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Lipo Cavitation: Risks and Benefits

Lipo cavitation is a safe and effective procedure using ultrasound for fat reduction. It can be applied on most areas of the body like the thighs, hips, abdomen, buttocks, and neck. The practice has evolved from Liposuction and does not require surgery or anesthesia. Lipo cavitation is performed as an outpatient treatment that is painless with minimal and temporary side effects.

What is Lipo Cavitation and its purpose?

Lipo cavitation is highly effective in removing unwanted fat, reducing cellulite, and stimulating circulation and collagen production. The procedure targets fat cells in the underlying skin layers using low-frequency ultrasound waves to break down fat. After a few days, the cells release fatty substances, which are absorbed by the body’s lymphatic system, and naturally eliminated as waste.

Before the procedure, the skin may be sterilized with an alcohol solution. A gel is then applied to the treatment area to aid the ultrasound device to move smoothly over the skin. Ultrasound waves penetrate deep into skin layers to disrupt and dislodge the fat through vibrations.

Is Lipo Cavitation Safe?

3D lipo cavitation fat removal is an FDA-approved procedure that has become a breakthrough in non-surgical fat loss technology. Global statistics released in 2018 by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery show that non-invasive techniques for fat reduction are gaining more traction than surgical procedures and the market for ultrasound cavitation is expected to substantially increase by 2026.

Woman getting lipo cavitation treatment

Lipo cavitation uses 40 kHz to 5 MHz ultrasonic waves to work on fat cells without causing any damage to other organs or healthy tissues. The sound waves affect the membranes of the fat cells to reduce them to liquid for natural elimination through the normal metabolic process.

During treatment, the light buzzing of the ultrasound device will be audible, but patients feel minimal discomfort (if any) with a warm sensation over the skin. Depending on how large the surface area is, one session can take between 20 to 50 minutes.

What are the Lipo Cavitation Risks?

In contrast to conventional procedures like liposuction, 3D lipo fat cavitation does not involve any surgery nor anesthesia, and you can resume normal activities immediately after therapy. This approach diminishes the risks and side-effects of having lipo cavitation treatment.

The practitioner will discuss your goals, assess if you are eligible for treatment, and establish that there are no underlying health conditions. This procedure is not recommended for those with morbid obesity, and it is most effective on patients who are moderately active as it targets certain areas to remove unwanted fat.

Although it is a low-risk procedure, you may experience some mild side effects that are temporary.

Bruising or Redness

After lipo cavitation treatment, bruising or redness of the skin may be noticeable within the first few hours. Some patients get deep, purple bruises or light red spots, so it varies from patient to patient, but it generally subsides and will disappear after a couple of days.

Thirst

Patients may experience an increase in thirst following the procedure. This is due to substances being naturally removed, so it is advisable to up your water intake in the days after treatment to aid the elimination process.

Skin Sensitivity

The gel applied before treatment as well as the ultrasound technique of penetrating the skin layer can sometimes cause skin sensitivity afterwards. You may feel itchiness or have swelling but this is temporary and will resolve itself after a few days.

Skin Irregularities

In some cases, the fat is broken down unevenly which can leave lumps and bumps over the skin. The body needs time to break down the dislodged fat cells and follow-up treatments can also help resolve any noticeable bulges.

Headaches

Experiencing headaches or dizziness is not uncommon but this is from the toxins being released in the body. Staying hydrated and doing exercise after treatment can help flush the system out quicker.

Ultrasound cavitation body contouring treatment.

What are the benefits of Lipo Cavitation?

Age, metabolism, the individual’s tissue structure, and the treatment area will influence results, so it is important to have a healthy diet and regular exercise to get the best out of lipo cavitation treatment.

Several sessions are usually needed to achieve optimal effects and after the first treatment, you will start seeing good results. There are multiple benefits from this procedure that make it an increasingly popular alternative to liposuction or tummy tucks.

Reduce fat, cellulite, and stretch marks

Lipo cavitation reduces fat by liquifying fat deposits that are secreted through the body’s waste. The ultrasound also stimulates tissue and collagen regeneration to reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. It also improves body contouring.

Non-invasive or non-surgical, no downtime

Because there is no surgery, no anesthesia, and no recovery period, there is no downtime, and you can go back to your daily routine immediately after treatment.

It is pain-free

During a lipo cavitation session, the ultrasound device may feel like a gentle massage. While some people experience a tingling sensation or sensitivity, it is a pain-free procedure and completely harmless. Surrounding tissues, cells, and organs are not affected in any way.

Suitable for all skin types

There are no limitations on different skin types being suitable for 3D Lipo cavitation. It is safe and effective regardless of skin texture or color. However, if you have any open wounds or skin sores on the treatment area, your practitioner will postpone treatment until any skin injury has healed.

Who will benefit the most from Lipo cavitation treatment?

Lipo cavitation fat reduction is best supported by following a well-balanced, low-calorie diet while staying hydrated and getting frequent exercise. It should not be a substitute for exercise or healthy eating.  During your treatment program, you will notice a reduction of inches off your circumference and results will keep improving with multiple sessions.

Patients who are 18 years old and over and who are in generally good health are ideal candidates that will benefit from lipo cavitation. There are instances where this procedure is not deemed suitable such as for those who are pregnant, have kidney, liver, or heart disease, or any other debilitating or life-threatening conditions.

Key Differences Between Cryolipolysis And Cavitation

Cryolipolysis and Cavitation are two recognized beneficial treatments to aid in fat removal by using non-surgical technology. Both of these procedures facilitate the disruption of cells to remove fat deposits in the areas of concern. Lipo cavitation is a method that destroys fat cells via low-frequency sound waves whereas cryolipolysis, also known as fat freezing, uses cooling mechanisms to break down fat cells.

What are popular options to lose weight?

There are numerous ways in which people can achieve weight loss. There are mechanical methods that remove adipose tissue that are surgically invasive or there are non-invasive procedures such as liposuction, cryolipolysis, and cavitation treatment. Alternatively, some people choose to achieve weight loss naturally through means of physical exercise and calorie deficit eating habits.  

With non-invasive weight loss options becoming increasingly convenient and common, it is no surprise that cavitation and cryolipolysis in London have become significantly popular weight loss and fat removal treatments. These procedures are painless requiring no recovery time while simultaneously helping you transform your body.

What is cryolipolysis (fat freezing)?

Cryolipolysis, known as fat freezing, is a non-invasive procedure applied to problematic areas of the body in which a cooling process is used to provide localized fat reduction. As the name states, it involves freezing of the fat cells, causing them to eventually die off. The fat pocket that is targeted is frozen. Here, around 30% of the cells die off and the released fats, membranes, and toxins that were contained inside the fat cells are eliminated via the body’s lymphatic system.

What is cavitation (fat melting)?

Cavitation (liposuction) treatment is also known as ultrasonic cavitation, and it is a non-invasive method of liposuction treatment. In this procedure, low-frequency sound waves are produced and applied to the targeted area, which causes the fat cells to oscillate rapidly, resulting in a pressure build up within the fat cells. Once pressure is at its threshold, the fat cells break apart and the contents are released into the body.

Ultrasound cavitation body contouring treatment

What are the main differences between these procedures?

Even though both treatments facilitate the removal of fat in the body, the main difference is in the method of procedure. Ultrasonic cavitation is quite different from cryolipolysis in which the fat reduction method involves the application of ultrasound and low-frequency sound waves to achieve its effect.

This serves as an effective method in treating cellulite, more widespread fat and cavitation achieves body contouring results. In contrast, cryolipolysis operates with controlled low temperatures on the area of concern and is far more suitable and effective in treating more specific fat accumulation and fat pockets that can be grabbed.

Each cavitation fat treatment session lasts approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour and 6-12 treatments with a 5-7 day period between each session are recommended for optimal results (removal of up to 12cm of fat). These results vary from person to person and patients often see a big difference in the reduction of fat within 6-12 weeks. 

Cryolipolysis, on the other hand, is a once off, 45-minute to 1 hour treatment that can take    6-10 weeks to see full results.  A more effective outcome can be combined with dietary factors as well.  

The results of cavitation/fat melting treatment are perceived to appear faster as opposed to cryolipolysis, where results only start to appear and be noticeable after a month of treatment. However, the results of cryolipolysis are more stable and long term compared to cavitation. Cavitation requires a greater number of treatment sessions to achieve similar effects.

Is lipo cavitation safe? Yes, and so is cavitation. Both procedures are pain-free with very few risks. The possible side effects of cavitation may include bruising, slight skin irritation and/or presentation of a pink colour on the treated area of the skin. With cryolipolysis, bruising, numbness of the area and/or pigmentation can occur as a result of treatment.

cavitatation

How are they conducted?

Cavitation is administered with the use of an ultrasound device and a paddle type applicator. Here, low frequency ultrasonic waves are applied using the applicator over the fatty tissue. The ultrasound waves penetrate deep into the layers of the skin and produce fine ultrasonic vibrations within the fat cells. This causes the fat cells to break away from each other and are eventually absorbed by your lymphatic system.

With cryolipolysis, a Cryo Head is used and placed over the fatty pocket. This machine physically sucks up the pocket of fat and freezes it to approximately -6°C. This cooling technique penetrates about 2cm below the surface of the skin, freezing the fat cells and causing them to die off. This reduces the amount of adipose tissue by interrupting the homeostatic temperature of the epidermis.

What are the benefits of both cryolipolysis and cavitation?

Cavitation and cryolipolysis at clinics are non-invasive and non-surgical procedures that require no anaesthetics and often have minimal to no side effects. Depending on the method you chose, cavitation targets a reduction in widespread fat and aids in cellulite reduction whereas cryolipolysis offers permanent reduction of specific fat pockets on the body. All in all, they both facilitate in the reduction of localized fat through a pain-free application, leaving no scarring or marks while also tightening the skin. A great advantage is that both procedures allow you to continue with your normal daily activities immediately after the treatment process with zero downtime required.

What to expect from them?

Through these procedures, one can expect a reduction in localized or widespread fat and/or contouring of certain body parts while treating cellulite and improving skin elasticity. Most of these results are relatively permanent with the correct healthy eating habits put in place to improve maintenance. During the procedure, some may experience slight discomfort due to the ultrasonic noise from the fat freezing or a cold sensation from the cryolipolysis machines, however, this inflicts no harm on the patient.