Everyone knows a thing or two about liposuction, and it might be something you’ve even thought about yourself. However, the traditional liposuction procedure comes with its own share of risks and drawbacks.
Because of that, many plastic surgeons have worked to develop new ways to achieve similar effects without the invasiveness.
One of these is known as natural liposuction, or ultrasonic cavitation. Essentially, it uses ultrasonic radio waves to break apart fat cells, allowing your body to naturally dispel them through its lymphatic system.
It’s main benefit is that it does not require any incisions, and there’s almost no recovery time. It’s a good alternative for people who want to achieve the results of liposuction, yet have the time and resources to return for multiple treatments.
Let’s dive in and talk about everything there is to know about natural liposuction so you can decide if this is the best choice to help achieve your best body.
How Does Natural Liposuction Work?
Traditional liposuction requires incisions made in specific areas where you hope to reduce your amount of fat. A small tool called a cannula is then inserted into these incisions to dislodge the fat so it can be removed with a vacuum.
These incisions leave room for complications, and scarring is possible afterwards. For these reasons, many people shy away from traditional liposuction in favor of less invasive procedures.
Ultrasonic cavitation is a good option, as the skin is never broken. In this procedure, you’ll first be laid down on a massage table for maximum comfort. Then, ultrasound gel is placed on the treatment area. This is the same substance that’s used for an ultrasound if you’re pregnant.
Next, a device uses ultrasound waves that burst fat cells. These cells are then removed by the body’s lymphatic system. In other words, you will excrete the fat by using the restroom or perspiring.
This treatment can target the following areas:
Upper arms
Thighs
Stomach
Hips
Face
Neck
Results of Natural Liposuction
Natural liposuction is non-invasive, quick, and doesn’t require any recovery. In fact, you can get back to normal daily activities from the moment you leave the office.
With that said, the results will not be as pronounced as a traditional liposuction treatment. While you’ll be able to appreciate how you feel after as little as one treatment, you’ll need at least five or six to notice a difference of one to five centimeters circumference reduction. It’s recommended that you get ten to twelve treatments for full results.
Also, it’s essential to drink plenty of water after your session to help aid your body’s ability to flush out your fat and let the lymphatic system take over.
Effectiveness of Natural Liposuction
While many individuals have gotten ultrasonic cavitation and are happy with the results, it will not be able to remove as much fat as surgical liposuction. This is to be expected, however, you will still notice a reduction in fat after continued treatment.
You can make your procedure more effective by leading an active and healthy lifestyle following the treatment. Cardio activities such as running, biking, or swimming can help burn fat and keep fat at bay, enhancing the effectiveness of your ultrasonic cavitation.
Additionally, you’ll want to avoid trans fats in favor of healthier fats in olive oils and avocados. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts, and protein to keep your body contoured in the ways that you’re expecting.
Possible Side Effects of Natural Liposuction
The main benefit of ultrasonic cavitation is that it is a relatively low risk procedure that is considered non-invasive. With that said, there are still some possible side effects that are most common if you’re dehydrated before or after the procedure.
Some potential side effects include:
Redness
Bruising
Headache
Also, it’s possible that your body doesn’t absorb the fat evenly or in the way you had hoped. This can lead to lumps on your skin that will require followup sessions.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Natural Liposuction?
Many people may be a great fit for something like natural liposuction, but it still isn’t for everyone.
Typically, an ideal candidate is someone who:
Has positive, yet realistic, expectations for the outcome of their procedure.
In good overall health.
Doesn’t smoke.
Is already within 15 pounds of their ideal weight.
Does not have any life threatening medical conditions.
Additionally, this procedure is not recommended for pregnant women, as the sound waves emitted during the procedures may damage the hearing of an unborn child and have negative effects on their immune system.
Finally, this procedure is not recommended for people under the age of 18, as fat deposits are naturally unstable during this developmental period.
Preparing for a Natural Liposuction Treatment
Excited for your ultrasonic cavitation? You should be! But there are a few things you’ll want to make sure you do ahead of time to ensure a successful procedure.
For one, you’ll need to go to a consultation with a plastic surgeon who can perform this procedure. During this session, you’ll be asked about medical history, goals for treatment, and any medications that you’re currently taking. While here, you want to make sure you ask any questions you have regarding the procedure so that you’re feeling comfortable before the day of.
A few days leading up to your session, it’s important to remain hydrated. Additionally, don’t overeat or eat too little. Finally, avoid alcohol the night before your treatment.
On the day of the session, don’t have a heavy meal and avoid caffeine at least three hours before your treatment. Also, don’t eat two hours prior to your session.
Other Liposuction Alternatives
Ultrasonic cavitation is one of many forms of fat reduction available, but it may not be the most effective. You can talk to your plastic surgeon to discuss a mode of treatment that might be right for you. But there are many other non-surgical alternatives to traditional liposuction besides just natural lipo.
Radiofrequency Lipolysis (Thermi)
This form of liposuction uses radiofrequency waves to heat up subdermal fat. This form of liposuction doesn’t actually make any contact with the skin. When fat cells are heated beyond repair, your lymphatic system can yet again take control and remove them.
Thermi is a renowned example of radiofrequency lipolysis that simultaneously tightens the skin while removing small deposits of fat. It’s great for addressing sagging skin on your arms or abdomen, for example.
While you may notice redness or inflammation at the treatment site, most people can return to normal activities in just one day.
Cryolipolysis
In contrast to Thermi which heats up fat cells, cryolipolysis such as CoolSculpting uses cold temperatures to achieve a similar effect. Fat cells are particularly susceptible to cold temperatures, but the surrounding tissue and skin isn’t. For that reason, freezing fat cells is a good way to remove them.
Rolls of fat are placed between two panels, where excessively cold temperatures are then pumped into the fat. It doesn’t take more than an hour from start to finish, and it can be used in most parts of the body.
Exercise
You might be able to avoid cosmetic surgery to begin with by engaging in an active, fat-burning weight loss regimen. In fact, a 2019 study revealed that women who exercised lost just as much weight as women who received an ultrasound cavitation procedure.
Even if there is a specific area where stubborn fat is bothering you, full body workouts are the most effective way to achieve the results you want. Try going for a daily run or bike ride. Better yet, join a HIIT class or group fitness program to gain the accountability and comradery of working out with others.
In Conclusion
Traditional liposuction has the tendency to leave risk for complications or scarring. However, fat reduction techniques such as natural liposuction seek to achieve similar results without ever breaking the skin.
Ultrasonic cavitation uses ultrasound waves to break apart fat, allowing your lymphatic system to remove the fat through urination or perspiration. There’s no recovery time and no pain associated.
With that said, it may not be as effective as traditional liposuction, and it’s been shown that exercise is just as good for removing stubborn fat. However, for a quick fix to eliminate stubborn fat, it may be a great choice.
Looking for non-surgical fat reduction techniques to have you looking and feeling your best? PH-1 Miami is proud to offer Thermi among other body contouring techniques to help you achieve your best body. Click here to get started.
Sources:
Nonsurgical Fat Reduction | American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
