ThermaLipo: What it is & How it Works With Dr. Eugene Nowak

ThermaLipo is a cosmetic procedure that uses non-invasive technology to help slim and shape targeted areas of the body. It combines liposuction (fat removal) with Thermage (skin tightening) to smooth skin and sculpt areas of the body.

What Areas of the Body Coes ThermaLipo Treat?

ThermaLipo can target many areas, including:

• Midsection (most popular)
• Inner thighs
• Outer thighs
• Knees
• Back

Is ThermaLipo an Alternative to a Tummy Tuck?

Yes. ThermaLipo can be a great alternative because it provides similar results as a tummy tuck without the longer recovery and scarring of invasive surgery. However, it probably isn't an alternative if someone has loose skin from extreme weight loss.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Thermalipo?

You may be a good candidate for ThermaLipo if you:

• Are currently making progress towards your ideal but don't have large amounts of weight to lose (100+ pounds)
• Have stubborn areas you can't seem to lose weight around
• Have areas of skin that could use smoothing or tightening

Benefits of ThermaLipo

ThermaLipo benefits include:

• Slim down trouble areas
• Tighten loose skin
• Reduce stretch marks and scars
• Sculpt areas of the body
• Minimal downtime
• Faster recovery time compared to invasive procedures

Transformations and Self Perception

Dr. Nowak has found that ThermaLipo treatments help his patients feel rejuvenated – that they report looking and feeling better. He sees those transformations helping people every day, helping improve self-confidence and even mental health.

Preparing for ThermaLipo

Here are a few things to expect as you prepare for ThermaLipo:

• Consultation: You'll meet with your doctor to discuss your health, goals, and expectations for the procedure. Together, you may explore some simulation, drawing, or reviewing before and after pictures of other patients.
• Health check: Your doctor will run some tests to ensure you are in good health and that it's safe to proceed. You will also connect regarding your health goals to ensure that you are on the right path to meeting and maintaining those goals.
• Common questions: Your doctor will answer all your questions, including your questions about safety.

ThermaLipo Risks

Because ThermaLipo is non-invasive, there are fewer risks. There is less recovery time and pain. However, some patients could have an allergic reaction to the medication, so we do extensive testing beforehand.

How is ThermaLipo Performed?

The procedure is done right in the office. First, we provide medication to help you relax and numb the area for treatment. We also take some pictures before we begin so you'll be able to see your transformation. Next, we'll mark up your skin, so we know precisely where we want to contour and then use radiofrequency to treat the areas.

The actual procedure takes one to two hours. For your safety, you'll need someone to drive you home afterward.

What to Expect After the Procedure?

After your procedure, you will regularly meet with the doctor to help speed up recovery and further enhance results.

• Follow-up appointments: Visits may include Z-wave treatments and radio sound wave treatment to speed the process up or eliminate inflammation for the patients. You may also need to wear compression garments for three to six weeks. You may also review pictures to see your transformation.
• Results: You should start to see results quickly, within a day or two. However, you may still be healing several weeks out, so full results can take some time. As long as you maintain a steady weight, your results will be long-lasting.

How Much Does ThermaLipo Cost?

The cost of ThermaLipo can range widely (between $5,000 to $9,000) and depends on several factors, including:

• Treatment preparation (testing, blood work, etc.)
• Number of areas treated
• Medications
• Follow up appointments

Financing Options for ThermaLipo

The CareCredit credit card provides promotional financing that helps make it easy to pay for ThermaLipo over time.** CareCredit is like having a separate line of credit for all your healthcare needs, one that never expires. It's easy to manage and track what you've spent — and there's no need to go through the application process again for additional procedures.

Once approved for a CareCredit card, you can use it repeatedly (as long as credit is available) for surgical, non-surgical, and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures at providers that accept CareCredit.

Remember, CareCredit is a leading national health and wellness credit card that can enable you to get many of the surgeries, procedures, and treatments you want now and pay over time with everyday promotional financing on purchases of $200 or more.**

CareCredit can also be used to pay for copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and your health and wellness needs at providers in the CareCredit network. CareCredit is accepted at hundreds of thousands of locations nationwide to pay for care whenever you need and want it. If you are interested in applying for a CareCredit credit card or would like to find a provider in your area who accepts CareCredit, visit us at www.carecredit.com.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Eugene Nowak

Dr. Eugene Nowak is a popular board-certified dermatologist who practices in Chula Vista, California. He helped pioneer the ThermaLipo procedure, a new advancement in body contouring.

Dr. Nowak received his medical training at Midwestern University and completed his residency at the POH Medical Center through Michigan State University, acting as Chief Resident. He has spoken internationally and performs as an instructor to many physicians, training them in dermatologic and cosmetic/aesthetic procedures.

Kristin Driver

A digital writer with Synchrony. She specializes in writing about health care, finances, and pet care. Her work has been published by Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, Stanford Health Care, Risk & Insurance, Modern Health Care, Risk Insider, CIO Review, and more.