A Quick Guide To Body Sculpting

With the new technology innovations in the beauty industry, beauty enthusiasts seek better alternatives to enhance their appearance and meet their body aspirations. One of the recent trends is the growing interest in body sculpting, especially non-invasive procedures. Body sculpting focuses on fat elimination without employing any invasive or surgical procedures. 

And due to the rising demand for medical aesthetics treatments, the global market for body contouring is expected to witness significant growth. As of 2020, the market was valued at USD$6.5 billion, and the figure is forecasted to grow to USD$9.6 billion by 2026. 

If you’re looking for an efficient, aesthetic treatment method that will get you the shape you desire, here is a quick guide to body sculpting: 

What is body sculpting? 

Body sculpting is a medical procedure that aims to eliminate excess fat, tighten the skin in specific body parts, or strengthen particular muscles. Various factors may contribute to excess body fat or loose skin, including pregnancy, medical conditions, aging, weight loss, and body type. Therefore, it’s one of the most popular aesthetic treatment methods highly recommended by professionals because it’s non-invasive, simple, and quick.  

How does body sculpting work

Body sculpting employs various non-surgical techniques to eliminate pesky fat cells or reshape specific body areas. Common sites include the arms, thighs, buttocks, belly and flanks, back, neck, and chin. The following are the main non-surgical sculpting methods: 

• PHYSIQ body sculpting: PHYSIQ body sculpting is a modern-day non-invasive body contouring treatment that combines energy and heat to reduce fat and enhance muscles. It’s a significant breakthrough in cosmetic dermatology that employs sequential thermal and electrical pulse (STEP) technology. 
• Cold treatments: These treatments use low temperatures to destroy unwanted fat cells in specific areas like the abdomen, thighs, or arms while keeping the skin unharmed. For example, cool sculpting uses cooling technology to freeze fat cells. Each session takes 35 to 60 minutes and can reduce fat by up to 25%. It’s a safe procedure but not recommended if you’re sensitive to cold since it heavily relies on extreme cold. 
• Heat treatments: Heat treatments, such as laser lipolysis, use laser technology to destroy fat cells through procedures like non-invasive lipolysis of the abdomen. 
• Radiofrequency body sculpting: Radiofrequency (RF) body contouring uses radiofrequency and controlled heating to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat and shape specific body parts. Multiple treatments are required, and each may take one hour on average. And while it’s considered safe, it’s inappropriate if you’re pregnant, have a skin disease, or are currently receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy.  
• Ultrasound energy: It’s a body-sculpting mechanism that uses ultrasound energy for selective fat cell destruction in a non-invasive manner. 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, non-surgical fat reduction typically costs about USD$1,700 per session. However, costs may vary depending on the specific technique used, the doctor or practitioner, and your region. It’s best to inquire about the costs before booking a treatment. Note that body sculpting is optional, so it’s not covered by insurance. 

What happens before body sculpting?

The following is what you should discuss with your doctor before the procedure:

• Your body goals
• Your medical history, for instance, any health conditions, previous surgeries, and allergies
• Use of alcohol and harmful drugs 
• The current medications you’re using, including prescribed and over-the-counter drugs

With this information, your doctor can review your options and risks and make recommendations. And if you decide to proceed with the treatment, you’ll be required to sign a consent form to permit the practitioner to perform the procedure. The form also indicates you understand the underlying risks and have realistic expectations. 

Benefits of body sculpting

The advantages of body sculpting are:

• Faster weight loss: Unlike dieting and workouts, which may take longer to yield desired results, body sculpting is a quick procedure that enables you to lose weight faster. The entire treatment may take a few weeks, and you can expect positive results 3 to 6 months post-procedure. 
• Non-invasive procedure: Body sculpting is a non-invasive procedure with no incisions or anesthesia administration. 

If you want to reduce fat and get a well-toned body, body sculpting is safe and effective. 

Risks associated with body sculpting

Non-surgical options have limited risks. They may include:

• Swelling in the contour area
• Pain and soreness
• Red skin
• Hives or rashes on the treated areas

Results may be unsatisfactory, thus requiring repeat sessions. Notably, practitioners advise patients to avoid scrubbing or applying harsh products on the treatment site. 

Moreover, you should stay hydrated to help get rid of fat cells. Ideally, after fat cells are destroyed, the body identifies them as waste, which is then removed through the lymphatic system. So, by drinking more water, your body responds faster by flushing the waste, which speeds up recovery. 

ConclusionBody sculpting procedures can help you safely achieve your dream body. Many opt for this route to eliminate excess body fat when exercise and diet don’t work. But before you pick a particular method, consult a medical professional.