The new wave of non-surgical body contouring procedures can help trim and tone most areas of the body, including the tummy, buttocks, love handles, thighs, arms, knees and even double chins.
Fat reduction
Non-surgical body shaping devices use some form of energy – either radiofrequency, ultrasound, laser or very cold temperatures (cryolipolysis) – to bypass the skin and target the underlying excess fat. These targeted fat cells are ultimately destroyed and then excreted naturally by the body over several weeks. The skin and surrounding tissues are left unharmed.
Non-surgical body contouring treatments are performed in an in-office setting. There is normally no downtime, minimal patient discomfort, and complications are rare. In conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regime, results should be long lasting because, just as with liposuction, when fat cells are permanently destroyed they will not return.
The best candidates are close to their ideal weight but have stubborn areas of localised fatty deposits that do not respond to changes in diet and exercise.
Temporary side effects may include temporary swelling, redness or bruising around the treated area, which normally disappear after a week or so. Depending on the device being used, results can be observed after a single treatment, although a series of treatments is usually recommended for significant results. Changes are gradually noticed over a period of around 4 weeks, including measurable circumferential reduction of the treated area and a more streamlined body shape.
Types of Fat Reduction Treatment
Cryolipolysis, the method used by Coolsculpting (Allergan)and Cooltech (Cryomed Aesthetics),is one of the most popular types of non-surgical body contouring. It uses almost-freezing temperatures to kill fat cells without traumatising the surrounding tissues or harming the skin.
Laser body contouring, used by such brands as SculpSure (Cynosure), utilises hyperthermic laser to heat and ultimately destroy the fat cells, with no downtime and minimal, if any, discomfort.
Radiofrequency (RF) body contouring has also gained a loyal following. The heat generated from the RF energy dissolves fat cells and causes microscopic changes to issues and collagen fibres,resulting in not only circumferential reduction but also a reduction in cellulite. Body contouring systems that use RF energy include truSculptID by Cutera and EnCurve by Lutronic.
Another type of technology is ultrasonic body contouring, used by UltraShapePower by Candela. With this method, non-thermal targeted ultrasound frequencies to break down fat, particularly on the abdomen, hips, thighs and ‘love handles’.
The latest technology to hit the market is Onda Coolwaves (Deka), which simultaneously works to remove fat, reduce cellulite and tighten skin using its revolutionary Coolwaves technology, which is a specifically selected frequency of microwave.
Muscle toning
Recent advancements in technology have seen muscle sculpting devices take the cosmetic enhancement industry by storm – it’s an exciting new addition to the body contouring market that continues to surge in popularity.
Muscle sculpting devices use electromagnetic stimulation to strengthen and tighten the abdominal, gluteal and thigh muscles through methods of contraction and stimulation (called supramaximal contractions). These deliver tens of thousands of muscle contractions in a 30-minute session (obviously not physically possible during normal exercise).
When exposed to these supramaximal contractions, the muscle responds with a deep remodelling of its inner structure, resulting in the growth of myofibrils (muscle hypertrophy) and creation of new protein strands and muscle fibres (muscle hyperplasia). Increased muscle density and volume lead to a better definition and muscle tone. And it can even help with Diastasis recti, whereby pregnancy causes abdominal separation.
A series of treatments is usually recommended with results seen 3-4 weeks after completion of the treatment plan.
The bottom line
Today’s non-surgical fat reduction treatments can reduce fat in the targeted area by as much as 20%.
Muscle sculpting devices can increase muscle mass by as much as 16%.
