The Truth About Body Contouring: 5 Proven Treatments That Work!
By Dr. Ryan Welter, Founder & CEO
If you’re looking for ways to sculpt and contour your body, it can be hard to sort through the myriad treatments available to determine which ones work versus the ones that might have risky side effects or significant costs.
Let’s look at a few body contouring treatments and rank five proven approaches that can help you achieve the body of your dreams. From invasive medical procedures to more natural treatments, we’ll explore different options that can help you get the results you desire. Hot tip – we will also discuss some of the pitfalls to maintaining results AND some of the treatments you should avoid!
5 Proven Body Contouring Treatments that Actually Work – A Regeneris Medspa & Cosmetic Surgery Guide
#1 – Liposuction
Liposuction is a huge topic and worth discussing in more detail, but in terms of body contouring and sculpting, nothing does the job better than liposuction, particularly VASER liposuction. Liposuction removes fat from specific areas of the body to improve its contour and shape. During liposuction, a cosmetic surgeon uses a suction device to remove fat from beneath the skin through a small port site. For these reasons (and others) liposuction is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the world.
Liposuction can help people who have stubborn pockets of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. It can also be used to remove fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, and neck. Liposuction is generally outpatient (not done in a hospital setting) and can be done under general anesthesia, but we recommend doing it under local only as this is the much safer technique.
Recovery time is usually short, and most people can return to their daily activities within a few days. There are, however, different types of liposuction and it is very important to understand the type of liposuction procedure should you ever decide to have it done. Our preferred recommendation is VASER liposuction which uses an ultrasonic probe to help dissolve fat, allowing for easier extraction and better contouring. This is the preferred method for HiDEF liposuction, an extreme way to remove large amounts of fat and provide profound body contouring results.
#2 – EMSCULPT NEO®
EMSCULPT NEO® is a revolutionary, non-invasive body sculpting treatment designed to help tone, strengthen, and build muscle, as well as reduce fat. Through a combination of high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) technology, EMSCULPT NEO® stimulates muscle contractions to strengthen and build muscle, while its PEMF technology helps break down fat cells and reduce fat. This makes it an excellent option for both toning and fat reduction.
EMSCULPT NEO® is also safe, painless, and requires no downtime. Another spectacular benefit of EMSCULPT NEO® is its ability to melt visceral fat. Visceral fat is the fat surrounding the intestines and internal organs and can be an indicator of poor health. Because it is below the muscle planes, visceral fat cannot be removed by liposuction.
In a study published in 2021, Emsculpt was found to have a profound effect on visceral fat. We have had great results with EMSCULPT NEO® and highly recommend it as a safe and cost-effective way to body contour. It should be mentioned that for best results, monthly maintenance is recommended.
#3 – truSculpt® ID
truSculpt® ID is a non-invasive body sculpting procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy fat cells. It is a safe and effective alternative to liposuction and other surgical procedures with excellent results. A very versatile treatment, it can be used to reduce fat in areas such as the abdomen, flanks, arms, and thighs, and even the stubborn fat under the chin.
truSculpt® ID procedures typically take about 15 minutes and require no downtime or recovery. Results can be seen in as little as four weeks and can last up to two years. It is very important to hydrate several weeks before and after the procedure for optimal results. Repeat treatments can be done for added fat melting or for continued maintenance when needed.
At Regeneris Medspa & Cosmetic Surgery, we often combine truSculpt® ID with EMSCULPT NEO® and our RESCULPT treatment (which is one of the most effective and cost-effective treatment combinations you can do to contour your body).
#4 – Radiofrequency with Microneedling
Radiofrequency (RF) with microneedling is a skin treatment that combines two popular and effective technologies. Microneedling uses tiny needles to create microscopic channels in the skin that stimulate collagen production. RF is a type of energy that produces heat to target deep layers of the skin and help tighten, tone, and lift the skin. Together, these two treatments improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and scars while also improving skin texture and tone.
At Regeneris, we’ve been extremely impressed with the results we’ve obtained in contouring and tightening the skin. But radio frequency micro-needling can also result in a moderate reduction in fat and cellulite in the treatment areas with the appropriate instrument settings and technique. This makes it a very cost-effective way to treat stubborn areas with sagging skin, signs of aging, or cellulite.
#5 – Exilis Ultra (Radiofrequency and Ultrasound)
Radiofrequency with ultrasound, also known as Exilis Ultra, is a non-surgical treatment used to reduce wrinkles, tighten skin, and remove fat deposits. It works by delivering transdermal (through the skin) heat energy to the treatment area which encourages collagen production and increases blood flow.
Exilis Ultra reduces wrinkles, tightens skin, and reduces fat deposits. Exilis can be used to reduce wrinkles and tighten skin on the face, neck, arms, legs and abdomen. And depending on the settings, the treatment can reduce fat deposits under the chin, arms, thighs, and abdomen.
Exilis Ultra is a safe and effective treatment with minimal discomfort and no downtime. It is by far the most comfortable of the top five body contouring treatments and the least expensive, but it does require about six treatments for full results and should be maintained about once a month for optimal outcomes.
Two Body Contouring treatments worth AVOIDING
Now that you know the top 5 body contouring treatments available, we want to you know about two very popular options that we generally recommend avoiding.
#1 – Avoid CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting (cryolipolysis) is a procedure that uses cold temperatures to freeze and reduce fat cells in the body. It is advertised as a non-invasive procedure that can help people achieve their body shaping goals quickly and with minimal downtime. However, there are some potential dangers and complications associated with CoolSculpting that need to be taken into consideration before undergoing the procedure.
As with many thermal based devices, the primary danger associated with CoolSculpting is a risk of skin injury. Due to the extreme temperatures used, there is a risk of frostbite or other skin damage. Additionally, the procedure can cause skin redness, swelling, and discomfort. CoolSculpting can also occasionally cause nerve pain due to the freezing temperatures, and there is a risk of infection or scarring.
The most troublesome potential side effect, however, is something known as Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH). Although infrequent, the effects can be very cosmetically damaging. PAH is where fat cells in the treatment site grow larger rather than smaller. While not physically dangerous, PAH generally requires liposuction to correct. Given these risks, we usually place CoolSculpting on the list of body contouring procedures to avoid if possible.
#2 – Avoid Low Level Laser Therapy Body Contouring Devices
Although several studies have shown the low level laser therapy (LLLT) can help with circumferential fat reduction, the gains are generally only very modest compared to more advanced technologies. LLLT protocols are also very cumbersome, generally requiring 2-3 visits per week for about 30 minutes every week for 4-6 weeks to have noticeable improvements.
This high appointment frequency keeps LLLT costs high in terms of both actual dollars spent and dollars lost from the opportunity cost of doing something better with your time. Low level laser therapy is very safe however, and studies do demonstrate loss of fat cells, but because many other new technologies exist with better results, we generally recommend saving the money you might spend on LLLT for one of the more modern modalities.
Find a Body Sculpting Treatment That Works for you at Regeneris Medspa & Cosmetic Surgery
Body sculpting is an amazing way to shape your body and get you looking the best you can. Combined with diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, there is no reason you can’t achieve your ideal self with today’s amazing body contouring technology.
To learn more about safe and effective body contouring treatments, or to find a treatment that works best for you, contact Regeneris Medspa & Cosmetic Surgery in Boston, MA. For more information, or to schedule your consultation today, call us at (781) 412-1309.
Sculpt, Contour, & Enjoy Your Ideal Body at Regeneris Medspa!
Fat, excess skin, and general flab are not permanent features of your body. With the right technology in expert hands, you can sculpt, contour, and enjoy your ideal body for years to come. To learn more about the perfect body contouring solution for you, or to schedule your consultation today, give us a call at (781) 412-1309 or contact us online. Don’t miss out on our special offers!