Lipocavitation: the treatment that eliminates localized fat

Currently, there is a growing number of people who resort to aesthetic treatments in search of improvements in some details of the body, which, for one reason or another, bother them. They are even the ideal path for those who do not want to undergo plastic surgery.

And, today, good treatment options abound. So much so that many people find themselves in doubt about which option is best for each case.

Among the most talked about aesthetic treatments today is lipocavitation, also called by some people “blunt lipo”, very suitable for those who want to eliminate localized fat from parts of the body such as the abdomen, waist or thighs.

Regiane Salinas, dermatofunctional physical therapist at Clínica Ame-se! Saúde e Aesthetics, explains that lipocavitation is a non-invasive and painless aesthetic treatment, which uses ultrasound to eliminate the accumulation of fat located in a certain region.

How is lipocavitation performed?

In the procedure, an ultrasound is delivered through a device directly into the area to be treated. It is necessary to use a gel for the ultrasound to be transmitted properly.

Regiane explains that the waves emitted by the ultrasound reach the subcutaneous layer, reaching the fat cells. “These waves generate agitation in the cells by producing bubbles inside them. With the agitation, the adipocytes break, releasing the fat inside, which is now divided into fatty acid and glycerol. The fatty acid binds to a substance called albumin and is eliminated by the liver; glycerol, on the other hand, is water soluble, so it is easily eliminated through the lymphatic system and urine,” he says.

In other words: “Lipocavitation is an ultrasound technology that causes the generation of vacuum microbubbles inside the liquid that is between the cells, caused by low-frequency ultrasound. The microbubbles explode inwards, pressing the adipose tissue until they break the membrane of the fat cells and causing this accumulated fat to come out without causing damage to the surrounding tissues. The fat will be eliminated naturally by the body, through the lymphatic, urinary and excretory system”, says Suelli Domingues, cosmetologist and owner of Deep Laser.

In other words, the great differential of lipocavitation is that, unlike other treatments known on the market, it has the ability to eliminate fat cells.

Natasha Costa, physical therapist, lipocavitation specialist and manager of The Spa, explains that the treatment is performed on a specific area of ​​the body. “The ultrasound can be applied from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the amount of regional fat (the assessment of the appropriate time will be made by the physical therapist). The next application can only be done after 72 hours,” she says.

Regiane adds that the number of sessions is indicated by the professional according to each case, after an evaluation. But, generally, 10 sessions of the procedure are recommended.

What is the treatment indicated for?

Physiotherapist Regiane explains that lipocavitation is indicated in cases of localized fat and improves body contour. “It is not a treatment for weight loss, that is, it is not indicated for cases of obesity”, she says.

“With the improvement of localized fat, consequently, there is also an improvement in the appearance of cellulite, but this is not its main focus”, highlights Regiane.

Natasha adds that the treatment is a good option for those who have localized fat and are struggling to lose it only with diet and physical activity.

The procedure is indicated for places where there is excess fat, such as abdominal areas, waist and thighs, and also the back (where the so-called “bra fats” are located).

Sueli adds that lipocavitation is very efficient where the fat fold is thickest.

It is worth mentioning that the treatment must be combined with a healthy diet and physical exercises, in order to enhance the effects and allow the maintenance of the results of lipocavitation.

Results

After evaluation, the professional must indicate the number of appropriate sessions according to each case. Generally, 10 sessions are recommended.

Physiotherapist Natasha adds that, to see results, a minimum of four sessions must be performed. “But usually the real result starts to show in the seventh session,” she says.

Sueli points out that a maximum of 40 sessions should be held. The price of each session can vary greatly according to the region and also with the chosen clinic, and can be between R$80 to R$270.

In the videos below you can see demonstrations of lipocavitation:

Contraindications

Not everyone can bet on lipocavitation. Natasha highlights that: high levels of triglycerides (high cholesterol), liver disease (liver disease), history of labyrinthitis and kidney failure are absolute contraindications.

Regiane adds that the procedure is not indicated for pregnant women, diabetic patients, patients with heart disease, thrombosis, prostheses or metal plates in the body and patients with obesity.

Care before and after treatment

It is recommended that those who wish to undergo lipocavitation undergo cholesterol and triglyceride tests to ensure that there are no changes that compromise the safety of the method.

Regiane points out that, prior to treatment, no special preparation is necessary, only a good assessment by the professional.

Natasha explains that on the day of treatment, a low-calorie diet and intake of more than 1.5 liters of water is recommended.

“After the session, the practice of physical exercises is recommended to eliminate the fat that was released, thus preventing it from accumulating again”, highlights Regiane.

Sueli adds that the client can return to normal activities soon after the treatment. “During the 72 hours after the application you should not eat foods with fats”, she says.

After performing the procedure, lymphatic drainage can help optimize results.

Lipocavitation and other types of treatment

With so many aesthetic treatments available today, not everyone knows the difference between them all. Below you can see the similarities and differences of lipocavitation in relation to other widely discussed procedures.

Lipocavitation vs carboxytherapy

Natasha explains that carboxytherapy is the application of carbon dioxide under the skin through injections. “Gas increases blood flow and local oxygenation and, therefore, has more results in cellulite treatments. If associated with lipocavitation, it can help the skin firmness and support,” she says.

Regiane points out that the big difference between the two pieces of equipment is the way they work. “In the case of carboxytherapy, the treatment is invasive and painful and is carried out by introducing carbon dioxide. Lipocavitation is an ultrasound, the technique is neither invasive nor painful.”

Lipocavitation vs cryolipolysis

Natasha explains that cryolipolysis has the same indication as lipocavitation and works in a similar way. “It is indicated for the reduction of localized fats, however, it does so by cooling. The cell will be ‘destroyed’ by apoptosis.”

“Lipocavitation can be applied after the cryolipolysis session to target cells that were not eliminated”, adds physical therapist Natasha.

Regiane also highlights that cryolipolysis causes discomfort in the application due to the suction that “grabs” the chosen region. “In addition, the final result of cryolipolysis is seen three months after application. However, lipocavitation is an excellent ally to enhance the results of cryolipolysis,” he says.

Lipocavitation x radiofrequency

Regiane explains that radiofrequency really helps to improve localized fat, but the main focus is on combating tissue sagging (tissue sagging, skin). “Lipocavitation does not work on flaccidity, but it is much more effective in the treatment of localized fat”, he highlights.

Lipocavitation x Manthus

Natasha explains that Manthus is a device that combines ultrasound with electric current and is indicated for reducing measurements and improving cellulite, accelerating the lymphatic system, increasing metabolism and local oxygenation. “But, it doesn’t do the fat cell breakdown. It just withers those cells, improving body contour. It can be used as sonophoresis (association of cosmetics with active ingredient together with ultrasound, absorbing the product more effectively). And, if associated with lipocavitation, we will have a potentiated result,” she says.

Regiane points out that the Manthus is also an ultrasound device. “The difference between these two techniques is the power of ultrasound, which is greater than that of lipocavitation. Manthus has the stereodynamic current and its head, because it is larger, covers a larger area,” he says.

“Both are very effective in combating localized fat, but the prior assessment of a trained professional is ideal to guide the most appropriate treatment for each case”, explains physical therapist Regiane.

3 questions and answers about lipocavitation

Below, the professionals clarify the main doubts about the treatment:

1. Can lipocavitation pose health risks?

Regiane Salinas: There are some people who claim that lipocavitation, by releasing fat, increases the level of cholesterol, which is not true. The amount of fat released is too small to cause any kind of organ damage. However, if the patient already has high cholesterol or fat in the liver, the procedure should be avoided.

2. Can lipocavitation, known as “uncut lipo”, really replace liposuction?

Regiane Salinas: No, the liposuction method is a surgical method in which a large amount of fat is removed and there are the risks that a surgery offers. Lipocavitation, despite providing the real loss of measurements, does not eliminate the same amount of fat, in addition to not causing pain or recovery time.

3. After treatment, do the positive results remain?

Natasha Costa: The results are permanent because there is a real elimination of adipocytes cells. However, our cells can multiply if there is no maintenance with correct nutrition and physical activity. Therefore, even after the procedure, the person must continue with healthy habits so that there is no weight gain.

Finally, it is worth noting: if applied correctly, the method will not pose health risks. But if the device is out of adjustment or not used properly, it can even cause burns and organ damage. Therefore, it is essential to look for a trained professional and reliable aesthetic clinics to perform the technique.