Body contouring refers to a non-surgical array of cosmetic procedures primarily aimed at improving the shape of the body. They work by reducing excess skin, while also eliminating pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Body contouring is ideal for individuals who want to achieve a slimmer appearance without having to go through invasive surgery. The treatments can dissolve fat, diminish the presence and volume of cellulite, and dramatically improve skin laxity for a smoother, tighter, and healthier appearance to the face, neck, arms, and other parts of the body. Body contouring procedures are appropriate whether after pregnancy, considerable weight loss (whether through diet and exercise or weight loss surgery), or years of sun overexposure. The following are examples of body contouring techniques:
Venus Legacy™
Venus Legacy™ is a completely non-invasive cosmetic body contouring treatment that results in benefits such as skin tightening, cellulite reduction, and noticeable fine line and wrinkle reduction (which are among the most common skin concerns). As a result of aging, the body begins to manufacture less collagen (which gives skin its elasticity) and store additional fat, leading to tell-tale signs such as cellulite, wrinkles, “muffin tops”, “crow’s feet”, and “love handles”. Venus Legacy™ uses hand-held proprietary technology to produce heat just beneath the skin’s surface to boost the body’s natural collagen production and melt away fat cells. All of this is completely painless and requires no downtime. Venus Legacy™ is safe for all skin tones (even darker ones), and, in most cases, multiple treatments are needed to achieve optimal results.
VASERlipo
VASERlipo was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001. It is a type of liposuction that precisely utilizes ultrasonic energy for the selective removal of fat cells, resulting in body contouring. The ultrasonic energy is used to melt fat, making its subsequent removal more efficient. In addition to fat removal, VASERlipo also results in noticeable skin tightening in the areas treated. As a result, this form of liposuction typically results in less downtime and post-procedure pain. The VASERlipo procedure is ideal for individuals with discrete fat pockets resistant to diet and exercise.
Tickle Liposuction
Tickle liposuction is an innovative method for troublesome fat removal. The procedure received its namesake from the patients reporting a “tickle” from the gentle movement of the cannula, or tube, used to perform fat removal. It offers several advantages over traditional liposuction such as shorter procedure time, lower cost, no general anesthesia required, significantly less pain, and superior safety. Tickle liposuction provides immediate results with minimal downtime (many patients return to work in as little as 1 day). An added benefit of this technique is the potential for reuse of the removed material in fat transplantation (since no heat is used during the process).
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared novel body contouring technique that utilizes precisely controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn collections of fat resistant to diet and exercise. It is often referred to as the “fat-freezing procedure”. CoolSculpting, as a form of non-surgical lipo, is non-invasive and does not require any anesthesia. This type of liposuction procedure is ideal for areas such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, and chin. The CoolSculpting body contouring solution requires no downtime and minor bruising and pain may occur at the treatment site.
No matter what body contouring technique is employed, patients are assured a slimmer, more sculpted, and toned physique; and for females, the restoration of smooth, beautifully contoured curves.
