Non-Invasive Body Contouring in Chicago, IL
The issue seems relatively simple: Can a device reliably melt fat and reshape the body? Surgical approaches are still the gold standard for most of these body contouring procedures, but noninvasive body procedures have skyrocketed in popularity. Some reasons for this are that body contouring surgery procedures are expensive, may involve extensive scarring, may be painful (i.e., tummy tucks requiring pain pumps), and the complication profile may be more extensive than that of noninvasive procedures.
Noninvasive body procedures have the advantage of little to no downtime, contracture of the areas over a period of 6 months, little to no external scarring, and a much lower complication profile. In addition, noninvasive body procedures are much more affordable than the traditional knife and suture approach. The goal of non-invasive body contouring is not to replace body contouring surgery, but to provide a real alternative option for patients seeking changes without the risks and downtime of cosmetic surgery.
Non-surgical body contouring involves the use of non-surgical procedures to reshape the body, abdomen, legs, arms, and neck. Early systems relied on trying to heat fat through the skin. These systems were inconsistent in fat melting because the fat needs to be heated to at least 42 degrees Celsius for it to begin to melt. On the other hand, newer techniques rely on alternate modalities to heat fat. These innovative approaches to body fat have led to more reliable results and happier patients.
Non-invasive Body Contouring Techniques
BodyFx
One such technique is the use of vacuum technology with electroporation, as seen with BodyFx. BodyFx has been shown in several studies to reduce fat. In one study, patients were found to have lost an equivalent of 30% fat loss at 2.5 cm depth. One benefit of BodyFx is that the technology allows patients to have controlled heat at the set temperature and uses the technique of bipolar radiofrequency with electroporation. Here, the temperature is raised to 42 degrees Celsius and then, over a span of 10 minutes, radio pulses are used to disrupt the fat membranes. The advantage of this device is that, since heat is applied, contracture can allow patients to see both a reduction of fat cells and contracture of the underlying tissues. With standard liposuction, especially in an older patient or ones with lax skin, some laxity after treatment is expected. With BodyFx, the need to trim excess skin has been obviated due to skin contracture through heat.
In addition, BodyFx has the advantage of being able to treat cellulite. Cellulite is created by dermal attachments to the skin in a vertical manner in female patients. Male skin, which often does not have cellulite, has a crisscrossed manner to attach to the skin. BodyFx heats these dermal attachments and contracts the fat, allowing for improvement in the appearance of cellulite.
HOW DOES BODYFX WORK?
Mild dermal heating can cause adipocyte apoptosis. A subsequent pulse destroys the fat cells. BodyFx is FDA approved for the reduction of cellulite and causes direct apoptosis of adipocytes. BodyFx has also been shown to affect reductions in subcutaneous fat thickness and treatment area circumference.
SCIENCE OF BODYFX
Dermal heating to 42 degrees Celsius can cause adipocyte apoptosis. Body Fx is FDA-approved for the reduction of cellulite and works by both heating to kill adipocytes and breaking up the dermal attachments of cellulite. BodyFx has shown reductions in subcutaneous fat thickness and treatment area circumference in a study. Since dermal heating is applied, excess skin is tightened in the treatment area to compact the collagen treatment area. There are 2 main reasons for BodyFx’s effectiveness in reducing cellulite:
- Radiofrequency heating of the dermis causes neo-collagenous (new collagen formation) and reduction of fat (heating of adipocyte triglyceride droplets). By heating collagen, the bonds that are crosslinked break down. This results in new collagen being formed, causing collagen to become tighter. The heat of the fatty tissue is also thought to activate the hormone lipase, when the skin is heated to 42 degrees Celsius.
- Radiofrequency specifically targets fat cells and targets adipocyte death or apoptosis. Many patients have a combination of treatments to maximize efficacy. Once the area is heated, an extra bolt of radiofrequency is generated, causing fat to electroporate.
One study examined three patients on only one side versus non-treated skin with the use of BodyfX.
This study found significant clinical improvements in abdominal circumference and a reduction of subcutaneous tissue thickness on ultrasound. With electron microscopy, decreased size adipocytes and withered shape were noted. In addition, a reduction in dermal thickness was found (making it more difficult for cellulite to reform) and an overall reduction in fat (nearly 3 cm) with some tightening of the excess skin.
Coolsculpting
Coolsculpting is the first and only FDA-approved cryo-lipolysis technique in which fat is literally frozen off your body. Coolsculpting typically requires 1-3 sessions and can be combined with other treatments, including BodyFx. By combining therapy, patients can often see more results in one treatment than would otherwise be seen. Read more.
Bodytite
Kybella
Kybella has many off-label indications, including sculpting abdominal muscles, arms, back fat, bra fat, and banana rolls. Kybella can be combined with Coolsculpting and BodyFx to help create specific contours. Kybella is performed by Dr. Sameea Chughtai. Read more.
Sculptra
Sculptra can be used to contour the buttocks in an effort to create more volume, typically along the hips and buttocks area. Most patients require multiple syringes over several sessions. Body contouring injections are typically performed by Dr. Sameea Chughtai. Read more.
Forma
Another modality used primarily for rejuvenation in both the body and the face is Forma. Forma has a temperature sensor built-in and allows for skin temperature monitoring in real time. The software algorithm allows for unprecedented safety and support. Since Forma is a top-down approach (meaning through the skin down to the subcutaneous tissues), results rely on bulk heating to contract the tissues. This can be helpful in creating collagen and improving elasticity, important components of maintenance. However, patients should not expect liposuction-type results, as the temperature is directed towards collagen formation and tightening. This is a great option for trying to improve slightly lax tissues when surgical alternatives are not ideal.
Cooltone
Cooltone is a type of magnetic muscle stimulation that can help add muscle to areas of weakness, including core muscles, gluteal muscles, calves (off label), chest, and legs (off label). Read more.
Genital Female
Female reshaping can occur with a variety of techniques developed by Dr. Sameea, including labia minora reduction with radiofrequency or laser, vaginal tightening, and filler to areas such as the G-spot and O-spot.
Genital Male
Filler to the male penis is said to be like breast implants are to the female body. Longer-lasting solid fillers can increase resting penile length and increase overall penile girth. Read more.
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- Real patient
Non-invasive Body Contouring FAQs
A study examined three patients on only one side versus non-treated skin. Significant clinical improvements were seen in abdominal circumference and reduction of subcutaneous tissue thickness on ultrasound. Also noted were decreased size adipocytes and withered shape. Finally, a reduction in dermal thickness was seen. Reduction in fat (nearly 3 cm) was observed, as well as tightening of the skin.
Fat is not the same as cellulite. Fat is the overabundance of adipose tissue. Cellulite has a structural component. Cellulite occurs for the following reasons:
1. According to the skin architecture theory, subcutaneous tissue fat lobules and connective tissue septae cause fat to bulge between the septae.
2. There is also a hormonal component. since cellulite is mostly seen in women, there must be a hormonal contribution.
So, cellulite has thin fibrous strands and facilitates herniation into the dermis (cottage dermis). Male fat has crisscrossing, which is more resistant than female fat to herniation).
Stages of cellulite
1. Positive for dimpling only, which indicates no spontaneous cellulite.
2. Spontaneous dimpling when standing.
3. Spontaneous dimpling and furrows when standing and lying down.
Since the dermis plays a role in the appearance of cellulite, it requires treatment in addition to fat. Reducing cellulite involves:
– Thickening the dermis, which is stronger and denser than collagen and thus may prevent fat herniation.
– Reducing the volume of fat.
– Helping collagen in the dermis and reducing fat.
Triple effect on cellulite:
– Suction remodels vertical septae and decreases pits.
– Kills adipocytes and decreases the size of fat nodules.
– RF skin creates thicker dermis and decreases herniation of fat cells.
– Pinching or discomfort
– Prickle sensation
– Transient bruising
Cosmetic surgery can be a better option for some, but it depends on goals. For many patients with select areas of opportunity, noninvasive body contouring involves little to no downtime. However, patients with large amounts of lax and redundant tissues often need excisional approaches.
Fat is fairly light, so most patients do notice a difference in their weight. We encourage all patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle in addition to their body contouring goals.
If you live near Chicago, IL, Anil Shah Facial Plastic Surgery offers non-invasive body contouring among its services and is conveniently located at 200 West Superior St., Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60654
About us
Dr. Sameea Chughtai and Dr. Shah work to help create a plan and customized approach to reshaping your body, literally from head to toe (including hair!!!). Reshaping the body noninvasively can help build a person’s confidence. Both Dr. Sameaa and Dr. Shah have had multiple body treatments to help make them look their best!!!