Contouring the Body Doesn't Always Require Surgery

By Marisol Zenteno, Medical Laser Technician

Astoria Laser Clinic & Med Spa

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Contouring the Body Doesn't Always Require Surgery

Many of the latest in body contouring technologies are non-invasive procedures that require no surgery, little to no downtime and no surgical scars. Modalities like radio-frequency, high intensity focused ultrasound, and cryolipolysis have become commercially available to the consumer recently.

Cryolipolysis; also called “fat freezing”, is a procedure that involves the non-invasive cooling of body fat to break down fat cells, resulting in a reduction of body fat without damage to other tissue. It has been one of the most researched and efficient procedures when it comes to stubborn areas like flanks, abdomen, back bulges and thighs.

During the procedure a vacuum applicator is placed on the area, the tissue is drawn into the hand piece and two cooling panels will freeze fat cells in about 45 minutes, followed by a 2 minute massage upon completion to improve the outcome. The patient then can go home and resume normal activities.

An inflammatory process starts within three days after treatment. Four weeks after treatment the inflammation lessens, and 23 months after treatment the fat volume in the treated area is visibly decreased.

Although there are many non-invasive body contouring procedures, cryolipolysis is considered to be both safe and effective with a high patient satisfaction rate, of up to 73% after one treatment.