Looking for Body Sculpting Near Me? We Compare the Top 5 Here

CRYOLIPOLYSIS

The optimum temperature for fat cell death is just around freezing, which also (thankfully) happens to be above the threshold for damage to other tissues like skin and muscle.

Coolsculpting has recently received a lot of negative press related to model Linda Evangelista’s unfortunate side effect of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH.) This side effect had been considered relatively uncommon, however, recent studies show it actually occurs in 1 in 138 patients. PAH is when, instead of fat cell death and subsequent removal by the body, fat cells grow larger and stay in the treated area. Other more common side effects of this treatment include some mild temporary bruising, swelling and nerve pain. These side effects, particularly swelling, can linger for a few months.

Cryoskin is another fat freezing method which has almost no incidence of PAH thanks to its slightly higher temperatures and shorter durations of treatments. There is no pain during or after treatments and, because if any swelling occurs, it dissipates in less than 48 hours, results can be seen throughout the course of treatments (unlike with Coolsculpting.) If you're looking for non-invasive body contouring near me, this is a great option!

LASER

Treatment with a 1060-nm laser heats fat cells to 107-116 F and induces lipolysis (the breakdown of fat cells.) Thankfully, this temperature does not injure other tissues besides fat cells.

Sculpsure  is the most popular of the laser assisted body contouring options available. It is associated with mild-to-moderate pain, as the degree of tissue heating is gradually raised according to the patient’s tolerance levels to maximize results. However, treatments have varying degrees of effectiveness, and anywhere from 2 to 12 sessions, are typically necessary for desired results, performed ideally 6–8 weeks apart.

Mild tenderness is the most commonly reported side effect of treatment. There are no reports of skin burns, scarring or pigmentation changes.

HIFEM

HIFEM stands for high intensity focused electromagnetic energy. Unlike other non-invasive fat reduction methods, this method also helps increase muscle thickness, strength and tone.

EmSculpt is the most well-known device utilizing this method. EmSculpt Neo also utilizes HIFEM technology in combination with radiofrequency and will be discussed later. (We're saving the best for last!)

Utilizing electromagnetic energy, HIFEM body contouring methods stimulate supramaximal muscle contractions of approximately 20, 000 pulses within one 30-min session. The mechanism behind the resulting fat cell destruction is incompletely understood; however, current data suggest that the muscle contractions trigger intensive lipolysis with subsequent fat cell death. In addition, the stress of rapid muscle fiber contractions leads to compensatory muscle thickening. Studies demonstrate a gradual increase in muscle thickness and strength over the course of 6 months.

Another unique benefit of HIFEM body contouring is a reduction in the distance between the large abdominal muscles. This was observed in 91% of patients regardless of whether diastasis recti (the separation that sometimes occurs with pregnancy) was clinically present.

Mild muscle soreness is the only side effect noted in a minority of patients. Four 30-min sessions spaced over the course of 2 weeks are required. Following this, one treatment every 3–6 months is recommended to maintain results.

RADIOFREQUENCY

Like laser, radiofrequency heats fat cells to a temperature high enough to cause their self-destruction and subsequent elimination by the body’s natural processes.  Additionally, radiofrequency causes stimulation of fibroblasts, which fuels gradual growth of new collagen and elastic fibers and results in skin rejuvenation.

Patients may experience mild heat-related pain during treatment. After treatment, most patients will experience mild skin redness and swelling that typically resolves within 24 h.

ULTRASOUND

Utilizing ultrasound energy waves, fat cell membranes are ruptured and broken down without damaging surrounding tissue. When fat cells walls are destroyed, fat is released in the form of triglycerides. Your liver processes triglycerides and removes them from your body. 

While some devices like Ultrashape have no significant side effects, other ultrasound devices like Liposonix can cause swelling and bruising that lasts up to 2 weeks. 

COMBINATION THERAPIES - HIFEM & RADIOFREQUENCY

EmSculpt NEO is the newest non-invasive body contouring and fat reduction method available and combines both HIFEM and radiofrequency to achieve even more fat reduction than any other method and can also cause a skin-tightening effect due to the stimulatory effects that radiofrequency has on fibroblasts to lay down collagen. There is no pain or side effects from this treatment. We think that if you're searching for non-invasive body sculpting near me, this is a really great option.