About Body Contouring

About Image

Body contouring procedures are medical treatments designed to shape and contour specific areas of the body by eliminating fat cells.

There are various technologies used to perform body contouring treatments. These treatments can be broken-down into 3 categories: Invasive, Minimally Invasive, Non-Invasive.

No matter what technology is used, each are considered lipolysis procedures, ‘lipo’ meaning fat cell and ‘lysis’ meaning death to the cell.

Common body areas that patients receive body contouring treatments are: Abdomen, thighs (inner and outer), flanks, bra fat, arms, male chests and chin.

How Does Body Contouring Work?

Non-invasive body contouring procedures, such as SculpSure, are fat reduction treatments that are non-surgical in nature. Each procedure uses a different method to eliminate the fat cells, but all are delivered topically on the surface of the skin. Because these are non-invasive procedures, there are no needles, cuts or sedation.

Minimally invasive body contouring procedures, such as SmartLipo, are surgical procedures where fat cells are manually removed from the body with the assistance of a particular method (laser, ultrasound or water). Most minimally invasive procedures are performed under local anesthesia, and require less downtime than traditional surgical procedures.

Traditional liposuction is the most invasive body contouring procedure to remove unwanted fat under the skin. While not offered here at WIFH, this type of liposuction is effective and is routinely used to treat larger body areas with high volumes of fat.

Body Contouring Risks & Side Effects

Non-invasive body contouring procedures do not require any anesthesia as they are all performed topically and are mostly well tolerated. Minimally invasive procedures will require anesthesia of some kind. Local anesthesia is the safest way to perform these procedures. You will be awake, but the area being treated will be numb, so you won’t have any discomfort.

It is important to note that most complications that arise from surgical procedures are due to the anesthesia. General anesthesia carries the most risk. More invasive body contouring procedures such as traditional liposuction utilize general anesthesia, where you are put to sleep during the procedures. Always do your research before selecting the surgeon or facility that will be performing your body contouring procedure.

Which Body Contouring Procedure is Best?

Choosing the right body contouring may come down to desired results, whether you can afford downtime, and how quickly you would like to see results.

Surgical body contouring procedures (minimally invasive or invasive) like Smartlipo will always provide a greater reduction in fat than non-invasive procedures. You shouldn’t expect a surgical result from a non-surgical procedure. Surgical procedures are a one-time procedure versus non-invasive procedures that require multiple treatments. Surgical results are much more predictable as the fat is manually removed versus non-invasive therapies that rely on your body to get rid of the fat.

You will typically see results faster from a surgical procedure than non-invasive procedures. You will begin to see results from surgery after 4 weeks versus non-invasive at 6 weeks. Most non-invasive procedures have no downtime versus surgical procedures. Some minimally invasive procedures have virtually zero downtime while invasive procedures could have several days or weeks of downtime depending on which one you choose.

What to Expect From Body Contouring

What to Expert Image

Anesthesia

Any body contouring procedure performed at WIFH in Atlanta is done under local anesthesia, meaning the patient is awake and comfortable throughout.

Duration

For a SculpSure non-invasive procedure, each session can take as little as 25 minutes. Minimally invasive Smartlipo averages between 1-1.5 hours.

Downtime

Non-invasive body contouring procedures like SculpSure are designed to have zero downtime so patients can get back to normal activity immediately.

Minimally invasive body sculpting like Smartlipo offers 1-2 days of downtime with soreness for several days and bruising that typically resolves in 2-3 weeks. Patients should be able to return to normal activity within a few days.

Body Contouring Results

Cost of Body Contouring in Atlanta

Smartlipo
SculpSure

Smartlipo FLASH SALE EARLY ACCESS

Body PartPrice Range
Abdomen (includes: upper, middle, lower, sides and waistline)$4.500-$7,500
Inner Thighs$3,600-$4,600
Outer Thighs or Saddle Bags$3,000-$4,500
Chin$2,000
Flanks / Love Handles$3,600-$4,200
Bra Fat$3,800-$4,800
Men’s Chest$3,900-$5,800
Arms$3,700-$4,500
Chin SmartLipo for $2,000
Lipo 360 starting at $7,000
(includes, full abdomen, flanks, and lower bra fat)

**Price may vary based on size and weight. Specials cannot be combined.

Get a Complimentary Consultation

About Image

No matter which body contouring procedure you choose to sculpt your body, WIFH believes it is essential for the patient to schedule an initial consultation to meet and  be assessed by the doctor who will perform the procedure.

During your complimentary body contouring consultation with Dr. Cox, he will evaluate your treatment areas and medical history to provide you with a recommended treatment plan. He will also be able to provide you with an expectation for the results the body contouring treatment plan will deliver.

Because WIFH puts our patients’ safety and best interests first, it is possible the recommendation may be to have no body contouring treatments at all.

To find out which body contouring procedure — SculpSure or Smartlipo — is the right choice for you please contact us to schedule your free consultation.

Body Contouring FAQs

Are Body Contouring Procedures Covered by Insurance?

Body contouring procedures are not typically covered by insurance as they are cosmetic and elective procedures.

How Long Will the Body Contouring Results Last?

Body contouring procedures are lipolysis procedures. Lipo meaning fat and Lysis meaning death to the cell. So they are permanently getting rid of fat cells. That being said, you will need to do your part to maintain your results. It is not out of the realm of possibility that you could regain weight in the area you had treated, but you will notice weight gain in the untreated areas first. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will ensure your results keep.

What Body Contouring Procedure Is Right for Me?

Choosing the right body contouring may come down to desired expectations or results, whether you can afford downtime and how quickly you would like to see results.

What Downtime Should I Expect After Body Contouring

Minimally invasive procedures should offer minimal downtime. You should expect to be sore and tender for several days or weeks. You should be able to return to normal activity within a few days.

Invasive procedures will have days or weeks of downtime. The extent of the downtime will depend on the procedure. Consult your surgeon for more information on what downtime you should expect.

Who Are Good Candidates for Smartlipo?

Smartlipo laser liposuction is a less-invasive solution for patients looking to get rid of stubborn fat that isn’t responding to diet and exercise. It’s ideal for most areas of the body: Abdomen, flanks, bra fat, thighs, chin, arms and male chests. Ideal patients are in good health and not typically more than 25 pounds over their ideal body weight. As with everything, there are always exceptions.

Where is the Smartlipo Procedure Done?

Your Smartlipo procedure will be performed in our office, in our own operating room. We use a full sterile technique and have a large flat screen monitor in our operating room, displaying your before photo while we sculpt your problem areas.

Is Smartlipo Better Than Traditional Liposuction?

Our medical staff has performed over 15,000 procedures, and we have no doubt that laser assisted liposuction is better than traditional liposuction for most people. Patients experience less bruising because Smartlipo is a gentler technique causing less tissue trauma to the skin resulting in bruising. Patients also experience just a few days of downtime rather than weeks or months.

Will I Be Awake During The Smartlipo Procedure, What Will I Feel?

Even if you take the prescribed pain pill or sleeping pill, you will be awake, but relaxed. Many of our patients choose not to take any medication before the procedure and they do great. You will not feel pain. The most you will feel will be slight pressure.

Tumescent liposuction has proven to be the safest method of liposuction, because the risks associated with general anesthesia are eliminated. We use lidocaine to thoroughly numb the area and add epinephrine to greatly reduce bleeding in the area. This will allow you to have less bruising, swelling, and a shorter recovery time.

You will not feel us make the incisions as we use lidocaine to numb the area. Many people express their anxiety about being awake but as a rule of thumb, everyone says the procedure was “much easier” than they expected. We have had several patients offer to speak to people considering this procedure so this is available to you if you’d like.

How Many SmartLipo Treatments Are Needed?

The majority of patients just need one Smartlipo therapy session to see the desired results. Your doctor will assess your problem areas and work with you to decide how many Smartlipo sessions would be necessary for your specific situation during your first visit or consultation.

How Long Do Smartlipo Results Last?

With Smartlipo, fat cells are destroyed permanently, however, new fat cells may develop. This means it is vital to steer clear of future weight changes, including those brought on by pregnancy. The benefits of Smartlipo can last for many, many years if you follow a good diet and exercise regimen.

Is SculpSure / WarmSculpting™ right for me?

SculpSure is ideal for people with trouble areas, particularly those that seem resistant to diet and exercise.

How Long Do SculpSure Treatments Take?

At WIFH, the entire process including preparation and treatment lasts between 30-35 minutes. As mentioned, most patients will require more than 4 applicators to thoroughly treat the area. If that is the case an additional 25 minutes will be needed, adding to the total treatment time. For example, an average abdomen typically requires at least 8-applicators, this would take approximately 1 hour from start to finish. You can treat multiple areas during the same visit.

Does SculpSure / WarmSculpting™ Hurt?

Patients can experience different sensations during their SculpSure treatment, with some feeling heat, and others reporting a cramping or a tingly/prickly sensation. While sensations differ, at WIFH, it is our experience that the treatment is well tolerated. We have the option of inhaled PRO-NOX, or “laughing gas” to help with discomfort during the treatment. This option will be discussed at your initial consultation.

How many WarmSculpting™ Treatments will I need?

Patients will see results with one WarmSculpting™ treatment, but two treatments are recommended for best results. Some patients may opt for more than two treatments if they desire more reduction.

It is recommended to wait 10 weeks between treatments. This amount of time allows for the body to process the fat cells damaged from the first treatment before inundating it with more damaged cells. This allows for the greatest reduction and optimal outcome. The appropriate treatment plan will be determined at the patient’s consultation.

When will I see results after my SculpSure treatment?

Many patients start to see results as early as 6 weeks following their SculpSure treatment as the body begins to evacuate the destroyed fat cells. Final results are expected between 12-16 weeks post treatment.

How long will WarmSculpting™ results last?

With SculpSure / WarmSculpting™, the fat cells that are permanently destroyed and eliminated from the body. This does not mean that patients cannot regain weight in the treated area if the patient does not adhere to a healthy diet and exercise lifestyle post-procedure.

How long before I can resume normal activities?

There is NO downtime with SculpSure, so you can have the treatment during your lunch hour and return to work and exercise immediately.

How Much Does a Non Surgical BBL in Atlanta Cost?

Our Sculptra is $850 per vial, for Sculptra buttocks our package of 10 vials starts at $5,000. Typically, when we do a package of 20-30 vials, we will do a custom rate.

How Long Does Non-Invasive BBL Last?

Typically, a non-invasive BBL lasts a few years after the initial procedure. However, the longevity non-invasive BBL lasts changes from person to person — there’s no one timeline for the procedure. Typical patients find results that last from 2-3 years, while others may find their results last 4-5 years. Length of results is also impacted by strategic treatment plans and proper considerations for long-term aftercare.

How Many Vials of Sculptra are Used for BBL?

The number of vials needed for a Sculptra BBL varies from person to person, depending on a patient’s body type and the unique needs of the procedure. Typically, depending on the size of area and desired volume, we’ll use 6-10 vials of Sculptra for each treatment — splitting evenly between each side of the buttocks.

Is a Sculptra BBL Safe?

Receiving a Sculptra BBL is incredibly safe, more so than a typical BBL procedure. Unlike surgical BBL, Scultpra requires no incisions, greatly reducing chances of infection. Traditional BBLs also involve fat transfer, which may lead to fat embolisms — particles of fat entering your bloodstream and blocking blood flow — that result in life-threatening cardiac or pulmonary complications. A Sculptra BBL removes no fat from your body, and thus has no risk of those potentially deadly side effects.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Sculptra is tested and trusted across the world. As with any procedure, some rare side effects may occur, including swelling, bruising, and slight discomfort.

Is Non-Invasive BBL Permanent?

Non-invasive BBL using Sculptra is a non-permanent procedure. The results usually last within the range of 2-5 years, depending on your body alongside aftercare. Sculptra eventually dissolves, being harmlessly absorbed into your body.

Can You Get a BBL After Sculptra?

Sculptra injections do not inherently disqualify patients from receiving a surgical BBL further down the road. However, we recommend waiting until the injections fade before getting a new treatment.

How long does the miraDry® treatment take?

Each arm pit will take approximately 30 minutes to treat, and the procedure takes approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

While results will vary from person to person, most patients report a 70-90% reduction in sweat and odor production with one treatment. Clinical studies have concluded a reduction of sweat by 82% and odor by 89%, on average[24] of 2 procedures.

Some WIFH patients opt to have the treatment done a second time to achieve further reduction. However, we advise waiting 3 months following your initial procedure before considering a second. We offer second procedures at a significant discount.

Is the miraDry® treatment painful?

The numbing technique creates a “cooling pillow”, which acts as a buffer between the skin and the nerves. This provides a more complete and even blocking of the nerves, making the procedure comfortable and pain free. Once the numbing fluid dissipates, patients will experience tenderness and soreness of the treated area. This can be treated with Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

Are there side effects to miraDry®?

Some localized soreness or swelling is normal, and typically clears within a few weeks. Some patients have temporary, short-term altered sensation in the skin of their underarms or upper arms, which gradually disappears[24].

Do patients need the underarm sweat glands?

Actually, no. The body contains over four million sweat glands, and only about 2% of them are located in the underarm areas. Eliminating this 2% does not affect the body’s ability to cool itself[26].

Do the underarm sweat glands ever grow back?

No. The underarm sweat glands do not regenerate once they have been destroyed[26].

Does miraDry® cause increased sweating in other parts of the body?

No. When underarm sweat glands are destroyed with microwave energy, the sweat glands are no longer able to produce sweat. Unlike other treatments, miraDry® has not been shown to cause compensatory sweating in other parts of the body[27].

Are miraDry® results lasting?

Yes! Because the sweat glands don’t regenerate or grow back[26] the reduction or elimination of the sweat production achieved with miraDry® is long-term.

Is Smartlipo Safe for All Skin Types?

Yes! Regardless of ethnicity or skin type, studies have shown that laser liposuction procedures do not cause changes in skin pigmentation[6] or increase the possibility of complications, including thermal burn injuries to the skin[8]. This includes Smartlipo procedures. WIFH patients represent 52 different countries from around the world, all with unique skin types and we have treated them all safely with exceptional results.

More on Body Contouring