By: Amy Lindsay
Created on 12th January 2010
Sculpting your body no longer takes months in the gym or the trauma of an invasive procedure. A new generation of non-invasive body treatments means you can reshape your body in your lunch hour without discomfort or downtime. We provide a handy round-up of the fantastic new inch-loss treatments to help shift some of those extra Christmas pounds...
1. BodyTite
What is it?
BodyTite is a form of energy-assisted liposuction that works by applying radiofrequency energy at the time of fat removal. Perfect for people with stubborn pockets of unwanted fat in specific areas.
How does it work?
The radiofrequency energy heats the tissues, which helps to break down fat, while also creating a significant tightening effect on the skin. This makes the process of fat removal less aggressive when liposuction is used to remove the ‘melted' fat cells.
What's involved in the treatment?
"The anaesthetic can be general, local with sedation or, for smaller areas just with local anaesthetic," advises Dr Lucian Ion. "The treatment takes slightly longer than standard liposuction, but creates less swelling and bruising. After the treatment, a garment is applied and needs to be worn for at least three weeks."
How long does it take?
From 45 minutes to two hours depending on the size of the treatment area.
How long does it last?
If the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle, the results are long term. Early studies show that BodyTite tightens the skin up to 60 per cent more than traditional liposuction.
What body part is it best for?
BodyTite can effectively remove unhealthy and unwanted fat from many areas around the body, including the thighs, bum, hips, knees, upper arms waist and abdominal areas. As the treatment is so effective in tightening tissues, it is useful for firming ‘man boobs' and it is increasingly used for contouring the neck, when patients would like to avoid a surgical neck lift.
Average inch loss?
The inch loss depends on the volume of fat removed. On the abdomen and thighs, the average inch loss is 2-3 inches.
Cost?
From £4,500 depending on the size of the treatment area.
Contact: Dr Lucian Ion: 020 7486 7757; www.aesthetic-plastic-surgery.co.uk
2. VelaShape
What is it?
VelaShape is a body contouring treatment that treats both the upper layers of the skin to improve the appearance of cellulite, and also the deeper tissue to offer a measurable reduction in the circumference of fatty layers.
How does it work?
"Powered by the revolutionary elos technology, VelaShape uses radiofrequency and infrared light to heat fatty tissue, while a vacuum and mechanical massage manipulates and smoothes out the skin," explains Amreet Sehra of Beyond Medispa. This scary-sounding combination tautens lumpy or dimply skin to give a more toned shape.
What's involved in the treatment?
The VelaShape machine has a handpiece that is placed on specific target areas and the energy heats the targeted fatty tissue to break it down, then the vacuum manipulation helps to loosen the fatty tissue, allowing the body to dispose of it naturally. Most patients find the sensation comparable to a deep tissue massage.
How long does it take?
In 40 minutes several areas can be treated, such as abdomen, buttocks and thighs.
How long does it last?
A course of six treatments spaced at weekly intervals are recommended for best results. Careful diet and exercise are also recommended.
What body part is it best for?
VelaShape is great for typical problem areas, including the stomach, thighs and bum. It is also good for improving the appearance of cellulite.
Average inch loss?
In clinical studies, patients report an average reduction of 3-10cms in the treated area. Plus 78 per cent of patients see a significant reduction in the appearance of cellulite. Inch loss will be most apparent 6-8 weeks following the final treatment as the body continues to dispose of the released fat.
Cost?
The cost will depend on the size of the treatment area, usually from £150-£300 per session. Often courses are based on purchase five and get one free.
Contact: Beyond Medispa: 020 7201 8595; www.beyondmedispa.co.uk
3. LipoSonix
What is it?
The non-surgical LipoSonix system is a medical ultrasound machine that uses high doses of ultrasound to ‘melt' fat cells inside the body, without piercing the skin.
How does it work?
LipoSonix uses ‘High Intensity Focused Ultrasound' technology to destroy whole layers of fat at exact depths. This focused ultrasound energy penetrates 1-2cm into the fatty layer to target and destroy the excess fat cells, which are then removed naturally by the body.
What's involved in the treatment?
Your practitioner will measure the depth of the fat and the extent of the area to be treated, then the device will be primed to target this specific area, emitting high doses of ultrasound. The ultrasound will pass through the skin and superficial tissues to target the fatty layer.
How long does it take?
"This depends on the size of the area to be treated," explains Mr Mark Whiteley of Absolute Aesthetics. "Each 3cm by 3cm treatment area requires 2-3 ‘shots' of ultrasound, which take 27 seconds each. As such, the number of shots needed depends on the treatment area (how many 3x3cm squares fit into the area). The average treatment takes around one hour."
How long does it last?
The destroyed fat cells are naturally removed by the body over 3-6 months. The fatty tissue is permanently destroyed but maintaining results depends on adopting a healthy lifestyle.
What body part is it best for?
"We have found LipoSonix best for patients who have a small bulge on the abdomen. We have also been pleased with the results on the outer part of their hips or ‘saddlebags'," says Mr Whiteley. "As it is a new treatment, new techniques for different treatment areas are being developed all the time."
Average inch loss?
Research shows an average 2.5 cm reduction in circumference around the abdomen after one treatment. Patients who eat well, exercise and look after themselves can see a far better reduction over 3-6 months.
Cost?
The cost is charged by the ‘shot', hence the bigger the treatment area, the more expensive. Average costs for a stomach treatment range from £1,800 to £4,000.
Contact: Absolute Aesthetics: 0870 766 1234;
www.absoluteaesthetics.co.uk
4. VASER High Definition Liposuction
What is it?
VASER High Definition Liposuction uses ultrasound energy to break up fat, then liposuction to remove the excess fat.
How does it work?
High Definition Liposuction uses new technology to slim and sculpt the body. "Using both ultrasound and infrasound, the treatment allows for a faster and greater removal of fat while offering precise sculpting to create the best possible silhouette," explains Maria Archer of Cosmetic Medical Plus. The sound waves selectively break up fat cells which are then removed using suction.
What's involved in the treatment?
A local anaesthetic will be administered to minimise any discomfort, then the areas to be worked on will be marked out. The technology uses ultrasound energy to break up and emulsify fat by creating small bubbles that compress the fat cells, loosening them and popping them! The fat is then suctioned out using a cannula and the surgeon will contour around the muscles, creating more definition and a toned appearance. Blood vessels and nerves are untouched, resulting in less pain, bruising and swelling.
How long does it take?
The length of the procedure depends on the area to be worked on, from 20 minutes for a facial treatment to 2-3 hours for body areas.
How long does it last?
If you look after yourself by eating a healthy, balanced diet post treatment, the results will last a lifetime.
What body part is it best for?
VASER High Definition Liposuction is ideal for the removal of stubborn localised fat. It is suitable for all body areas, including the abdomen, back, thighs and buttocks. It can also be used to sculpt delicate areas of the body such as the knees, ankles, upper arms, chin and neck.
Average inch loss?
Expect an overall size reduction of a dress size or two - the heavier you start off, the more you are likely to lose.
Cost?
From £1,800 to £6,000 depending on the size of the area(s) being treated.
Contact: Cosmetic Medical Plus: 0203 393 8392; www.cosmeticmedicalplus.com
5. UltraShape
What is it?
UltraShape is a non-invasive, painless body contouring treatment that uses focused ultrasound waves to permanently destroy fat cells.
How does it work?
Ultrasound waves focus a vibration underneath the skin to destroy fat cells, which are gradually absorbed by the body's lymphatic drainage system.
What's involved in the treatment?
The treatment area is marked and uploaded into a computer tracking system. The practitioner then glides a hand-held device that delivers short pulses of ultrasound energy into the target zone. Each pulse breaks down the fat cells, without damaging the skin, blood vessels, nerves or connective tissue. The tracking technology guides the procedure to ensure smooth, uniform contouring. The content of the fat cells is then naturally disposed from the body.
How long does it take?
The average treatment takes 1-2 hours.
How long does it last?
Results are seen gradually over 2-4 weeks as your body clears the fatty debris. Results are long lasting as long as your weight remains stable.
What body part is it best for?
Areas where you can grab at least 3cm of stubborn fat are ideal, so it is good for the stomach, inner and outer thigh, love handles and buttocks.
Average inch loss?
Expect to drop a dress size a month after treatment as the body disposes of the released fat.
Cost?
£300-£800 per area. A course of three treatments spaced one month apart is recommended for optimal results.
Contact: Liposculpt Clinic: 08450 725 727; www.liposuplt.co.uk
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