Non-Invasive Body Contouring Techniques: 4 Types

Very few people are 100% happy with their natural appearance. Body contouring treatments are the perfect solution for enhancing your looks and self-confidence by removing fat in a fast, effective, lasting, and affordable fashion. While liposuction and surgical options have existed for many years, most patients find that non-invasive treatments are the preferred route due to increased safety and efficiency.

If you’re finally ready to reach out for help in the bid to lose weight for good, non-invasive body contouring is probably the best solution. Here’s all you need to know about this topic, including the 4 most popular techniques used in 2020.

The Benefits of Non-Invasive Body Contouring

Before considering which non-invasive body contouring technique could be right for you, it’s important to understand the reasons for choosing these treatment options. On one hand, liposuction, a surgical approach, does bring the most noticeable instant transformation. On the other hand, non-invasive treatments carry many advantages. Some of the most compelling benefits include;

  • The results last longer than liposuction, which often results in patients falling into their old ways.
  • Avoid the threat of deep vein thrombosis and infection.
  • Save money on the treatment as well as indirect post-procedure elements.
  • Minimal pain and discomfort, with the vast majority of patients finding it tolerable without the need for anesthetic or pain relief.

For the sake of your finances, peace of mind, and long-term aesthetic appeal, the allure of non-invasive body contouring is clear.

The Four Types of Non-Invasive Body Contouring

Non-invasive body contouring falls into four main categories, all of which can be completed by the VIDA Wellness & Beauty Team. They are:

Let’s take a more detailed look at each option below.

Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis is a process that focuses on fat removal by freezing fat cells to death. The premise of the method is fairly simple: localized target areas are exposed to temperatures of -11 to 5 degrees C, causing fat cells to die without killing healthy skin cells as the latter can withstand more extreme temperatures. Once fat cells have been killed, they will naturally leave the body over the course of a few weeks. 

fat freezing-coolsculpting

CoolSculpting is probably the best-known type of cryolipolysis and is FDA approved. There are many attractive features, with the main two being that you can target a specific body part and the fact that dead cells leave the body naturally over an extended period. 

It is possible to target up to two areas at any given time, with treatments lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. The buttocks, abdomen, and thighs are particularly popular locations.

Low-level laser therapy

Low-level laser therapy is an FDA approved fat reduction process that disrupts the adipocyte cell membranes within the target location, enabling fat stores to be absorbed and removed from the body without damaging the cells. To achieve this, the qualified surgeon shoots cold laser energy into the body tissues. The fat cells will subsequently absorb them before being broken down.

lllt therapy low level laser treatment

LLLT, which is also referred to as cold laser therapy, stems from the principles of absorbing red and near-infrared light. The wavelengths used are usually somewhere between 600 and 1,000 nanometers depending on the depth of penetration required. This method is most commonly used for the waistline, with patients losing up to 12”.

However, patients should know that LLLT treatments can require several (up to 12) appointments to see the full benefits.

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency therapy works on the basis of heating fat cells until they “burst” and subsequently die. In many ways, it sets out to achieve a similar goal to cryolipolysis, only through an inverted process. The heat is caused by delivering controlled bursts of energy to the target site. While it has not gained FDA approval as of yet, it is undoubtedly one of the most commonly used solutions by dermatologists and body contouring experts. 

radio-frequency fat loss treatment

Also known as radiofrequency lipolysis, the treatment doesn’t even require contact with the skin as the signals are sent by a specialized device from a distance of around 1cm. Like fat freezing, the heating process is a particularly popular method for targeting stubborn fat bulges that won’t go away in spite of your best efforts.

Vanquish is the most common treatment that falls under this category, although a range of alternative energy-emitting devices can be utilized too. 

Ultrasound

Ultrasound fat removal treatments use pulsed acoustic sounds, which are sent under the skin to rupture the fat cells. This happens because the procedure raises cells to over 56 degrees C, subsequently killing the fat cells but leaving healthy cells unaffected. Due to the fact that the surrounding skin, blood, lymph vessels, and peripheral nerves remain healthy, the non-invasive treatment does not leave any scars or signs of having undergone the procedure.

The treatment is most commonly used as a spot fat reducing technique, allowing patients to target specific areas of stubborn fat. Abdomens, thighs, arms, and lower backs are the most common locations while the procedure is suited to people looking for a brand new weight loss management solution, as well as those that need a little help to complete their transformation.

Ultrasound sessions usually take between 30 and 45 minutes, although some patients may use multiple sessions to target various body parts.

Which Non-Invasive Body Contouring Technique Suits You?

All four non-invasive body contouring techniques can achieve great results. Nonetheless, no two people are identical, which is why you need to select the best option for your specific requirements. Your decision could be influenced by starting metrics and body weight, sources of previous weight problems, aspirations, and budget limitations.

Discover which option is best for you by contacting our body contouring specialists for a free video consultation today by calling
us at 1 (619)738-2144.

 

Dr. De La Fuente

Dr. De La Fuente is our board-certified Dermatologist practicing at VIDA Clinic in Tijuana. He specializes in Cosmetic Dermatology, Laser treatment & Non-invasive procedures, Medical Dermatology and Surgical Dermatology. He is a member of the Mexican Academy of Dermatology, Mexican Board of Dermatology, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, American Academy of Dermatology.