Body contouring offers a comparably fast, non-surgical way to sculpt your body and enhance your shape. It’s becoming a popular alternative to liposuction, in part because there are so many different options available to you, all depending on your needs, your budget, and your body type. One of the main reasons to consider contouring is because it’s typically minimally invasive. Some methods are completely non-invasive. As a result, you can resume your usual routine immediately following the treatment. At most, you may need a few days to recuperate.
Talking with your plastic surgeon will help you to figure out which option is right for you or if a variation of liposuction is the better choice. However, it pays to get familiar with the methods used to contour the body.
Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis, also known as CoolSculpting, is an FDA-approved method of body contouring. It involves fat reduction through non-surgical means. The technique relies on extremely cold temperatures to blast fat cells in the areas you want. It doesn’t touch or harm any of the tissues surrounding the target area, but the temperatures are cold enough to destroy the fat cells you don’t want. Ultimately, your body flushes the dead cells by way of your lymphatic system. Cryolipolysis can target your abdomen, arms, bra area, back fat, double chin, flanks, thighs, and the area just below your rear end. Most treatments last for half an hour to an hour, but you may need several treatments to attain the results you want.
Laser Lipolysis
Another name for laser lipolysis is SculpSure. It’s been approved by the FDA, as well. Unlike cryolipolysis, laser lipolysis relies on heat to blast fat cells. A high-temperature laser will target the areas you want to reduce. This method is most successful with the abdomen and flanks. It will take about three months for your lymphatic system to eliminate the destroyed fat cells, and you may need to have the procedure repeated a few times. However, a laser lipolysis procedure generally takes less than half an hour, and you can walk out of the office the same day.
Radiofrequency Lipolysis
When talking to your doctor about body contouring via radiofrequency lipolysis, he or she may make mention of BTL Vanquish ME or UltraShape. Both are FDA-approved methods of radiofrequency lipolysis. As the name implies, this procedure revolves around ultrasound technology. It, too, is ideal for targeting fat around the abdomen or the flanks.
As contouring options go, this is a comfortable, easy method that won’t harm the skin around the affected areas. The procedure typically takes a little longer, so you may be in the office for around an hour. You can work out a long-term plan with your doctor because the treatment works best when you have it done a few times.
Injection Lipolysis
Injection lipolysis is professionally known as Kybella. The FDA approved it as an injectable procedure in 2015. It’s the option to pick if you want to get rid of a double chin because it’s perfect for targeting the submental area. This method of body contouring utilizes deoxycholic acid in a synthetic form and produces beautifully natural results.
Fortunately, each treatment will only take about half an hour. You may experience some bruising or swelling afterward, but it won’t take long to recover and enjoy the youthful-looking results you seek.
