Does SculpSure melt fat or kill fat cells?

SculpSure uses heat from the laser to target the nucleus of the fat cell causing enough damage to result in cell death and eventual reabsorption of fat and shrinkage of the fatty tissue layer.  Interestingly, there was a very good research study published several years ago out of Japan, in which a fat transfer was performed in mice.  The fat cells, termed "adipocytes" had their DNA labelled with one tag and the stem cells accompanying the fat had their DNA tagged with a different molecule.  Several months later, the fat grafts were analyzed and the adipocytes were noted to only contain DNA that was tagged with the stem-cell DNA tags!  This is very strong evidence that, at least in mice, fat cells can be regenerated from stem cells - these were human fat cells, by the way - which goes against everything we have understood (that we do not generate new fat cells).  In all of my liposuction cases (thousands) I have had one patient who, after putting on a modest amount of weight after lipo, regained fat in the area we liposuctioned - twice!  So, although it is most common that people will put on weight more in areas that were not treated, it is not guaranteed and the same thing would hold true for SculpSure-treated areas.

Sculpsure is a noninvasive 1060nm diode laser treatment that removes up to 25% of stubborn fat in the treated area in 25 minutes.It is FDA approved for the abdomen and flanks. It is safe if you get pregnant in the future.The body contouring effects are seen in as quick as six weeks with final results at 12 weeks. The results are permanent as long as you maintain your weight and health.The laser targets and destroys the fat cells only which are then naturally removed from the body. Since the laser does not affect the skin or muscle it can be used on all skin colors and there has been no reported incidents of burns when treated by a properly trained physician. It is protective since it alternates heating and cooling. It has four applicators that can be customized to treat the areas of stubborn fat. If a second treatment is needed we wait at least six weeks and usually closer to 12. 

If you notice lumps after (which I've never seen) I would recommend massage. You should also alert your surgeon.

There is no downtime and you can resume your normal activities right after the treatment. There may be some soreness in the area for a few days for which you can take ibuprofen or tylenol. A cold compress can also be used.

Sculpsure is not used for skin tightening however some of her patients have seen this. If more skin tightening is needed we have combined this with thermi or Ulthera for a complete treatment. Sculpsure is recommended for stubborn areas of fat that are not being lost by diet and exercise. It is not a weight loss treatment

Since I have both a coolsculpting and sculpsure I am working on protocols of utilizing both of these depending upon what areas need to be treated and the response to the treatment. I have used sculpsure on other areas other than the abdomen with very good results. 

I also use a Vectra 3D imaging system to try and show people what their treatment areas could look like.

Since Sculpsure outcomes can be based on technique and experience, please see a board certified plastic surgeon that specializes body contouring to see if Sculpsure or other treatments are available to meet your goals. 

Take care,

Dr. Schwartz Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question. SculpSure physically destroys unwanted fat. Its ability to eliminate fat has enabled SculpSure to be a much more effective treatment in all clinical studies than its competitors, including CoolSculpting. I suggest that you next consult in person with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.

Best wishes,

Even with diet and exercise, most people have stubborn pockets of fat that seem impossible to lose. SculpSure targets and permanently destroys these fat cells without surgery, downtime, redness or pain. SculpSure is the newest non-surgical 25 minute procedure that uses light-based technology to permanently destroy up to 24% of fat per treatment. Each treatment goes deeper into the fat layer for additive results. The laser uses heat at high temperatures to destroy fat and most patients do not experience pain during the treatment and the applicators can be adjusted if any discomfort is felt.

Yes, SculpSure melts fat, but those fat cells are eliminated by the body and they don't come back. So, the results are permanent. Having said that, if you gain weight following your procedure, your remaining fat cells will still get bigger. There will simply be fewer of them. Hope this helps. 

SculpSure™ is a hyperthermic laser fat removal
system that works by directing laser energy into your treated areas. This laser
energy heats the fat cells and surrounding tissues, thereby agitating the fat
which causes them to release from your tissues. Then, your body naturally
removes the fat cells and leaves the treated area flat, firm, and taut. The
heating energy of the SculpSure™ laser also causes the production of collagen
and elastin, the two necessary building blocks for youthful, healthy skin.
Collagen and elastin will help the treated area look firmer and younger. For
better results, I recommend getting a in person consultation with a
board-certified dermatologist.

The amount of fat cells in our bodies are predetermined at birth.  The number of fat cells are stored in our bodies and remain constant throughout our adult life. If you gain weight  the fat cells get larger.  If you lose weight the fat cells become smaller.  The number of fat cells stay consistent and do not decrease in number. The SculpSure will destroy up to 24% of the fat cells treated. The destroyed fat cells will never return.

The heat of the SculpSure laser disrupts and damages fat cells.  The injured fat cells and any lipid they contain are metabolized over time enhancing a more sculpted look. SculpSure kills fat cells.

Sculpsure and Coolsculpting both permanently reduce the fat bulge in a given area.  One is done by heat and one by freezing.  Please consult an expert to determine which is the best procedure for you.  Best, Dr. Green

You are correct that the fat is actually stored in cells and not free in the tissue.  The laser energy from SculpSure irreversibly damages the fat cell and since the body does not have the ability to create more fat cells the results are permanent.  It will take the body 12-16 weeks to completely reabsorb and process the damaged cells and debris. New fat has to be stored in a different spot.  This is true of any treatment that permanently removes fat (tummy tuck, lipo, Coolsculpt or SculpSure).  Continue to take care of your self and maintain your weight for best results.