Body-Sculpting
Non-surgical body contouring methods work by targeting and destroying fat cells without surgery. They offer a foolproof way to eliminate fat in targeted parts of the body such as the abdomen, thighs and upper arms. Because they are minimally invasive, they have little to no side effects. They permanently destroy fat cells and will work best if you have a normal body mass index. The Midwest Integrated health center carries out various forms of non-surgical body contouring, using an integrated team-based approach to provide the best care.
The various types of non-surgical body sculpting methods include cold treatment, heat treatment, ultrasound technology, and radio frequency energy treatment. All four types don’t require anesthesia and take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour per session. The pain and discomfort are minimal. However, you may experience tenderness, bruising, redness or swelling in the treated area afterwards. Usually, you will begin seeing results two weeks after treatment began, but it will take about 3 to 4 months to see the full effects of treatment.
Cold Treatments (CoolSculpting)
Also known as CoolSculpting or cryolipolysis, this method uses low temperatures to destroy fat cells underneath the skin, without damaging the skin itself. Within a few weeks, the fat cells will have been broken down and flushed out of the system through the liver. Cold treatments are suitable for parts of the body such as the chin, arms, abdomen, and love handles, among others. Although it has many benefits, including being non-invasive and requires no recovery time, it’s not recommended for everyone. People with extra sensitivity to cool temperatures, due to vascular conditions, should not use this treatment.
Heat Treatments (SculpSure)
Heat treatments try to achieve the same objective as cold treatments but using the opposite approach. In this procedure, the applicator device is placed over the treatment area, and a laser beam is focused there to destroy the fat cells using heat. The device has a built-in cool cycle, which prevents burns on the skin. Once destroyed, the fat cells are flushed from the system through the liver. SculpSure can be quite uncomfortable, especially if you have sensitive skin, as the temperature must be fairly high to be able to kill the fat cells. The applicator is flat and unsuitable for curvy parts of the body.
Ultrasound (UltraShape)
Ultrasound treatment employs targeted ultrasound technology to break down and eliminate fat from the body. It’s the most time-sensitive of all non-invasive fat-reduction methods as it takes up to one hour per session. The ultrasounds are delivered in measured pulses that ensure the fat cells are destroyed without harming the skin, blood vessels, muscles or nerves. UltraShape has little to no discomfort and is mostly used on the abdominal area and the flanks. It’s recommended that you receive three treatments, spaced two weeks apart, although the number of sessions depends on your individual needs.
Radiofrequency Energy
Radiofrequency energy treatments, such as Trusculpt and Vanquish, use RF energy to heat up and burn away fat cells underneath the skin. It also tightens the skin tissue and increases blood circulation, reducing the appearance of cellulite over time. The treatment is done over a series of sessions, with an average of eight treatments required to achieve desired results. Before beginning the treatment, ensure you hydrate your body well because the procedure works by targeting water in the fat cells. If you’re dehydrated, the procedure will not be as effective.
