With the latest advancements in body contouring technology, you can remove fat and sculpt muscle without lifting a finger.
Even the healthiest among us can have pockets of fat we just can’t budge or muscles we’d like more defined, despite repeated weights and workouts. Non-surgical fat reduction devices utilise innovative technologies to target problem areas and destroy fat cells from just about anywhere on the body – helping to sculpt a slender, more streamlined body with minimal discomfort, zero downtime and maximum body satisfaction.
What areas can be treated?
- abdomen / tummy hips / love handles thighs
- arms
- knees
- submental (under the chin / double chin)
How non-surgical body contouring devices work
Non-surgical body contouring devices reduce stubborn fat cells without the need for invasive surgery such as liposuction. These energy- based devices use advanced technology to target and break down fat cells, which your body then naturally eliminates over time. Fat reduction treatments can reduce fat in the targeted area by about 20%.
There are several types of non-surgical body contouring treatments available, using various methods to achieve effective fat reduction. Some of the most advanced and effective techniques include:
Cryolipolysis
This treatment uses controlled cooling to freeze and destroy fat cells. During the procedure, a specialised applicator head is placed on the treatment area, effectively freezing the targeted fat cells. The applicator acts like a vacuum to suck the area into position and direct the cold temperature to the target fat cells under the skin, which are then destroyed and eliminated naturally by the body.
Cryolipolysis / fat-freezing treatments currently available in Australia include Coolsculpting, Clatuu and Cooltech.
Radiofrequency
With this method, radiofrequency (RF) energy is used to generate heat to the underlying fat and tissues. This targeted heat dissolves fat cells, which are then metabolised and eliminated from the body. The RF energy also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, providing a skin smoothing and tightening effect that can improve the look of cellulite.
RF body contouring treatments currently available in Australia include Bodytite and Trusculpt ID.
Ultrasound
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) energy, delivered through a handheld device, is delivered at a precise depth to melt unwanted fat. Clinical studies have shown fat reduction of up to 20 to 40% in the targeted area each session.
The latest HIFU body contouring treatments in Australia include LIPOcel.
Laser
This method uses a type of hyperthermic (heat- inducing) laser to destroy the unwanted fat cells. It uses a specific laser wavelength that penetrates the skin and targets fat cells. The controlled hyperthermic laser induces fat cell injury by raising fat temperature to a range of 42 to 47 ̊C – the ideal temperature to eliminate fat cells, without damage to surrounding tissue. Like other methods, there is no downtime and minimal, if any, discomfort.
Hyperthermic body contouring treatments currently available in Australia include Sculpsure.
Microwave
Micro waves are the latest advancement in non-surgical fat reduction. Using a specific frequency of microwave energy, this technology simultaneously works to remove fat and tighten and contour the skin, firming up tissues to reduce the look of cellulite. It is able to target deeper layers while keeping the skin cool and comfortable. Onda Coolwaves by Deka is the first device to use these smart micro waves and is available in Australia.
Which method is best for you?
Each of these non-surgical body contouring devices works differently, but they share the same goal: providing an effective, non- invasive method for reducing stubborn fat pockets. Your individual treatment plan may depend on the specific area you wish to target, the amount of fat you want to reduce, and personal preference.
What you should expect?
Regardless of the type of non-surgical body 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the type of contouring procedure you have, there is typically no downtime and minimal, if any, discomfort. Multiple areas can be treated at once, and all skin types are generally suitable.
You can expect noticeable results around 4 to 6 weeks after treatment as the body naturally metabolises the destroyed fat, with optimal results typically seen around the 12-week mark. Just like liposuction surgery, once destroyed, the fat cells will not return. Bear in mind, though, that if you put on weight, existing fat cells get bigger, so it’s important to maintain a stable weight after your treatment.
Generally, a series of treatments per area is recommended for best results, although some patients note a measurable circumferential reduction in the area after the first treatment. Most sessions take between technology used and area being treated. While non-surgical fat reduction methods offer numerous benefits, they are not suitable for large-volume fat removal and it is essential to keep realistic expectations about the results possible. These treatments work best for those who are close to their ideal body weight and looking to target specific areas. They should not be viewed as weight-loss treatments.
Non-surgical fat reduction is considered safe and effective. However, like any medical procedure, there are some risks and potential side effects associated with these treatments. Some of the more common side effects include temporary swelling, redness, bruising and skin sensitivity. Always talk to your healthcare practitioner about the risks and complications of non-surgical body contouring, and to see whether it’s a good fit for your individual needs.
Tone & Strengthen muscles without the sweat sesh
In addition to fat reduction, we are seeing a new category of treatment emerging: muscle building and toning. Non-surgical muscle sculpting devices use electromagnetic energy to stimulate muscle contractions, which leads to increased muscle strength and tone. They can be used to help define the abdomen, buttocks, arms, calves and thighs.
A minimum of 4 treatments spaced 2 to 3 days apart is usually recommended. Results are typically seen 3 to 4 weeks after completion of the treatment plan. There is no downtime and no pain, but be warned: it feels like an intensive workout!
Studies have shown that after a series of sessions, participants experienced an average increase of 16% in muscle mass. These types of devices can also improve mild to moderate cases of Diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation during pregnancy).
How does it work?
Muscle building and sculpting devices use electromagnetic stimulation to strengthen and tighten the abs, glutes and thigh muscles through methods of contraction and stimulation (called supramaximal contractions) – delivering tens of thousands of muscle contractions in a 30-minute session, which is not humanly possible through regular exercise alone.
During a treatment session, the device’s applicator is placed over the targeted muscle group and electromagnetic energy is delivered to the muscle tissue. An electromagnetic field is generated, which stimulates the motor neuron cells of the body’s muscles, causing the muscle to contract as it would during movement or exercise.
When exposed to 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 fibers (muscle hyperplasia). The increased muscle density and volume results in noticeably better muscle definition and tone.
Muscle sculpting devices currently available in Australia include Emsculpt and Emsculpt NEO (which also reduces fat), teslaFORMER and truSculpt FLEX. [A]A
