Body Contouring - How To Get The Figure You Want

Expert Author
Dr. Nicholas Lahar Plastic Surgeon Beverly Hills, CA

Dr. Nicholas Lahar is a cosmetic medicine and surgery specialist practicing in Beverly Hills, CA. Dr. Lahar specializes in the enhancement of appearance. Improving aesthetics, symmetry, and proportion are key goals in cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic medicine has nothing to do with these specific areas not functioning properly;... more

Many women and men have parts of their bodies that they would like to reshape, slim, or smooth. But, unfortunately, the fact is that some areas of the body are resistant to diet and exercise, and fat pockets can persist despite our best efforts.

The good news is that you have more body contouring options today than ever to enhance your appearance. Let’s take a closer look at some of the trending body contouring procedures that patients choose today.

Temperature-Based Treatments

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved device that uses cooling to freeze fat cells that resist good nutrition and exercise, such as on the belly, upper arms, and inner thighs. This procedure takes only about 15 to 30 minutes, and patients may need several sessions for ideal results.

It takes approximately three months for the treated fat cells to die and the body to flush them out of your system. However, a significant advantage of CoolSculpting is new fat cells will not take their place, so it’s a permanent solution.

SculpSure

This is a fast, 25-minute procedure that dissolves your fat cells. It shocks your body as CoolSculpt does, but it uses laser heat to destroy fat cells.

During a SculpSure procedure, the doctor straps the device onto the target area, such as the love handles or stomach, and uses intense heat followed by short cool-down periods. Most patients only need a single treatment, and you can see results in six to 12 weeks.

Vanquish

This new fat treatment device consists of a thin, three-paneled applicator that radiates magnetic waves over your problem area without touching the skin. Patients say it feels like a warm electric blanket, and results can be seen in a month.

Skin-Tightening Treatments

As we get older, the body loses some of its skin laxity, which can cause drooping, sagging skin. Some of the signs of this condition are jowls around the neck, skin sagging above the knees, and sagging upper arms.

But there have been recent advances in radio frequency and ultrasound technology that build collagen by treating the deeper skin layers, and patients are thrilled to see the clock turn back.

Two of the most effective skin-tightening devices are Ulthera and Thermage, as well as Exilis, which uses ultrasound and radiofrequency waves to tighten your skin and increase collagen production.

These devices offer a significant improvement in skin contour as well as tighter skin. But you also make get some fat reduction in the abdomen, arms, thighs, and buttocks. So for patients who have lost a lot of weight or have lax skin from pregnancy, these skin tightening devices can provide the body contours they have dreamed of.

Muscle Enhancement Devices

If you want to contour your body by treating your muscles, consider Emsculpt, a new muscle-building treatment that is the latest in body contouring. This device utilizes electromagnetic energy to make muscles contract as you would at the gym.

One 20-minute session is equal to about 20,000 sit-ups and can do wonders for your abs. You also can use it on your legs to give the equivalent of 20,000 squats to firm up your butt muscles.

Patients say you get more developed abs from getting rid of the fat over the ab muscles, but it’s also making the muscles denser. Expert to see more of these muscle-building devices on the market to enhance body contours in a new way.

Future Treatment - Injectables To Treat Cellulite

Many women complain about cellulite, but there isn’t an effective treatment for it...yet. However, experts expect there will soon be injectables that will help get rid of cellulite once and for all.

When Do You Need Liposuction?

There is no doubt we’ve seen impressive advances in technology that help rid the body of stubborn fat pockets. These techniques are especially effective for people who have almost reached their goal weight and just want to fine-tune their contours for their final result.

However, people who want to eliminate more stubborn fat may find liposuction to be the best option.

Some patients choose one of the non-surgical procedures mentioned earlier to contour their bodies but are disappointed with the results. But tumescent liposuction is a highly effective procedure that can get rid of far more fat in one treatment than any non-surgical solution.

Patients also should note that liposuction has advanced tremendously in the last two decades with faster recovery times and methods to minimize bruising and swelling. As a result, many patients can have liposuction on their stomachs or buts and go back to work the day after.

Outlook

There are many outstanding body contouring procedures available to help you achieve your goals. The technology has never been more advanced, procedures are getting more refined, and prices are dropping.

You should have a consultation with your plastic surgeon about your body contouring goals, and she can tell you which may be the best body contouring solution for your situation. You have many options that can give you the body of which you have always dreamed! 

To learn more about Lahar Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, visit him online.

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