Body Sculpting
While exercise and nutrition help keep you fit and healthy, it is common to have stubborn pockets of fat you just can’t shift. One solution is body sculpting, using radiofrequency waves, electromagnetic energy, bioelectric currents or heat to non-surgically eliminate fat and sagging skin or stimulate muscle contractions in areas resistant to diet and exercise. There are very few clinically approved injectables to shape the body so the launch of the latest innovation in body sculpting has been long-awaited news. The fact that it kick-starts the body to produce its own contouring collagen is even more welcome.
The new collagen stimulating dermal filler for the body, called LANLUMA® has been specifically formulated to reshape and contour large areas of the body and can be used to treat the upper arms, hips, thighs, hands, décolletage and buttocks. It can also be used to reduce the signs of cellulite and wrinkles. Lanluma can also be used to add volume to the face to compensate for age-related tissue and bone loss which causes lines and sagging. Lanluma is made from Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) which has been used in medical products for over 30 years -so has a strong safety record. PLLA induces collagen production and fibroblast (connective tissue cell) proliferation by stimulating the body’s inflammatory response.
There are a number of technologies which can be used to blitz fat and reshape the body: Monopolar radiofrequency devices work well for those looking to tighten skin post weight loss or childbirth. The non-invasive treatment sends radiofrequency waves deep into the tissue layers of the skin, eliminating fat cells and shrinking loose skin in the process. Monopolar radiofrequency devices stimulate the fibroblast cells to produce more collagen and elastin, tightening the skin for a more lifted and contoured appearance. The treatment is also perfect before any other collagen stimulating treatments for example threads and fillers to optimise results. High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) helps build muscle in hard to tone areas. The treatment works by directing highly focused electromagnetic energy to the targeted area. This forces muscles to contract in a way that is not possible through exercise. The muscles, in response to these contractions will rebuild themselves and fat will start to melt away more easily in the treated area. Multi-Directional Muscle Stimulation Technology increases muscle mass by 30 percent, as well as a small reduction in fat, in just a few sessions. Using bioelectric currents to induce muscle contractions, it works the equivalent of 54,000 sit ups in one session with no danger of muscle damage; the average fit man can do 100 in a minute. Interestingly, when you use Multi-Directional Muscle Stimulation Technology, your brain goes through a similar process when actual weights are lifted, as it works to emulate muscle twists, crunches and obliques rather than just linear contractions. The latest monopolar radio frequency devices work by heating fat cells until they die off and can be naturally eliminated by the body. Studies show an average of 24 percent fat reduction in the treated area after just one 15-minute session. The most recent devices are different from other fat blasting treatments on the market in a few ways – firstly at only 15 minutes, they are far faster, and just as effective. They are also suitable for a broader range of body types than its predecessors. Unlike fat freezing treatments they can be used to treat people with visceral fat around their organs, and can also treat thinner people with a small amount of stubborn, exercise-resistant fat to shift.
Body sculpting treatments can be used to tone any area of the body with excess skin or fat, particularly the stomach, hips, thighs, back, buttocks and upper arms. Lanluma is also effective for cellulite.
With all body sculpting treatments, you will be asked to lie down before being connected to your machine. Some use a radiofrequency emitting wand on your face or body, with the treatment area covered in a protective gel. Others use, a disk like device is strapped onto your stomach or buttocks, gradually increasing the electromagnetic energy, while Lanluma is injected into the selected treatment area.
Skin tightening treatments take, between eight and 16 applicators are placed on the stomach, thighs, buttocks, arms or calves. These applicators will emit low levels of electricity to stimulate muscle contractions and build muscle tone. Intensity of the muscle stimulation is adjusted to your tolerance and conditioning levels to avoid pain during the treatment session.
A series of applicators are also placed during the latest skin tightening procedures. They are often described as feeling like a hot stone massage. During treatment, the temperature of your skin will rise but remain comfortable.
These treatments are non-invasive and require no recovery time. While you will be able to return to normal activity immediately, you may notice some tingling or soreness in the areas treated for up to 72 hours. With Lanluma, you will be asked to massage the area post treatment to bring about the best result.
Depending on the technology used, results last from 3 months to two years.
Because Lanluma stimulates new collagen production, the results last for more than 2 years, which is far longer than conventional HA filler results. The latest monopolar radio frequency procedures see a permanent fat reduction of 24 percent, but you will need a healthy diet and lifestyle to maintain the results, otherwise the fatty tissue will enlarge.
Typically skin tightening treatments 4-6 sessions are usually needed. You will see results 12 weeks after this.
Muscle Building Treatments: You will need four 30-minute sessions over two weeks. The best results will be seen three months after your final session, with continued improvement over six months.
Multi-Directional Muscle Stimulation Technology: You will see a difference after two sessions, but four sessions are recommended. Maximum results are seen 8-12 weeks after the last session.
The fastest skin tightening devices: Results are visible after just one treatment, with maximum results seen after 12 weeks.
Lanluma: The injected filler is absorbed by the body, and then over time the new reshaped appearance emerges. This means the results are not instant, but when they become apparent, they look convincing and realistic.
As body shaping treatments are non-invasive, side effects are rare. You may experience some muscle soreness and tingling after a session.
If you have a pace maker, are pregnant or breastfeeding or have an active skin infection in the area of treatment you cannot have any of these treatments.
Monopolar radiofrequency treatments start from £150, with a treatment course starting from £400
High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic: Costs start from £750
Multi-Directional Muscle Stimulation Technology: Treatments start from £2,286
The fastest monopolar radio frequency devices: A course starts from £1,500
Lanluma: from £1,000 depending on the body area to be treated.
“Body shaping reaches parts of the body that diet and exercise can’t. They are ideal if you would like to improve your muscle definition or reduce stubborn fat. You will see significant improvement, while treatments are non-invasive with little to no downtime.”
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