Body contouring refers to the process of using surgical or non-surgical treatments to reduce fat. These cosmetic procedures are designed to target specific areas of fat, with the goal of giving the body a more lean or defined look. There are many types of body contouring options available today, which give you a wide range of choices. The best treatment type will depend on what area(s) of your body you want to target, your anatomy, your goals, and your personal preferences. Here is an overview of body sculpting options you may be interested in.
Types of body contouring
With today’s innovative technology, the most up-to-date and cutting edge cosmetic centers - like Athenix - have many types of body contouring available. The best type of body contouring is dependent on your current body shape, goals, and preferences. Whether you want a non-surgical or surgical option, we are able to give clients natural results that enhance and improve their body shape.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting targets fat by freezing it. This is a completely non-invasive procedure that involves no need for needles or any type of anesthesia. CoolSculpting allows us to target areas of fat with a specific process that freezes fat cells. These fat cells then collapse and die, and your body naturally eliminates them over the following weeks. CoolSculpting is a body sculpting option with no down time in most cases. In fact, many people return to work right after their CoolSculpting appointment. You can choose to have one or several areas treated in the same visit. With CoolSculpting, we are able to actually decrease the number of fat cells in the areas we target.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a diverse procedure that can be used to remove larger areas of unwanted fat, or can be used in delicate, small areas as well. With liposuction, our surgeon can contour areas of the body by removing fat in a careful, customized way. Instead of just removing fat, liposuction gives us the ability to create contour in any area of the body by sculpting as we go. Liposuction used to be a procedure that was quite invasive and required a long recovery process, because surgeons had to be aggressive to remove fat. Today, liposuction is a much more gentle and minimally invasive way to sculpt the body.
SmartLipo
SmartLipo is a specific type of liposuction that uses heat to increase the effectiveness of liposuction. During SmartLipo, we use a laser to liquefy fat cells so they are more easily removed. A cannula (a thin tube) then takes the fat cells out of the body. Another benefit of the laser is that it applies heat to the areas we are treating, which promotes healing.
VASER Liposuction
VASER Liposuction is one of the body sculpting options that is well-liked for its effectiveness, combined with quicker recovery time. With this type of liposuction, we use ultrasound waves to break up and dislodge fat before removing it. When we perform VASER Liposuction, we have added ability to target and sculpt areas carefully, with less swelling and bruising. VASER Liposuction can also be used with fat transfer, so if you want to reduce fat in one area, and add volume to another, this can be a good option.
VelaShape
For people who want a non-invasive body sculpting option, VelaShape is a good option to consider. VelaShape is a cellulite-reducing and body shaping procedure, which is given over a series of treatments. As opposed to the quick results you’d see with a body contouring option like liposuction, VelaShape’s results are seen over time. Many patients see the most notable results after 6 – 8 treatment sessions.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer is a technique that can be used with several different types of body contouring options. During fat transfer we use liposuction to remove fat – often from an area like your abdomen or thighs. We then process the fat and inject it into areas where you’d like more volume. Fat transfer can be used to contour areas like the breasts or butt.
Lifts
There are a variety of surgical lift procedures that can be used for body contouring as well. These procedures are particularly effective for people who have loose skin, instead of or in addition to excess pockets of fat. Common lifts we do for body sculpting include breast lifts, butt lifts, and arm lifts. Depending on your goals, a surgical procedure like a lift may give more significant results than a non-surgical procedure. The best way to determine which procedure most aligns with your goals is to come in for a private consultation.
Frequently Ask Questions about Body Contouring
What areas of the body are good for body contouring procedures?
Almost any area where you have unwanted pockets of fat, can be helped with body contouring. Areas we treat commonly include:
- Chin & neck area
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Butt
- Knees
- Arms
- Inner & outer thighs
- Saddlebags
- Back
- Bra rolls
- Love handles
What is the recovery like after body contouring?
The recovery after body contouring depends on several factors.
- First, it depends which type of contouring you choose. The more invasive procedures tend to have more substantial results, but a longer recovery time. More subtle changes tend to have a shorter recovery time.
- Recovery will also will depend on your particular health and body. Certain people have such a simple recovery that they go back to work a few days after treatment. Some people heal differently. For example, some will have notable bruising, which others have minimal bruising. And while almost all body contouring involves some level of swelling, how quickly it subsides is on a case-by-case basis also.
- Another factor to consider is which part of the body you’re having treatment on. While contouring in the neck area will not affect your ability to lift or go upstairs, if you choose a contouring option for the inner thighs or butt, there will be more limitations to your movement at first.
Today, many of our body contouring options are minimally invasive, and tend to result in shorter recovery times, less discomfort, and less swelling.
Can I combine body contouring options?
Absolutely. Sometimes the best results for certain people come from a customized treatment plan involving several different body shaping options. Our expert surgeons will meet with you to discuss exactly what you’re hoping to enhance, and will educate you about the way that different body sculpting options can help you get those results.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for body contouring?
Good candidates for body contouring are generally close to their ideal weight, but have areas of the body they’d like to reshape. Body contouring can slim down parts of your body, but is not appropriate for substantial overall weight loss. The best candidates are in good health overall, and have realistic expectations for their outcomes.
Are you interested in learning your body sculpting options? The cosmetic experts at Athenix are happy to meet with you for a private consultation. During this time we can talk to you about whatever areas of your body you’re hoping to enhance, and can explain our personalized treatment recommendations in detail. From non-surgical procedures and micro-contouring, to liposuction on multiple areas of the body, we are happy to teach you about the most modern and innovative of body contouring options.
