Info about Surgery
Liposuction Alternative Facts
Traditional liposuction has seen a reduction in popularity in recent years. This is not due to the fact that people no longer feel they need or want it, however. In large part, the reduction in old fashioned liposuction surgery is due to the increased availability of new liposuction alternatives. Most patients today feel that if there is a way to avoid some of the problems with liposuction, they would much prefer a liposuction alternative. Traditional liposuction is very expensive, usually $5000 or more per area. Since liposuction is major surgery involving full anesthesia, it requires a hospital stay followed by a lengthy recovery. With the alternatives to liposuction detailed below, many of those drawbacks can be avoided.
There are several liposuction alternatives, each with its own merits. Thermage is generally considered to be the least invasive of all the methods. This method uses a laser, which is heated, to dissolve body fat. The Thermage procedure also has the effect of stimulating tightening of the collagen already present in the body, so that dimples and cellulite can be dramatically reduced. Results will begin to show after a couple of months, and the effects can last for several years. Minimal pain can occur, but usually subsides quickly after the procedure. Price varies by geographic location, with typical cost being around $2500.
Another alternative to liposuction is Mesotherapy. With this method, micro injections of drugs are administered via very thin needles. These injections contain a blend of drugs and compounds known to burn fat. Common ingredients include T3-T4 thyroid, Isoproterenol, Ginkgo biloba, Alpha lipoic acid, Vitamin C, and Lidocaine. Other ingredients can vary but usually include a wide range of vitamins. The precise ingredients of every syringe are unknown, and some doctors use different formulations than others. However, Mesotherapy always uses only naturally occurring nutrients, amino acids, and enzymes. These injections target the fat cells, converting them into body fuel through the use of the enzymes . Mesotherapy can give some excellent results. Overall appearance of fat and cellulite can be reduced a great deal, and may last for years. Cost is typically anywhere from $2000 to $4000, but this cost does depend on how many sessions are needed.
The most recent of the new alternatives to liposuction is Lipodissolve. This method has some similarities to Mesotherapy in terms of the way it is administered. Long and very thin needles are used to deliver micro injections into the fatty deposits in the body. The injections are composed of two chemicals, phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate. These are naturally occurring chemicals that have a fat dissolving effect. In Lipodissolve, the contents of the injections are standardized, unlike in Mesotherapy, so you will always be getting exactly the same two chemicals. Lipodissolve can give some nice results, though it is generally less effective than Mesotherapy. The cost of this treatment typically ranges from about $400 to $1000 per session, and the number of sessions required depends upon the patient. It usually takes a few months to see full results from Lipodissolve, and it is important to watch your diet and to avoid weight gain as you recover, since this can negate the effects of the procedure.
No matter which of the alternatives to liposuction that you choose, you should always discuss what your best personal options are with your physician, and be prepared to make the effort to keep yourself in shape so that you can continue to enjoy your good results.