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Originally Posted On: https://www.hourglassbodyspa.com/blog/what-is-body-contouring

If you’ve been looking for a nonsurgical way to have fat removed, you may have come across the idea of body contouring.

Other names for body contouring include body sculpting, nonsurgical fat removal and nonsurgical body reshaping. In essence, each of these refers to a group of nonsurgical methods of fat reduction that break down fat cells so your lymphatic system can flush it out permanently. Through these procedures, you can reduce or eliminate select pockets of fat to help contour and shape various parts of your body. Although those fatty acids are gone from the body it is very important to live a healthy lifestyle to maintain results.

The majority of nonsurgical fat reduction techniques fall into these four techniques:

1. Cryolipolysis

   CoolSculpting is an FDA approved example of this technique. This noninvasive fat reduction technique uses cold temperatures to target and destroy fat cells in various areas of the body. This process is also able to leave surrounding tissues unharmed. The freezing temperatures kill off fat cells, which are eventually flushed out of your body through the lymphatic system. Once these cells are gone, they shouldn’t come back. Average cost per session is $2,000-$4,000 and side effects can include pain and swelling at the treatment site.

2. Red Light Therapy (aka Cold Laser, Low Level Laser, Laser Lipo)

   Controlled heating and light energy are used to target fat cells. LED and near infrared light, in proven clinical therapeutic wavelengths of 635nm and 880nm, directly affect cells to stimulate increased cellular energy allowing them to carry out their purpose of cleaning, detoxifying and energizing cells from start to natural finish. Hourglass utilizes an FDA cleared system that has been studied and shown to reduce the circumference of the hips, waist and thighs. Our system is also FDA cleared for the relief of minor muscle and joint pain, arthritis, muscle spasms, relieving stiffness, promoting the relaxation of muscle tissue and increasing local blood circulation. Average price per session is $125-$250 and side effects include temporary redness and swelling at the treatment site.

3. Radiofrequency Lipolysis and Ultrasonic Cavitation

   Radiofrequency skin tightening, or RF treatment involves a machine that creates radio waves. The probe is applied to produce radio waves to your skin. The waves give off heat that prompts your skin to produce more collagen and elastin. The treatment also speeds up cell turnover, so the skin gets firmer and thicker over time. RF can be done with Ultrasonic Cavitation Ultrasonic, a fat loss treatment that uses low-frequency sound waves to break down fat cells. The process may result in a reduction in inches on the treated areas. Average price per session is $90-$200 and side effects include temporary redness and swelling in the treatment area.

4. Injection Lipolysis

   Kybella is an FDA approved example of injectable deoxycholic acid which is used to target fat cells. Deoxycholic acid is naturally produced by the body to help absorb fat and has the potential to kill fat cells. Those dead cells are then gradually metabolized during the weeks after treatment.

These body contouring procedures are not weight loss solutions. Instead, they are meant to help contour the body and shed unwanted inches.

In particular, these targeted solutions help patients get rid of stubborn fat deposits that resist diet and exercise.

As a rule of thumb, your body mass index shouldn’t be higher than 30 for the majority of body reshaping operations. If your BMI is higher than 30, please consult with a doctor before considering any of the following procedures.

the essentials about body contouring

Since every one of our bodies is unique, speaking with a trained provider is the best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for nonsurgical body contouring.

Your healthcare professional will work with you to choose the course of treatment that meets your requirements and expectations the best.

Convenience

Procedures for body contouring are nonsurgical, minimally invasive, or even noninvasive. Many patients find they can get back to your normal routine right away after the procedure.

Risks and side effects

With nonsurgical body contouring, the side effects are often only mild and short-term. Typical reported side effects include redness, swelling, and pain.

Cost

As a starting point, we can see that in 2016, the average cost of nonsurgical fat reduction was $1,681.

how does nonsurgical body contouring compare to surgical liposuction?

Risks of surgical liposuction, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, include:

• Anesthesia complications

• Infection

• Fluid buildup

• Harm to deeper organs and structures

• Deep vein thrombosis

• Cardiac and pulmonary problems

• Injury or death

Considering that nonsurgical body contouring doesn’t involve surgery or anesthesia, it carries far fewer risks.

Beyond the health risks, nonsurgical fat removal methods are often less expensive than surgical liposuction, too. In fact, the average cost of liposuction was $3,600, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2020, nearly double the average nonsurgical fat removal cost.

wondering if you’re a candidate for body contouring?

It’s important to keep in mind that nonsurgical fat reduction should be accompanied by a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. This will help you to maximize and maintain results.

Still dealing with some particularly stubborn areas of fat? At Hourglass we offer Red Light Therapy, Radiofrequency and Ultra Cavitation services. For body contouring consultation, get in touch with the team at Hourglass Spa to see how we can help