Many people often try to improve particular body areas through exercise and diet alone. However, individuals with stubborn areas may need products that are specifically designed for these spots in order to see gains.
Looking to reduce fat cells and tone your body? Non-surgical, in-office treatments are a great option. They use a noninvasive approach to reduce the amount of fat cells currently on your body, as well as delivering other benefits like improving skin tone and removing toxins from your system.
Non-surgical body sculpting and how does it work?
Body sculpting is a skin-care technique that can help you eliminate fat cells and make your body more attractive. It partially consists of up to seven procedures that usually do not involve cutting or surgery.
There are five different techniques of body contouring that can be performed by physicians or body sculptors. Each one has its own specific benefits, but they look and feel very differently.
The most common types of body contouring treatments are:
- Cryolipolysis
- Laser fat reduction
- Ultrasound fat reduction
- Deoxycholic acid injections
- Muscle stimulation
Body sculpting treatments vary in cost, side effects and effectiveness. The cost will vary from person to person, but the most common side effects are swelling, bruising and pain.
#1 Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis, or CoolSculpting®, is a type of treatment usually undertaken by a trained provider. It’s an inexpensive, often-safe alternative to traditional liposuction procedures that destroys fat cells via cold temperatures. The freezing point of fat is relatively low and doesn’t cause any skin damage so it also makes for a good option for areas that have been hard to lose weight.
CoolSculpting is the only effective way to remove fat cells and achieve visibly tighter, firmer, transformed tissue. It uses a precision medical device that cools areas of problem fat down to subzero temperatures. The cells freeze and die over time…and it’s healthy too!
The process of CoolSculpting can result in a significant reduction to the appearance of fat for up to 6 months based on clinical studies. Results may vary depending on how much excess mass you have and where you are starting from. Moreover, results are not instantaneous because it takes time d/t dead fat cells being extracted & weight loss becoming noticeable.
Side effects: Patients may experience some mild symptoms like stinging, pain or tingling at the target site. These symptoms most often disappear within 3-11 days and should not be a permanent reminder of the procedure.
#2 Laser Fat Reduction
Laser fat reduction uses wavelengths to heat fat cells, making the technique less painful than thermal fat reduction.
This product minimizes pain and lets you get rid of stubborn fat without any risk to your skin. It’s also water-based, so it won’t damage any internal organs. Because the product is non-toxic, it can be used long term without having to worry about side effects. The process of removing fat cells is a long process and can take up to 12 weeks. It can result in the minimizing of loose skin
Side effects: Minor side effects may occur following procedures, but will usually subside once finished. After a body contouring treatment, you might experience mild stiffness or bruising in the target areas for a few days afterward.
#3 Ultrasound Fat Reduction
The reason this treatment is so effective is because it uses sonic waves to break down the fat cells and release the fat in a process called micromassage. This treatment is typically seen on a person’s abdomen, where the muscles might be softer, giving your body less resistance with working out muscles.
Side effects: It is normal to have a feeling of relief and warmth or go into sweat while your body is being heated during the procedure. Side effects may include an increased heart rate, which can be related back to the anxiety and fear in some people.
#4 Deoxycholic Acid Injections
Deoxycholic acid is a normal production of your body, which is produced by the liver and has many helpful functions in the body. It breaks down dietary fat during digestion, which helps with weight loss. When used for body sculpting purposes, this acid can be injected into specific areas using a syringe.
This is the only nonsurgical body sculpting that requires an injection. The procedures are performed using local anesthesia.
Side effects: Some side effects associated with this type of procedure can include pain, swelling, bruising, and numbness. These symptoms will typically subside in a week or two. Rarer, this procedure can result in more serious effects to jaw movement. The cause of this is not always clear, but it happens infrequently enough that Kybella treatment should be considered only as a last resort.
#5 Muscle Stimulation
Body sculpting uses EMG machines, which use electro-muscle stimulators to give users an effective workout. These contractions cause micro-tears and fat consumption. Over time, this can help build muscles and help you reach your fitness goals.
CoolSculpting is expanding its range of services to muscle toning. CoolTone® is an Allergan product and the procedure has been shown to be effective in terms of fat loss & muscle toning, which makes this launch a very popular one. CoolTone uses a deep penetration of the body’s fat layer, combined with cooling technology, to dissolve excess fat and build muscle tone.
Side effects: The most common side effect of EMS treatments is muscle twitching. EMS-induced pain and redness sensations can also be present during the attack, but they typically don’t last long. Some people may experience a similar sensation of soreness following participation in strength-training or muscle stimulation.
How to Improve Body Sculpting Results
It can be expensive to get the same results you get from laser light or electrolysis without using topical creams or serums, but it’s worth it in order to maximize your investment and product efficacy.
After receiving a sculpting treatment, your body needs time to break down the fat being targeted and results can often take several weeks for significant weight loss to become visible.
Taking care of the skin covering your targeted areas will also help return elasticity and potentially prevent excess sagging skin following the procedure.