Without making any incisions, a non-surgical tummy tuck eliminates small, discrete pockets of fat and tightens the skin of the abdomen.
And it can be accomplished with cryotherapy, radiofrequency, laser, magnetic resonance, ultrasound, and other technologies.
Because it causes little discomfort, leaves no scars, and requires no recovery time, many patients prefer this procedure to a regular tummy tuck.
But not everyone qualifies as a candidate for an alternative to surgery. You should be aware of some things before choosing to receive this treatment.
What Is a Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck?
Non-surgical tummy tucks reduce the tummy by breaking down fat (lipolysis) and triggering the skin's synthesis of new collagen (neocollagenesis).
Fat is usually eliminated from the body through freezing or heating. The fat cells may occasionally just be pierced to cause them to contract.
Conversely, skin tightening results from a thermal injury within the skin, which causes collagen to contract and remodel.
Each scenario has some "injury" to the skin and fat cells.
It should be emphasized that a non-surgical tummy tuck is not intended to help you lose weight. It merely makes the abdomen look tighter and smoother.
Who Is Suitable for A Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck?
A non-surgical tummy tuck might be right for you if you are in good health.
• You are a close relative to your optimal weight.
• You have a few little, persistent fat deposits.
• Your skin isn't excessively loose.
• Your expectations are reasonable.
It's crucial to realize that a non-surgical tummy tuck won't produce rapid effects.
But for individuals who want to avoid general anesthesia or extensive recovery durations, it might be an intelligent choice.
How Does a Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck Work?
Cryolipolysis, laser, high-intensity focused electromagnetic field, ultrasound, and radiofrequency therapy are non-surgical tummy tuck options.
Let's examine each of their functions in further detail.
Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis, often known as fat freezing, is a non-invasive procedure for body reshaping and fat removal.
This method uses a handheld instrument to draw the target tissue into a vacuum suction cup. There, it is cooled for 30 to 60 minutes to a temperature of -10°C.
Since the surrounding epidermis, blood vessels, nerves, and muscles are not harmed by cryolipolysis, it solely affects the subcutaneous fat cells beneath the skin.
However, the treatment causes the fat cells' death because of the cold harm. The end outcome is an inflammatory reaction that kills fat cells.
Around three weeks following the therapy, the results will start to show. However, you won't see the ultimate results for almost six months.
In addition, four months after the procedure, you can experience some skin tightening. It's unclear why that occurs.
However, a study published in Dermatologic Surgery suggests that it might happen due to "cold-based thermal insult to the skin." That may cause the skin to begin producing new collagen, which tightens the skin.
You may need to undertake one or more sessions of this treatment in the interim, spaced roughly two months apart from one another.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
To remove fat from, the body, laser therapy functions slightly differently. Instead of killing the fat cells, it makes microscopic holes in their membranes that let lipids escape. For this, wavelengths of 635 nm are emitted on the target area for about 30 minutes using a multiprobe instrument. You won't see benefits immediately either because it will take time for the body to get rid of the ejected fat. You could require 6–8 treatment sessions, 2-3 times per week, to notice any benefits. Some device manufacturers assert that you can already tell a change after the first session. You might have to wait a few weeks for that, though.
Additionally, low-level laser therapy will increase the skin's collagen and elastin production.
High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Technology (HIFEM)
The abdominal muscles are worked out using high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology, which helps thicken and strengthen them.
In only one 30-minute session, its technology (EmSculpt) contracts the abdominal muscles roughly 20,000 times. These contractions on their own may contribute to the death of additional fat cells by assisting in the breakdown of fat cells.
To eliminate even more fat cells in the target area, a different gadget called EmSculpt Neo combines HIFEM and radiofrequency.
Patients receive recommendations for four treatments spaced 5–10 days apart. After that, maintenance visits can be scheduled every three to six months. After your last treatment, results should show themselves in around three months.
HIFEM no longer promotes collagen synthesis on its own. However, building more muscle might help reduce the look of loose skin.
However, it will undoubtedly also affect the general condition of your skin when combined with radiofrequency. This is because thermal harm from radiofrequency will occur.
Radiofrequency Therapy
Heat is used in radiofrequency therapy to cause fat cells' apoptosis (death).
For 30 minutes, the skin is heated to about 45°C using an applicator. The device has a built-in cooling system to prevent heat harm to the skin.
This treatment may require up to four treatments, spaced out by seven days each. Additionally, the effects will gradually become increasingly apparent after a few months.
Remember that radiofrequency tightens your skin by contracting the collagen in your skin while promoting the generation of even more.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Therapy
Radiofrequency and ultrasound therapy both operate similarly.
In this instance, an applicator also applies ultrasonic waves to the target area's fat, which has been heated to about 56°C.
Heat breaks down fat cells, which the body eliminates, and stimulates the growth of new collagen in the skin.
It depends on the patient, but one treatment session can be sufficient. This treatment may require 2-3 treatments, spaced roughly 3–4 weeks apart.
Naturally, it will take a few months for the results from this as well to become more apparent. However, after only the first session, you might already see a difference.
What Are the Downsides of a Regular Tummy Tuck?
A typical belly tuck has some drawbacks compared to a non-surgical tummy tuck, even though you can get more dramatic results.
These are listed below:
Visible Scarring
Patients have noticeable scars after a surgical tummy tuck because incisions must be made. They could appear pretty red as well. These scars do, however, eventually fade and are not permanent.
You might have a horizontal scar (running from hip to hip) over the pubic region and above the belly button, depending on your tummy tuck.
Or, if not much skin and fat need to be removed, there will only be a little scar seen above the pubic region.
Extended Recovery Time
A tummy tuck has a lengthy recovery period because it is an invasive surgical operation requiring general anesthesia.
A few adverse effects (such as swelling and numbness) can take several months to go away, even though recovery times can vary based on the operation, age, and health.
In contrast to a non-surgical tummy tuck, patients typically need to wait a few weeks before returning to their regular activities.
How Luviacure Can Transform Your Body with Their Seasoned Surgeons
At Luviacure, our surgeons can perform a minor or full abdominoplasty on you if the non-surgical options for a tummy tuck are not an option for you.
Based on the quantity of extra tissue and fat you have and your objectives and expectations, they will create a treatment plan specifically designed for you.
We invite you to contact us with any questions concerning the procedure or its alternatives.