Body Contouring
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.
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.
How Does Body Contouring Work?
Preparing for Body Contouring
You will be awake for non-invasive procedures and each session can take as little as 25 minutes. Minimally invasive procedures are typically done under local anesthesia where you will be awake during the procedure but the area will be numb so you will remain comfortable and pain free. These sessions are on average between 1-1.5 hours.
What to Expect During Body Contouring Treatment
Body Contouring Recovery Time
Non-invasive procedures need zero recovery time. You can return to normal activity immediately.
Minimally invasive procedures may require 1-2 days of downtime and often less. Minimal bruising, if bruising occurs, it typically resolves in 2-3 weeks.
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.
Surgical body contouring procedures (minimally invasive or invasive) 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 being 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.
Body Contouring Consultations
Body Contouring Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Body contouring procedures are not typically covered by insurance as they are cosmetic and elective procedures.
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 can in the untreated areas first. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will ensure your results keep.
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.
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.
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.
Body Contouring Videos
SculpSure Demonstration
Curious about what happens during a SculpSure treatment? Watch Sarah perform a SculpSure demonstration and answer common questions about the process!
SculpSure vs CoolSculpting
The WIFH Team discusses the differences between CoolSculpting and SculpSure. Find out which option might be best for you!
SculpSure Reviews
Hear what Laura has to say about her SculpSure treatment experience here at WIFH!