Loose skin is one of the most common complaints among people who have lost significant amounts of weight (usually 100 pounds or more).
Not only is loose skin unsightly, but it can also be uncomfortable and cause people to feel held back or weighed down. That’s why thousands of people seek out body contouring treatments every year.
Contouring is growing in popularity, and lots of people are using it to help them feel more comfortable in their skin, especially after a dramatic weight loss.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of body contouring and how it can help you or your clients.
Table of Contents
What is Body Contouring?
Body contouring treatments are sometimes referred to as nonsurgical liposuction.
The end goal of these treatments is to get rid of fat cells and minimize overall body fat. They can also help to correct loose skin and give clients a smoother and more proportionate physique.
As their name suggests, these treatments contour the body so that it has a more sculpted look.
Types of Body Contouring
There are several different types of contouring treatments that a person can undergo. The following are some of the most popular options:
Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis, also known as CoolSculpting uses very cold temperatures to target fat cells in specific parts of the body.
Once the fat cells are frozen and killed off, the body eliminates them with the help of the lymphatic system. When the fat cells have been removed they likely will not come back in the future.
Many people have cryolipolysis done on “problem areas” like the arms, thighs, and abdomen.
Laser Lipolysis
Laser lipolysis involves the use of lasers to destroy fat cells with heat. After the procedure is complete, it takes about 12 weeks for the body to eliminate the fat cells.
Lipolysis is often done on the abdomen and the flanks. It usually takes several treatments to see significant results.
Radiofrequency Lipolysis
This treatment uses ultrasound technology to get rid of fat cells and contour the body.
Like laser lipolysis, radiofrequency lipolysis is most often used to address stubborn fat on the abdomen and flanks.
There’s little-to-no discomfort associated with this treatment, although it does take multiple rounds for people to see noticeable results.
Injection Lipolysis
Injection lipolysis, also known as a Kybella injection, is meant to treat loose skin or stubborn fat under the chin. If you have a double chin that you can’t seem to get rid of, injection lipolysis can help.
It involves the injection of synthetic deoxycholic acid. This substance absorbs fat and kills off the fat cells so the body can metabolize and eliminate them.
What are the Benefits?
No matter what kind of contouring a person chooses, these procedures come with a lot of benefits. People who are considering the treatment ought to keep the following perks in mind when making their decision:
Convenience
All of these contouring treatments are quite convenient. They don’t take long to complete (the longest ones usually take about an hour) and there’s no downtime associated with them. Once your treatment is complete, you ought to be able to go back to your regular activities without any problems.
Improved Appearance
Contouring works very well for people looking to improve their appearance. Whether they have stubborn body fat or loose skin after losing a lot of weight, contouring can help to smooth things out and yield a more aesthetically pleasing physique.
Increased Confidence
When you look better, you’ll feel better. Even after losing a lot of weight, some people might still feel self-conscious about their loose skin or stubborn fat. Contouring treatments can help to nip these insecurities in the bud.
Increased Comfort
You’ll also feel more comfortable when your loose skin has been taken care of. There will be less chafing and other issues that tend to accompany loose skin, especially in areas like the legs and arms.
Pain-Free
Contouring treatments are painless and come with minimal discomfort. If you don’t like the idea of going under the knife to eliminate loose skin or stubborn fat, these treatments are a great alternative.
How to Prepare
Before your procedure, your practitioner will give you specific instructions on what to do in order to see the best results from the treatment.
Some general steps you can take to feel more prepared and at ease include the following:
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medications to prevent bruising
- Avoid tanning your skin, which can make it more sensitive to treatment
- Stop smoking, which can slow down the body’s healing processes
There’s not a lot you have to do before a contouring treatment. These simple steps can help you feel better and see better results, though.
How to See Long-Lasting Results
Contouring treatments offer a lot of benefits, and it works very well for a lot of people. It’s not a permanent solution, though, in the same way that weight loss surgery is not always permanent.
If you want to continue looking and feeling your best, you need to make sure you continue to eat a balanced diet and exercise on a regular basis.
Focus on eating healthy, whole foods. You may want to consider a diet high in foods that boost dopamine if you struggle with unhealthy food cravings.
Exercise at least a few times per week, too, and find a fitness routine that includes a mix of cardiovascular and resistance training exercises.
You don’t have to become a gym rat and a health nut overnight. Making small changes to your lifestyle will help you see better long-term results, though.
Try Body Contouring Today
Now that you know more about what body contouring is and the benefits it has to offer, do you think you want to try this service or start recommending it to your clients?
For clients who have lost a lot of weight and are struggling with loose skin, contouring can be a great option to help them feel more comfortable and more confident.
If you’re interested in learning more about other techniques like this, or if you want to invest in other tools that will help you better serve your clients, contact us today.
You can also use our search tool to find an UnCraveRx provider in your area.