Non-surgical body contouring is a category of non-invasive treatments that help enhance the shape and feel of your body through targeted fat reduction, skin tightening, and tissue remodeling. These treatments don’t promote weight loss, but instead target and break down fat cells in the specific area that’s being treated. 

These treatments are carried out with medical devices that utilize different energies, including laser, ultrasound, and radiofrequency. Each technology has its own mechanism of action that impacts the body in slightly different ways.

 

Does Non-Surgical Body Contouring Work?

The non-surgical body contouring devices used in clinics and med spas are clinically tested to prove that they work. They’re regulated by the FDA as medical devices, which further guarantees their safety and efficacy. 

That said, it’s important to understand how each treatment works. The potential results include fat reduction, circumference reduction, skin tightening, and overall improved body shape and tone. There can also be secondary benefits like firmer skin or a visible reduction in stretch marks and cellulite.

 

Non-Surgical Body Contouring Technologies

There are a lot of different non-surgical body contouring treatments out there, but most utilize the following technologies: 

  • Radiofrequency delivers targeted heat which destroys fat cells and stimulates collagen production, although there are challenges in ensuring it reaches those deeper layers. 
  • Radiofrequency microneedling treatments like Morpheus8 are powerful for skin tightening and fat reduction. The microneedles penetrate through the skin to trigger a healing response while delivering RF deeply, for targeted fat, cellulite, and stretch mark reduction.
  • Ultrasound treatments utilize sound waves to generate heat and trigger fat reduction. It’s a similar approach to radiofrequency, but a little more intensive. 
  • Laser skin tightening, also known as LLT, utilizes the focused power of laser light to encourage collagen and elastin production, to reduce loose skin. Laser treatments may also help reduce body circumference, but results may be temporary.
  • Cryolipolysis relies on extreme cold temperatures to target unwanted fat but without firming or tightening the skin. It’s one of the most effective methods of reducing unwanted fat but it can have more significant side effects and risks compared to other options. 

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) offers a different approach to body contouring. By emitting an electrical charge into the muscles, this technology stimulates rapid muscle contractions to enhance muscle tone and definition. Technologies like Evolve body contouring combine EMS with radiofrequency, to deliver a more comprehensive range of results.

Non-Surgical Body Contouring Technologies

Benefits Of Non-Surgical Body Contouring 

Non-surgical body contouring treatment can transform your skin and body in a few different ways: 

  • Targeted fat or circumference reduction 
  • Some treatments can help firm and tighten loose skin
  • Reverse or fade stretch marks and scarring 
  • Reduce the severity of cellulite
  • Fewer risks and side effects compared to surgery 
  • Little to no downtime 
  • Ideal for minor to moderate concerns that don’t merit surgery

 

Risks Associated With Non-Surgical Body Contouring Treatments

Compared to surgical interventions, non-surgical body contouring treatments are a gentler choice with significantly fewer risks. It’s very normal to experience some redness, swelling, or bruising. 

In unusual cases, the risks associated with body contouring treatments include burns or scars from inappropriate treatment settings, significant pain, or the formation of lumps in the case of ultrasound therapy. Cryolipolysis has been in the media in recent years for triggering paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, a rare condition where the body produces more fat in the treated area. While this side effect is extremely rare, it’s important to keep in mind that cryolipolysis comes with a greater list of potential complications compared to other treatments.

To ensure your safety, choose your provider carefully and learn about the unique risks associated with the treatment you’re considering. Take your health into account, and confirm that you’re a safe candidate for the procedure, and aren’t taking any medications or have health concerns that can lead to complications. Note that these will vary from treatment to treatment. 

At SEV, the body contouring treatments we offer were selected specifically for their lower risk of adverse events. These skin and body treatments are carried out by registered nurses who have the expertise to provide the safest treatment possible. 

 

How Long Does Non-Surgical Body Contouring Last

In most cases, you can maintain the results of your non-surgical body contouring indefinitely through nutrition and exercise. The treatments themselves can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour and a half. Depending on your specific goals and the treatment you choose, you may need several treatments to achieve your desired results. 

 

How Much Does Non-Surgical Body Contouring Cost

Costs for non-surgical body contouring treatments vary widely, and they’re often directly related to efficacy. On the lower end, it can be as little as a few hundred dollars, while a series of more powerful treatments can cost up to $4000. 

 

Body Contouring at SEV 

Achieve your body goals at SEV! Select SEV locations offer advanced non-surgical body contouring treatments like radiofrequency microneedling. For a non-invasive tone-up, consider Evolve, or look to Morpheus8 for comprehensive skin tightening and fat reduction. Whether you want to address that last bit of stomach fat, firm up your body, or fade some stretch marks, book an appointment for one of our treatments.