Q & A with Dr. Rucker: i-Lipo and Non-Invasive Fat Removal

Q: Do you or will you be offering the i-Lipo procedures? Also, please explain the technology behind non-invasive fat removal. - RP

A: Fat removal without surgery 

Treatments that work through the skin to reduce the fatty layers are considered non-invasive. Over the next 2 to 3 years we should expect to see several technological breakthroughs for this type of fat removal.. These treatments utilize energies to reduce the fatty layer without damaging the skin layer. These devices currently utilize ultrasound, radiofrequency energy or a combination of them. All of these devices are designed to deliver energy to fat and collagen cells within the skin to reduce the fatty layer and secondarily reduce body circumference.

Multiple treatments needed
Approximately 4 to 6 treatments may be required, depending on the patient. Each treatment may take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes. In those individuals maintaining a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise and proper diet, the results may last for up to 6-12 months. Maintenance treatments are generally required for most patients to retain their results.

Various treatments available 
Here is a brief review of some of the devices non-invasive fat removal. This is just a brief list and may not include every device out there. It is merely meant to give you an overview of what’s available and how some of these technologies work

Thermage® 
Thermage is a non-invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to tighten and contract collagen fibers that lie deep in the skin, reducing the appearance of fat in the process.. The draw back with this technique is that many patients feel it is too painful.

Cryolipolysis™
Cryolipolysis is a developing, non-invasive fat removal technology.   It claims to use cold to kill fat.  The claims are that, this fat-freezing process not only destroys unwanted fat cells, but also leaves surrounding tissue and skin unharmed. While Cryolipolysis has not yet received FDA approval for fat reduction, results from animal studies have been positive to date. Further clinical trials are currently underway. Sit tight.

LipoSonix®
LipoSonix is a technology which uses high-intensity ultrasound to warm, "melt," and remove pockets of unwanted fat. As with several other non-invasive techniques, dissolved or melted fat is naturally filtered out of the body via the lymphatic system and eventually excreted through urination. LipoSonix is still in development and has not received FDA-approval for use in the United States. 

VelaShape™
VelaShape is a procedure that uses radiofrequency and light energy to re-contour the body and "shrink" fatty tissue.

i-Lipo 
i-Lipo is a non-invasive fat reduction device that utilizes low energy lasers to reduce the fatty deposits.  It is FDA approved. However, I have concerns about the safety of laser technology for this purpose.  

UItraShape®
UltraShape is a new, non-surgical technique that uses ultrasound pulses claiming to "blast away" targeted fat cells, meanwhile keeping surrounding tissue safe and whole. The manufacturer claims it may remove unwanted fat and provide effective body contouring, claiming to reduce the circumference of treatment areas by 1 ½ inches (4 centimeters). Some patients have seen reductions as great as 4 inches (10 centimeters). UltraShape has not yet received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for use in the U.S. This is the technology that I am awaiting FDA approval of.  I have researched the device and I feel that better results with less discomfort can be attained. 

I will continue to post on my blog and keep you informed of any new developments in this field.  
JR