Body Sculpting Magic Wand?
Non-invasive body sculpting or contouring as it is often called is gaining heavy traction in the marketplace. There are multiple options from cold laser to freezing the fat to radio waves. We’ve done our best to scour the internet to get you details on some current options. This list highlights the top contenders but we recommend that you still research what is best for you. It’s always recommended to complete a complimentary consultation so that you can determine the best treatment for your specific needs and goals. You should always be assessed by a physician to see if you are a candidate for any body sculpting procedure.
When researching body sculpting options we found it best to compare pricing, side effects and results. Being from a conservative background, side effects and possible complications are rated very highly in my book. We’ve had personal encounters with individuals with irreversible damage to their body from certain techniques so please do your research. Make sure your consultation is with a qualified physician and also interview people who have had the procedure done. Be realistic in your expectations and recognize that any body sculpting procedure is not meant to be a substitute for a healthy diet, exercise and self love. Use it as a kick-start to maintain or boost your healthy habits.
Be aware when pricing this out that their advertised prices are STARTING AT $1,295 per body area with a minimum of three areas treated. This means your ACTUAL STARTING PRICE is $3,885 minimum. There may also be a fee added for surgery. Depending on the area being treated it appears they use a combination of three techniques. Localized anesthetic is used and micro-liposuction is performed (yes, the aggressive cannula style) as well as radio frequency and magnetic pulses. The final technique shrinks fat cells and reduces the appearance of cellulite. This appears to be the most invasive of the current body sculpting options on the market.
The side effects to be aware of are the same as those with any surgical procedure. Those at most risk are probably those drawn to this type of procedure; overweight, high blood pressure, and female. Side effects reported online range from blood clots to keloid scaring to death. TriSculpt™ Body Contouring may not be suited for individuals with: uncontrolled diabetes, liver problems, blood disorders, kidney problems, heart problems, history of keloid scarring, a BMI (Body Mass Index) over 40.
CoolSculpting, a device approved by the FDA, reduces fat by freezing (cryolipolysis) while part of your skin is held under vacuum by an applicator. About 20% of the fat cells freeze and are reabsorbed by the body in each treatment. Multiple treatments may be required depending on desired results. Your skin is not affected.
Side effects of this treatment can include freezer burn, scaring, hyper-pigmentation and pain. Upon weight gain you may see fat in areas that were not previously treated. Cool Sculpting does not reduce the appearance of cellulite. Fat cells killed during the procedure are permanently removed. The sensations noted during treatment may include intense cold, pulling, tugging, and mild pinching. You may start to see changes as quickly as 3 weeks after your treatment, and will experience the most dramatic results after 2 months. Your body will still continue to flush out fat cells for up to 4 to 6 months after treatment.
The size of the area treated determines the price. We have two friends who both did their lower abdomen. One used the small applicator and the price was around $700, the other used the larger applicator and the price was around $1,300 per treatment.
The CoolSculpting treatment works best for people whose BMI is “normal”, or less than 25. They recommend at least two treatments per area for best results. If your BMI is between 25 and 30, they suggest 2 to 3 treatments.
We found the best body sculpting option to offer in our Wellness Clinic in the Chicago Suburbs to be Zerona. Zerona is the first FDA Approved non-invasive body contouring procedure to effectively remove excess fat without the negative side effects associated with surgical methods. The fat empties out of a temporary pore created in the fat cell by the laser. Once empty the cell shrinks. Your body then disposes of the fat through bowel movements or the fat enters the lymphatic system and is utilized as extra energy! (Who couldn’t use more of that?)
Unlike other “non-invasive” body contouring procedures; the Zerona Cold Laser does not rely on heating tissue which can cause discomfort and permanent damage. Zerona clients can return to their activities immediately. There are absolutely zero risk of tissue damage or side effects.
During the Zerona procedure the client lays on a massage table while the 5 lasers simultaneously pass over the treatment area. Typical treatments last from 20-40 minutes. No sensation is detected, most of our clients sleep, others surf the web and catch up on work! The treatment protocol is once per week for six weeks. Depending on the desired results multiple series of sessions may be suggested.
A series of 6 sessions generally runs about $1,250. Two main categories of those excluded from treatment are pregnant women and those breastfeeding. BMI is used as a good guideline for the number of treatments necessary to see desired results. 20-30 BMI will probably be satisfied with 1 series of 6 sessions. 30-35 BMI will probably require 9-12 sessions. A BMI of 35-40 will likely require 2 series of 6 sessions.
It’s an exciting time when it comes to health! Consumers are more aware of what they put in their body. They exercise smarter and now even have a magic wand to fix those hard to reach areas. We’d love to hear your experiences and comments below. Please reach out if we can answer any questions about the above procedures!
