Body Contouring - Newest Technologies for Getting The Body You Want

Body contouring is of huge concern to many people, old or young, fit or unfit, and the growing trend is for less invasive, low risk treatments with proven efficacy. Even as economies around the world tighten their belts, our physical waistlines are getting bigger. In Asia, there has been a steady growth in the body shaping and tightening market. While not a replacement for diet and exercise, body contouring treatments are an effective way to spot treat problem areas such as abdomen, back, hips, thighs and upper arms. Some equipment are also approved for double chin areas.

Non-invasive body contouring treatments generally work by the application of some sort of energy, such as radiofrequency (RF) or ultrasound, to disrupt or destroy fat cells that are then flushed out through the body's waste drainage system. Results are rarely immediate as the body's elimination process can take up to six weeks. Best results are also seen with repeated treatments, as each session is designed to target only a certain percentage of the fatty layer to prevent accidental damage to other areas of the body. Most treatments are quick, relatively painless and require no downtime, which are all factors contributing to their popularity. 

Here is a list of some of the latest treatments and modalities available, as well as a general picture of how the treatment is conducted. Bear in mind that best results are seen when used in combination with proper diet and exercise, and that results are generally modest compared to liposuction. Fat loss from these treatments are generally permanent with dietary moderation. The best canididates for non-invasive body contouring treatments are those who have a BMI less than 30, are generally fit, but with unwanted pockets of fat.


MedContour / Vaser Shape
MedContour (Vaser Shape MC1 is the name used in the US) uses external ultrasound to target cellulite and localized fatty deposits, and combines it with a massage therapy for lipo drainage and boosting the metabolism.
The machine uses two angled transducer heads to shoot two beams of modulated energy through the skin. Each beam is harmless, but when they meet, the combined energy heats up the targeted area, causing fat cells to vibrate and be destroyed. The treatment is akin to warm massage. The lymphatic massage is delivery using a separate suction applicator, and is a quick and painless adjunct to the treatment.
Typical treatment time is 60 to 90 minutes, and the treatment can be repeated every week. A minimum of four treatments are recommended to see lasting results, with up to three centimetres lost after every procedure.

Before                                                               After
MEDCONTOUR /VASER SHAPE

Coolsculpting by Zeltiq
Zeltiq is a US FDA-approved cryolypolisis treatment. Based on research done in the USA on the effect of cooling on fat, Coolsculpting essentially freezes the fat cells, causing them to die and be eliminated from the body.
Every session typically eliminates 20-22% of the fatty deposit and takes one hour per area. During the session a suction cup is placed over the fatty deposit, the fleshy area is vacuum suctioned into the cup and a sustained cooling procedure is applied. The actual treatment process is very comfortable, with most patients experiencing some minor discomfort when the machine is removed. Most people compare this discomfort to the feeling of pins and needles that occur when you remove your hand from a bowl of ice-cold water.
The treated area can feel numb for several days after the procedure, and a repeat treatment can be done two months later. Results are generally seen by the first month after the first treatment, with up to three treatments recommended depending on the amount of fat. 

Before                                                                                       After -
COOLSCULPTING

Zerona Laser
Zerona Laser is a cold laser is that US FDA-approved for loss of inches from the waist, hips and thighs. This technology was proven to create a pore in fat cells to drain away the fatty contents while doing no harm to the surrounding capillaries and organs. The body then removes the drained fat by the natural detoxification process. The process does not employ any heat, so discomfort levels are very minimal, and clinical studies have shown an average of 3 - 9 inches lost per six treatment cycle.
Each treatment involves a cold laser being projected onto the abdomen, hip and thigh areas for 20 minutes on the front, and 20 minutes on the back. The treatment must be repeated every 48 hours for maximum results, and a minimum of six sessions are given within a two week time frame.
A dietary supplement known as Curva is given in conjunction with the Zerona treatment to enhance the lymphatic drainage effects of the procedure.

Before                                                                                    After
ZERONA

UltraShape 
UltraShape uses pulsed focus ultrasound and vacuum-assisted radio frequency technologies to target and shrink localised fat deposits for a reduced body circumference and improved body shape.
The one hour treatment involves an extensive preparation in which the target area is measured, marked and surrounding areas covered with protective sheets. During the treatment, focused pulses of ultrasound are directed all over the targeted area, and energy levels are adjusted to maximize comfort of the patient. The ultrasound pulses destroy fat cells, while selectively prevents harm to surrounding vessels, tissues and cells. After the ultrasound treatment, the vacuum radio frequency head is applied briefly to assist in the drainage of the destroyed fat.
A minimum of three treatments given two weeks apart are recommended for proper results, and an average of a 4cm circumference reduction has been demonstrated after three treatments.

Before                                                     After
ULTRASHAPE

LipoSonix
LipoSonix is the newest player in the body contouring market, and employs a high-intensity focused ultrasound methodology to disrupt subcutaneous fat. This US FDA-approved treatment delivers precise and consistent thermal energy to the targeted areas, and energy levels are adjusted to suit patient needs. The advantage of this treatment is that even areas with smaller or harder fat deposits that are hard to treat with other procedures are treatable with LipoSonix.
The one hour treatment session involves positioning of the energy transducer head on marked treatment areas and a mild warmth or tingling sensation can be felt as the ultrasound waves are delivered, heating fat cells to 56 degrees celcius to ensure their destruction.
Each single procedure promises an average of a one-inch circumference loss, and full results can be seen in eight to twelve weeks after the body has had time to process and eliminate the destroyed fat.

Before                                                             After
LIPOSONIX

Looking Younger without Surgery

Nobody enjoys the process of growing old, and it is especially distressful when external factors such as sun, pollution, stress, poor sleep habits and so forth cause premature aging of our skin. Fortunately science can lend a helping hand and erase or minimize the damage. From wrinkles, to lax skin, pigmentation and deepening lines, the signs of aging are thankfully very easily dealt with, even if you are hesitant to undergo surgery. If you're looking to improve the ravages of time on your complexion, here is a short list of some of the most popular non-surgical options available out there.

1. Botox
Botox is the most popular anti-aging treatment available, and for good reason. Just one session with your doctor will give you 6 - 9 months free of wrinkles and lines, and at about the same price as a set of branded anti-aging skin care products. It is quick, about as painful as a paper cut, and can make you look 5-10 years younger in a matter of days.
Botox has always suffered from a poor reputation as some people have had bad experiences, but in the hands of a trained professional, the results you get will amaze you. Some people are concerned about getting 'addicted' to Botox, but I find it comparable to a maintenance regime not unlike having a regular facial or haircut. Botox is also useful in the treatment of headaches, neck and back pain, muscle spasms and bladder disorders, which is always helpful when age starts to create more physical concerns in areas other than the face.


2. Fillers
Fillers and botox are almost like husband and wife; they complement each other and work together to create a harmonious effect. Botox works to relax muscles and smooth out wrinkles while fillers work by volumizing deep facial furrows such as the naso-labial folds and deep glabellar lines (frown lines). Fillers are also effective in increasing the fat pads on the cheeks and the sides of the forehead, to reverse the effects of gravity. Fillers can also be used to reduce lines around the lips, volumize the lips, plump up sunken under-eye areas, and have been used to replace lost fatty deposits in areas such as the breast and buttocks. There are too many filler brands to count, such as Radiesse, Juvederm, Restylane, Esthelis, Macrolane and many more. Different fillers are indicated for different uses, but in general are all very successful at volumizing lines, wrinkles and sunken areas. Sculptra is one that is especially designed for long-term re-volumizing, and helps to boost collagen production as well as fill in sunken areas.


3. Skin Tightening & Lifting Therapies
Skin tightening and lifting is important as gravity and collagen loss create the sunken areas and deep lines that are seen on aging faces. While a face-lift will always provide the most dramatic results, a range of non-surgical therapies such as Thermage, Ultherapy and Exilis are available.
Thermage burst onto the scene about 6 years ago with its promise of non-surgical, non-invasive skin tightening, with a single treatment, no less. Since then, Thermage has become a brand icon, and it has expanded its range from lifting skin on the face, neck and eyes to upper-arms, hands, abdomens, buttocks and thighs.
Thermage works by using radiofrequency waves to heat up the collagen in the skin and produce a rejuvenating, tightening effect. Results are not immediate, but the treatment gives a progressive uplifting effect as the collagen remodels over the next few months. Some patients report an improvement in their facial wrinkling and overall condition of the complexion as a pleasant side effect of the treatment.
Exilis is another therapy that utilizes radiofrequency (RF) to target collagen deposits and boost their production. Commonly used in the facial, neck, decolletage, abdomen, thighs and buttock areas, Exilis is also effective in spot fat reduction. A typical course is 4-6 sessions, and is a quick and painless way to more youthful, tighter skin.
Ultherapy uses ultrasound waves to similarly heat up and remodel collagen, helping to tighten brow lines, smoothen skin on the cheeks, lift sagging eyelids and refresh the overall look of the face, results which are visible from the second or third treatment.
While these skin tightening therapies are not indicated for the elderly where collagen is very minimal, or for those who are severely saggy due to extreme age or weight loss, they can restore youthful tone and give a refreshing uplift for those who are just starting to notice the ill-effects of aging and poor skin care.

4. Fractional Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing modules work by damaging the top most layers of the skin to remove fine wrinkles, pigmentation and scars. Fractional laser resurfacing means that instead of treating all of the skin surface at once, only a fraction of the surface is treated, so pain is manageable and healing is faster. Examples of these treatments are Fraxel, Pixel, ProFractional and Mosaic, which all work in the same way to remove the top-most problematic layer, and allows the growth of younger, healthier skin in its place. A further benefit of this treatment is that skin texture and tone will also improve.

Fraxel - Before and After

5. Platelet Rich Plasma
Plaetelet Rich Plasma therapy involves the use of a patient's own blood, from which platelets are extracted and re-injected into facial areas to boost collagen production. Generally, treated areas include the cheeks, peri-ocular (around the eyes), neck, decolletage, jaw line and back of hands. Results include improved skin texture, tone and overall appearance. Platelet-rich plasma is an established medical procedure which has been used in long-term pain management, joint healing and a proven record in facilitating healing.

5. Stem Cell Therapy
As stem cells are the body's own healing components, stem cell therapy has been hailed for its ability to improve the body's overall condition. Promised results include a better complexion, thicker hair, brighter eyes, improved memory and libido, greater energy and stamina and a better general well-being. There are various methods used in stem cell therapies, from stem cells extracted from a patient's own fat or bone marrow, or in some procedures, using stem cells collected from human or even animal embryos.
While scientific evidence is still contentious as to the true value of such treatments, many are convinced of their anti-aging and medicinal value. This article on USAToday.com highlights just one such satisfied customer, a baseball player who amazed his fans with his brilliant sporting performance after undergoing stem cell therapy.

- CosMed, MD