Guide, June 2022

Body Sculpting

June 1, 2022 | by Kimberly Bobson Feldman

Contouring techniques to boost your clients’ confidence

Summer is upon us, and as the weather heats up, for many of us, this is the season where we show the most skin. Body sculpting, or non- surgical fat reduction, is an option more and more people are exploring. Now a billion-dollar industry with new treatments constantly in development, there are several options to choose from. It is simply a matter of finding the right fit for each client.

While there are treatments avail- able for a wide range of areas, body sculpting is most commonly used for the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, and hips. There are many benefits to body sculpting, as opposed to more invasive surgery, including minimal downtime, avoiding anesthesia and scarring, mild side effects, and more discreet, natural looking results.

There are currently five main treatment types on the market, each with its own unique set of applications and outcomes. Let’s take a closer look.

“With body sculpting not just a trend, but an industry expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, offering these services is a sure way to expand your business and attract new clients.”

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Cryolipolysis

One of the most popular treatments in recent years in cryolipolysis, the use of extreme cold to dismantle fat cells. A device is placed on top of the skin, where it transmits temperatures low enough to freeze and destroy fat cells. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved cryolipolysis for use on the abdomen, hips, inner or outer thighs, back, upper arms, under the buttock, and under the chin.

Treatments are quick, taking between 35 and 60 minutes, and typically only one or two sessions are needed. Mild side effects can include temporary swelling, numbness, redness, and tingling. Results are noticeable within one month and are long lasting, with clients seeing up to a 25% improvement in treated areas.

Laser Therapy

Another prevalent choice is laser therapy, which works by dismantling sub- cutaneous fat using controlled heat. A specific laser wavelength is applied through the skin, which breaks down fat cells. A cooling mechanism ensures skin is not damaged in the process. The process is FDA-approved for the abdomen and flanks, but it can also be used on other areas. Treatments are quick and painless, at 25 minutes with no discomfort, and results appear in six to 12 weeks.

Ultrasound

The ultrasound method uses highly focused sonic waves to break down fat cell walls to be metabolized by the body and reduce the size of a fat de- posit. The ultrasound energy transmits through the skin, creating rapid pressure changes that cause the fat cells to break down while leaving surrounding tissues unharmed. Ultrasound is best used on the abdomen and flanks. One to three treatments are usually needed, with results appearing gradually and typically finalizing between six and 12 weeks.

Red Light Therapy

One of the newer methods on the market is red light therapy, used to reduce fat cell volume. Red light therapy delivers specific wavelengths of light through the skin using a special lamp. This prompts fat cells to create small openings and release some of their contents, causing them to shrink. Red light therapy is FDA-approved and intended to treat the abdomen, hips, and thighs.

Treatments take about 30 minutes, with three or more sessions typical for optimum results. Red light therapy is a very low-risk treatment with no reported side effects, and results, which start to appear within a few hours of the treatment, are considered long lasting.

Injectable Cellulite Treatment

Those looking to treat cellulite finally have a solution. In the past year, a long-awaited injectable cellulite treatment for the buttocks hit the market and is already showing promising results. Cellulite, while rare in men, affects nearly 90 percent of women.

In this FDA-approved treatment, enzymes are injected to break down cellulite’s fibrous strands and redistribute fat cells, smoothing the skin’s surface. Between one and three sessions are needed, depending on how the individual client responds. Common side effects include bruising, swelling, and redness, which usually subside within a week.

So far, this is the first and only cellulite treatment to show significant improvement in skin texture. Experts are hopeful results will last for several years.

With body sculpting not just a trend, but an industry expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, offering these services is a sure way to expand your business and attract new clients. If you are interested in adding body sculpting to your menu, a good place to start is familiarizing yourself with the available treatments and equipment so you can help your clients achieve their desired results.

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