Body Contouring is a non-surgical way of reducing fat. Today there are many different technologies on the market that use technologies like ultra-low temperatures to freeze fat (see CoolSculpting, TruSculpt iD, CoolTone, or SculpSure for more details) or ultrasonic waves and radio frequencies to melt fat.
If you are in good shape but have small, stubborn bulges of fat you can’t seem to lose, or if you are interested in looking trimmer without subjecting yourself to an invasive surgical procedure, body contouring might be a good solution for you.
It is most successful in individuals who have a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition and fitness because the long-term outcomes are dependent on your own habits. It’s best for healthy people who are non-smokers and do not have any medical conditions that would slow down the healing process.
It is not a substitute for weight loss surgery, nor is it designed for people who have significant amounts of fat they would like removed. Body contouring is a body shaping procedure rather than a fat removal procedure.
Using specialized equipment, body contouring injures or damages small, targeted amounts of fat. Whether using the heat-based ultrasound or the cold energy method, the procedure is done on an outpatient basis.
In each case, an applicator is applied to the skin and the damaged fat is suctioned away by your doctor. Any damaged fat remaining in the body will clear itself out on its own through the regular elimination process.
You won’t have long-term side effects from body contouring, but you may experience some redness, numbness and/or swelling of the area you have had treated. And, if you are having a large area worked on, you may find that you have more discomfort. Following your doctor’s self-care advice, and discussing any concerns before the procedure, will make sure you have a speedy recovery.
Results will vary with the individual, and much of it depends on your lifestyle after the contouring. Talk with your doctor at U.S. Dermatology Partners to discuss your expectations and what you can do to maintain the best possible results.
*Results may vary by individual