Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionLipolysis vs. LiposuctionDuring LipolysisCostWho Is Eligible?Finding a Cosmetic SurgeonFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Lipolysis vs. Liposuction
During Lipolysis
Cost
Who Is Eligible?
Finding a Cosmetic Surgeon
Frequently Asked Questions
This article will discuss how lipolysis works, what to expect, and where to find it.
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Lipolysis Definition
Lipolysis is a group of nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedures that selectively break down fat cells insubcutaneous(beneath the skin, above the muscle) fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise.
Treatment can involve targeting fat cells with energy sources, such as a laser or freezing energy, or using injections designed to dissolve fat cells.
Lipolysis can be used as a less-invasive alternative toliposuctionor in combination with liposuction.
Goal of Lipolysis
Lipolysis targets pockets of fat that have not responded to diet and exercise. It is a cosmetic procedure meant to create body contouring effects in areas such as:
An injection of the chemicaldeoxycholicacid is FDA-approved for use in the area underneath the chin (“double chin”).
Lipolysis does not requiregeneralanesthesia, it usually has minimal side effects and downtime, and it involves no incisions or scarring.
Does Lipolysis Make You Healthier?The two types of fat in the body are:Subcutaneous fat (the fat that is noticeable on the outside, such as “fat rolls”)Visceral fat (thefat that lines the organsand is associated with health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease)Lipolysis targets subcutaneous fat, and does not affect visceral fat. It is meant for cosmetic purposes (usually for people who are already at their desired weight) and will not improve your health.
Does Lipolysis Make You Healthier?
The two types of fat in the body are:Subcutaneous fat (the fat that is noticeable on the outside, such as “fat rolls”)Visceral fat (thefat that lines the organsand is associated with health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease)Lipolysis targets subcutaneous fat, and does not affect visceral fat. It is meant for cosmetic purposes (usually for people who are already at their desired weight) and will not improve your health.
The two types of fat in the body are:
Lipolysis targets subcutaneous fat, and does not affect visceral fat. It is meant for cosmetic purposes (usually for people who are already at their desired weight) and will not improve your health.
Liposuctionis a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes subcutaneous fat. It is the most common cosmetic surgery procedure.Like lipolysis, liposuction has benefits and downsides.
Liposuction is a onetime procedure, and results are noticeable more quickly than with lipolysis. It also allows for more sculpting than lipolysis.
Liposuction ismore invasivethan lipolysis and carries the risks associated with surgery. It often requires general anesthesia,which also carries risks.
Lipolysis is less invasive and poses fewer risks. It is also generally less expensive thanliposuction.
Lipolysis has its own limitations. The exact amount of fat that will be lost can’t be chosen, just an estimated percentage. Multiple treatments may be needed. It may not be appropriate for people who have a significant amount of fat to lose. It reduces fat only, with minimal sculpting.
What Happens During a Lipolysis
Several FDA-approved lipolysis treatments are available.
Cryolipolysis:
Laser Lipolysis:
Injectable Deoxycholic Acid:
Radio Frequency Lipolysis:
Before
Before whichever treatment is administered, there will be a consultation with the cosmetic surgeon to:
Recovery
Lipolysis typically requires no downtime, and normal activities can be resumed immediately.
Some people may experience temporary side effects such as:
Risks
Serious complications are rare with any type of lipolysis, but may include:
Lipolysis Cost
According to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of nonsurgical fat reduction is $1,437, and the average cost of injection lipolysis is $941.
Prices will vary depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience and geographic location.
There may also be additional costs, including:
Lipolysis may be an appropriate option if you:
Summary
Lipolysis is a set of nonsurgical, noninvasive procedures that are used to remove fat pockets in areas such as the abdomen, back, flanks, face, legs, and chin. Depending on which procedure is used, fat cells are destroyed using cooling, heating, or chemical injection.
Serious complications from lipolysis are rare but can occur. Make sure to choose a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, and do your research before having lipolysis.
The number of sessions needed depends on the procedure used, the individual’s characteristics, and the goals looking to be achieved. Most lipolysis procedures involve multiple treatments.
Laser lipolysis uses light energy to heat to destroy fat cells and can be used in multiple areas of the body. Injection lipolysis uses a chemical administered with fine needles to destroy fat cells and is only FDA approved for use in the chin area.Learn MoreFighting Fat With Laser Lipolysis
Laser lipolysis uses light energy to heat to destroy fat cells and can be used in multiple areas of the body. Injection lipolysis uses a chemical administered with fine needles to destroy fat cells and is only FDA approved for use in the chin area.
Learn MoreFighting Fat With Laser Lipolysis
No form of lipolysis is used for weight loss or large amounts of fat removal.Learn MoreWhat to Know If You’re Considering Liposuction
No form of lipolysis is used for weight loss or large amounts of fat removal.
Learn MoreWhat to Know If You’re Considering Liposuction
Lipolysis is not usually painful, but you may feel sensations such as heat or cooling depending on the procedure used. A local anesthetic may be used to make injection lipolysis more comfortable.Learn MoreThe Risk of Infection After Plastic Surgery
Lipolysis is not usually painful, but you may feel sensations such as heat or cooling depending on the procedure used. A local anesthetic may be used to make injection lipolysis more comfortable.
Learn MoreThe Risk of Infection After Plastic Surgery
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Non-invasive fat removal: what can you expect?American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Non-surgical fat reduction.Thomas M, D’Silva J, Borole A.Injection lipolysis: a systematic review of literature and our experience with a combination of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate over a period of 14 years in 1269 patients of Indian and South East Asian origin.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2018;11(4):222. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_117_18 (doi link does not go to article, use direct link)Total Dermatology.What is lipolysis fat removal?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is injection lipolysis?Harvard Health.The skinny on freezing fat.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is laser lipolysis?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is radiofrequency lipolysis?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What should I expect during a consultation for nonsurgical fat reduction?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How much does nonsurgical fat reduction cost?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How do I choose a plastic surgeon for nonsurgical fat reduction?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about nonsurgical fat reduction?
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Non-invasive fat removal: what can you expect?American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Non-surgical fat reduction.Thomas M, D’Silva J, Borole A.Injection lipolysis: a systematic review of literature and our experience with a combination of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate over a period of 14 years in 1269 patients of Indian and South East Asian origin.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2018;11(4):222. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_117_18 (doi link does not go to article, use direct link)Total Dermatology.What is lipolysis fat removal?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is injection lipolysis?Harvard Health.The skinny on freezing fat.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is laser lipolysis?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is radiofrequency lipolysis?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What should I expect during a consultation for nonsurgical fat reduction?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How much does nonsurgical fat reduction cost?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How do I choose a plastic surgeon for nonsurgical fat reduction?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about nonsurgical fat reduction?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Non-invasive fat removal: what can you expect?American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Non-surgical fat reduction.Thomas M, D’Silva J, Borole A.Injection lipolysis: a systematic review of literature and our experience with a combination of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate over a period of 14 years in 1269 patients of Indian and South East Asian origin.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2018;11(4):222. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_117_18 (doi link does not go to article, use direct link)Total Dermatology.What is lipolysis fat removal?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is injection lipolysis?Harvard Health.The skinny on freezing fat.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is laser lipolysis?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is radiofrequency lipolysis?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What should I expect during a consultation for nonsurgical fat reduction?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How much does nonsurgical fat reduction cost?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How do I choose a plastic surgeon for nonsurgical fat reduction?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about nonsurgical fat reduction?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Non-invasive fat removal: what can you expect?
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Non-surgical fat reduction.
Thomas M, D’Silva J, Borole A.Injection lipolysis: a systematic review of literature and our experience with a combination of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate over a period of 14 years in 1269 patients of Indian and South East Asian origin.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2018;11(4):222. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_117_18 (doi link does not go to article, use direct link)
Total Dermatology.What is lipolysis fat removal?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is injection lipolysis?
Harvard Health.The skinny on freezing fat.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is laser lipolysis?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is radiofrequency lipolysis?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What should I expect during a consultation for nonsurgical fat reduction?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How much does nonsurgical fat reduction cost?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How do I choose a plastic surgeon for nonsurgical fat reduction?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about nonsurgical fat reduction?
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