Image Credit: Huha | Unsplash

It’s stuck in your head (oh, oh, oh, Ozempic), it’s all over social media, and it’s all around you. Semaglutide treatments (a.k.a. Ozempic, Wegovy, Rebylsus) have taken the country by storm. [Oprah Winfrey, Amy Schumer, and Tracy Morgan](https://www.today.com/health/celebrities-on-ozempic-rcna129740) are just a few celebrities out of many who have jumped on the weight-loss drug bandwagon, but it’s not just for the rich and famous. Semaglutides are affording patients genuine results says [Dr. William Kennedy, MD,](https://aedit.com/provider/william-kennedy-md-26292), Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic Surgeon. It is hard to overstate the positive effects semaglutides will have on the cosmetic as well as medical community with drastic improvemetns in both ones cosmetic appearance as well as cardiopulmonary health.   It seems like just about everyone in NYC is on some form of semaglutide, says [David Shafer, MD,](https://aedit.com/provider/david-shafer-md-153) a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of Shafer Clinic in New York City. But, what exactly are semaglutide treatments, and what’s available on the market today? For everything you could ever want to know about the crazed weight-loss drug, read on.

### **What is Semaglutide?**

While frequently used for weight loss, semaglutide is actually an antidiabetic medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. The medication functions as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that is responsible for several digestive functions, like triggering the release of insulin and sending satiety signals to the brain. When a GLP-1 agonist medication (either a semaglutide or tirzepatide) is taken, it mimics the hormone and triggers the same effects. So, a semaglutide will act the same way as a naturally-occurring GLP-1 hormone, signaling satiety and releasing insulin to signal the body to convert glucose (sugar) into energy. Because of that, semaglutide treatments work effectively to reduce appetite and, subsequently, food intake. 

“We are seeing a number of patients who simply can't shed that extra 10 to 15 pounds despite exercise and proper diet choices. In many cases, this program allows them to jump-start their weight loss and fine-tune the results they already have achieved,” says [Gregory Buford, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/gregory-buford-md-1015), a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Lone Tree, CO. 

### **Risk Factors of Semaglutide**

When it comes to deciding whether or not semaglutide for weight loss is right for you, you’ll want to first look at your medical history. In addition to those with a history of heart disease, [William Bruno, MD,](https://aedit.com/provider/william-bruno-md-625) a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hill, says semaglutide treatments are not for patients with a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer, those who are pregnant, those who have suffered from or are currently managing an eating disorder, or those with a BMI under 27. 

That being said, [Jamie Gabel, PA-C,](https://www.myadvitam.com/provider/jamie-gabel-ms-pa-c) a certified physician assistant at New York’s Advitamin at the Shafer Clinic, says that because there are so many variables, the best way to determine if you would or wouldn't be a good candidate for GLP-1’s is through a consultation. 

“At Advitam, we always perform a comprehensive consultation and dig into our patient's health history and daily routine first. Our assessment also involves blood work, body composition analysis, and physical exam and then from there, we can better determine which medications/peptides would be most advantageous. It's not a cookie-cutter approach at Advitam, it's a customized well thought-out program,” says Jamie Gabel.

### **The Big Three: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus**

When it comes to semaglutide treatments, there are three main players on the market. The most well-known are Ozempic and Wegovy. The drug for both is the same (semaglutide), but they are prescribed with different doses and indications. While these two brands are injectables, there is also a semaglutide treatment in tablet form under the name Rybelsus. 

In addition to these three brands, a lot of practitioners will also compound semaglutide to personalize the treatment. “Compounding,” as Dr. Buford explains, effectively means that a specific drug is "compounded" or created by a specialized compounding pharmacy to match the exact formulation of the original drug. In this case, Ozempic and other GLP-1s can be compounded. When they are compounded, then they are referred to not by their trade name (e.g. Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus) but instead by their generic name (e.g. Semaglutide). From there, Dr. Buford says other additives, like vitamins and salts, can be added to create additional desired effects. 

At Dr. Buford’s practice, he offers a compounded semaglutide called Slim Shot because he finds it to be a more comprehensive approach to weight loss. “We know that our patients are going to lose weight and we also know that there will be changes to not only their overall body appearance but also more specifically to their skin, hair, nails, etc. So we discuss these anticipated changes early on and design a plan to specifically and proactively address these potentially unwanted ancillary changes so that as the weight comes off, our patients still look great. This is a big difference in our program as compared to many others that just focus on weight loss and not the patient's overall appearance,” Dr. Buford says.

### **Considerations of Semaglutide for Weight Loss**

When it comes to weighing the options (see what we did there?), there are a few things to consider. First, is budget and insurance coverage. Technically, Ozempic and [Rybelsus haven’t received FDA clearance for weight management](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-oral-glp-1-treatment-type-2-diabetes); the two have only been approved for people with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy, on the other hand, has been [FDA-approved](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014) specifically for weight management. The FDA states that Wegovy is indicated for those with a BMI of 30 or greater or a BMI of 27 or greater if there are associated health problems, like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Unless you meet the requirements set by the FDA, your insurance will most likely not cover your semaglutide prescription. When using semaglutide specifically for weight loss, a lot of programs do not go through insurance. Instead, patients will have to pay out of pocket. Dr. Buford says that since many of his patients are not trying to lose a massive amount of weight and are not diabetic, their treatment wouldn’t be covered by insurance.

Another consideration is your lifestyle and preferences for medication. Ozempic and Wegovy are at-home self-injectables that you administer once a week. Rybelsus is available as a tablet to be taken orally, but it needs to be taken daily. Each brand has a different dosage, so some might work better for others.

As with any drug, there can be side effects when taking semaglutide medication. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, tiredness, upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, gas, stomach flu, and heartburn.

### **How Long Can Semaglutide be Taken?** 

Lastly, it’s important to discuss a long-term plan for your semaglutide treatment. Currently, there are no set guidelines for how long someone should be on a semaglutide, so it really depends on the individual. Dr. Shafer, for instance, shared that he has been on it for about a year and a half and has lost about 30 pounds. And, [Wegovy’s safety and efficacy trial](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014) was over a 68-week period.

“From a patient perspective, I have learned new eating habits with smaller meals and avoidance of doughy foods which tend to cause some discomfort. So, no more bread, pasta, french fries, etc. Even if I miss a dose, I have learned to avoid those foods which has helped sustain my weight loss,” Dr. Shafer tells us. 

When stopping semaglutide, [research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35441470/) has shown that many patients gain the weight back since they often revert to their former lifestyles. So, if starting a semaglutide treatment, be aware that you’ll most likely need to have ongoing treatment for maximized results.

### **Experts Predict Semaglutide Treatments for Weight Loss are Here to Stay**

**Dr. Shafer:** Semaglutides and related treatments are definitely a game changer in the weight loss and plastic surgery world. As more understanding and protocols are developed we will see expanded uses and safety profiles. We have seen tremendous growth in our metabolic center, Advitam, at Shafer Clinic. Patients are becoming more sophisticated and understand that beauty and health start at the metabolic level so treating from the inside out is just as important as the external treatments we are performing for them. 

**Dr. Buford:** The GLP-1s are here to stay and we have only seen the tip of the iceberg in terms of their benefits. My prediction is that this sector is going to be the next BOTOX. What started as a drug for diabetics and more massive weight loss is now being used by many centers like mine for not only isolated weight loss but also before and after body contouring surgeries to effectively get at fat that surgery just can't reach. In doing so, we are seeing even better results with this combinative approach and I foresee that the entire category of GLP-1's are going to grow in popularity over time and become a more common part of our approach to total body rejuvenation. 

**Dr. Bruno:** I do believe that this class of injections for weight loss, as well as other peptides, is here to stay and more options will be available to patients over the course of the next few years. There will also be more clinical data available to support their use.

**Dr. Kennedy:** The remarkable weight loss resulting from Semaglutides use has resulted in drastic improvements in people's appearance as well as in their overall health. Exciting adoption of the drugs happens seemingly daily with most recently the Centers for Medicare approving coverage of the drug for patients with elevated cardiac risk factors. Semaglutides are the real deal and are certainly here to stay.

### **The Bottom Line**

GLP-1’s, specifically semaglutide, have completely transformed the weight loss industry. With a daily tablet or a weekly injectable, patients have experienced life-changing results. Just keep in mind that even though these treatments are miracle workers, you’ll still have to maintain a similar lifestyle to keep the weight off! 


Expert Opinion

A Comprehensive Guide to Medical Weight Loss Drugs

 The Current Skinny on Semaglutides

A Comprehensive Guide to Semaglutide: The Current Skinny on the World's Favorite Weight Loss Drug 

alexander-krivitskiy-rkc85-g-3iE-unsplash

To freeze or to melt? When it comes to stubborn fat, the answer is usually “get rid of it” — but in which manner should you do it? Fat ‘freezing’ and fat ‘melting’ are two of the most well known non-surgical [body contouring treatments](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-surgical-nonsurgical-body-contouring-procedures-for-women), and both utilize extreme temperatures (albeit at opposite ends of the thermometer) to make fat cells disappear. While both are noninvasive treatments for fat reduction, the body contouring techniques are not the same. So, what's the differences between the two? The AEDITION breaks it down. 

## **How Fat ‘Melting’ Works**
“Devices that cause fat cell death via heat are referred to as 'melting' fat,” explains [Julie Russak, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/julie-russak-md-4645), a board certified dermatologist in New York City. [SculpSure®](https://aedit.com/procedure/sculpsure) is one such treatment that uses high temperatures to destroy fat. “SculpSure® is a device that uses laser technology to non-invasively warm fat cells to a specific temperature — 107 to 116 degrees Fahrenheit — causing apoptosis (cell death) without compromising the skin,” Dr. Russak says. As such, ‘melting’ does not refer to an action that happens to the fat but rather plays on the process of the treatment utilizing heat to kill the fat cells. Full results are usually seen at the 12-week mark (after the body has time to eliminate the destroyed cells), and, on average, one session sees a 24 percent reduction of fat in the treated area.

## **How Fat ‘Freezing’ Works**  
“CoolSculpting® is a device that uses cryo technology to non-invasively target and freeze fat cells,” Dr. Russak shares. While fat cells will die at four degrees Celsius (around 39 degrees Fahrenheit), [CoolSculpting®](https://aedit.com/procedure/cool-sculpting) (a.k.a. cryolipolysis) cools to as low as -11 degrees Celsius in order to penetrate the several layers of fat cells beneath the surface of the skin. “Having fat cells exposed to freezing temperatures for a specific amount of time causes fat cell death,” she says. While it takes one to three months for the body to eliminate the dead fat cells, the results are permanent with a healthy lifestyle. Most patients experience a 20 to 25 percent reduction of fat in the treated area.
 
## **How Fat Melting & Fat Freezing Differ** 
Both fat melting and fat freezing procedures destroy fat cells through the application of extreme temperatures. “One is warming up fat cells to reach fat cell death, while the other is using cold/cryo to reach fat cell death,” Dr. Russak says. Both techniques are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and yield significant results for the right candidates. “These are not treatments intended for weight loss and do not work on visceral fat,” Dr. Russak cautions.  
 
The benefits of fat melting and freezing are that they do not require anesthesia, can be done during a workday (if desired), and have virtually no downtime. They do, however, work best after multiple sessions and results require patience (it’ll be six weeks before you notice much of anything). There is also a limit to how much the fat can be reduced, and the treatments are not suitable for those with a higher amount of body fat. 

How else do they differ? Here’s the breakdown: 
 
### **SculpSure®** 
- **Session Time**: About 25 minutes 
- **Sessions Required**: 2 to 3 sessions, spaced 6 weeks apart
- **Areas Targeted**: Stomach, thighs, back, abdomen, and chin
- **Ideal Candidate**: Someone with a healthy lifestyle looking to get rid of stubborn fat 
- **Side Effects**: Some patients experience temporary discomfort during the treatment; any bruising or swelling subside in a week 
- **Results**: May be seen within 4 weeks, but the final results take up to 12 weeks 
- **Downtime**: None

### **CoolSculpting®** 
- **Session Time**: 30 - 45 minutes   
- **Sessions Required**: 2 to 3 sessions for best results
- **Areas Targeted**: Hips, thighs, back, arms, stomach, and chin
- **Ideal Candidate**: Someone with a healthy lifestyle looking to get rid of stubborn fat 
- **Side Effects**: Some patients experience mild to moderate discomfort lasting a few days; any bruising or swelling subside in a week 
- **Results**: As early as 3 weeks post-op, but final results appear in 4 to 6 months
- **Downtime**: None

In a review published by the [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology](https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/%22Hands-Free%22-Noninvasive-Body-Contouring-Devices%3A-Chilukuri-Mueller/f93d1a2693b76743768ce09ad822805497f5e4d0/figure/1), CoolSculping® produced a reduction in fat layer thickness by 14 percent, with a 73 percent patient satisfaction. The layer of fat thickness reduced by SculpSure®, meanwhile, was 11 percent but had a 90 percent patient satisfaction rate. 

## **So, Do Fat Melting & Freezing Work?**
“Yes, they work,” Dr. Russak says. “Treatments that cause fat cell death are permanent and the cells do not reproduce.” For best results, patients are encouraged to maintain their weight, though the lack of fat cells has long term benefits. “While you can still gain weight after being treated, you will have fewer cells in the treatment area to expand, helping keep the contour of post-treatment results,” she explains.  
 
Both SculpSure® and CoolSculping® are viable treatment options for patients who have a healthy body mass index (BMI) but cannot seem to get rid of specific fat pockets with diet and exercise alone. “Treatments work best on stubborn areas of excess fat,” Dr. Russak says, adding that the treatments could even be good for “anyone who’s gained a few pounds” during quarantine. 
 
## **The Takeaway** 
Body contouring procedures are a popular way to get rid of stubborn fat that won't budge [despite a healthy lifestyle](https://aedit.com/aedition/why-you-should-lose-weight-before-plastic-surgery). “The human body stops producing fat cells in puberty,” Dr. Russak explains. While melting and freezing fat are solutions for fat reduction, they are not to be confused with weight loss. “As we gain or lose weight, fat cells expand and contract,” she continues. Ultimately, these procedures are meant to complement a holistic diet and exercise plan, not replace it. “While the cells disappear, they do not shrink and stay small,” she shares. “It is dependent on a proper lifestyle.” 

Aesthetics

The terms fat ‘freezing’ and ‘melting’ are used interchangeably, but the treatments that promise to get rid of stubborn fat are not the same. So, what’s the difference? The AEDITION breaks it down.

The Difference Between Fat Melting With SculpSure And Fat Freezing With CoolSculpting

Fat Melting vs. Fat Freezing: What's The Difference?

shutterstock 417086011-min

We’ve all entertained some version of the same fantasy: skipping the gym in favor of a Netflix marathon while still losing weight. Well, what was once dismissed as a daydream is increasingly becoming a reality. Recent advances combined with new applications of existing technology have turned non-surgical body contouring into big business, providing both plastic surgeons and patients with a range of alternatives to traditional subcutaneous [fat removal](https://aedit.com/procedure/power-assisted-liposuction). While surgeons universally agree there is still no substitute for [liposuction surgery](https://aedit.com/procedure/tumescent-liposuction), several technologies do deliver subtle results with significantly less recovery time.

Let’s be clear: non-invasive body contouring treatments are not a substitute for significant weight loss or maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. According to board certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon [Payman Danielpour, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/payman-danielpour-md-797), good candidates for these cosmetic fat reduction treatments are “those who diet and exercise but who have resistant fat deposits. If they’re in shape, a non-invasive option is fantastic.” On the other hand, he says, “Sometimes I end up telling patients that they’re not going to get the results they’re looking for. If they are overweight or they have loose skin from losing weight, then surgery is the more realistic option. It all depends on the amount of fat being targeted and their goals. Each individual is different.”

Still, plenty of people fed up with their stubborn fat pockets are flocking to doctor’s offices and treatment centers for these body ‘tweakments’. They also pair well with other non-invasive treatments and/or surgical procedures. “We have clients who come in for CoolSculpting® on their love handles and we treat their six-pack with EMSculpt® as well,” says Dr. Danielpour. Multitasking frequently extends to facial treatments, too. “We’ll do [HydraFacials®](https://aedit.com/procedure/hydrafacial) while [body contouring](https://aedit.com/procedure/abdominoplasty), or [PRP microneedling](https://aedit.com/procedure/microneedling-with-prp)," he says. "The beauty of this is they just walk right out afterwards. The discomfort that you have with surgical treatment is far more than doing a non-invasive procedure.” 

Fantasizing about shedding fat from the comfort of your couch? While we can’t make any promises, here’s the skinny on three of today’s most popular fat-blasters.

## **Freeze It**

Since 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved [CoolSculpting®](https://aedit.com/procedure/cool-sculpting) and it has been helping patients eliminate excess fat from the belly, flanks, thighs, back, upper arms, and most recently, double chin. The machine, which requires “enough fat to pinch,” according to Dr. Danielpour, works by suctioning the skin that surrounds the fat cells, then cooling the area until the fat cells freeze and die – a process known as cryolipolysis. “In terms of non-surgical fat reduction, there is nothing better than CoolSculpting® on the market," he says. "You can take the probes and put them just about anywhere on the body, and on average, 25 percent of the fat will be gone in three months.” 

### **The Skinny**

- **Cost Per Session:** $750 per area per treatment. “The love handles are two areas,” says Dr. Danielpour. 

- **Treatment Sessions Required:** According to Dr. Danielpour, “Most people require two sessions per area.”

- **Duration:** About 30 minutes to an hour per area.

- **Pain/Discomfort:** Patients with sensitive skin may be uncomfortable as the machine numbs the skin, but after that, there is usually no pain. In Dr. Danielpour’s experience, “Sometimes there can be a little bit of nerve pain that will resolve in a couple of weeks," but it's usually temporary.

- **Downtime/Side Effects:** None.

- **Results:** Noticeable changes as soon as a few weeks; full results develop over two to six months as the body flushes out the dead fat cells. 

- **Fat Reduction:** According to company data and Dr. Danielpour’s estimates, around 25 percent.

- **Muscle Increase:** None.

- **FDA-Approved:** Yes.

- **Risks:** Temporary nerve damage that generally resolves in a matter of weeks, as well as something called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) – a phenomenon that actually causes the fat cells to grow and harden in response to the extreme cold. Also known as the “stick of butter” effect for its rectangular resemblance to the machine’s suction probe, the complication occurs in fewer than one percent of CoolSculpting® cases. Fortunately, the problem is completely solvable, according to Dr. Danielpour. “I’ve never had a case of it in my practice, but I was referred to a patient who had it. I performed liposuction, and the patient was fine," he says.

- **Maintenance:** None.

### **What It's Like**

“I was concerned about stubborn fat on my flanks and lower abdomen,” says Athena, who got CoolSculpting® from Dr. Danielpour. The treatment itself was “very cold, but tolerable. The cold feeling eventually subsided and became numb," she says. "The two-minute massage of the treatment area immediately afterward was not very comfortable. It feels tender and numb, almost as if your skin is thawing out.” Athena was able to resume normal activities right away, including a workout the next day, in spite of being slightly sore in the treatment area. She began to see results in about six weeks, “although full results did not take effect until the three month mark.” Athena was so pleased with her initial CoolSculpting® results that she opted to re-treat the same area as well as other areas like her flanks and inner thighs. "CoolSculpting® helped the bulge on my lower abdomen decrease, where now my abdomen is almost completely flat,” she says. 

## **Melt It**

Promising shorter treatment times with similar results as Coolsculpting®, Cynosure's [SculpSure®](https://aedit.com/procedure/sculpsure) eliminates stubborn pockets of pudge by selectively heating fat cells through controlled, low-level laser energy. The body contouring treatment is currently approved by the FDA to address excess fat found in the abdomen, flanks, back, inner and outer thighs, and under the chin. According to company data, each 25-minute treatment permanently destroys up to 24 percent of targeted fat cells. The body naturally expels the dead fat cells through the lymphatic system over the course of six to 12 weeks.

### **The Skinny**

- **Cost Per Session:** On average, $400 per panel per treatment. Most patients require a maximum of four panels to treat the abdominal area, for an average total of about $1,600 for that area.

- **Treatment Sessions Required:** According to SculpSure®’s website, patients generally benefit the  most from a series of treatments.

- **Duration:** About 25 minutes per area.

- **Pain/Discomfort:** Most patients experience a strong warming sensation followed by periods of cooling. Because everyone’s pain tolerance is different, mild to moderate discomfort has been reported.

- **Downtime/Side Effects:** There are no activity restrictions, though patients have reported mild swelling and tenderness in the treated area for a couple of days. 

- **Results:** Full results develop over six to12 weeks as the body expels the dead fat cells. 

- **Fat Reduction:** According to company data, around 24 percent.

- **Muscle Increase:** None.

- **FDA-Approved:** Yes.

- **Risks:** While there are no known risks or complications, anyone pregnant should not use the technology.

- **Maintenance:** None.

## **Work It**

“We’re very excited about EMSculpt®,” says Dr. Danielpour. “It’s the only technology that builds muscle using a high intensity focused electromagnetic field, which induces powerful muscle contractions that you can’t do yourself.” FDA-approved for use in the abdominal and gluteal areas, one session with this machine essentially provides more crunches and squats than humanly possible. “It’s like doing 20,000 situps in 30 minutes or more squats than you could ever imagine.” Those intense repetitions, known as “supramaximal” muscle contractions, build muscle and induce lipolysis, or fat cell death. The machine has variable settings, which the provider controls according to the patient’s tolerance level. Four sessions over the course of a couple of weeks are purported to leave a relatively fit person looking like they’ve spent the last six months toiling in the gym. But like any workout regimen, this body contouring treatment requires regular maintenance: one session every three to six months is recommended to keep that sleek physique.

### **The Skinny**

- **Cost Per Session:** $1,000 per area.

- **Treatment Sessions Required:** Generally, four over the course of two to three weeks.
 
- **Duration:** About 30 minutes per session.
 
- **Pain/Discomfort:** While it’s not regarded as painful, the sensation has been described as a strange, slightly uncomfortable vibration by some. 
 
- **Downtime/Side Effects:** Mild muscle soreness afterward, similar to that of working out.
 
- **Results:** Patients describe feeling more toned immediately following treatment; full results develop within a few weeks following the fourth session.
 
- **Fat Reduction:** According to company data, 16 percent average.
 
- **Muscle Increase:** 19 percent on average.

- **FDA-Approved:** Yes.
 
- **Risks:** While there are no known risks or complications, anyone with metal in their body (like rods, pins, copper IUDs, pacemakers, etc.) cannot use the technology.
 
- **Maintenance:** One session every three to six months is recommended.

### **What It's Like**

CoolSculpting® patient Athena also opted for EMSculpt® sessions “to tone my abdomen in addition to reducing a small pocket of fat. You periodically feel your abdomen contract (I was able to tolerate it at the highest setting right away). The only uncomfortable part of this treatment was that the placement made it difficult for me to avoid feeling a contraction near my hip flexor.” Athena was able to resume her normal exercise routine the next day, with some slight soreness. “In comparison to CoolSculpting®, EMSculpt® treatment was definitely more comfortable. Immediately after the treatment, I saw a contraction of my abdomen with more definition of my muscles.” It took Athena close to two months to see the final results. “Initially, I did not think I saw any long term results. However, once I approached the eight-week mark, I noticed my abdomen felt tighter, and indeed the tiny pocket of fat on my lower abdomen had decreased.” Although she describes the results of EMSculpt® as significantly more subtle than that of CoolSculpting®, Athena recommends both, saying that EMSculpt® “provided extra definition to my abdomen.”

It’s important to remember that while these non-invasive body [contouring techniques](https://aedit.com/aedition/8-non-invasive-cosmetic-treatments-that-save-you-time) don’t carry the same risks associated with plastic surgery, they are medically regulated procedures best performed by highly trained professionals. When deciding which fat reduction method is right for you, it all comes down to the goals and expectations you discuss with your aesthetic surgeon. 

And before you get excited about having your cake and eating it, too, remember: although these non-surgical treatments really do get rid of fat for good, they’re not a free pass from living a sensible lifestyle. For optimal results, patients need to stick to a healthy regimen. Says Dr. Danielpour, “We’re all born with a set number of fat cells. These treatments actually kill the fat cells. In the treated area, you won’t be able to gain weight. The one thing I tell people is if you maintain your weight, you will see a very nice result. If you gain like 30 pounds, your arms and legs will get bigger. If you gain weight, all bets are off.”

Technological advancements in body contouring have made fat loss easier than ever before. As long as you know what to expect.