Fat Reduction/Body Contouring, Weight loss & Skin Firming: Make sure your body treatments measure up to expectations by understanding your options and the difference among them.
It’s a common misconception that weight loss and fat reduction are the same thing. The science behind this difference is actually pretty simple and logical. When we lose weight, our fat cells become smaller but the number of fat cells remains the same.
We get rid of our fat cells through fat reduction using methods like cryolipolysis or fat freezing.
Fat reduction does not significantly change your weight; the result appears on your measuring tape. When you contour your body through fat reduction, your clothes fit better. There will no longer be, for instance, ‘love handles’ spilling over your pants or skirt.
So before you explore ways to improve your physique, it is best to understand what is it that you want to achieve: weight loss, fat reduction or skin tightening. You may need only one or a combination of these treatments depending on your body, and it is best to understand the options available.
With this article, we hope to paint a clearer picture on the difference between weight loss, body contouring/fat reduction, and skin firming.
Fat Reduction/Body Contouring, Weight loss & Skin Firming: Body Beautiful in Three Steps
When we talk about weight loss, people often think about dieting and counting calories. But it is best to speak with a doctor on the most optimal way of losing weight in a way that is most appropriate for your body.
But once you’ve reached your ideal weight, the next step is to say goodbye to the fat cells and this is where body contouring/fat reduction comes in.
For those who do not fancy going for liposuction as a way to remove body fats, there are non-invasive, no downtime body contouring treatments available like CoolSculpting and High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU).
But what about the loose skin that resulted from weight loss and fat removal? That’s where skin firming treatments like HIFU, Tightlase 3D Laser, and Radio Frequency (RF) come in.
Weight Loss: Mini Slim Programme
This doctor-assisted slimming programme consists of a full-body checkup, a personalised weight loss programme, and post-programme health check. Clinically-tested weight loss drugs will also be prescribed to complement the patient’s weight loss regime.
The programme can be paired with any fat reduction and skin tightening treatment to contour the body as well.
Treatment Experience: Comfortable
Downtime: None
Post-care Advice: Always check with the doctor on how you can maintain a healthy weight post-programme.
Fat Reduction/Body Contouring Treatment: CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis. It works by removing fat cells via a non-invasive freezing technology that targets only fat cells. Cryolipolysis is used to remove certain areas of body fat that are just under the skin to contour our physique. With the CoolSculpting procedure, crystallised fat cells are eliminated and the fat cells are gone for good.
From the smallest applicator such as the CoolMini to target small pocket of fat from double chin, armpit fat, and knee fat to bigger applicators (CoolCurve, CoolCore, CoolMax, and CoolFit) to target love handles, back or bra fat, abdomen and inner thighs and surface applicator (CoolSmooth) for outer thighs.
Treatment Experience: Cold
Downtime: None
Post-care Advice: CoolSculpting may cause some tenderness in the areas treated for about two weeks after your procedure. Just wear loose, comfortable clothes and it will resolve on its own. There might be some bruising but that will also resolve by itself.
Body Contouring and Skin Firming Treatment: High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
If the cold is not something you’re comfortable with then HIFU treatment is the next best alternative. Utilising focused ultrasound technology, it’s able to eliminate fat with precision.
The thermal effect penetrates deep down into the subcutaneous fat tissue to specifically target problem areas addressing the issues effectively. It can also be used to tighten loose and sagging skin.
Treatment Experience: Prickly sensation
Downtime: None
Post-care Advice: Similar to CoolSculpting, there might be some tenderness post procedure but these will resolve on its own. This treatment needs to be repeated about three times.
Skin Firming Treatment: TightLase 3D Laser
Featuring dual-wavelength laser technology, TightLase 3D Laser is a highly effective non-surgical skin tightening treatment that firms loose skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite. The first treatment mode of this laser gently but consistently heats the tissues in the deeper layer in order to tighten the skin.
The second mode targets the superficial layer of skin, causing the contraction and tightening of skin with a modest degree of lipolysis (fat removal). This dual action renders the TightLase 3D Laser a highly effective skin tightening treatments both for the body and face.
Treatment Experience: Heat
Downtime: None
Post-care Advice: Need to be repeated about three times.
Skin Firming Treatment: Radio Frequency (RF)
As we age, our collagen and elastin production decreases resulting in the sagging of the skin, wrinkles and fine lines appearance. RF treatments are known to be effective in addressing these issues.
This treatment uses RF energy to penetrate the skin, heating the skin tissue to stimulate collagen fibres and fibroblast cells to produce new collagen and elastic fibres.
This, in turn, tightens and rejuvenates the skin leaving it with a firmer, smoother appearance.
Treatment Experience: Warm
Downtime: None
Post-care Advice: Need to be repeated about five times
The use of these treatments/products is dependent on the clinical assessment and judgement of a medical professional.
Please consult a medical doctor for an informed discussion on the use of this treatment/product.
