Body Contouring: Does It Work? Different Methods, How To Choose, Aftercare, and More

Recent years have seen an uptick in plastic surgery due to today’s social-media-obsessed world. 

For people who want to improve their appearance and remove stubborn fat areas — without going under the knife, body contouring may be an option. 

Discover the details of how body contouring works below, and why becoming a specialist in body contouring as an esthetician may be a great career choice. 

• What Is Body Contouring?
• Does Body Contouring Work?
• Benefits of Body Contouring
• Breaking Down Three Body Contouring Methods
• Body Contouring Treatment Details
• Does Body Contouring Really Work? FAQs
• How Long Do Body Contouring Results Last?
• Where Does the Fat Go When You Do Body Contouring?
• Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics: Teaching Aspiring Aestheticians Proper Body Sculpting Methods for Maximum Results

Body contouring is arguably the hottest esthetic procedure on the market. 

It uses advanced aesthetic instruments to eliminate subcutaneous fat (fat that’s visible just under the skin) through the skin, without incisions or injections. This is done by reshaping areas of the body, such as the belly or under the chin, and lessening subcutaneous fat in those target areas. 

Body contouring is not a weight loss procedure, but rather a way to lessen areas of subcutaneous fat that are unaffected by diet and exercise. 

If you’ve been working out and dieting but can’t get rid of love handles or a double chin, you might want to consider body contouring. This non-invasive procedure is much less expensive than plastic surgery and free of incisions or injections. 

Not only is body contouring a great service for those wanting to reshape their bodies, but it's also a fantastic career path for any esthetician looking to get into medical aesthetics. 

Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics, the preeminent school of aesthetic education in the PNW, offers full courses on different body contouring techniques.

The short answer is yes, body contouring works. 

Body contouring is not a weight loss technique, but instead helps reshape areas of the body where weight loss was not effective. 

Body contouring is non-invasive and painless, and each treatment can eliminate up to 20% of the subcutaneous fat in the targeted area. It usually takes at least three treatments for body contouring to have any effect, but every patient is different. 

Now that we know body contouring works, here are just a few benefits of this cutting-edge technique:

• Non-invasive targeted fat removal: Arguably the biggest pro for body contouring is its effectiveness without any incisions or injections. With body contouring, up to 20% of subcutaneous body fat is removed with no surgery and no downtime. 
• Minimal recovery time: Unlike surgery, the recovery time of non-invasive body contouring is minimal. Most patients find they can resume normal life after the procedure with no problems at all.
• Improved confidence: Finally getting rid of your love handles or stubborn double chin can give you the confidence boost you need, without costly plastic surgery.
• Painless procedure: Because body contouring is non-invasive, it is a painless procedure with minimal recovery time. 
• Natural, long-lasting results: Body contouring works by eliminating subcutaneous fat cells by breaking them down and eliminating them from the body as waste, and can remove up to 20% of subcutaneous fat in a treatment plan. The results are natural-looking and long-lasting. 

There are three methods of body contouring. No one method is better than the other, choosing is a matter of personal preference and desired results. 

Spectrum's Advanced Aesthetics Program teaches all three methods and encourages patients to choose the one that fits their lifestyle, pain tolerance, and budget the best.

#1: Radiofrequency Lipolysis

Radiofrequency lipolysis is a method of body contouring that uses “radio waves,'' to heat fat cells so they die. Your body naturally eliminates them as waste. An aesthetician uses a tool that emits radio waves to massage the targeted area, killing the subcutaneous fat. 

Most people find the experience of radiofrequency to be pleasant and relaxing, likening it to a warm massage. The aesthetician is present during the entire procedure, so if at any point you become uncomfortable, you can ask for a break. 

Radiofrequency is the least expensive body contouring procedure, but it does require more visits to be effective. To achieve the desired results, most people need to come in once or twice a week for up to eight weeks. 

#2: Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis, also known as CoolSculpting, uses cold temperatures to kill subcutaneous fat cells and is one of the most popular body contouring methods available. 

This is because it is so effective. Most patients see noticeable results around the one-month mark, and complete results in 2–3 months. This method is long-lasting, provided the patient does not experience a significant weight increase. 

Like all body sculpting techniques, cryolipolysis is non-invasive. The hand piece of the machine is set to cool the targeted area and works for 30 minutes to an hour. 

After it is removed, a hard area of fat appears under the skin that patients say is similar to a cold cube of butter. This reduces quickly, within minutes, and patients report a 15-20% reduction of subcutaneous fat in the targeted area. 

Cryolipolysis is so popular that up to 80% of American plastic surgeons have added it to their repertoire as a less invasive way to target subcutaneous fat. 

#3: Laser Lipolysis

Laser lipolysis is another non-invasive body contouring method that’s gaining popularity. 

This method uses lasers that harmlessly penetrate the skin to heat and destroy subcutaneous fat cells. 

With laser lipolysis, the machine is set to target the area and create a painless, warm sensation that lasts about 30 minutes. After treatment is completed, patients usually see results in about 6 weeks, with maximum results in 12 weeks. 

Similar to other body sculpting methods, results are long-lasting, provided significant weight gain is avoided. 

Every session of body contouring is different, and your aesthetician should be able to answer your questions regarding your specific treatment. 

Generally, a body contouring session takes about 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish, with the treatment itself only taking a fraction of that time. The rest is prep work and ensuring the patient is comfortable and understands the procedure. 

Generally, people undergoing body contouring treatment see results in about a month, with maximum results between one and three months post-treatment. 

Most people require multiple treatments for best results, and the results are long-lasting as long as significant weight gain does not take place.

If body contouring removes subcutaneous fat, where does it go? 

When fat cells die, they are broken down and removed from the area by the lymphatic system and bloodstream. These fat cell elements, which originate in your body, are then harmlessly processed through the liver and kidneys before being excreted through the urine. 

What Areas Can Body Contouring Treat?

Body contouring is most commonly used anywhere areas of stubborn fat tend to congregate, including:

• The stomach, especially the lower stomach
• Areas around the butt and hips
• Love handles
• Thighs
• Upper arms 
• Under arms
• Chin 

What Aftercare Is Recommended?

One of the biggest benefits of body contouring is that it requires almost no aftercare. 

Unlike liposuction and surgical procedures, body contouring can be done on a lunch break, with patients returning to work right after treatment.

While aftercare often isn’t required, studies support that using a personal hand massager on the treated area for about 10 minutes a day can help remove dead fat cells and assist the lymphatic system. 

Body sculpting is growing in popularity — meaning more jobs for trained estheticians. 

Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics is the preeminent school for both standard and advanced aesthetic education in the Pacific Northwest. Located in Portland, Oregon, Spectrum has the highest pass rates in the state. 

If you are interested in entering the exciting, lucrative world of body sculpting, check out our website today!