Body Countouring: shedding the extra layer

Stubborn adipose tissue, or fat, gets in the way of achieving your dream silhouette; body contouring is an effective way to address this issue. 

What Are Your Options for Body Contouring? 

Sculpt your body and reshape it by remodeling your contours using non-invasive methods such as cryolipolysis, radiofrequency lipolysis, ultrasound lipolysis, and laser-lipolysis for targeted fat reduction, as well as the more invasive liposuction technique. Invasive methods such as arm lift, tummy tuck, facelift, thigh lift, breast lift and augmentation, and skin lift are surgical techniques readily used to remove excess skin. Consult with your surgeon to determine which option is suitable for you. Consult the table below to see the available body contouring methods.

Fat Loss, Not Weight Loss 

Body contouring is the final step in the long journey of weight loss, assisting you in achieving the aesthetic look you desire for your body. These procedures do not contribute to weight loss but focus on removing stubborn fat to attain the preferred silhouette. Body contouring methods are beneficial for patients who have completed their weight loss journey and are near their goal body weight. Table 2 highlights the advantages and disadvantages of non-invasive body contouring, while Table 3 details the disadvantages of invasive, surgical body contouring procedures. 

Which Areas Can Benefit from Body Contouring?  

Body contouring can be applied to various areas of the body, such as the arms, back, belly, thighs, neck, and chin. These areas are commonly targeted due to persistent stubborn fat.

Want More Details on Invasive Procedures? 

For more information regarding the invasive, surgical procedures for body contouring, you may continue reading the article Suffering From Excessive or Loose Skin  

How Does Technology Enhance Non-Invasive Body Contouring? 

Advanced technologies have been repurposed to effectively eliminate stubborn fat around the body. Cryolipolysis uses freeze technology to reduce the number of adipose tissue (fat cells) in the targeted area^1,2. Radiofrequency and ultrasound lipolysis rely on heat energy produced from radio frequencies to induce the death and removal of adipose tissue^3,4. Laser Lipolysis employs red and infrared wavelengths to stimulate a series of reactions in adipose tissue⁵. The dead adipose tissues are then cleared from the body by our immune system⁶. These non-invasive fat loss procedures have high efficacy and increase patient body image satisfaction⁷.

Evolve X 

At Westmount Reconstructive Surgery Clinic, Evolve X is an advanced body contouring method that combines electromagnetic, radiofrequency, and suction to reduce fat, tighten skin, and tone the muscles in the target area. Coupling these technologies together is a safe and effective way to remove stubborn fat⁸. Consult with one of our surgeons to determine if this procedure is right for you. 

Recovery Period 

There are no activity restrictions following non-invasive body contouring procedures. Patients typically recover immediately after their session, but they may experience periods of redness or swelling in the treated area⁹. Such symptoms usually subside in the following days. If these symptoms persist for more than 3-4 days, it is important to promptly notify your surgeon.

References

1. Resende L, Noites A, Amorim M. Application of cryolipolysis in adipose tissue: A systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(10):4122-4132. doi:10.1111/JOCD.15265
2. Atiyeh BS, Fadul R, Chahine F. Cryolipolysis (CLL) for Reduction of Localized Subcutaneous Fat: Review of the Literature and an Evidence-Based Analysis. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2020;44(6):2163-2172. doi:10.1007/S00266-020-01869-X
3. Levy AS, Grant RT, Rothaus KO. Radiofrequency Physics for Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery. Clin Plast Surg. 2016;43(3):551-556. doi:10.1016/J.CPS.2016.03.013
4. Gadsden E, Aguilar MT, Smoller BR, Jewell ML. Evaluation of a novel high-intensity focused ultrasound device for ablating subcutaneous adipose tissue for noninvasive body contouring: safety studies in human volunteers. Aesthet Surg J. 2011;31(4):401-410. doi:10.1177/1090820X11405027
5. Avci P, Nyame TT, Gupta GK, Sadasivam M, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser therapy for fat layer reduction: a comprehensive review. Lasers Surg Med. 2013;45(6):349-357. doi:10.1002/LSM.22153
6. Yoshikawa K, Okada T, Munakata S, et al. Association between serum lipoprotein lipase mass concentration and subcutaneous fat accumulation during neonatal period. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010;64(5):447-453. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2010.25
7. Wolska J, Hassan H. Noninvasive lipolysis modalities in aesthetic medicine. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023;22(10):2635-2649. doi:10.1111/JOCD.15929
8. Faulhaber J, Sandhofer M, Weiss C, Sattler G, Sadick NS. Effective noninvasive body contouring by using a combination of cryolipolysis, injection lipolysis, and shock waves. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(4):1014-1019. doi:10.1111/JOCD.12953
9. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Nonsurgical Fat Reduction

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Table 1. Different methods of Body Contouring procedures

Table 2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Non-invasive Body Contouring

Table 3. Disadvantages of Invasive, Surgical Body Contouring