For many years, the only way to reduce body fat was through exercise and diet. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the idea of liposuction was born. Today, things are more advanced and there are even quite a few non-surgical techniques to contour the body. But are these body contouring treatments are really effective?
The good news is there are solutions that do tackle unwanted lumps and bulges. Most may need a few sessions to show significant results but unlike traditional lipo, there won’t be any downtime to worry about.
Noninvasive body contouring is a seamless and comfortable procedure. What these techniques do is freeze fat, melt it, or eliminate it through radiofrequency. That said, here are our most recommended techniques / technologies to help you slim down without going under the knife.
1. CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is Zeltiq’s fat-freezing technology that has been very popular for a number of years. It took a nose dive when supermodel Linda Evangelista developed paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after undergoing said procedure. But many doctors continue to promote CoolSculpting and what happened to Evangelista was a rare side effect in which the body creates new fat cells to replace the ones that were frozen. The technology has also evolved making it a lot safer than ever before.
During a CoolSculpting procedure, the target area is chilled to -40F for 30-45 minutes, and this triggers a process that destroys fat cells and then naturally eliminated by the body. Patients may experience minor bruising or swelling. Many also notice satisfactory results with just one session.
2. EON
EON is a newcomer in the industry and it’s a robotic device that will scan the area to be treated so as to determine the parameters and then uses fat-melting laser to sculpt the body in a session that lasts about 45-60 minutes. It is neither painful or uncomfortable and studies show as much as 70% of patients see a 21% reduction of fat in just a single session.
3. Vanquish
Vanquish is a fat blaster that utilizes radiofrequency energy heating fat cells to 120F. It is said to deliver 2-4 inches of fat loss and is great for abdomen, thighs and arms. Each session is about 30 minutes but you may need up to 6 sessions to get the best results.
4. Icoone
Exposing fat cells to extreme cold or heat is not the only way to get the body you want. Icoone treatments focus on lymph tissues (which may cause puffiness) as well as connective tissue (which may include cellulite) using a vacuum massage, while also delivering diode and LED energy so that fats can be broken down and boost skin laxity.
The session is quite comfortable. First, your doctor will go over your body using the massaging suction for approximately 20 minutes, promoting micro-circulation and eliminating water retention. After this, he or she starts targeted treatments for 10-15 minutes on each problem area like the stomach, thighs, upper knees, arms, etc. You need to do 2-3 sessions a week for 4 weeks so that you can get significant results.
