UltraShape, the fat blasting weight loss alternative

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A new, painless procedure to blast fat is helping people lose those few, stubborn inches that diet and exercise can't seem to reach.

Nicole Thompson of Fresno hopes a new procedure will change what countless hours in the gym, could not. She's looking forward to trying a new FDA approved treatment called UltraShape.

Dr. Mark Chin has the first UltraShape machine in the Valley at his north Fresno office. He said this "fat blaster" is for people who've struggled to lose a few extra inches.

Dr. Chin explained, "They may be normal body weight but they just can't lose these resistant areas and now you have something that can target it non-invasively, non-surgically and there's no down time."

Thompson, the 41-year-old legal secretary is an ideal candidate for UltraShape because she already has a healthy lifestyle, but.

"Unfortunately," said Thompson. "Even with working out I still have this little problem area that I could use some assistance on."

Thompson needs no anesthesia for the treatment on her lower abdomen. A nurse uses a flat wand called a transducer that delivers ultrasound energy through the skin to blast fat cells.

Red markers above the target area help guide the nurse, and the machine shows her exactly where to deliver the treatment. The maker of UltraShape said the ultrasound energy destroys fat cells but leaves the skin and other tissues, unharmed. The released fat is then used as energy by the body.

"No pain at all," said Thompson. "It's very comfortable."

Three treatments are recommended spaced two weeks apart to see the best results, but some patients start to see results even after the first treatment. Dr. Chin says the average loss is 1.5 to 2.5 inches and that's a whole dress size.

Each session takes less than an hour and costs about $1,000 each. Thompson can't wait to see the changes in her shape.

Thompson added, "I'm hoping that little area that's been giving me problems will be nice and flat and firm."

UltraShape has been used in Europe and Asia for ten years. But was just approved last year by the FDA for use in the U.S. It's not for weight loss but rather, fat-reduction that can be measured in inches.