Body contouring, also known as body sculpting, is a form of non-surgical fat reduction. It aims to contour and shape different areas of the body.There are a variety of treatments available under this category that further fall into 2 main sections; surgical and non-surgical. It’s important to note that body contouring treatments and procedures are not intended to be weight loss solutions. It will only be recommended for areas that are difficult to loose fat in after trying methods such as dieting and fitness routines.
In this blog post we will be discussing non-surgical body contouring treatments, what are they are and how they work.
Cryolipolysis
A common brand of cryolipolysis is CoolSculpting. It is a non-invasive fat reduction technique that uses freezing cold temperatures to target and destroy fat cells in various areas of the body whilst leaving any surrounding tissue unharmed. The low temperatures work by killing off the fat cells which are eventually flushed out of your immune system over a period ranging from a few weeks to a few months. When these fat cells have been removed, they won’t reappear again.
It commonly targets the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back fat and the double chin area. The treatment lasts for 30-60 minutes and multiple treatments are required to achieve your desired appearance. It is generally safe but has a few side effects like most procedures. These range from slight pain, stinging, aching and temporary irritation. With cryolipolysis, the downtime is minimal and any side effects should minimise on their own within a few weeks.
Laser lipolysis
Laser lipolysis is a non-invasive method of fat reduction that in contrast to cryolipolysi, uses heat to target and destroy any fat cells. It causes the fat cells to die which is then removed by the body naturally within 12 weeks naturally after the procedure.
It targets primarily the abdomen and flanks and takes between 25-30 minutes to perform. There is little to no downtime and you do need multiple treatments for optimal results. Some side effects may range from numbness in the treatment area, discomfort and discoloured skin. Some people also experience burning under the skin which could be a sign of liquid build up. This would need to be treated by your doctor.
Radio frequency lipolysis
Another surgical body contouring procedure is radio frequency lipolysis. It heats up the fat cells using radio frequency and also without making any physical contract with your skim. When the cells heat up and become damaged, they will slowly begin to break up and flush out of your body. Radiofrequency lipolysis can be used in the abdomen and flank area.
You will need multiple treatment sessions for it to work effectively, and each session is around an hour long. There is little to no downtime, but side effects can range from temporary swelling, redness and tingling.
Injection lipolysis
Unlike freezing or heating the fat cells within your body, injection lipolysis chemically removes the fat cells from your body instead. The chemicals used causes cell death in targeted areas without harming healthy tissues. Your body metabolises the dead cells weeks after your treatment, creating your desired appearance.
The treatment length is 30 minutes long and the downtime is very minimal. You may experience some bruising or swelling, but these should subside by 6–8 weeks.
Here at Refine, we recommend our bestseller Aqualyx.
Aqualyx is a fat dissolving injection that works by breaking up and liquefying the fat cells, which permanently destroys them. These dead cells are then naturally released through your immune system. It is an ideal treatment for those who want to lose stubborn pockets of fat, that are difficult to lose despite a healthy diet and fitness routine.
An Aqualyx treatment consists of two injection sites, and a local anaesthetic (lidocaine) will be administered beforehand to minimise any discomfort. It can be used on the thighs, knees, hips, stomach, chin and below the chin. It will also remove cellulite and fatty deposits.
The treatment is repeated every 3–4 weeks, with 2 injections in each spot. The session will last anywhere between 30–60 minutes, and you will typically require 2–8 sessions, 4 weeks apart. Some people may see significant results after 1 or 2 sessions.
Dermal fillers
Another option is dermal fillers and at Refine, we recommend HYAcorp.
HYAcorp is a derma filler that contains hyaluronic acid that helps sculpt your body without having to undergo any invasive surgeries. It is a clear and viscous gel that is easy to inject and remains in the body for a long time. The overall effects will last between 6–8 months, depending on factors such as age and lifestyle.
Treatments usually will be performed 2 to 3 times, and these are done at least a month apart. It can help enhance the buttocks, shape your calves, improve body contours, correct skin depressions and hip dip corrections.
