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Clínica Thuel · Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery Book my consultation

Body Harmonization · Non-Surgical

Hydrolipoclasia for localized fat that doesn't go away with exercise

You take care of yourself, stay active and eat well, and there is still an area that doesn't change: the lower abdomen, the sides, the thighs. We understand; it is one of the most common concerns we hear. Hydrolipoclasia infiltrates a solution into that fat and then applies ultrasound over the area. Dr. Thuel tells you honestly what to expect: a modest improvement. So you can feel more comfortable in the clothes you love.

Medical consultation · US$100, VAT included. This amount is applied in full toward your treatment or procedure if you formalize it with your payment on the same day or within the following seven calendar days. It can be the full payment or a first payment of more than US$100.

Dr. Thuel personally sees every consultation, so her appointment availability is limited. We suggest booking in advance.

Dr. Irene ThuelMED10355 · More than 17 years
Illustrative image of Hydrolipoclasia
More than 17 yearsof practice in Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery
Trusted by colleaguesAmong those who trust her most are physicians and other health professionals
Patients who come backMany are referred by a family member, a friend, or someone who wishes them well
Verifiable physicianMED10355, Costa Rica College of Physicians and Surgeons (Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos)
Duration
30 to 60 minutes
Recovery
Generally, the same day
When it shows
About one month after the last session.
How long it lasts
It usually lasts if you maintain your weight

Your body, with a plan tailored to you.

Dr. Irene Thuel · Physician and Surgeon, Expert in Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery · MED10355

Dr. Irene Thuel in her office

The essentials before you decide

How Hydrolipoclasia works, step by step

General information so you arrive at your consultation with a clear idea. In your case it may vary; Dr. Thuel will confirm it during the consultation.

It may be right for you if…

  • You take care of yourself and exercise, and there is still an area that won't budge.
  • You notice your pants or dress always pinch in the same spot.
  • You are close to your usual weight and want to refine one detail.
  • You prefer an option without an operating room and are looking for a realistic improvement.
What it is
A technique for localized fat. It combines a solution infiltrated into the fat with ultrasound applied over the skin.
How it is done
The area is cleaned and the solution is infiltrated with a fine needle. Then ultrasound is applied over that same area.
Advantages
No operating room or incisions. In most cases you return to your routine the same day.
Who performs it
Dr. Irene Thuel, in the clinic's office.
Anesthesia and discomfort
Anesthesia is usually not used; sometimes an anesthetic cream is. The needle sticks of the infiltration are uncomfortable, but most people describe them as tolerable.
Duration
Usually between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how many areas are treated.
Sessions
Usually between 6 and 10 sessions are done, one every 1 to 2 weeks. Evidence on the ideal number is still limited.
Recovery and care
In general, you can return to your activities the same day. The area may be tender or bruised for a few days. Drink plenty of water and walk or do light exercise, as the doctor advises.
When it shows
The change is gradual. It is usually assessed after several sessions, and about one month after the last one.
How long the result lasts
If you maintain your weight and habits, the improvement usually lasts. If you gain weight, fat may accumulate again.
Who should not have it
It is not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with an infection or wounds in the area, or with certain medical conditions. The doctor reviews this at the consultation.
Follow-up visits
During the plan, we check how the area is responding. There is usually another follow-up visit about one month after the last session.

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Areas with localized fat

Where hydrolipoclasia is applied

Abdomen

Above or below the navel, that stubborn fat.

Waist and flanks

The sides, which tend to show with tight clothing.

Thighs

Fat on the outer or inner thigh.

Other areas

Arms or back, for example, if the consultation indicates it.

The hydrolipoclasia process

How hydrolipoclasia is done at the clinic

  1. Consultation

    The doctor examines and palpates the area, and asks about your health and what you hope to achieve.

  2. Estimated sessions

    Before starting, you know how many sessions are estimated and what you will feel, as well as what the risks are.

  3. Session

    First, the infiltration with a fine needle. Then, ultrasound over the same area.

  4. Follow-up visit

    We monitor how the area is responding. If needed, the number of sessions is adjusted.

Hydrolipoclasia: what you should know

A modest improvement, with risks you should know about

It is the same thing the doctor explains to you in the consultation, point by point.

What to expect

  • A modest, gradual improvement. Scientific evidence on this technique is still limited.
  • It is not a weight-loss treatment, and it does not replace healthy eating and exercise.
  • How long the result lasts depends on each person and their habits.

Discomfort and risks

  • The area may be swollen, tender or bruised for a while.
  • Less commonly, infection or nodules (small lumps under the skin) where the solution was infiltrated. That is why we are rigorous about asepsis, meaning the cleanliness and sterility of the entire procedure.
  • We do not perform it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

When fat is not the problem

Hydrolipoclasia does not tighten the skin or replace surgery

It is intended for localized fat deposits. If, on examining you, the doctor sees that what stands out most is loose skin, or a larger volume of fat, she will tell you before starting and suggest another option.

Is this treatment right for you? During the consultation, Dr. Thuel reviews your case and tells you frankly whether it suits you and what it involves. The consultation costs US$100, VAT included, which is applied in full toward your treatment or medical procedure if you confirm it with your payment the same day or within the following seven calendar days. This can be the full payment or a first payment of more than US$100.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patient questions about hydrolipoclasia

Am I a candidate for hydrolipoclasia?

If you have localized fat that does not go down with diet and exercise, you may be. If what you want is to lose weight, this is not the right treatment. The doctor will confirm it when she examines you.

Will it hurt?

The needle sticks of the infiltration are uncomfortable. Afterward, the area may be tender, swollen or have some bruising.

What is the investment for hydrolipoclasia?

It varies according to the area and the number of sessions. Before starting, at the consultation, we tell you the investment for each stage.

The consultation costs US$100, VAT included. If you decide to have a medical treatment or procedure, that amount is applied in full toward your treatment or procedure when you formalize it with your payment on the same day as the consultation or within the following seven calendar days. It can be the full payment or a first payment of more than US$100.

Why Dr. Thuel?

She is a Physician and Surgeon, Expert in Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery, and has been in practice for more than 17 years. She does not recommend a treatment you do not need. And if the volume of fat is larger, she suggests evaluating Liposculpture, which she performs as a team with Dr. Juan Ramón Poveda Xatruch, Physician and Surgeon, Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.

When can I return to my routine?

Usually the same day. The area may be tender or bruised for a few days. At the end of each session, we tell you what to avoid and what care to follow; this may vary in your case.

So the effort you are already making has medical support

At the consultation, Dr. Thuel examines the area with you and tells you frankly whether hydrolipoclasia is right for you. She also tells you how many sessions are estimated and what the investment is for each stage. If your case allows, it can be done the same day; this is optional.

Medical consultation · US$100, VAT included. This amount is applied in full toward your treatment or procedure if you formalize it with your payment on the same day or within the following seven calendar days. It can be the full payment or a first payment of more than US$100.

Dr. Thuel personally sees every consultation, so her appointment availability is limited. We suggest booking in advance.

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