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Liposuction Alternative

Alternatives to liposuction are often welcome by those who are wary of surgical procedures, or are motivated to view liposuction as one alternative among many. New diet alternatives are emerging on the marketplace, along with surgical and non-surgical options that seek to deliver results similar to liposuction.

If you decide that liposuction is not right for you, there are a number of non surgical alternatives to consider.

Changing your diet, modifying your exercise routine or using clothing and makeup to camouflage problem areas can give you a noticeable confidence boost.

Society may tell us otherwise, but perhaps the most permanent and effective way to release yourself from constant, painful body-image issues is to begin accepting and loving your body as it is. This is not an easy or quick process. For many, it’s the only path to real happiness. You might want to consider working with a therapist or joining a support group.

 

 

Alternatives to liposuction range from diet and exercise, as above, to surgeries designed to assist with weight loss and new cosmetic therapies. Here are some alternatives to consider.

Gastric Surgery

Those who have serious problems losing weight and keeping it off may consider surgical alternatives to assist with weight loss.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Surgically creating a smaller stomach by stapling a portion of the stomach into a small pouch limits how much food the stomach can hold. This reduced stomach is then re-connected to the intestine in a procedure known as "Roux-en-Y".

Complications from gastric bypass surgery range from topical infections to bleeding and sometimes more severe health issues such as blood clots and heart attack.

Weight loss is the goal of this procedure and patients who elect to have the surgery report an average of a 60 percent drop in weight.

Gastric Banding Surgery

Two types of gastric banding surgery are currently in practice. The most popular is laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. The other, vertical banded gastroplasty, is performed less frequently. Both surgeries tighten and restrict the stomach by placing a silicon band around the stomach's upper portion. Patients who opt for gastric banding surgery report an average of 40 percent weight loss, while vertical band gastroplasty patients have less success. Both procedures carry potential risks similar to gastric bypass surgery.

Careful consultation with a physician is required for these surgeries, and a strong commitment to lifestyle changes is required of all patients who elect to have the surgery.

FDA-Approved Non-surgical Options

Alli

In 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a prescription drug called Orlistat. Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Orlistat is a drug created for the treatment of obesity. Orlistat utilizes digestive system enzymes to prevent the body from absorbing up to 25 percent of the fat in food.

In February, 2007, the FDA approved an over-the-counter version of Orlistat, marketed under the name Alli, for use by the American public. GlaxoSmithKline strongly urges those taking Alli to follow a careful regimen of diet and exercise. GlaxoSmithKline estimates that those on a dedicated program -- taking Alli as directed, as part of a careful diet routine -- can experience up to 50 percent more weight loss.

Those considering a weight loss program that utilizes Alli along with changes in diet and exercise should consult their physician about the program and potential drug interactions.

Thermage

Thermage is another noninvasive procedure that aims to tighten targeted areas of skin, improving texture and tone almost immediately

Thermage uses radio waves to heat the skin’s outer layer, stimulating collagen and tightening skin. Though the patient may feel mild heat during the treatment, no anesthesia is needed. Thermage results can last for years. The abdomen, arms and buttocks are commonly treated areas.

Thermage was FDA-approved in 1996. Risks are reportedly rare, but can include topical burns and scarring.

Results such as tighter tummies, firmer arms and boosted buttocks are visible after several months, and these results can last for years.

Non-FDA Approved Options

Lipodissolve

This technique is marketed as a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. Rather than suctioning fat out, a surgeon administers a series of phosphatidylcholine-based injections. The solution reportedly dissolves small, localized areas of fat while reducing stretch marks and cellulite. Lipodissolve can also improve skin tone and elasticity.

During lipodissolve, medication is injected into the fat and connective tissue of the targeted area. The injection is relatively painless and requires no anesthesia. The medication dissolves localized fat deposits. Results may not be noticeable within the first three weeks. Several injections administered some weeks apart are usually required.

The FDA has not approved lipodissolve for cosmetic use. Extensive research and testing is needed before the drug is considered safe. It’s important to understand the serious risks of undergoing a procedure that’s not FDA approved.

Several medical associations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, have issued health warnings that caution against the use of lipodissolve.

Plastic surgeons have different standards for safely administering lipodissolve, so accurate success rates are difficult to measure. The lack of medical evidence also makes it hard to gauge short- and long-term effects and safe dosages. 

The cost of lipodissolve varies according to patients, doctors and methods of treatment. Only after a doctor performs an examination and develops a treatment plan will the full cost be calculated. Generally, costs range from $375 to more than $1,500 per treatment.

 

Mesotherapy

Similar to lipodissolve, mesotherapy uses an injected solution to dissolve fat without suction. Meso therapy is not approved by the FDA. The solution, which consists of plant extracts, vitamins and pharmaceutical and homeopathic medications, is injected into the middle layer of the skin, or mesoderm. This causes fat cells to rupture and naturally dissolve in the body.

Mesotherapy is performed on an outpatient basis in single sessions lasting an hour or less. Though many patients see results after only a few sessions, treatments generally last for about ten sessions. Unlike liposuction patients, mesotherapy recipients usually can resume everyday activities immediately after treatment.

Because mesotherapy has not been sufficiently studied, few risks have been identified. Advocates say it’s a safer alternative to invasive techniques. However, few benefits have been scientifically proven.

The cost of mesotherapy varies depending on locale and patient. Single sessions generally cost between $200 and $600.

Now that you know about liposuction alternative, continue to the liposuction news article page to get an idea of the risks involved with the procedure.

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