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A Comprehensive Guide to Body Contouring Treatments in Singapore
In the past, surgical treatments such as liposuction and tummy tucks were the only options for fat elimination. Such surgeries offer more noticeable results after the procedure; however, it has more risks and have potentially longer recovery time. As people become strapped for time working late nights and caring for children at home, we have lower tolerance for treatments with long downtime.
What is body contouring?
Body contouring, or body shaping, helps to eliminate pockets of stubborn fat and shape areas of the body and tighten the skin non-invasively. Body contouring treatments are not meant to help one to lose weight. Instead, it aims to reshape specific areas of the body to get rid of excess fat and skin when weight loss isn’t effective.
What are some body contouring treatments in Singapore?
The medical term for breaking down fat cells through metabolic process is called “lipolysis”. In Singapore, there are some approved ways to target stubborn fat cells via non-surgical methods.
Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis, or more commonly referred to as fat freezing, is a treatment that uses cold temperature, typically around -5 to 5 degrees Celsius to destroy fat cells.
It works by selectively freezing stubborn areas of fat tissue, without affecting the skin and surrounding healthy tissue. It uses a controlled cooling mechanism to safely break down stubborn fat in various parts of the body such as arms, tummy, double chin, thighs etc.
The exposure to the freezing temperature induces death of subcutaneous fat cells, without affecting the surrounding tissue.
Laser Lipolysis
One of the most popular laser treatments that target fat cells is the use of a 1060-nanometer diode laser that brings up the temperature of the targeted area to between 42 and 47 degrees Celsius.
Specifically, SculpSure is one of the leading brands of laser lipolysis. During the 25-minute treatment, the area will be consistently exposed to high temperature, and eventually cause degradation of the fat cells, while leaving the healthy cells unharmed.
Studies have shown a 24% reduction of fat cells after each treatment. The elimination of the fat cells should be permanent as long as a strict diet and exercise plan is followed through.
Radiofrequency Lipolysis
Radiofrequency waves and ultrasound waves are also a common option for reducing stubborn fat tissue. The radiofrequency waves gently heat the deeper layers of the skin without damaging the superficial layers.
TempSure delivers 4MHz RF waves into the deep layers, bringing the temperature up to 42 degrees Celsius. With a Therapeutic Logic Control capability, it ensures that the temperature is kept constant so the entire treatment is comfortable, yet effective.
On the other hand, EmSculpt Neo is the only body contouring technology that simultaneously uses RF and HIFEM+ energies to eliminate fat and build muscles. During the treatment, the applicators gradually raise the temperature of the muscles. The combination of HIFEM and RF increase overall temperature of the muscles and surrounding fat tissue, causing the fat tissue to break down permanently. At the same time, the strained muscle fibres undergo a growth process.
TriPollar is also a radiofrequency technology that treats all layers of the skin. It induces deep volumetric heating for muscle contraction and increased fat metabolism. The radiofrequency energy accelerates metabolism of the fat cells and forces the metabolised fat to expel from the issue via lymphatic drainage.
Is body sculpting suitable for obese people?
In general, body contouring treatments are best suited for people with healthy BMI and have an active lifestyle. Body contouring is not meant as a weight loss treatment. It is, however, suitable for people who feel that they are unable to sculpt or tone up certain areas of the body despite keeping to a strict diet and exercise regime.
Body contouring treatments can treat various parts of the body, including:
- Arms
- Buttocks
- Back
- Neck and chin
- Thighs
- Belly and flanks
We encourage patients to monitor their food intake and perform at least 45 minutes of cardiovascular exercises a day for visible and long-lasting body contouring results.
Price comparison of body contouring treatments in Singapore
| Product | Fat Freeze | SculpSure | EmSculpt Neo | TempSure | Redustim |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment Time | 40 mins | 25 mins | 30 mins | 30 – 60 mins | 45 mins |
| Technology | Cryolipolysis | 1060-diode laser | RF and HIFEM | RF | BioMagnetic field |
| Muscle Gain | X | X | 20% | X | X |
| % of Fat Reduction | 20% – 25% | 24% | 30% | – | 8% visceral fat |
| Temperature | -9°C to -5°C | 42°C to 47°C | 43°C to 45°C | 40°C to 42°C | – |
| Skin Tightening | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Downtime | 1-2 days | X | X | X | X |
| Price | $200 – $500 | $250 | $1,000 | $500 – $1,300 | $300 |
