Body Contouring
The term body contouring encompasses several different techniques designed to cosmetically enhance the look of the human body. Everything from liposuction to tummy tucks to laser assisted deep tissue massage can be used to reshape and enhance body parts. Originally the term body contouring meant any non surgical approach and was considered an alternative to liposuction. Now the term indicates more than one method or treatment for the removal of excess skin, dissolution of fat and the tightening of skin, which includes surgical procedures.
Surgical procedures to reshape and contour the body include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and the various forms of liposuction, including the tumescent and laser assisted liposuction. Additional cosmetic procedures to contour the body include body lifts, breast enhancement and fat transfers.
The dissolution of fat in the body has come to the forefront for body contouring. Several non surgical techniques have been designed to break up the fat and cottage cheese appearance of cellulite.
Mesotherapy, sometimes referred to as lipo-dissolve, refers to a series of chemical injections to an area of fat and cellulite to “dissolve” away the tissue which will then be flushed out of the body naturally.
VelaShape and SmoothShapes use radiofrequency, infrared and laser light, respectively, along with suction and deep massage to liquefy the fat below the skin surface causing it to be flushed out through the lymphatic system.
Endermologie works similarly to the VelaShape and SmoothShapes, without the use of light energy, using vacuum and manipulation to redistribute the fat cells away from the concentrated areas. Endermology was the first non surgical cellulite reduction therapy. It has been available in the United States since 1996.
Body contouring whether surgical or non surgical, smoothes, reshapes and redesigns areas of the body for a more youthful appearance. Only you and your cosmetic provider can determine which treatment or procedure is right for you. |
