Over the past few years, more and more of us are turning to non-surgical, non-invasive methods to help us reduce our overall body fat, lose inches and help contour our bodies into firmer, slimmer shapes. And with instant results, no downtime and affordability, non-surgical body contouring is becoming a popular choice to help achieve our shape and size goals.
What areas can be targeted for body contouring?
Fat cells - are ideally targeted and reduced via different body contouring methods. Larger areas of fat, such as abdominal, back, arms and hips lend themselves well to cavitation, whereas smaller areas benefit from cryolipolysis.
Cellulite - effects up to 90% of women over the age of 20, and 10% of men (due to the different volumes of adipose tissues there are between men and women) and can cause high levels of anxiety, dependent on the location and severity of the cellulite. Generally located on the buttocks, thighs, flanks, abdomen and upper legs, cellulite can be reduced via radio frequency or shockwave treatments. A good aesthetics practitioner will assess the grade of cellulite in order to set out an in-clinic and at-home treatment plan which, if followed, can help reduce the severity of the cellulite by at least a Grade/Stage.
Grade 1, or mild: There is an “orange-peel” appearance, with between 1 and 4 superficial depressions, and a slightly “draped” or sagging appearance to the skin.
Grade 2, or moderate: There are between five and nine medium-depth depressions, a “cottage cheese” appearance, and the skin appears moderately draped.
Grade 3, or severe: There is a “mattress” appearance, with 10 or more deep depressions, and the skin is severely draped.
Skin laxity - especially on the abdomen, thighs and upper arms are often causes of concern for many individuals and are often caused by many extrinsic factors such as ageing, loss of collagen and elastin to the skin, weight fluctuations, poor muscle mass and sun exposure.
What non-invasive treatments are available?
Cavitation - Best for overall fat reduction, cavitation is a natural phenomenon based on low frequency ultrasound. The ultrasound produces a strong wave of pressure to fat cell membranes. A fat cell cannot withstand this pressure and therefore disintegrates into a liquid state and is then transported through the vascular and lymphatic systems to the liver. 3D-cavitation is best for treating larger areas of fat such as the abdomen, thighs and ‘muffin top’. A course of 6-8 treatments are recommended to achieve optimum results. Results can be seen from treatment one, with an average loss of 2-4cm per treatment. Results will be improved during each treatment.
Cryolipolysis- Best for stubborn pockets & body sculpting. 3D-cryofreeze is a unique non-invasive treatment using a combination of electro and cryo therapy. Using the 3D-cryofreeze hand-piece, a vacuum is created, which draws the fat into the hand-piece. This localised area within the hand-piece is then frozen, causing 20% - 40% of the fat cells in that area to die. No other structures are affected by this process. The remaining content of the fat cells is then disposed of naturally through the body’s lymphatic system. This treatment is best for targeting those stubborn areas that just won’t shift including inner thighs, lower abdomen and ‘muffin tops’. Best possible results may include combining 3D-cryofreeze with other technologies as part of a treatment program. Only one treatment is required per area. On average you will see a 20% - 40% reduction of the fat in the localised area. As the body takes several months to flush out the dead fat cells, results will be visible after 6 - 12 weeks.
Radio Frequency - Best for skin tightening and reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Radio Frequency penetrates the skin layers to selectively heat the skin tissue and the extra cellular matrix where the collagen fibres are embedded. 3D-Body RF technology is a fantastic treatment for both skin tightening and cellulite reduction. The 3D-Body RF energy selectively increases the temperature of the fat cells, simultaneously in deep and superficial layers of fat. This increases the metabolism and release of liquid fat from fat cells. Normal cells can support 60 degrees but fat cells start to be melted at 41 degrees. After the treatment and release of liquid fat, the fat cells shrink in size, and skin is restored closer to its original form, reducing or eliminating the appearance of cellulite. Common treatment areas include ‘bingo wings’ lower abdomen, and back of thighs. A course of treatment is typically 8 - 10 individual 45 minute sessions. Results can be seen as soon as after your first treatment, however a course of treatments are recommended as results are further improved after each treatment. Many people who have 3D-Body RF choose to combine it with other procedures. Typically, this treatment can be combined with 3D-cavitation, to devise a treatment course to target fat removal, cellulite and skin tightening for an all-round package. However, 3D-Body RF can be performed as a standalone course depending on personal targets.
3D Shockwave - Best for stubborn pockets of fat and cellulite. 3D-shockwave works by stimulating the fat breakdown, collagen synthesis, and lymphatic drainage and is delivered by placing a probe up against the areas being targeted. As it passes over the area is emits radial waves through the skin. For cellulite, sound waves stimulate the microcirculation within the fat layer, increasing the metabolic function of the area and increasing cellular membrane permeability. Free fatty acids and glycerol are released from the fat cells and sit in the intercellular space. Lymphatic movement and increased blood supply remove these waste products from the body. For skin tightening, sound waves stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation within the area. They also stimulate the connective tissue and septa mobility, giving the skin a firmer tone and reducing the dimples within the skin. 3D-shockwave can be performed on many areas of the body including the outer and inner thighs, knees, arms, hips, buttocks, and stomach. A course of treatment is typically 8 - 10 individual 30 minute sessions. Results are seen as quickly as 2 weeks after starting the course. If you exercise and increase your water intake you may see even better results. 90% of women who took part in a clinical study would recommend this treatment. Many people who undergo 3D-shockwave choose to combine it with other procedures.
Boosting the benefits at home
Body contouring is able to reduce fat deposits, tighten lax skin and reduce the severity of cellulite however, by making some small positive changes at home, the results can be boosted and maintained.
Making changes to your diet, by reducing the amount of fatty and sugary foods will improve skin quality and help prevent new fat cells from being laid down by the body. Waste products from the in-clinic treatments will need to be flushed away from the body via the lymphatic system. Therefore, drink plenty of water to aid the body with this process. Bringing in some form of exercise to help improve muscle tone and mass will really help. This doesn't have to be excessive, maybe a 30-minute walk everyday, or some Yoga or Pilates? Of course, if you want to do HIIT training, then go-for-it!
If you would like to have a FREE consultation with our Registered Nurse, set some goals and plan your body contouring treatments, then follow the link below.
