When it comes to reducing excess fat, there are various options available on the market today that go far beyond the traditional recommendations such as diet and exercise – because let’s face it – this advice doesn’t work so well or go so smoothly for everyone. 

Thankfully, advancements in technology and the growing demand for non-invasive (meaning non-surgical) treatments, have made fat reduction services increasingly popular. Specifically, both fat freezing and laser fat treatment are now very common and popular treatments of choice, and where many people that are entering this field first turn to. Here’s a quick look into exactly what these treatments are, how they work, and their respective benefits and considerations.

Fat Freezing

Fat freezing, also known as cryolipolysis, is a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that works by freezing fat cells to destroy them. During the procedure, a special device is placed on the area being treated, which sucks in the skin and fat tissue. That sucked-in area is then cooled to a temperature that freezes the fat cells, causing them to die off. Over time, the body naturally eliminates the dead fat cells through the lymphatic system. Fat freezing is:

• Non-Invasive: one of the main benefits of fat freezing is that it is a non-invasive treatment, meaning there are no incisions, needles, or anaesthesia involved. This makes it a safe and convenient option for those who do not want to undergo surgery.
• Targeted fat reduction: fat freezing can target specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and love handles, where stubborn fat tends to accumulate. This makes it an effective option for those who have tried diet and exercise but still have areas of excess fat that won’t go away.
• Long-lasting results: unlike other non-invasive fat reduction treatments, such as ultrasound or radiofrequency, fat freezing provides long-lasting results. The fat cells that are destroyed during the treatment are gone for good, meaning they cannot grow back.

Considerations for fat freezing include that the results are gradual. While fat freezing provides long-lasting results, the results are not immediate. It can take several weeks or even months for the body to eliminate the dead fat cells and for the full effects of the treatment to be visible. Fat freezing is also generally not an overall weight loss solution, but instead is best suited for those who are already at or near their ideal weight but have areas of stubborn fat that won’t go away otherwise. As with any medical procedure, fat freezing also carries the risk of potential side effects, though these are typically mild and include temporary numbness, tingling, and bruising in the treated area.

Laser Fat Reduction

Laser fat reduction, also known as laser lipolysis or laser liposuction, is a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that uses low-level laser energy to break down fat cells. During the procedure, a special laser device is placed on the area being treated, which delivers energy that works on the cells to reduce their size. Here, it’s about shrinking the cells as opposed to killing them, meaning the fat cells remain – just at a smaller or healthier size. Laser fat reduction also uses a low-level laser that does not rely on heat, making it a comfortable and generally painless treatment. Benefits of laser fat reduction include:

• Non-invasive: much like fat freezing, laser fat reduction is a non-invasive treatment, meaning there are no incisions, needles, or anaesthesia involved. This makes it safe and convenient, with no recovery time needed after the treatment session.
• Stimulates collagen production: laser fat reduction not only helps to reduce fat, but it also stimulates collagen production through the action of the laser, which can improve skin elasticity and texture in the treated area.
• Targeted fat reduction: laser fat reduction can target specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and love handles, where stubborn fat tends to accumulate. This makes it an effective option for those who have tried diet and exercise but still have areas of excess fat that won’t go away.

Any drawbacks of laser are very similar to that of fat freezing, such as the results not being immediate, taking several weeks or even months to be fully visible. Laser fat reduction is also best suited to those with areas of stubborn fat that won’t go away with diet and exercise, and may have some minor temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, and bruising in the treated area.

Fat Reduction: Where To Start?

Getting started with either form of fat reduction means booking an appointment with an experienced cosmetic practitioner offering these services to discuss your options, and what will be best suited to your circumstances and needs. If you’re concerned about the cost of these treatments, you also have several options for payment, with the most popular one being via the HealthNow platform.

HealthNow is the world’s first Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) platform that is entirely dedicated to making health and medical services accessible and affordable, by enabling you to pay just a fraction of the cost at your initial appointment. HealthNow also puts people first, operating at higher regulatory compliance to ensure it operates with social responsibility. It also has greater user benefits – like remaining completely free for you to use as a health consumer with no fees, sign-up costs or any hidden expenses. 

Simply book your appointment with a HealthNow-affiliated clinic, and when it comes to paying for your appointment and treatments, use the app on your smartphone to decide how many weeks you’d like to spread the cost over, up to twelve weeks. Your cosmetic clinic will get paid in full on the day of your visit, while you only pay a small upfront cost. You can also use HealthNow to purchase any creams or products to support the process.

HealthNow also has a specifically-designed health wallet to help you save money safely to cover the costs of any medical or health-related appointments, services and products for any member of your family. This is a fantastic option for those wanting to best prepare for future unexpected health events. You choose the amount and frequency that you’d like to contribute – and others can also contribute to your health wallet, from family members who want to help you look after your health, to employers as part of employee wellness programs. Once the money is in your wallet, it’s yours in full to spend any time on any health-related cost with HealthNow. It can also be used for your family members or loved ones.

Get Started With HealthNow Today

Getting started with HealthNow is free and easy. Download the app and follow the instructions to set up your account. You can also check out HealthNow’s full benefits and features through the website, and see how it can help ease some of the financial stress off you and your family.