Subcutaneous Fat Treatment – Types, Benefits, Results & Risks

Overview | Treatment types | Causes of subcutaneous fat | Procedure steps | Expected results

As expected, a lot of our weight loss goals surround losing excess fat that is visibly bulging beneath our skin. This type of visible fat, which is pinchable, is called subcutaneous fat. This type of fat is prominently seen as belly fat and causes a great deal of discomfort among people. 

The good news is that there are plenty of options for subcutaneous fat treatment. Today, I will answer some frequently asked questions on subcutaneous fat and its remedies. 

What are the important subcutaneous fat treatment options?

Diet and exercise are the best remedies for excess fat. Following healthy food habits and doing exercise in moderation can help you to lose subcutaneous fat. Crash diets can give quick results but not long-lasting results. In addition, there are many in-clinic treatments to lose subcutaneous fat. Let’s take a look at some of the main ones. 

1. Coolsculpting –This US FDA-approved treatment uses a method of freezing the fat to naturally eliminate it from the body. This technology is from Allergan and is great for body sculpting.
2. Kybella –This treatment is great for anyone who wants to remove excess fat under their chin minus any surgery. It is approved by the US FDA. The treatment is done through injections administered by a trained dermatologist.
3. Laser fat reduction (SculpSure) –This method of body sculpting is non-invasive. SculpSure uses an FDA-approved device to treat excess areas of fat and remove them with laser energy. This treatment can be popularly used on the abdomen and love handles.
4. Ultrasound fat reduction – Using ultrasound energy, sonic waves destroy fat cells by breaking them, so they can be metabolized in the body. This is a non-invasive treatment. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery recognizes ultrasound fat reduction as suitable for the flanks and the abdomen.
5. Red light therapy –This treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to enable fat cells to slowly reduce the volume of their contents and shrink. It is FDA-approved.
6. Body shock the ultimate body treatment by mesoestetic –This is a series of creams and pills by mesoestetic that works by decreasing the fat in six targeted areas of the body. These are the legs, breasts, abdomen and sides, buttocks, double chin, and arms.

What is the difference between subcutaneous fat and visceral fat?

The human body has two types of fats. Visceral fat is the type that cushions your organs and is responsible for ill-health. Subcutaneous fat is the type located just under your skin and really has no impact on your health. Harvard Health Publishing notes that close to 90% of body fat is subcutaneous in nature. Yet, though the visceral fat is less, it has a greater impact on your health. Excess subcutaneous fat along with visceral fat is an indication of a health problem. 

What are some causes of subcutaneous fat?

Subcutaneous fat is commonly caused by a sedentary lifestyle. People who consume more calories than they burn also have this type of fat. Also, patients who have diabetes are more likely to have subcutaneous fat. Finally, a report published by the National Health Service UK showed that genes cannot be blamed for this type of fat. 

Are there any advantages of having subcutaneous fat?

Surprisingly, subcutaneous fat has a protective role in the body. A research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information showed that subcutaneous fat in the leg leads to lowered disturbances in glucose metabolism. 

When is subcutaneous fat bad for us?

Excess subcutaneous fat is an indication of excess visceral fat, which is linked to many health complications. 

How do I know if I have a lot of subcutaneous fat?

Any part of your body that bulges under the skin is an indication of subcutaneous fat. You can pinch the area between your fingers. 

What are the benefits of non-surgical fat reduction?

The benefits of non-surgical fat reduction include no downtime and the absence of scars on the treated area. Plus, the treatment results are as good as permanent as long as you maintain your health and weight. 

Are there any limitations to this type of treatment?

Since the procedure of subcutaneous fat treatment is non-surgical, it has some limitations. The main drawback is that this treatment may not suit patients who have excess amounts of fat on their body, as they may need other supplementary weight reduction methods. Also, the results of fat loss through this procedure are not as significant as other invasive treatments like liposuction.  

Procedure steps carried out by a dermatologist

For body contouring treatments or stubborn fat removal, it is important to get a proper assessment done by a specialist and get a consultation on whether you are an ideal candidate for the treatment. 

All the treatments are non-surgical and require many sessions to see good results. CoolScutping is a USFDA-approved treatment for fat reduction, which helps to permanently remove the fat cells.

What results can I expect after the treatment?

The results of subcutaneous fat reduction depend on many factors such as the type of in-clinic treatment chosen and the patient’s own response to the treatment. For instance, SculpSure, UltraSound Fact Reduction, and Coolslulpting show results in around two to three months. Red Light Therapy shows results in a few hours. Your dermatologist will let you know what to expect. 

What are some future steps to avoid the reoccurrence of fat?

The best way to maintain the results of your subcutaneous fat treatment is by staying in shape. You should eat more protein and reduce the intake of sugar and carbohydrates. Doing aerobics exercises and strength training workouts also do wonders for your health. 

Is there any risk involved with these treatments?

Each type of in-clinic non-invasive fat-reduction treatment comes with its share of risks. For instance, CoolSculpting might lead to redness and numbness at the spot of treatment. Or, an ultrasound can lead to a minor burn. I encourage you to always seek treatment from a professional dermatologist to minimize the chance of anything going wrong.

Closing thoughts

With so many advancements in medicine and technology, you do not need to worry about getting the ideal body that you envision. I encourage you to speak to a dermatologist today to realize your weight and body goals. Finally, remember to eat right, stay fit, and look forward to happy, healthy days. 

References

1. Harvard Health Publishing – https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/taking-aim-at-belly-fat
2. National Health service UK – 
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2681034/
4. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery – https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/non-surgical/fat-reduction/