The Difference Between Fat Reduction and Weight Loss?

Fat reduction and weight loss – these terms are often used interchangeably. However, they have two distinct meanings.

While weight loss merely shrinks fat cells, fat reduction reduces the number of fat cells in the body. If you want to eliminate the number of fat cells in your body, you’ll need to undergo specialized treatments needed for fat removal.

Fortunately, liposuction is not the only option to remove fat permanently. CoolSculpting, Z-Lipo, Vanquish ME and Exilis Ultra are all non-invasive treatments that can reduce the number of fat cells without any surgery or downtime.

These safe and efficient treatments are FDA-cleared to reduce fat cells, causing them to be naturally eliminated from the body. While these procedures can help you look slimmer, fat reduction treatments are not a solution for weight loss. To remain healthy and fit, make sure to eat right, exercise daily, and compliment your active lifestyle with non-surgical treatments.

The Science of Fat Cells

By the time we reach our teenage years, most of us already have a fixed number of fat cells in our bodies. While you may gain or lose weight as you age, the fluctuations in weight do not affect the number of fat cells.

Instead, the fat cells either shrink or enlarge as you gain or lose weight. In short, losing weight will only make your fat cells smaller but does not make them decrease in quantity.

Freezing Excess Fat Cells

Cryolipolysis otherwise known as fat freezing is getting more popular than ever. Cryolipolysis is a FDA-cleared technology that literally freezes fat to the point of natural elimination. It effectively treats “pinchable” fat bulges in the arms, belly, back thighs and even the double chin.

Once exposed to cooling the fat cells die and are naturally processed and eliminated from the body. You also don’t have to worry about the fat cells migrating to other areas of the body. Once the stubborn fat cells are treated, they’re gone for good.

In Cutis, we have the two leading Cryolipolysis procedures in the market – CoolSculpting and Z-Lipo. CoolSculpting in Singapore has been a popular fat freezing procedure that reduces the number of fat cells in the treated area. Z-Lipo also uses the same fat freeze technology but provides faster treatment time as it is built-in with two applicators in one session.

Melting Excess Fat Cells

BTL Vanquish ME has been deemed effective in shaping and reducing the circumference of the abdomen and thighs. It’s also the only  FDA-cleared “contact-less” selective radiofrequency technology used to target large areas of fat in a single session.

Vanquish fat reduction uses heat to target only the fat layer, resulting in fat cell shrinkage and elimination without affecting the skin or muscle. During the process, you’ll feel a warming sensation which can last for a few hours post-therapy.

The fat cells that are exposed to heat will also go to the process of natural cell death wherein the body will metabolize the dead fat cells naturally.

Optimal results are usually visible within a 60-90 day window. Once the fat cells are eliminated, they will not come back and are permanently removed. Also, there is no BMI restrictions for Vanquish which means anybody can be a candidate.

Exilis Ultra 360 is another treatment option that uses radiofrequency and ultrasound energy to simultaneously heat the deeper layers of skin. The heat causes fat cells in the body to shrink and die naturally, while also stimulating the production of new collagen to tighten loose skin.

The treatment takes under an hour to perform and results in no downtime. At least four treatments are recommended to achieve the desired results. It can also be used on the face to reduce wrinkles and the jaw to firm sagging skin. It has been cleared by the FDA and the device contains built-in applicators with temperature sensors to ensure its safety.

Understanding the difference between fat reduction and weight loss can help you achieve the body you’ve always wanted. To learn more about our non-invasive treatments for fat reduction, schedule an appointment with our skin specialist in Singapore at the Cutis Laser Clinics