Lipo- EX FAQs

Q: What is Lipo-EX?
A:Lipo-EX is a non-invasive form of lipoplasty that is used to reduce fat deposits, diminish cellulite, and tighten skin. Lipo-EX targets both subcutaneous fat and visceral fat.

Q: How does Lipo-EX work?
A: Lipo-EX works by using radio frequency to gradually heat up the fat cells. Skin and any surrounding tissues in the treatment area are not harmed. The heat causes the fat cells to spill out their contents -- generally water, glycerol, and free fatty acids -- which are then excreted by your body's natural processes.

Q: How many treatments does it take?
A: The number of treatment varies depending on the size and number of areas that a patient wants to treat. For example, when treating the abdominal area, most patients obtain their desired results with eight to ten treatments.

Q: What areas of the body can Lipo-EX treat?
A: Lipo-EX can treat fat and tighten skin on most areas of your body, including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck, and face.

Q: What kind of results can I expect?
A: Clinical trials have shown that patients can lose up to three inches of waist circumference and up to ten pounds of weight after eight treatments over six weeks. Some patients see even greater results. On the face and neck, Lipo-EX tightens skin and promotes new collagen development. This helps to firm up the skin and minimizes lines and wrinkles. Lipo-EX can also smooth out uneven areas caused by cellulite, liposuction and surgery.

Q: Are there any side effects with Lipo-EX?
A: Lipo-EX has none of the negative side effects and risks associated with surgical liposuction. There is no anesthesia, no incisions, no scarring, no recovery time, and no bruising.

Q: How much recovery time will I need after a Lipo-EX treatment?
A: Clinical studies have shown that there is no recovery time expected with Lipo-EX treatment. You can even choose to schedule your sessions during a lunch break.

Q: When can I see the results of Lipo-EX?
A: Unlike traditional surgical liposuction, you will see the benefits of Lipo-EX as soon as your cycle of treatments is complete.

Q: Does Lipo-EX hurt?
A: Lipo-EX should not cause any pain. The Lipo-EX electrodes gradually heat up to a temperature of about 105 ° F. Patients have reported that the temperature is not painful and have compared the sensation to getting a hot stone massage.

Q: How long is the procedure?
A: The times vary depending on which body part is undergoing treatment. You can expect to spend about forty-five minutes to an hour when treating larger areas for fat reduction and approximately thirty minutes when treating the face or neck.

Q: What is the difference between subcutaneous and visceral fat?
A: Subcutaneous fat is the layer of fat between your skin and muscle while visceral fat is the fat underneath your muscle wall around your internal organs. There is a link between excessive amounts of visceral fat and heart disease. Where other forms of liposuction may only treat subcutaneous fat, Lipo-EX can also treat the more harmful visceral fat. Currently, Lipo-EX is the only treatment for visceral fat available.

Q: Why is it important to drink water during the cycle of procedures?
A: Good hydration is required for optimal transport and excretion of the fatty acids released by Lipo-EX. Patients must follow this advice to experience good results.

Q: Why is it important for me to exercise during my treatment cycle?
A: The stored fat that Lipo-EX releases becomes readily available for your body to burn off if you exercise regularly throughout the treatment cycle. In fact, we recommend any form of exercise, even if simply walking, within two hours of completing a treatment. Patients must follow this advice to experience good results.

Q: How long has the Lipo-EX treatment been available?
A: Lipo-EX has been available since 2000. Sculpt Medical Spa is proud to be the exclusive provider of Lipo-EX in Chicago.

HCG Diet FAQs

Q: What is HCG?
A: HCG (Human Chorionic Gondaotropin) is a hormone naturally produced in large quantity during pregnancy. HCG is used in infertility treatment for both men and women. Dr. ATW Simeons found that small regular doses of HCG caused the body to release abnormal fat reserves when used in conjunction with a specific 500 calorie daily diet. This is detailed in Dr. Simeon's manuscript Pounds and Inches: A New Approach to Obesity. This low calorie diet is only comfortable and advisable with HCG. Most participants are not hungry and have plenty of energy.

Q: Since this is a pregnancy hormone, does it work and is it safe for men as well?
A: Yes! The HCG protocol is safe for men and even works faster for them. While women typically lose .5 lb - 1 lb per day, men typically lose .75 lb - 1.5 lbs per day. Again, HCG is prescribed for men with certain medical conditions, so this is not the only use of HCG with men.

Q: How exactly does HCG allow you to lose weight?
A: The HCG allows your body to tap into your stored abnormal fat deposits (shoulders, upper arms, hips, thighs, and buttocks). In obese clients, these deposits are not usually accessible to the body for fat consumption. This is the reason why no matter how much some people exercise and starve themselves they still have problems losing weight. The HCG present in the body allows these abnormal fat deposits to be tapped, releasing the abnormal fat into the blood stream and out of the body. This release of fat is also why clients taking the HCG are not hungry. The HCG actually releases 1500-4000 calories per day into the bloodstream. This is the only reason why it is okay to be on a 500 caloriedaily diet. Without the HCG releasing the abnormal fat and, therefore, thousands of calories into the bloodstream, you would be starving and be facing excess nutritional deficiency.

Q: Why the 500 calorie diet?
A: You go on a daily diet of only 500 calories because while you are on the HCG your body is releasing 1500-4000 calories from abnormal fat into your bloodstream each day. So with the 500 calories you are consuming plus the 1500-4000 calories being released into your system, you are getting more than enough calories each day.

Q: Of course I will lose weight on a 500 calorie diet, how is the HCG diet different?
A: The HCG coupled with the very low calorie diet allows your body to tap into abnormal fat deposits that would not usually be accessible to the body. The release of stored calories into the blood stream caused by the HCG is also why people on the program are generally not hungry and have plenty of energy. Without the HCG releasing the stored fat most people would be starving, exhausted, and facing nutritional deficiencies.

Q: What will I eat on this diet?
A: You will eat fresh food that you buy from the grocery store. There is a very detailed list of foods you can have while on the diet. There is no program food or special diet food we require you to purchase from us.

*Like any medical procedure, there may be risks involved with Lipo-EX. Although these risks are minimal when compared to those of traditional surgical liposuction, your technician will explain them to you prior to you consenting for treatment. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions at 312-944-4400. Although there is a doctor on staff at Sculpt Medical Spa, it is recommended that you discuss your plans for weight-loss treatment with your primary care physician.