What treatments are available?

Dr Lapa explains that she divides the non-invasive treatment options for fat reduction into four groups:

1. Fat freezing: a procedure known as cryolipolysis which cools your fat cells to sub-zero temperatures using cup-shaped suction applicators that are applied on the body. The freezing temperatures causes the fat cells to break down without damaging the skin.

2. Fat heating: using laser, ultrasound or radiofrequency delivered through the skin, heating fatty tissues to the point where fat cells begin to break down. Since fat also responds to a lower temperature than other cells in the body, heat can be used to destroy these cells without damaging surrounding skin and tissue.

3. Injectables: fat-dissolving products which are injected into the skin work to break down the membranes of the fat cells beneath the skin, causing them to become unstable and eventually flush out via the lymphatic system.

4. Shockwave therapy: a set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation, and accelerate the healing process. This method is more commonly used for treating cellulite.