There has been a paradigm shift in the treatment of unwanted fat especially over the last few years. Whereas liposuction used to be the preferred option many patients are now opting for non surgical fat reduction procedures.
This shift has been attributed to the pain and complications associated with liposuction as well as the prolonged downtime of the procedure . The other reason being the emergence of devices that really work non surgically in the removal of unwanted fat.
Devices that readily come to mind include the US FDA approved Zeltiq or Coolsculpting as it is popularly known, the Liposonix HIFU device , the Vanquish ME contactless RF and the more recent Sculpture Laser .
There are now newer versions of these devices notably from the Korean market that aim to take the original and make improvements whenever possible .
This has also led to a “ price war “ with the newer entrants being able to charge a cheaper price because of their relatively lower cost .
The lower cost coupled with the aggressive marketing has led to an increase demand for such treatments.
A new modality to enter this market is the HIFEM ( high intensity electromagnetic ) device called emsculpt that promises to build muscle and at the same time treat fat.
Whatever the modality may be the allure of achieving non surgical fat reduction with no downtime and no exercise is too good for many to resist .
However it is important to note that although liposuction as well the approved non surgical procedures do give lasting results because there is permanent fat removal we can regain the fat if we do not continue to lead a healthy lifestyle .
Regards
Dr Chew
