Body contouring is a minimally invasive solution for anyone looking to reduce unwanted body fat, eliminate the appearance of cellulite, lessen stubborn bulges, and enhance the facial profile. At your consultation, your doctor will recommend one of several non-surgical, highly effective body contouring methods that provide permanent results for stubborn areas, requiring little to no recovery time. Body contouring costs vary by clinic and treatment type.
Each body contouring method targets specific areas with either heat, cooling or injectable products to shrink or destroy fat, with no disruption to surrounding skin, muscle or tissue.
There are four commonly used approaches to body contouring:
Cryo-lipolysis is the freezing of fat cells with ultra-cool temperatures. Once cells are frozen, they die and are permanently expelled by the body. Coolsculpting® is the most well-known form of cryo-liposis. A session of Coolsculpting usually lasts one hour, and requires little to no recovery time. Your doctor may recommend a number of Coolsculpting treatments to achieve your desired outcome.
Laser lipolysis uses high heat to dissolve targeted fat cells, commonly used to treat the abdomen and outer thighs. Similar to cryo-lioplysis, fat cells are destroyed and then absorbed and expelled by the body’s lymphatic system. Laser lipolysis is administered over multiple 30-minute sessions and results are visible within three months.
Radiofrequency (RF) lipolysis gently delivers heat through radiofrequency waves to achieve fat reduction. During treatment, an RF lipolysis applicator is placed close to the skin to target specific areas on the skin, most commonly applied around the abdomen. Sessions are pain-free and typically last 30 minutes. Depending on your unique needs, the number of recommended treatments will be established at your consultation.
There is also a Health Canada approved injectable treatment to reduce the fullness under the chin commonly referred to as a “double chin”. It is injected into the fat cells to create a smooth and youthful profile. It is delivered using multiple treatments (typically two to six) spaced six to eight weeks apart.
Body contouring for fat reduction is an excellent complement to a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Depending on your desired goal, your doctor will recommend targeting areas of the body that are tough to treat through traditional fitness and lifestyle methods, yet may not require advanced or invasive treatments such as liposuction.
Common areas for body contouring today are:
Avoid sun exposure, topical creams, and anti-inflammatories the day of your treatment. At your consultation, your doctor will provide specific instructions on what you should expect on the treatment day and inform you of any potential body contouring side effects.
Certain conditions and medications can affect your treatment options. At your consultation, discuss your medical history and your current medications with your doctor. Note that if you have any of the following conditions, body contouring may not be the best path of treatment right now:
*Individual results may vary