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You may have noticed that something called non-invasive body contouring is becoming increasingly popular. Basically, this involves applying energy devices to the body without breaking the skin to re-shape the body. The goal is to create an improved contour.
While some people think that non-invasive body contouring is distasteful or “cheating,” proponents say that it’s no different from cosmetic dentistry. It’s acceptable to get braces or whiten your teeth for cosmetic reasons, so why can’t you feel good about doing body contouring to also improve confidence in your aesthetic?
Nevertheless, if body contouring interests you, you may be overwhelmed by the growing number of options. How do you figure out which methods are right for you? This article summarizes many of the popular options available in Halifax. We hope that this guide helps you along your decision-making journey.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting has been around for a long time. It’s a non-invasive device that uses cooling technology to permanently reduce unwanted fat with little to no downtime. The good news is that it works. CoolSculpting reduces fat by an average of 22% and many people who were good candidates for this treatment and treated by well-trained providers have had positive experiences. But there are drawbacks…
First, since the applicators are suction-based, this treatment only works for people who have “pinchable” subcutaneous fat. It cannot treat harder visceral fat or fat that you cannot “grab”. Second, CoolSculpting comes with considerable risks including freeze burns and Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH), which is an adverse reaction that causes the growth of fat cells instead of the reduction of fat cells. Be aware. Third, while CoolSculpting used to be the leading non-invasive fat reduction treatment, the industry has advanced so much that other treatments tend to be more attractive.
Emsculpt Neo
Emsculpt Neo is currently the leading non-invasive body contouring treatment in the world. Unlike most other devices, it permanently reduces fat and effectively builds muscle simultaneously with no downtime. On the abdomen, clinical studies show that it reduces fat by an average of 30% and builds muscle by an average of 25%. Emsculpt Neo is also customizable. For example, in areas where people typically don’t want to lose fat like the bum, it only builds muscle to lift and tone.
While it may sound too good to be true, there are a few things to consider with this treatment option. One is that this device focuses on areas of the body where there are muscle groups or “fleshy parts” including the biceps, triceps, abdomen, love handles, glutes, thighs, and calves. A second consideration is that like any type of body contouring, you play a role in your outcome. For example, you can’t expect an impressive result if you gain weight while doing treatments. Body contouring works best for people who have a stable weight.
StarFormer TightWave
Copying is the sincerest form of flattery and the StarFormer TightWave is a non-invasive copycat technology of Emsculpt Neo. It claims to strengthen, tone, and firm different muscle groups in the body. While Emsculpt Neo uses High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic energy plus radiofrequency heat to visibly strengthen muscles and reduce fat, StarFormer TightWave uses something called High Intensity Tesla Stimulation, which is not as powerful and does not reduce fat. Nevertheless, some may be interested in the StarFormer TightWave because of its lower price point.
Evoke
Evoke is a non-invasive facial rejuvenation and remodelling technology that uses radiofrequency heat to give more definition to the face and neck. More specifically, it’s a headpiece that tightens skin in the lower face and slims the submental area (the double chin). The pros are that Evoke is a comfortable treatment, it’s hands-free so you can read a book or whatever during treatment, and good candidates are generally pleased with their results. The cons are that it can only be used on the face and neck, and each of these areas must be treated separately with a different headpiece. While skin tightening procedures always require maintenance (you can’t stop the ageing process!), it is unclear whether the submental slimming effect is permanent.
Exilis Ultra
Exilis Ultra is a non-invasive, multi-purpose device that is celebrated for its versatility. These treatments permanently reduce stubborn fat and tighten skin without pain or downtime. There are a few key differences between Evoke and Exilis Ultra. First, Evoke is only for the face and neck, whereas Exilis Ultra can be used practically anywhere on the body. Second, while Evoke uses radiofrequency heat, Exilis Ultra uses both radiofrequency heat and ultrasound energy. Basically, the RF does the fat reduction and skin tightening work while the ultrasound energy helps the RF penetrate deeper and faster. Third, Exilis Ultra is more customizable because a technician performs treatment according to each client’s specific goals. Treatments are comfortable and short.
VShape
VShape is a non-invasive body contouring device offered in the Halifax area. It uses radiofrequency heat and ultrasound energy to reduce fat and tighten skin, although each of these goals may require separate treatments. Most people find that VShape results are so subtle that they are not worth the cost of the treatments. Also, it is unclear whether its fat reduction results are permanent.
EmTone
EmTone is the world’s first and only non-invasive device to effectively treat all five causes of cellulite. These five causes include enlarged fat chambers in the hypodermis applying outward pressure in between connective tissues, rigid collagen fibers pulling inward against outward pressure, loss of skin elasticity decreasing resistance to pressure, poor blood flow, and accumulation of metabolic waste. EmTone uses a combination of Targeted Pressure Energy and radiofrequency heat, and the technician’s manipulation of the EmTone handpiece also creates lymphatic drainage.
ThermiSmooth Body
ThermiSmooth Body is a non-invasive, radiofrequency-based device for the treatment of cellulite. Like most radiofrequency-based treatments, it encourages skin in the treated area to produce more collagen, which creates a firmer and smoother appearance. There is no pain or downtime. When you consider that EmTone uses two different energies combined with lymphatic drainage technique, the fact that ThermiSmooth Body uses one energy suggests that results would be more limited.
What’s Next?
While this is not an exhaustive list, it’s a good starting point for your research. It’s also important to collect information directly from different providers and make sure you’re comfortable with the provider you choose. When you speak with providers, some of the questions you should ask include: Are results permanent? If not, how long do they last? What are the risks associated with treatment? What if my treatments don’t work? These questions will help you make a good decision about your investment.
Body Works Med Spa & Wellness is a medical spa located in downtown Halifax that specializes in non-invasive body contouring. They do free consultations for body contouring, which is a good opportunity to consider their cutting-edge solutions. They are the go-to provider of Emsculpt Neo in Atlantic Canada, which comes with an Emsculpt Neo Results Promise, and they’re Nova Scotia’s only provider of both Exilis Ultra and EmTone. They can also combine treatments from different technologies to offer enhanced therapies. Call 902-405-0858 or visit www.bodyworksmedspa.ca to learn more.
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