Body sculpting treatments have been around for quite some time now. With the promise of being a safe, non-invasive method of removing even the most stubborn fat, it has become a popular beauty treatment across the world. But does it really work? What are the risks involved?
WORDS HANNAH MAY-LEE WONG
 FEATURED EXPERTDR IAN TAN Certified Medical Aesthetic Practitioner Anna Hoo Clinic |
THE ART OF BODY SCULPTING
Body sculpting refers to a non-surgical treatment that gets rid of fat cells from the body.
Dr Ian Tan shares that one of the most common examples is the cryolipolysis procedure, which has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In this treatment, fat cells underneath the skin are crystallized (frozen) using cold, before being gradually being removed from the body through the body’s natural degradation process.
Important Note
- Body sculpting is not a weight loss programme. It is not intended to be a solution for weight loss!
- Rather, it is a fat-reduction procedure and a great way to reduce the amount of subcutaneous fat in stubborn areas without having to undergo surgery.
To ensure the results last as long as possible, it is important to maintain your weight with a healthy diet, a healthy lifestyle, and regular exercise.
HOW BODY SCULPTING COMPLEMENT YOUR EFFORTS TO LOSE WEIGHT
- According to Dr Ian, after losing weight through diet and exercise, your fat cells become smaller, but the number of fat cells remains the same.
- There are areas in the body where the fat cells shrink less than others and persist in their size despite the amount of exercise that you do.
- These places include: the love handles, the underarms and the back of your thighs.
Cryolipolysis helps by reducing the number of fat cells at treated areas by 20-25% in a single treatment.
It can be performed on many parts of the body such as:
- Visible fat bulges in the under the chin (double chin)
- Fat in the inner and outer thighs
- The abdomen and flanks (love handles)
- Bra fat, back fat and fat underneath the buttocks (also known as banana rolls)
- Fat in the arms
Your medical practitioner will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that’s tailored to your body and your goals.
WHO WOULD BENEFIT THE MOST?
“The cryolipolysis procedure is specially designed for those who wish to get rid of unwanted fat in targeted areas but are not keen to go under the knife,” says Dr Ian.
The non-invasive nature of this treatment makes it one of the most popular fat-loss treatments in this current era.
WHAT CAN WE REALISTICALLY EXPECT FROM THIS TREATMENT?
“Patients can expect up to an average of 20% to 25% reduction of fat in the treated area,” Dr Ian tells us.
- Because the body requires time to eliminate the dead fat cells, results from these body sculpting treatments are not immediate.
- While some people may see results as early as 1 month after the initial treatment, the optimal results is typically seen 3 months after the procedure.
Depending on your desired results, you may request for more than one treatment to achieve your goals and to get the most out of this body sculpting technology.
HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST?
The fat cells in treated areas are gone for good.
The results are long-term, as long as you maintain your weight, stay active, and partake in periodic maintenance treatments.
“However, if you eat poorly and gain weight after your body sculpting procedure, the surrounding fat cells may overgrow,” cautions Dr Ian. “When this happens, the likelihood of the lasting effects of your body sculpting treatment will be lessened.”
ARE THERE RISKS INVOLVED? DOES IT HURT?
Dr Ian says, “Body sculpting treatments are relatively low risk, and no, it does not hurt.”
- During the first few minutes of the session, you may feel an intense cold, tingling, and a cramping sensation.
- These feelings subside as soon as the area becomes numb.
- You may also experience sensations of pulling, tugging or mild pinching when suction is applied during the treatment.
Generally, there is a slight discomfort, but the treatment does not cause pain.
IS THERE ANY DOWNTIME?
“I would say most patients experience little to no downtime after the treatment,” says Dr Ian.
Often, patients can return to work immediately after their body sculpting treatment.
Sometimes but rarely, there is minor redness, swelling, bruising or soreness at the treated area, but it typically subsides over a week or two.
| This article is part of a series that take a scientifically proven look at aesthetics and beauty. |
