SculpSure
SculpSure is the first non-invasive laser lipolysis (fat reduction) procedure to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of subcutaneous (under the skin) fat tissue (adipose). Also known as WarmSculpting™, SculpSure is administered topically, directly on the patient’s skin, without the need for incisions or anesthesia. Typical treatment areas for SculpSure include the abdomen, flanks, bra fat, and thighs.
WIFH was the first medical practice in the state of Georgia to offer SculpSure.
SculpSure or WarmSculpting™ is a hyperthermic device that uses heat and light energy to elevate the tissue temperature and disrupt the fat cells underneath the skin2. The SculpSure laser’s energy effectively heats and destroys fat cells, resulting in up to a 24% reduction in cells with each treatment.
As the heat is delivered to the fat and surrounding tissue, a contact cooling system prevents the surface of the skin from heating as well. As a result, the surface skin remains unharmed.
Additionally, the WarmSculpting™ laser’s heat also promotes the stimulation of collagen and elastin, which will provides the added benefit of making the skin appear firmer. The fat cells damaged by the SculpSure treatment are filtered and eliminated by the body’s lymphatic system. This process can take between 10-12 weeks to fully complete. Multiple treatments are needed for best results.
How Does SculpSure Work?
Preparing for SculpSure
Leading up to the procedure it is recommended that patients discontinue the use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen for 2-3 days prior. These medications can suppress the inflammatory response needed to disrupt the adipose (fat) cells.
Patients will also need to limit sun exposure for 7 days prior to the procedure, as patients with an active sunburn will not be able to receive treatment.
Upon arriving at the appointment, preparation is minimal at WIFH. Prior to undergoing treatment, photographs will be taken as a baseline to monitor the patient’s progress post-treatment.
Once in the treatment room, the area(s) receiving treatment will be disinfected and the SculpSure applicator templates are placed and secured to the patient’s body with a soft strap. Once the templates are secured, the Applicators are then snapped into place.
At the start of the treatment, WarmSculpting™ patients will feel a sensation of warmth over the treatment area, evolving to short periods of intense, deep heat. Throughout the treatment, SculpSure goes through a modulation process with 10 seconds of cooling followed by 20 seconds of heating.
At WIFH, the entire process including preparation and treatment lasts between 30-35 minutes. For patients being treated with more than 4 applicators, an additional 25 minutes would be added to the total treatment time. It is possible to treat multiple areas during the same visit.
What to Expect During SculpSure Procedure
SculpSure Recovery Time
Patients who undergo SculpSure experience no down time and can return to normal activities, including exercise, immediately following their procedure. Patients are recommended to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and to massage the treated area for 5 minutes twice daily for 10 days post-treatment. Patients can experience some mild tenderness similar to that of a bruise, but it should not impact normal activities.
The patient’s body will begin to filter and eliminate the disrupted fat cells and will begin to see noticeable results in 6 weeks. Final results are expected 12-16 weeks post treatment. Because the fat cells have been destroyed, the results are long-lasting. However, patients should adhere to a lifestyle of diet and exercise post-procedure, as new fat cells could be produced.
Patient Consultations are an important step understanding treatment options for fat removal, whether it’s non-invasive or surgical. At WIFH, during WarmSculpting™ consultations, patients meet with Dr. Cox or a member of our clinical team to review medical history and assess the treatment area(s).
This will determine the number of applicators necessary to treat the areas during the procedure. Our medical staff will also provide the patient with a reasonable expectation of results.
SculpSure Consultations
Frequently Asked Questions
SculpSure is ideal for people with trouble areas, particularly those that seem resistant to diet and exercise.
Patients 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. The appropriate treatment plan will be determined at the patient’s consultation.
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.
With SculpSure / WarmSculpting™, the fat cells that are permanently destroyed and eliminated from the body. This does not mean that new fat cells could form if the patient does not adhere to a healthy diet and exercise lifestyle post-procedure.
There is NO downtime with SculpSure, so you can have the treatment during your lunch hour and return to work and exercise immediately.
SculpSure is a safe, effective procedure that carries minimal risk to the patient due to its non-invasive nature and lack of anesthesia. The SculpSure treatment can be administered safely on all ethnicities and skin types.
Following a WarmSculpting™ treatment, it is common for patients to experience firm spots under the skin in the treated area. These firm areas are temporary and typically resolve in several weeks post treatment. Patients may experience mild tenderness and swelling.
Less common side effects include: bruising, itching, hyperpigmentation, burn/blisters — under Dr. Cox’s direction, the medical team at WIFH has not experienced any cases resulting in these side effects.