“nonsurgical” lift; endermologie, a cellulite massage type treatment; and body contour wraps.

Lipodissolve

Lipodissolve is a non-surgical, no down- time procedure that dissolves excess fat in specific problem areas such as the belly “pooch,” love handles, thighs and under the chin. This body sculpting technology permanently removes fat to help patients slim down and reach their desired figure.

The perfect candidate for lipodissolve is someone who exercises routinely and eats a healthy diet but cannot shed that extra layer of fat. Lipodissolve is not intended for weight loss. Small amounts of unwanted fat are dissolved, but overall weight loss is insignificant. Reports indicate that the change to your body is gradual, so you must be patient with the results.

Genetics determines the number of fat cells each person has in their body, so if you are pre-dispositioned to have more fat cells, it may be more difficult to get rid of the top layer of fat. Lipodissolve helps to permanently dissolve these fat cells so only a thin layer of cells remain. Lipodissolve works to improve body image, and doctors stress that a healthy diet and regular exercise must be  implemented or continued to avoid any excess weight gain.

Lipodissolve is made of a pharmaceutical compound called phosphatidylcholine deoxycholate or PCDC. A series of micro-injections containing the compound are delivered to the targeted treatment areas where pockets of fat have developed around areas, such as the stomach, buttocks, thighs, arms or chin.

The injections work by absorbing into the fat cells causing them to swell (become slightly inflamed)
and then harden. These hardened fat cells then break down and within a few weeks results can be seen and in some cases, measurable inches are lost.

Once discarded from the body, the fat cell no longer exists. After several treatments the skin will be smooth and natural.

PCDC has been used in various medical applications since the 1950s and for cosmetic purposes since the mid ‘90s. Various reports indicate that to date, more than 85,000 treatments have been administered and no significant adverse affects have been identified with PCDC injections.

Results vary per person—some patients may see results in as little as two treatments or as many as nine treatments. On average, most people get the best results in six-nine treatments. Time between treatments is normally  two weeks but will depend on your body type and physiology.

It is recommended to only treat one or two body areas at the same time. However, patients with a higher BMI (body mass index) should only treat one area at a time in addition to starting a nutrition program.

After your Lipodissolve treatments, you may experience some localized pain and discomfort in the treated area. A minor burning sensation is felt immediately following the treatment along with soreness and inflammation for several days after treatment. In many cases localized bruising will occur. Patients should avoid any vigorous physical activity or exercise for 48 hours after treatment, but can resume work immediately.

Accent RF Treatment

Radio frequency technology has been used over the past several years under several names such as Thermage, Titan and Velasmooth. A newer technology that many local doctors are incorporating is called Accent technology. This revolutionary skin reshaping regimen uses advanced radio frequency (RF) technology to treat wrinkles non-invasively. Multiple clinical studies and thousands of satisfied patients have proven the Accent treatment's effectiveness in tightening loose skin, promoting healthy collagen production and improving body contours. Compared to other skin treatment systems, reports indicate you ’ll see noticeable results faster.

Accent dual-layer RF Thermotherapy stimulates the production of new collagen and improves skin surface texture. Treatments with the Accent system are quick and do not require anesthesia or a prolonged recovery time. Patients can resume normal activities immediately. Best of all, Dual-layer RF Thermotherapy provides steady improvement with excellent, long-term skin tightening results.

During the procedure, doctors use the Accent system to precisely heat the tissue just within your skin's inner layer (dermis). Depending on the size of the treated area, a treatment may take up to 45 minutes. Following each treatment, you can immediately resume all routine activities. You may notice a slight redness, which should disappear in less than 24 hours. Generally, no more than three to five treatments at two weeks intervals will be required.

Dual-layer RF thermotherapy causes the deep structures of your skin to tighten right away; results are immediately visible. With time, new collagen develops, further tightening your skin and yielding even more beautiful, natural looking and firmer skin. While just one

While pain tolerance is subjective, most people tolerate dual-layer RF thermotherapy well and have little or no discomfort. Patients often describe the sensation as a “warm massage.” The risk of significant side effects is extremely low.

Accent treatments can be performed to treat loose wrinkled skin anywhere on the body. The procedure is frequently used to treat the thin, loose and crepe-like skin often found on the aging face, neck and under the upper arms. It is also excellent for firming skin on the post-surgical or postnatal abdomen, chest, thighs or breasts.

Endermologie

Endermologie is another approach to sculpting your body that claims other treatments for cellulite remain largely unsuccessful because they only target the appearance of cellulite. It cites that the dimpling on the surface of the skin was only a symptom of the underlying cause and to banish the bumps would require a deeply acting treatment.

Since its introduction to the U.S., endermologie was the first to be FDA approved for temporarily reducing the appearance of cellulite. Its safety and efficacy have been the subject of several clinical trials and on-going research reveals positive results. The treatment is non-surgical and non-invasive, involving the use of a motorized device with two adjustable rollers and controlled suction, which creates a symmetrical skin-fold. The skin gently folds and unfolds under the continuous action of the rollers allowing for smooth and regulated deep tissue mobilization. As the vixcosity of the subcutaneous fat layer decreases, blood flow and lymphatic drainage increase, facilitating the elimination of excess fluid and metabolites, while improving overall cellular function.

Proponents claim that within six sessions, cellulite is visibly reduced, the figure is reshaped and skin is beautifully reconditioned —even on stubborn areas that diet, exercise and invasive procedures don’t treat. Some patients claim that results may be experienced after the first session, with a noticeable change in the feel of their clothing. Those opting for maximum results usually need about 14 to 28 45-minutes sessions to see results and must also have monthly treatments afterwards to maintain the smooth skin look.

Endermologie works best on candidates who are fit and who are usually between the ages of 30 to 45. Those who do not regularly exercise may see only temporary results and those over 30 pounds overweight tend not to benefit from the procedure. Beyond regular exercise, drinking water on the day of procedures helps yield a better result. Doctors frequently ask patients to drink eight glasses of water prior to the procedure and to maintain this habit daily afterwards.

Side effects of endermologie are minimal and may involve bruising or soreness in the areas treated. Many patients like the feel of endermologie and find this temporary soreness a small price to pay. Those who are extremely sensitive to pain may find the pressure exerted by rollers very uncomfortable.

Body Contour Wraps

Body contour wraps are an all-natural holistic approach to body contouring that help people lose cellulite and inches. When the body ’s circulation and elimination systems become impaired, toxins and waste materials become trapped in the vulnerable fat cells of the connective tissue. The body wrap uses circulation and gentle pressure to flush toxins and waste materials from the system through internal detoxification of the body. Stored toxins are permanently removed at the cellular level through the circulatory and lymphatic systems. This creates a permanent loss of up to 14 inches, while improving general health, nourishing the skin, and contouring the soft areas of the body.

Body contour wraps act upon all factors that cause body misshaping, including excess fluids, trapped waste, cellulite and tissue weakness. Other advantages include re-contouring, skin hydration and smoothing, the restoration of blood circulation and the cleansing of body tissues for improved health. A series of three to six body contour wraps is recommended, with four to seven days between each wrap.

 Body contour wraps can be administered at most spas without the supervision of a medical doctor, but you may want to check the ingredients of the particular wrap treatment you select to make sure you don ’t suffer an allergic reaction.

Buyer Beware

As is the case with any medical or aesthetic treatment, make sure you do your research. Go online to research the technique you are considering and ask your doctor or spa for referrals. Talk to people who have had the same procedure done by the person who will administer yours.  Experience is key, and the more experience a doctor or aesthetician has under their belt, the better bet they are to give you the results you expect.