Alternatives

If laser lipolysis still sounds a bit too invasive for you then there are other options which can be effective on small, loacialised areas of fat.

Laser Lipo

Although they may sound similar, Laser Lipo is a different treatment to laser lipolysis that reduces unwanted fat without the need for general or local anaesthetic. It uses two large diode laser paddles, which are placed on the fatty areas and two smaller Probe lasers are placed over lymphatic glands. The Laser Lipo will then be switched on for 10 minutes, relocated and switched on for a further 10 minutes a process which is then repeated. The breaking down of the fat cells starts when the laser penetrates the skin and makes contact with the fat cells. Pores form on the cells, causing them to ‘sweat’. The water, Glycerol and free fatty acids emerge from the cells and then occupy the space beneath the fatty layer in the skin. The fat cells reduce in size and the lymphatic system then removes the fatty liquids through the venous system, where they are processed in the same way as fatty foods that are digested. The treatment takes around an hour and has little or no recovery time. You can lose between 0.5 and 3 inches per treatment. The treatment is finished with 10 minutes on a vibration plate machine. Laser Lipo costs around £190 per treatment (£1,500 for a course of eight).

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a technique that involves having lots of tiny injections into problems areas of fat in order to break the fat down. The fluid injected is a cocktail of vitamins and different medications designed to break down fat. The treatment is particularly good for dealing with cellulite but can also minimise fat on the stomach, thighs, chin and love handles. It takes around 35-45 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated and you will need a course of treatments to get the best results. The side effects of mesotherapy are relatively minor and you can resume normal activities immediately. It usually costs around £200 per treatment or £1,500 for a course of eight.

Ultrasound

Treatments like Ultrashape use ultrasound frequencies to break down fat on targeted areas of the body. The treatment is particularly good for stubborn fat on the abdomen, thighs and hips. During the procedure you lie on a bed while the treating practitioner runs a hand-held device over your problem areas. The ultrasound beams penetrate the skin, without causing any damage to nerves or blood vessels, and destroy the fat cells. The skin may feel warm and slightly uncomfortable during treatment but there is no pain involved and no recovery time. You can sometimes get a small bit of bruising but this is rare. The treatment takes between 45 and 90 minutes to complete and you may require a course of treatments to get the best results. The best candidates for this treatment weigh no more than 6kg (just under a stone) over their ideal weight.

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency energy can be used to simultaneously break down fat and tighten the skin. Body contouring procedures with radiofrequency are virtually painless (you may feel a warm or sometimes hot sensation on the area being treated). The energy from the radiofrequency device causes fat cells to break down so that the body can metabolise the fat. This procedure is very non-invasive and takes between 30 and 40 minutes to perform. There is no downtime involved and the procedure is incredibly safe. You will not get as dramatic results as with laser lipolysis but this treatment is particularly good for cellulite and for people who also have lax skin in the areas they are concerned about. Treatment costs around £200 per area and you will usually need a course of eight with results lasting up to two years.