What Is Body Sculpting? – Ultimate Guide To Body Contouring

In 2018, more than 287,000 individuals indulged in Cryolipolysis (aka CoolSculpting) treatments. Body sculpting treatments continue to rise each year as beauty enthusiasts are looking for new ways to alter the look of their body without having to spend hours at the gym or commit to extreme dieting. So, what is body contouring and what does it involve? In this guide, we will look at your options so you can make a decision on which treatment is best for you! 

What Is Body Sculpting?

Body Sculpting is sometimes also referred to as body contouring. The terms are interchangeable, so you may see us refer to one or the other. Body sculpting, in general, is changing the shape of your body. It is modeling it into the shape that you wish it to be without having to spend long hours working out or dieting. There are both surgical and non-surgical options when it comes to body sculpting. There are tons of methods you can choose, and we will discuss them below. 

The most popular forms of body contouring are non-invasive treatments that can be done right in your physician’s office in as little as 25 minutes. During your body sculpting treatment, your body will be reshaped through the elimination of fat cells. This process can be done on various parts of the body including abdomen, waistline, thighs, and buttocks. It will highly depend on which treatment you get as to how many treatment sessions you will need. On average you would need 2 to 4 treatments. Optimal results are seen between 12 to 16 weeks. 

Do Non-Invasive Body Contouring Treatments Hurt?

Since most contouring procedures will use either cold or hot treatments you may feel some numbing, burning, or stinging pain. However, the pain should be tolerable and should not be intense. Treatments only take around 25 minutes so you will not reach the level where you are gritting your teeth to get through the pain. 

All body contouring treatments are considered non-invasive and require little to no downtime. This means you can go back to your normal routine once you leave your physician’s office. Some people even call these types of treatment lunchtime specials, as you could go back to work after having them done. 

Different Types of Body Sculpting

• Cryolipolysis – Only FDA- approved treatment is CoolSculpting. Use cold technology to eliminate fat cells. Treats multiple areas including abdomen, thighs, flanks, arms, bra and back fat, underneath the buttocks (banana roll), double chin,
• Laser lipolysis – SculpSure was cleared by the FDA in 2015. Uses laser energy to heat and destroy fat cells. Treats the abdomen and flanks.
• Radiofrequency lipolysis – Treatments such as UltraShare or BTL Vanquish ME use this FDA-approved option. Uses ultrasound technology to contour the body. Treatment areas include the abdomen and flanks. 
• Injection lipolysis – Injections such as Kybella are designed to destroy fat cells and redesign the look of the chin. These injections provide a permanent fix for a problematic double chin.

Below we will further discuss your treatment options and how each may be beneficial to you! 

Non-Invasive Treatment Options

There are hundreds of treatment options on the market when it comes to body contouring. Knowing which is best for you can be tricky. We will talk about some of the most popular choices and why you may want to consider them for your body sculpting option. 

CoolSculpting

This treatment will deplete layers of fat by sections or with the use of a laser. It is known as cryolipolysis, and uses cold technology to eliminate fat cells. These cells are then metabolized by our lymphatic system and permanently eliminated. CoolSculpting treats the following body areas: chin and jawline, thighs, abdomen, flanks, bra fat, back fat, buttocks, and upper arms.

CoolSculpting Benefits 

• CoolSculpting is FDA-approved. 
• Safe and convenient with no anesthesia, incisions, or downtime.
• Natural-looking, fast results.
• Performed by trained, board-certified plastic surgeons licensed aestheticians. 
• CoolSculpting is minimally-invasive.
• CoolSculpting is affordable.

CoolSculpting Cost

The cost can highly depend on geographical location, the number of sessions required, and the type and size of the applicator used. Specialists have their packages and pricing. Hourly prices can range from:

• $750-900 double chin treatment w/mini applicator 
• $600 to $800 thighs and love handles w/medium applicators
• $1500-2500 abdomen w/large applicators
• $2,000 to $6,000 large fat bulges for multiple areas 

CoolSculpting Before and After Results

Evolve Trim

Evolve Trim is a newer non-invasive treatment option. This treatment uses a variety of modalities including radio-frequency energy, deep tissue heating, and suction along with negative pressure. The radio-frequency energy causes the underlying fat to heat upon contact. The vacuum and controlled energy pulses will work together to help shape the body and deliver stunning results. Recommended for the abdomen, arms, and thighs. 

Benefits of Evolve Trim

• Toned, tighter skin
• A reduction in cellulite
• Smooth texture with fewer irregularities
• Increased production of collagen, which promotes healing and rejuvenation of the skin

Cost of Evolve Trim

Treatment cost of Evolve Trim will vary among physicians and facilities. It is best to schedule a consultation to discuss costs with your physician. An average cost can range between $1,800 to $2,100 per treatment.

Evolve Trim Before and After Results

Evolve Tone

This body sculpting treatment works by emitting electrical muscle stimulation, also known as EMS. This stimulates and causes involuntary muscle contractions. There are 4 hands-free applicators to help target specific muscle groups. This will not only increase strength in those areas but also redefine the way the muscle looks. Recommended to treat the buttock and abdomen area.

Benefits of Evolve Tone

• Destroy fat cells
• Tighten and tone the skin
• Reduce the appearance of loose, saggy skin
• Contour the body
• Stimulate new collagen

Cost of Evolve Tone

The cost will vary depending on the physician, area of treatment, and facility charges. You will also have to account for the number of treatment sessions needed. An average cost for one Evolve Tone treatment ranges between $750 and $1000. You will need to consult with your plastic surgeon for a better cost estimate. 

Bodytite

Bodytite will help treat loose skin in the abdomen, upper back, arms, thighs, knees, and breasts. This device uses precise radiofrequency energy to help firm the tissue, tighten the skin, and stimulate collagen. Oftentimes, liposuction is combined with Bodytite to help tighten the skin. It is a minimally invasive procedure and requires little to no downtime. 

Benefits of Bodytite

• Tightens and tones skin
• Only local anesthesia is needed
• Fast recovery
• Enhances collagen production
• Can be combined with liposuction

Cost of Bodytite

Cost factors that you need to consider include treatment areas, physician and facility fees, as well as a number of treatments. The average cost of treatment ranges between $4,500 to $10,000. It is best to consult with your plastic surgeon to get the most accurate cost estimate for your Bodytite procedure. 

BodyTite Before and After Results

Injection Options

Kybella

This body contouring treatment is a non-invasive FDA-approved injection method that can help permanently eliminate a double chin. This is the submental fat that lives beneath the chin. The active ingredient, ATA101, is synthetically identical to deoxycholic acid. This acid naturally occurs within the body and helps in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When Kybella is administered properly, it dissolves and destroys fat cells under the chin. By doing so, the look and shape of the chin and neck region are transformed. The destruction of these cells means they will no longer be able to accumulate fat. Therefore, your double chin will permanently be eliminated. 

Benefits of Kybella

• Injections are quick and easy
• Minimal to No Downtime
• Effective Results
• Permanent Results
• Non-Surgical Procedure

Kybella Cost

The cost of Kybella can vary based on your physician, facility fees, and units needed. On average, Kybella treatment will cost between $1200 to $1800. However, you will need to have a number of treatments to reach your desired level of results. Please consult with your physician to get a full understanding of the cost. 

Kybella Before and After Results

Renuva 

Renuva injections are an alternative to autologous fat transfer. It will help improve and restore volume where it is needed. Perfect for face, hands, and other parts of the body that may have divots or flattened areas that need to be filled in. This is especially prevalent in the buttock and hip area, but may be present in the posterior thigh region as well. Renuva is not like other dermal fillers, as it encourages the body to produce collagen. This will provide you with long-lasting results. 

Benefits of Renuva

• Adds volume
• Smooths and improves texture
• Treats wrinkles, dimples, and divots
• Natural-looking results
• Affordable contouring option
• Results are almost immediate

Cost of Renuva

The cost of Renuva injections will highly depend on the units needed for treatment, areas of treatment, physician, and facility fees. On average a single treatment may cost $2,000 to $15,000. Consult with your surgeon for the best cost estimate on your Renuva treatment. 

Renuva Before and After Results

Sculptra Injections

Sculptra injections are cosmetic fillers that can fill in and volumize areas of the body that need it. This injection contains Poly-L-Lactic Acid, PLLA, which is a biocompatible synthetic substance that can improve and enhance collagen production. It will help with deep lines, creases, and folds while restoring a youthful appearance. The perfect solution for those needing volume in an area of the body, but do not want to have a cosmetic surgery to get it. 

Benefits of Sculptra Injections

• Improve collagen production
• Natural results
• Non-surgical
• No downtime
• Immediate results

Cost of Sculptra Injections

The cost of Sculptra injections will highly depend on the physician, facility charges, units needed, and injection site. You will need to consult with your physician for the best cost estimate. On average, Sculptra injections range between $1000 to $10,000.

Sculptra Before and After Results

Surgical Options

Liposuction

Liposuction is an invasive option when it comes to body contouring. It will require surgery and there will be recovery time needed. During your procedure, your surgeon will make several small incisions and place a small hollow instrument called a cannula. Fat is then suctioned out with the use of a powerful high-pressure vacuum that is applied to the cannula. Liposuction can be done on your abdomen, thighs, buttocks, neck, chin, upper, and backs of the arms, calves, and back. This is a very popular procedure, as more than 300,000 of them are performed each year. 

Benefits of Liposuction

• Long-lasting results
• Boost confidence
• Less intense than other surgical options
• Enhance physical appearance

Cost of Liposuction

The cost will highly depend on the area of treatment, physician, and facility charges. You will need to consult with your plastic surgeon to get the best estimate for your liposuction procedure. On average, liposuction ranges between $4,000 to $15,000.

Liposuction Before and After Results

Fat Transfer

Fat transfer is also known as fat grafting or fat injecting. This Is where fat is taken out of one area of your body and placed into another area. This allows an area that needs volume-enhancement to receive it naturally. It is commonly used in the face, breast, buttocks, and hands. Great treatment for those wanting to restore a youthful appearance in their face, while harvesting unwanted fat from another area of their body. So, for this treatment, the fat would be removed through liposuction. The fat would then be injected into the donor site. Essentially, you are getting two procedures with one. While this procedure is not considered non-invasive, it does give you amazing results. It is a top choice among those needing enhancements and volume in other parts of their body. 

Benefits of Fat Transfer

• 2 procedures in one
• Youthful results
• Improve hollow looks
• Natural results

Cost of Fat Transfer

The cost of fat transfer will most likely be included in the cost of your liposuction. However, ask for a break down of cost during your consultation with your physician.

Fat Grafting Before and After Results

Other Alternatives

There are other body sculpting options on the market. It will all depend on your desired results, which physician you choose to go with, and which contouring options they offer. Some other options that you may see available to you include SculpSure, UltraShape, Trusculpt, Emsulpt, truSculp, and Vanquish. There are many more on the market, but these are just some of the more popular options that may pop up when you search body contouring.  If you are looking for an extreme makeover, you may try a surgical option such as a full tummy tuck, or a mini tummy tuck. 

Body Sculpting Frequently Asked Questions

Is Body Sculpting permanent?

Body contouring, like anything else, will highly depend on your lifestyle. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle your body contouring results can last for many years. The fat cells are destroyed and eliminated. So, results should be permanent. 

How Does Non-Invasive Body Sculpting Treatments Work?

Some treatments work by freezing fat cells, others use heat through radiofrequency or ultrasound therapy. Once the treatment has broken down the fat cells, your body’s lymphatic system will flush them out over the next several months. 

How much does it cost for body sculpting?

The cost of your body contouring treatment will vary. It will all depend on the treatment that you choose, as well as the physician, facility, and areas of treatment. It is best not to lean on averages found on the internet, but to make an appointment and consult with a physician about your procedure and the cost associated with it. 

Is Body Sculpting dangerous?

There is some risk with any procedure that you have. With non-invasive body sculpting, you may experience bruising, swelling, itching, burning, and minor skin irritation. Make sure you discuss all the side effects with your physician before deciding on rather or not the body contouring treatment is for you. 

What is the best body sculpting procedure?

It will highly depend on what area you are looking to treat, as not all treatments are designed to treat each area of the body. In general, CoolSculpting is a highly acclaimed body sculpting treatment that yields amazing results. If you are interested in learning more about CoolSculpting, give us a call today! 

How many times do you have to do CoolSculpting?

Patients may see up to 25% fat reduction with one treatment. It is recommended to have 1 to 3 treatments 3 to 4 months apart to reach desired results.

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