What are body contouring treatments?
Summer is very much upon us! Not only is the UK basking in the sunshine in sweltering conditions, but for the first time in recent years we are free once again to travel to even warmer climates for our summer holidays.
Sadly, as the mercury rises so do our concerns about our bodies. It’s inevitable that as we begin to strip back layers of clothing, we begin to feel more exposed and self-conscious over our physical form. Operation bikini body may have got off to a poor start earlier in the year and now it seems like there is just not enough time to tackle those problem areas without embarking on grueling training schedules or crash diets. Fortunately, there is another way.
Body contouring is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of treatments that help to improve the shape and definition of our physiques. There are both surgical and non-surgical body contouring treatments available, but let’s face it squeezing in a trip to the surgeon for liposuction is unlikely to give the results you need in time to enjoy this summer.
So, let’s focus on non-surgical options. In recent years a whole variety of treatments have emerged that promise non-invasive, fat-busting, muscle toning results to tighten and sculpt the body. There are a range of technologies and techniques available, some of the most popular are:
• Electro-magnetic fat reduction- using electromagnetic energy to contract the muscles, delivering both fat burning and muscle defining results
• Fat dissolving injections- Targeting fatty deposits with Aqualyx injections to destroy fat cells that are then naturally expelled through the lymphatic system
• VaserLipo- channelling vibrational sound energy to liquify fat cells which can then be removed with a needle
• Lipolysis- targeting fat cells with lasers to ‘melt’ the fat away. The fat cells can then be massaged or vaccumed out of the area.
• Fat freezing/Cryotherapy– using cold therapy to freeze and reduce fat deposits in the body that will then be naturally expelled by the body through the lymphatic system.
Here, we will be specifically looking at the benefits of Cryotherapy fat freezing in helping to tone and tighten the body in preparation for the summer season.
Body Contouring with Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy as a method of body contouring uses the principles of Cryolipolysis (Cryo = extreme cold. Lipo = fat. Lysis = destruction) to eradicate fat cells from the body through the application of cold air. Also known as ‘Fat Freezing’ Cryotherapy takes advantage of the idea that fat is more temperature sensitive to the cold than other cells in our body and can therefore be destroyed without impacting any surrounding tissues.
The process in a Cryotherapy treatment will involve an aesthetics practitioner marking up the specific area that you would like to target to define and contour. Then, using a hand-held device the will apply a cold stream of carbon dioxide vapour to the localised zone repeatedly in 90 second blasts. The treatment time last around 10 minutes in total. During this time the fat cells to go into thermal shock and begin to break down. The blood vessels constrict to protect the core temperature of the body. Once the cold air is removed, the body kick starts its internal healing process. The blood vessels will dilate allowing the body to process and expel the dead fatty deposits.
Around 1 week after treatment you will start to see the body contouring benefits once those stubborn fat areas have cleared through the lymphatic system. Not only will you notice that the area is more defined, toned and contoured, the skin will feel firmer and will appear much healthier as the cold air promotes microcirculation and collagen production.
The beauty of Cryotherapy is that it is non-surgical, non-invasive and can be carried out quickly and easily even in your lunch break. There is no pain or scaring involved and unlike surgery does not have any healing downtime. Since the results are visible within a week of treatment, you can take comfort in knowing that your body will be ready to hit the beach in time for your summer holiday.
What results can I expect from Body Contouring with Cryotherapy?
Whilst results are visible after one treatment, you will really start to see a significant difference after 3 or 4 sessions. Body contouring is not a weight loss tool, so the results will not be seen on the scales. However, clothes will fit better, you may even drop a dress size or two. You will notice a reduction in bulge and an increase in energy and metabolism thanks to the stimulation in dopamine production.
Clinical studies show that Cryolipolysis reduces subcutaneous fat at the treatment site by up to 25% after one treatment. There are few other methods of body contouring that deliver such impressive results in just a 10 minute session, so it is most definitely worthwhile, especially when planning for special events such as holidays or weddings.
It’s important to note however that this is a contouring treatment. It would not really be the right treatment option for those considered obese, but it certainly will benefit anyone who needs a bit of toning and tightening to enhance their form.
Is Body Contouring permanent?
This is a tricky question to answer, because yes once the fat cells have been destroyed and eliminated from the body they cannot return. However, if you begin to gain weight, fat deposits will have emerge somewhere. It may not be the same location that was targeted, but they will have to be stored somewhere. The best possible way to maintain the results of body contouring is to balance the treatment with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
To find out out whether body contouring with Cryotherapy is the right treatment for you, why not book a Free consultation with one of our medically trained aesthetics practitioners. You will be able to discuss at length your areas of concern and establish a treatment plan that will get you feeling contoured and confident in time to hit the beach this summer.
