Body contouring has increased by 47% since 2017. There’s no way to ignore it, it’s all over social media and it’s a topic that comes up often in conversation. While it’s a normal part of contemporary culture, most people don’t understand what body contouring really entails.

If you’ve ever been curious about the way this science works, you’ve come to the right place. Nowadays, there are several different options available for body contouring. The gym and a good diet can only do so much, stubborn fat is difficult to get rid of. 

To get rid of that stubborn fat, one of the best options is body contouring. How exactly does it work? Read on to find out. 

What is Body Contouring?

Body contouring is a cosmetic procedure that uses temperature-based methods, different energies, or injectables to get rid of fat cells. While it’s done for people with barely any fat, it’s also used on people who lost a lot of weight. There are different options for surgical body contouring as well as less invasive non-surgical procedures.

There are several different methods of body contouring. Let’s go through them.

Types of Body Contouring

There are different types of body contouring to inquire about depending on your body type, budget and expected results. There are surgical options as well and non-surgical options. Be sure to look through all your options and research before deciding. 

Surgical Procedures

Depending on what part of your body you want to fix, there are different surgical procedures to help you attain those goals. If your problem area is your stomach, you might want to consider a tummy tuck. This removes excess fat and skin from your abdomen.

One of the most common surgical body contouring options is liposuction. This involves having a consultation, getting anesthesia and the fat is suctioned out. This is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in America.  

The best candidates for any sort of body contouring but particularly surgical procedures are those who are within 30% of their ideal weight and live a healthy lifestyle. 

Non-Surgical Procedures

Cold Treatments

Cold treatments are used by employing temperatures cold enough to destroy fat cells without damaging the skin. One of the most popular methods is Coolsculpting. There’s a divide that pulls portions of your fat by suction then uses cold temperatures to destroy the fat underneath. 

There’s a certain amount of time set and you can use it on many different parts of your body. The most common parts include the arms, abdomen, and thighs. It’s a safe procedure that’s been rising in popularity. 

If you’re particularly sensitive to cold temperatures though, this is not the treatment for you.

Heat Treatments

The most popular heat treatment uses lasers. The device uses laser energy to liquefy the fat cells. Over time, the body gets rid of the dead cells. The applicator used is flat so it’s not ideal for body areas with a lot of curves.

Although laser heat is used, you don’t have to worry about any damage done to your surrounding skin. It’s a safe procedure.

Ultrasound Energy

Another popular body contouring treatment uses ultrasound energy. Usually, with these types of cosmetic procedures, you’ll be hooked up to a machine the majority of the time but with this, there is a technician that moves the device around themself. 

This is the most time consuming of all the treatments because it takes about one hour per treatment. This is specifically meant for the abdomen and not other areas.

Radiofrequency Energy

Radiofrequency heats the skin over 104 degrees. Now, this might sound intimidating but it is a safe and comfortable procedure that is used to reduce the appearance of cellulite and small pockets of fat. It also tightens the skin and improves target areas. 

On a deeper level, radiofrequency alters the network of connective tissues that hold fat cells in pace and that ‘tightens’ them by pulling them closer together. The fat cells also get targeted, making them smaller and so the area appears thinner. 

If that wasn’t enough, radiofrequency energy stimulates the body’s natural responses by stimulating the lymphatic system. This aids in the drainage of toxins and helps the body produce collagen which is what gives skin that youthful glow. 

Results of Body Contouring

As far as the results and recovery time, they vary per treatment. For the most part, after the procedure is done, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions. The technician will give you information about:

• How to care for the surgical site.
• When to follow up to make sure everything is looking good.
• Specific concerns on what to look out for.
• Medications to take to help the healing process.

One of the best aspects of body contouring is that you’ll see results pretty much right away. The way all of this technology works, it destroys fat cells on sight and so you’ll be able to see the difference before you even leave the medical office! There should be a continuous reduction for up to two years after the procedure.

Body contouring should not replace a healthy diet or good exercise. You will not keep the results you want if you adopt an unhealthy lifestyle. Although these procedures are popular and highly recommended, it shouldn’t be discouraging if you don’t get the results you expect. 

In-Depth Look at Body Contouring

With body contouring taking over, it’s impossible to avoid the conversation. Whether you are interested in getting a procedure or just want to learn more, it’s good to stay informed with everything going on in the medical field. There are many benefits to considering body contouring, it’s just about finding out what works for you.

Located in Austin? If you found this helpful and are interested in body contouring, schedule your free assessment today.