For years, the only way to get reliable body contouring results was to turn to invasive procedures like liposuction and tummy tucks. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case. At Metro Dermatology, we offer non-surgical body contouring options that can help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted without the risk or stress of surgery. What is body contouring, exactly, and what can it do for you? Here’s what to know.
What Is Body Contouring? Choosing Non-Invasive Body-Sculpting Procedures
Non-surgical body contouring refers to procedures that can eliminate pockets of fat, slack muscles, and skin laxity without requiring surgery. With these procedures, we don’t remove various tissues from your body. Instead, we find ways to stimulate your body to do the work on its own, sparing you a long recovery period and making it possible to get results you can depend on.
We offer many types of body contouring at our clinic. This includes non-invasive radiofrequency body contouring services, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, and laser-assisted skin tightening.
Radiofrequency Body Contouring: Using Energy for Skin Tightening
Radiofrequency (RF) body contouring works by heating your skin to a temperature that stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are vital proteins that keep your skin firm and supple. Until your mid-twenties or so, your body naturally makes ample amounts of these proteins. However, once you reach your 30s, production begins to slow, leading to slack or sagging skin.
By encouraging collagen and elastin production in the treatment area, RF body contouring can help you deal with mild to moderate skin laxity. This type of non-invasive body contouring also uses heat to target subcutaneous fat you may not be able to get rid of otherwise. Heat damages fat cells, prompting your lymphatic system to remove them. With RF body contouring, you can target issues like:
- Cellulite
- Skin laxity
- Stretch marks
The best candidates are those who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are close to their ideal weight. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have serious health conditions, or are currently undergoing chemotherapy, this isn’t the right treatment option for you.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction: Liquefying Fat Cells
Another type of body contouring procedure we offer is ultrasound-assisted liposuction, which liquefies fat cells before removing them. After making a small incision at the treatment site, we insert a special wand that delivers ultrasound waves to break down fat cells. We then suction these cells out using a small tube.
The ultrasound energy not only breaks down fat cells but also has skin-tightening benefits, as it stimulates new collagen production. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is a body sculpting option that works well in areas like the following:
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Legs
- Arms
- Back
- Breasts
If you have diabetes, coronary artery disease, a compromised immune system, or circulation issues, you may not be an ideal candidate for this procedure.
Laser-Assisted Skin Tightening: Stimulating Collagen Production
For a non-invasive way to tighten your skin, we also offer laser-assisted skin tightening. During this procedure, we use micro-pulses of infrared light to heat the deepest layers of your skin, jumpstarting collagen and elastin production. Laser-assisted skin tightening is useful for dealing with skin laxity and treating fine lines and wrinkles.
Benefits of Body Contouring Without Surgery
Not everyone can afford to take time away from work to have a complex surgical procedure done. The operation itself can take time, and the recovery process can often be incapacitating. This isn’t a concern when you turn to non-invasive body contouring.
One of the most important benefits of body contouring procedures that don’t rely on surgery is that they leverage your body’s natural process to achieve the desired results. As such, they don’t put the kind of stress on your body that surgical procedures do.
Non-surgical body sculpting is also more affordable than surgical options. You don’t have to pay for a hospital stay, and the procedure itself is more affordable as well. Lastly, but just as importantly, the results of a non-surgical body contouring procedure are more gradual, allowing you to obtain natural-looking results over time.
Preparing for the Procedure: Steps to Take for Body Sculpting Services
The first thing you need to do to ready yourself for non-surgical body contouring is schedule a consultation, during which we can help you decide on the best option for the results you want. We’ll ask about your medical history, any medications you take, and your goals for the treatment.
Preparing for these kinds of procedures is much easier than preparing for surgical ones, but you’ll still want to avoid blood thinners and supplements as well as alcohol for a few days before your appointment. If you smoke, we recommend that you stop, as smoking can slow the healing process.
The exact procedure will depend on the type of treatment you receive, but you’ll be able to go home right after in all cases. Most people can return to normal activities quickly. We’ll let you know what you can expect from the procedure and the subsequent recovery process.
Getting Results Without Surgery
If you’re after a sleeker, more toned look, surgery isn’t your only option. With non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures, we can offer natural results to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. We’re happy to offer professional assistance if you’re unsure which option is right for you.
At Metro Dermatology in Queens, NY, we offer cosmetic and medical services, including body contouring, dermal fillers, laser therapies, and more. With years of experience and the latest technological advancements at our disposal, we can help you make the change you’ve been dreaming of. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule your consultation.
