Health: New Way To Melt Fat Quickly

By Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- After having two children, Jeanne Boughton doesn't like how her mid-section looks anymore.

"I think as a result of child bearing, I have a little space that I would like to see a little bit smaller," said Jeanne.

The 42-year-old is hoping a new quick fix procedure will do what diet and walking hasn't been able to.

"I also have to go to work this afternoon, so I can't be in a hospital room recovering from any type of invasive procedure," said Jeanne.

"One treatment. One hour. One dress size smaller," said Dr. Deirdre Hooper, a dermatologist.

It's called Liposonix, and it's made by Solta Medical. It uses high intensity, focused ultrasound to melt fat.

"I got a text this morning from a patient who had measured her waist and had a two inch decrease already, so that was exciting," said Dr. Hooper.

The maker says the fat is heated and destroyed. Leftover melted fat is absorbed and metabolized by the body. In studies, the blood fat levels did not rise.

"The most common complications are bruising, swelling, and tenderness in the area. All of these were rated as mild by the patients in the clinical studies," said Dr. Sarah Jackson, a dermatologist.

Before and after photos from Solta Medical show a subtle difference. Doctors say this is not a treatment for obesity or weight loss. It's more for body contouring and to decrease inches.

Doctors say it takes three months to see the final results, but patients can start seeing a difference in four to six week.

"The average person does lose one inch, but some people in the studies lost up to four inches," said Dr. Hooper.

Right now, Liposonix is only FDA approved for the abdomen area, but doctors are also using it off label on other areas. It can cost $1,200 to $2,500, depending on the area treated.

For more on Liposonix, click here.