Body contouring machines are a relatively new fad that has come into the spotlight in recent years as an alternative to drastic weight loss and fat reducing surgeries. There’s no doubt that in the 21st century our obsession with physical and visual perfection is ever increasing, and over the past decade or so a variety new machines have hit the market designed to help us create the bodies we’ve always wanted.
Many people have never heard of body contouring machines, much less know what they are capable of doing to our bodies. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at what body contouring is and body contouring machines, finding out how the process is undertaken, how it helps to contour your body, and the results you could expect to achieve when receiving treatments.
What is Body Contouring?
Body contouring is a broad term used to describe the process of shaping or modifying your body to give it a better contour. There are many kinds of body contouring in two main groups, surgical and non-surgical. Surgical body contouring can be expensive and dangerous. It also requires a good deal of time to recover from and heal from. Non-surgical body contouring involves the use of a body contouring machine.
In this article, we’ll be exploring non-surgical body contouring, which is also known as non-surgical fat reduction. Often times people will work hard to get fit and find that they have a stubborn five or ten pounds that just won’t come off of their body. This is where a body contouring machine can really come in handy. Body contouring involves removing excess pockets of fat or tightening loose skin which helps give the body an overall sleeker, more sculpted appearance. Body contouring can also help to promote the natural production of collagen by our bodies, which helps improve skin’s’ elasticity, as well as reduce wrinkles and fine lines caused by ageing and the elements.
Radiofrequency
This method of body contouring is ideal for those who have recently lost large amounts of weight and have been left with areas of loose skin. Radiofrequency contours the body by using energy to heat tissue. This is a method which in turn promotes collagen production. Collagen is responsible for increasing our skin’s elasticity which leaves our skin feeling tighter, and showing a marked reduction in wrinkles and fine lines.
Cryolipolysis
Also known as ‘CoolSculpting’, this method of body contouring involves subjecting areas of the body to cold temperatures. When fat cells are targeted with cold temperatures, they undergo a process called ‘apoptosis’ which causes them to swell. The body will then naturally react to this inflammation, and will breakdown and remove the triggered fat cells. This method works exceptionally well for those who have a large number of fat cells that they would like to lose quickly, as it can be used over a large portion of the body and is found to be very effective. This is one of the most popular body contouring machines available.
High Intensity Focussed Ultrasound (HIFU)
High-Intensity Focussed Ultrasound is a relatively new body contouring option and involves subjecting the skin to high-intensity ultrasound through the body contouring machine. This heats the fat cells under the skin which destroys them. The ultrasound also simultaneously works to tighten the skin. The destroyed fat cells are naturally removed by the body, and this process can continue for up to 6 months, meaning HIFU can offer long-lasting results post treatment.
Low Level Laser Therapy
This method of body contouring has also been shown to be effective for aiding weight loss when the body naturally plateaus. Also referred to as ‘cold laser therapy’, there are several different approaches that can be used. Most commonly low level lasers are used on the area of the body that is needing to be contoured and over several sessions these lasers help to break down the fat cells, which the body can then absorb, helping you to achieve a slimmer appearance. This type of body contouring machine can be used on a large scale almost all over your body.
Some companies, however, have chosen to use low level laser therapy as an acupuncture method which helps to aid weight loss, which in turn encourages body contouring without the use of a body contouring machine. Acupressure points on the body which are connected to appetite suppression, such as the ears and wrists are exposed to the lasers, which help to encourage a reduction in feelings of hunger, resulting in a reduced appetite.
Side Effects
It is important to note, however, that while these body contouring machines do typically offer impressive results, they are not without their side effects, and should definitely only be administered by trained professionals. As a large amount of these methods require heating, misusing these devices can result in burns and other skin damage. Therefore, we strongly recommend taking the right precautions and thoroughly researching the best method for you and your body contouring needs.
