Liposuction is not the only technique for removing unwanted fat, and there are several promising devices that may be good alternatives to liposuction in Los Angeles.
One is Zeltiq. Zeltiq uses cold technology to induce fat loss. It turns out that fat cells are more sensitive to cold than surrounding cells. Zeltiq suctions onto a pocket of fat such as a love handle or a portion of the abdomen, and chills it for an hour. Chilling the fat triggers a cascade of events that ultimately kills fat cells. Over the next 6-8 weeks after treatment, the fat cells die and the area becomes smaller. One study showed an average reduction of about 20%.
Unfortunately, Zeltiq cannot treat every area where excess fat is located. It can only treat an area that it can hold onto. Right now, it can only hold onto the flanks, back, and abdomen. The company has plans to allow it to treat the thighs and chin.
Zerona is an external laser device. The laser is beamed at the mid section and induces a pore to open in the fat cells directly hit by the laser and those that are farther away. Thus, fat is lost in the area directly treated, but also in surrounding areas. Once a pore develops in a fat cell, fat leaks out and is metabolized. The company guarantees that at least a total of 3 inches will be lost from multiple areas of the body including the waist, hips, thighs, neck, and arms.
Thermage uses an energy called radiofrequency to tighten collagen. Radiofrequency heats collagen to a certain temperature inducing existing collagen to tighten and triggering new collagen formation. Collagen is found in the skin and in the connective tissue that runs between fat cells, so heating collagen in these areas tightens skin and shrinks the fat compartment.
These are several liposuction alternatives currently available in Los Angeles, and there are others that may be here soon. One promising alternative is Liposonix. This device uses external ultrasound to destroy fat.