ThermaLipo: What It Is, How It Works, Benefits, Risks and More

Even with proper diet and regular exercise, do you still have stubborn pockets of fat you can’t seem to get rid of? Are you hoping to slim down without having major surgery like a tummy tuck? Take a look at ThermaLipo, a noninvasive procedure that can remove unwanted fat and reshape your curves for a slimmer appearance.¹

Here, we'll discuss ThermaLipo — a tummy tuck alternative — including information on recovery, results, costs and safety.

What Is ThermaLipo?

ThermaLipo is a safe, innovative procedure that's clinically proven to help tighten and contour the skin.¹ It's designed to slim and reshape specific areas of the body, such as the tummy, butt, hips, thighs, upper arms and face.¹ The procedure combines tumescent liposuction and Thermage® to provide patients with satisfying results.¹

Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Eugene Nowak, who pioneered the ThermaLipo technique says that the results are more than skin-deep.¹ “I do treatments to rejuvenate and make people look and feel better," he says. “There are actually studies coming out [saying] that if someone has an aesthetic treatment done, they'll feel better about themselves. Every day, I see those transformations of helping people."

How Does ThermaLipo Work?

The ThermaLipo procedure consists of two stages: tumescent liposuction and Thermage®.³

Stage 1: Tumescent liposuction

In the first stage of ThermaLipo, the plastic surgeon takes a tumescent solution — a mixture of saline, epinephrine and local anesthetic — and injects it into the subcutaneous fat of the treatment area.⁴ The solution causes the fat cells to swell (the word “tumescent" means “swollen"), making it easier to remove unwanted fat.⁴ Then, the surgeon uses power-assisted technology to extract the fatty tissue.⁴

Though the local anesthetic numbs the area, patients are fully awake and aware during the procedure.⁵ Tumescent liposuction may last 30 to 40 minutes for those with minor fat deposits; for others, the procedure typically takes between one and three hours.⁴

Stage 2: Thermage®

The second stage of ThermaLipo involves using Thermage® technology to gently heat the skin with radio-frequency energy.³ That energy boosts the production of collagen and elastin — two proteins that help keep the outer layers of the skin healthy and firm.³ The Thermage® device creates a skin-tightening effect, speeds up the healing process after tumescent liposuction³ and can improve the overall liposuction results.⁴

During treatment, patients may feel a brief sensation of heat each time the Thermage® device delivers energy to the skin.¹ Thermage® can take between 30 and 90 minutes to complete, depending on the treatment area.⁴

ThermaLipo Recovery

The recovery time for ThermaLipo is three to seven days, though you can start getting up and walking around the day after the procedure.⁶ You may need to wear a compression garment for up to two weeks after treatment.² This can help minimize any swelling and accelerate the healing process.²

How long do ThermaLipo results last?

After ThermaLipo, improvements are visible almost immediately.⁶ And, with new collagen growth, improvements like tighter skin and better skin tone and texture will become even more noticeable for four to six months after treatment.¹ The best part? If you carefully follow your surgeon's aftercare instructions, results can be maintained for a lifetime.³ Aftercare includes prioritizing healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising several times a week, committing to a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest.³

Is ThermaLipo Safe?

ThermaLipo is a way to safely remove fat and tighten skin without the complications of major surgery.⁶ Compared to traditional liposuction, tumescent liposuction involves:¹

• Local anesthesia (instead of general anesthesia or IV sedation)
• Smaller incisions
• Less blood and fluid loss
• Less bruising and swelling
• Less scarring
• Shorter recovery time

In addition, Thermage® is considered to be a safe procedure, with mild side effects that may include:¹

• Redness
• Swelling
• Blisters
• Bumps
• Surface irregularities (rare)

Who Is a Good Candidate for ThermaLipo?

If you want to lose unsightly fat deposits, improve your body shape and contour and smooth out your skin, you may be a good candidate for ThermaLipo.¹

Here are some prerequisites for getting ThermaLipo:

• Healthy adult³
• Age 18 to 78⁴
• Any skin type and color¹
• Good skin elasticity²

Note: ThermaLipo is not recommended for patients with a lot of loose skin and fat.²

Benefits of ThermaLipo

ThermaLipo is a lasting way to contour the body and tighten the skin during the same treatment,¹ helping you lose inches and look slimmer.⁶ Plus, it can reduce stretch marks, skin wrinkling and scars.¹ Best of all, the procedure involves minimal recovery time.¹

ThermaLipo vs. Tummy Tuck⁶

Abdominoplasty (aka tummy tuck surgery) is designed to remove excess fat and skin. It can restore weakened or separated muscles, creating a smoother and firmer abdomen.

But while ThermaLipo and a tummy tuck can both improve the appearance of the abdomen, the two procedures — and results — are different. Take a look at how they compare:

ThermaLipo vs. CoolSculpting vs. Emsculpt® Neo

If you want to eliminate stubborn fat rolls and bulges, CoolSculpting is another cosmetic procedure to consider.⁷ CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved body contouring treatment that freezes and destroys fat cells.⁷ No incisions or stitches are required for this noninvasive procedure because the body eliminates the destroyed fat cells naturally.⁷ CoolSculpting is best for removing small amounts of fat, while ThermaLipo is great for removing significant amounts of fat.⁸

Or, if you want to simultaneously burn fat and build muscle, you may want to consider Emsculpt Neo®.⁹ This noninvasive body shaping procedure combines radio-frequency technology with high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology to replace fat with muscle in the abdomen, butt, triceps, biceps and calves.⁹ In fact, one 30-minute session of Emsculpt Neo® for the abdomen is equivalent to doing 20,000 sit-ups.⁹

How Much Does ThermaLipo Cost?

The average cost of ThermaLipo is about $5,000 to $9,000, which includes any necessary blood work, medications, compression garments and follow-up visits.¹⁰ The total cost for ThermaLipo treatment will depend on the number of areas treated.¹⁰

Many plastic surgeons offer financing plans for non-surgical fat reduction, so ask your doctor about possible payment options.¹¹

CareCredit Financing for ThermaLipo

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for ThermaLipo and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Robyn Tellefsen is a freelance writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, finance, and more. Her work has appeared on sites such as LoopNet, Beachside Rehab, First Horizon Bank, SoFi, A Place for Mom, American Express, Chase and more.