Comparing Non-Invasive Fat Loss Technologies

If you are a consumer looking to lose unwanted stubborn fat there is good news, you have options. How do you know what option is best for you? There is a wealth of information you can find online, but the information is scattered making comparisons difficult. Today I will be comparing multiple non-invasive fat loss technologies to help you determine what option is best for you. Information was pulled from the respective device manufacturer’s websites and is included below.

Ultrashape® http://www1.candelamedical.com/ap/provider/product/ultrashape-power

UltraShape ® or Ultrashape Power® uses non-thermal ultrasound energy waves and is known by many as ultrasonic cavitation. These waves break down fat cells in the targeted area which ultimately kills the fat cells. Your body processes and removes the destroyed cells. Because your body has to destroy and eliminate fat cells it takes at least 2 weeks to see results with optimal results achieved within 12 weeks based on the recommended 3 treatments. Per the manufacturer’s website, 3 thirty-minute sessions result in a 2.4-2.6 cm (approximately 1 inch) circumference reduction in the treated area. Ultrashape® can only be used on the abdomen and thighs. Because the technology ultimately kills your fat cells it can lead to dysmorphic fat accumulation – if you gain weight (fat) after the procedure, the fat that would have gone to the killed fat cells is redirected to other parts of the body. The procedure requires little or no downtime, patients report minor discomfort or no discomfort during the procedure with erythema and reddening of the skin as potential side effects. Ultrashape® does not tighten loose skin so additional skin tightening treatments could be needed depending on skin elasticity.

UltraSlim® https://wardphotonics.com/ultraslim.php?t=Ultraslim

UltraSlim® uses high-powered, patented LED red light and is the only non-invasive device FDA-cleared for immediate fat loss. UltraSlim demonstrated a 100% efficacy rate in clinical trials, patients lost an average of 3.5 inches immediately following one 32-minute treatment. UltraSlim uses patented 635nm LED red light to open pores within your fat cells allowing fat contents to drain out. The pores stay open for up to 72 hours, patients lose an additional 1.25 inches in the 3 days post-treatment increasing the average inch loss to 4.75 inches. UltraSlim providers offer a 2-inch loss money-back guarantee if you don’t lose 2 inches immediately following your first treatment. UltraSlim® is the safest body sculpting device with no negative side effects reported, it is a risk category 1 device (same risk category as a tongue depressor). In addition to being the safest device, UltraSlim is also the most effective (per clinical trial data). UltraSlim® is also FDA-cleared for the reduction of pain and inflammation as well as skin tightening & rejuvenation, so you get 3 benefits in 1 treatment. UltraSlim procedures are considered “touchless transformations” because the device doesn’t touch your skin, you lay 1-2 inches under a 23’ x 17’ inch light that is warm to the touch but not hot enough to burn you. Patients report the procedure is extremely relaxing. A major factor in the outstanding results UltraSlim provides is the fact that non-coherent (spreading) light is used as opposed to a laser (single light beam) or ultrasonic waves which uses a transducer (wand) to affect fat loss in what amounts to be a much smaller treatment area.

Coolsculpting® https://www.coolsculpting.com/

Coolsculpting® uses cryolipolysis which literally means it freezes and kills fat cells. Coolsculpting is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges under the chin and jawline, thigh, abdomen, and flank, along, with back fat, banana roll, and upper arm. Coolsculpting® is considered a non-invasive treatment, however, there is more discomfort and pain associated with the procedure than other compared devices which include mild pinching, intense cold, stinging, aching, and cramping at the treatment site. While Coolsculpting is a more well-known option for non-invasive fat loss it has gained some headlines and notoriety for the wrong reasons recently. Linda Evangelista, a model who used CoolSculpting for fat loss, was diagnosed with paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), a rare side effect where the freezing process in CoolSculpting causes the fatty tissue to thicken and expand. These protrusions are hard to the touch, not soft like the subcutaneous fat in your body. While CoolSculpting states this rare side effect happens in less than 1% of the cases, many people openly questioned if this number was accurate. While Evangelista’s case was severe, we have seen patients who had milder versions of this in our practice, where the skin was hard and protruded in the area they received Coolsculpting treatments. These protrusions are impenetrable through non-invasive fat-loss techniques and often can’t even be fixed with liposuction. Per the device manufacturer’s website, it can take 1-3 months to see results with full results taking 6 months or more.

SculpSure® https://www.sculpsure.com/

SculpSure®, sometimes referred to as laser lipo, is a laser that uses a specific wavelength of light that heats up subcutaneous fat to break down and ultimately kill fat cells in the treated area. There is a constant cooling mechanism that helps keep the skin from being damaged during the procedure, most patients feel a deep warmth and/or tingling sensation intermittently throughout the treatment which is generally well-tolerated. SculpSure® procedures last about 25 minutes and a package of treatments is usually recommended to see optimal results. Because SculpSure® works by killing fat cells, optimal results are typically seen 12 weeks after the procedure. SculpSure® is FDA-cleared to reduce fat in the belly, love handles, back, thighs, and under the chin. Side effects include redness and tenderness of the skin which typically resolves in a couple of days. Local swelling, bruising, or tissue firmness and nodules may occur after treatment and can last a few weeks. For those who develop nodules, it is recommended to massage the area 2 times per day for 12 weeks or until your next treatment. SculpSure treatment. These are not harmful and may last a few days to a few weeks. SculpSure® does not tighten loose skin which could create the need for skin tightening treatments.

In conclusion

All 4 technologies are FDA cleared for fat loss and are considered non-invasive. UltraShape ®, Coolsculpting®, and SculpSure® all kill your fat cells which means it will take 12 weeks or more to see optimal results and fat loss can be uneven around the treated area leading to dimpling of the skin. Pain, reddening, swelling bruising, and skin protrusions are potential side effects with these 3 technologies.

UltraSlim® is the only device that provides immediate fat loss results and also has no reported side effects (other than weight loss). UltraSlim® is also the only device of the 4 that is FDA-cleared for skin tightening, meaning it tightens skin in the treated area where fat is lost. UltraSlim® treatments are completely painless, it is FDA cleared for the reduction of pain and inflammation making it the only option where pain in the treated area is reduced, as opposed to increased post-treatment.