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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Nicole Hayre, MD
The Evolution Of Body Contouring
Cosmetic Dermatology Center
. http://www.cosmetic-dermatology-center.com

The Evolution Of Body Contouring

Gaining extra pounds over the years is a common problem. In spite of diet and exercise, there can be areas of fat that persist. This tends to become even more of an issue as we get older, or after having children. For these reasons the body contouring industry has been steadily growing over the years. Fortunately, competition in the industry has resulted in great improvements with each generation of new devices to help diminish unwanted fat.

Years ago the only devices on the market to help in this arena were targeted to diminishing cellulite. The effect they had was only fleeting for most people, and consistent treatments were required in order to maintain a smoother look in the targeted area. The only other option for unwanted fat reduction was liposuction. Then along came low level laser therapy. This worked by causing the fat cells to release their fat, allowing it to drain out of the fat cells. The results were that most patients would lose inches, but the fat cells which were left behind could expand again if given the chance.

The next wave of devices were an improvement over low level laser, in that they could cause destruction of fat cells and not just a release of their contents. Some of these devices accomplished this through heat, while one accomplished this through freezing the targeted area.

Radiofrequency is commonly used to heat the fat cells to a point that causes them to self-destruct. This works well, but typically takes multiple treatments of the same area to maximize results. Drawbacks are that people who have metal surgical implants, or those with pacemakers or defibrillators cannot be treated. Freezing the cells also works and usually only requires one treatment, but this technique has had its drawbacks too. Some patients have had problems with pain after the procedure, and some wind up with irregular contours around the treated area.

One of the latest devices to hit the market is SculpSure. This device utilizes a stronger laser than those used in the past (also a different wavelength) to cause fat cells to self-destruct. Treatments are usually painless and only one treatment is typically required. Patients can see up to a 24% loss of fat in the treatment area after one treatment. As with all of the devices mentioned above, final results are seen after several months.

The evolution in the body contouring market has been truly amazing. In just several years, we have seen the available treatments change dramatically from being able to offer temporary results requiring ongoing treatments to permanent fat cell reduction after only one treatment. It will be exciting to see what comes next.

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