on the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. It is particularly beneficial for those seeking a non-surgical treatment option that involves no downtime and requires no anaesthesia. After undergoing a HIFU session, patients may notice a reduction in the thickness of the fat layer and an improvement in body contour. The full effects of the treatment are generally visible within six months of the treatment as the body continues to eliminate the targeted fat cells. Depending on the initial thickness of the fat and the treatment area, some individuals might benefit from multiple sessions to achieve their desired results.

Risks and Benefits

Benefits: It’s non-invasive nature and the absence of any need for incisions or anesthesia make this a relatively popular treatment. Patients appreciate the lack of downtime, allowing them to return to their daily activities immediately after the procedure. HIFU not only reduces fat but also enhances skin texture through increased collagen production, providing a dual benefit from a single treatment.

Risks: However, some risks are associated with HIFU, although they are minimal. Patients may experience temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, or bruising at the treatment site. During the procedure, some might feel discomfort, but it is generally well tolerated. On rare occasions, there might be slight numbness or a tingling sensation in the treated area, which usually resolves on its own within a few weeks.

Evidence for the Treatment

The efficacy and safety of HIFU for body contouring are well-supported by research. Early studies have shown that HIFU may reduce the targeted fat layer by 2 to 4 cm. There may also be improvements in skin firmness due to increased dermal collagen production.

Laser Lipolysis: Smartlipo, BodyTite and VASER

Laser lipolysis, including brands like Smartlipo (laser lipolysis), BodyTite (Radiofrequency lipolysis) and VASER (ultrasound lipolysis), is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional liposuction. This technology is designed for precision fat reduction and body contouring, utilising laser energy or radiofrequency to break down fat cells, often followed by microliposuction performed under local anaesthetic.

How Does Laser Lipolysis Work?

Laser lipolysis uses energy to target and liquefy fat cells, making them easier to remove through a small cannula. The laser not only breaks down fat but also promotes collagen production, leading to skin tightening in the treated areas. VASER, on the other hand, uses ultrasound technology to dislodge fat cells before they are extracted. This method is particularly effective for preserving surrounding tissues while focusing exclusively on the fat cells.

Ideal Patients and Expected Outcomes

Laser lipolysis is best suited for individuals who are close to their ideal weight but struggle with localised fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise, such as on the abdomen, arms, and thighs. This procedure offers a more contoured and toned appearance with less downtime compared to traditional liposuction. Patients can generally expect to see significant results within three to six months post-treatment as the body naturally processes the disrupted fat cells. Most treatments require only one session, but some may benefit from additional sessions based on their specific body goals.

Risks and Benefits Benefits:

Benefits: The advantages of laser lipolysis are significant, particularly in its minimally invasive nature. Unlike traditional liposuction, this procedure requires only small incisions, leading to a notably reduced recovery period. Additionally, laser lipolysis not only effectively reduces unwanted fat but also promotes collagen production, which enhances skin tightening for a smoother and firmer appearance post-treatment.

Risks: Patients may experience temporary side effects such as swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the treatment area. Although uncommon, there are also risks of more persistent issues such as uneven contours or changes in skin sensation following the procedure. These risks are relatively rare but important to consider when deciding on treatment options. Rare risks involve uneven contours or changes in skin sensation. Evidence for the Treatment Clinical studies have consistently shown that laser lipolysis is effective for reducing fat and improving body contours. 

Conclusion 

Non-surgical liposuction can take a number of forms and offers a versatile array of options for those seeking to reduce unwanted fat and improve body contour without the invasiveness of traditional liposuction or body-contouring surgery. With advancements in technology, treatments like fat-burning injections, cryolipolysis, Endolift, green laser therapy, radiofrequency treatments, and Morpheus8 Body provide safe and efficient options tailored to individual needs. At our clinics, we offer a curated range of options which can be tailored depending on your individual case.