3 Ways To Permanently Reduce Fat: Expert Advice

Dieting? Working out? Still can’t shift the pounds? Here are 3 ways to permanently reduce fat, according to an expert

By Shannon Leeman

After being stuck indoors with no gyms for (sometimes) up to almost 2 years, many of us are resolving to lose weight. Of course, reducing calories and increasing activity as part of a healthy lifestyle is the best – and arguably, the only – way to drop some pounds permanently.

But some of us find that no matter how hard we try, we have stubborn fat deposits that refuse to budge from areas like saddlebags, the backs of our arms, or on our bellies. Whilst many simply accept this and embrace it as part of their natural shape, others lose confidence and a sense of self esteem.

So, are there any ways to permanently reduce fat?

MedTech To The Rescue!

The rise in demand for body contouring has fuelled the development of a wide range of solutions to target stubborn fat in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms. These solutions come in various forms, from traditional surgical procedures like liposuction to non-invasive alternatives like CoolSculpting and SculpSure.

In addition to addressing excess fat, these treatments can also help with other aesthetic concerns, such as reducing the appearance of cellulite on calves, buttocks, and thighs.

Liposuction is sometimes used to treat certain conditions, including:

  • Lymphedema – a chronic condition in which excess lymph fluid collects in tissues, causing swelling, commonly in the arms or legs. Liposuction is sometimes used to reduce this swelling, discomfort, and pain.
  • Gynecomastia – sometimes fat accumulates under a man’s breasts.
  • Lipodystrophy syndrome – when fat accumulates in one part of the body and is lost in another. Liposuction can improve the patient’s appearance by providing a more natural looking body fat distribution.
  • Extreme weight loss – if a morbidly obese person has lost at least 40 percent of their BMI, excess skin and other abnormalities may need treatment.
  • Lipomas – benign fatty tumors that appear on or under the skin.

In such cases, a bit of medical help may be sought to undertake specific spot reduction that diet and exercise simply can’t budge.

Don’t Take This Lightly

But this isn’t a decision to be taken lightly: experts say that the best liposuction candidates are those who have good skin tone and elasticity, where the skin molds itself easily into new contours. People whose skin lacks elasticity may end up with loose-looking skin in areas where the procedure was done.

Patients also need to be in good health – if you have circulation (blood flow) problems, such as coronary artery disease, diabetes or a weakened immune systems, you shouldn’t consider any form of liposuction. You should also always read up on what to expect plastic surgery of any kind.

But this raises the question: what’s the safest and best way to reduce fat permanently?

Basically, there are three main ways to permanently reduce fat : Kybella injections, cryolipo or traditional liposuction.

3 Ways To Permanently Reduce Fat

ways to permanently reduce fat

News On The Fat Front: Kybella

With the flash of a needle or the swipe of a wand, you can rid yourself of a double chin or the fat that spills over your bra straps.

In 2015 the FDA approved the use of Kybella injections for moderate to severe fat below the chin, also known as submental fat. Kybella is a dexycholic acid which the body produces to help it absorb fat. Doctors are now using this product on other areas of stubborn fat deposits but these are at present strictly off label uses (non FDA approved use).

So a little wink-wink, nudge-nudge to your doctor (you didn’t hear it here) could mean saying goodbye to bra fat, thick thighs or underarm bulges. You will experience a weird post injection swelling that could last as long as two weeks. But this will fade, along with your fat.

You’ll see results over several months. Just be patient and compare your before and after images, as we all tend to forget where we started. Prices vary as to area and practitioner and you may need follow up treatments at additional cost.

Main Risks: Not FDA approved for any part of the body except the chin. Nerve injuries; facial muscle weakness.

Ways To Permanently Reduce Fat

Old School Reduction: Liposuction

Traditional lipo is still the industry gold standard. But as I tell all my clients, it’s not the product, but the practitioner!

Just because you have a scalpel doesn’t make you a sculptor. I take away all the product hype and focus entirely on the doctor/nurse/therapist. This is what my business is based on…matching the client to the surgeon.

The first known fat removal procedure was performed by a French surgeon (no surprise there) in the 1920’s. Fast forward to the mid 1980’s and California dermatologist Dr Jeffrey Klein changed the face of fat removal by perfecting the now internationally practiced tumescent technique, which he performed using a small cannula.

Dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons have battled for decades over who is best for lipo. Dermatologists are gaining ground on this issue, though. Why? Well, it’s easier to get in-office procedures from them, compared to the plastic surgeon’s expensive hospital settings. That said, now almost all liposuction cases are simple day cases. Just make sure your doctor’s operating room is accredited and fully inspected.

Thoughts on post lipo binding or girdling vary. But most doctors recommend 4- 6 weeks of compression garments to help control swelling and helps skin with contraction. The compression garment is used to help control the swelling and minimise bruising. Not a red carpet look, and this kind of surgery is far from pain free, but grin and bear it for a smoother contour.

Main Risks: Bruising, swelling, contour irregularities, infection. Fluid accumulation.

ways to permanently reduce fat

Freezing Fat

Another of the best ways to permanently reduce fat is by freezing it.

New kid on the block CoolSculpt resulted from harnessing the power of cold. Cryolipoysis literally freezes fat cells before freezing the skin above it.

It’s a controlled operation of grabbing a hunk of fat into a suction device then lowering temperature to freezing. The fat dissolves and then naturally flushes out through the body’s lymphatic system.

Often needing multiple treatment cycles, Coolscupt claims to result in an up to 20 % fat reduction. This is noticeable after around 3 weeks to 4 months post op.

With such a low rate of fat reduction, Coolscupt at present is used on small areas only. So, keep your expectations modest. This is not, at present, a viable alternative to traditional liposuction, but rather can act as an adjunct.

If you are unhappy or disappointed with the results, most practitioners will offer additional treatments or alternatives. Be sure to clarify options and costs before booking treatments.

Main Risks: Redness, swelling, bruising

tummy-tuck-vs-liposuction

Just Remember….

Experts say that the best liposuction candidates are those who have good skin tone and elasticity, where the skin moulds itself into new contours. People whose skin lacks elasticity may end up with loose-looking skin where the procedure was done.

You’ll also need to be in good health. People with circulation problems, such as those with coronary artery disease, or diabetes, as well as those with weakened immune systems should not undergo liposuction.

Never undertake any kind of medical procedure without researching it first, and consulting with a reputable specialist.

More questions? Ask Shannon here. Or Twitter: @niptucknews

All images: plasticsurgery.org

Chere Di Boscio
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