Published: January 7, 2016

Happy New Year! As we ring in 2016, we all think about our goals for the coming year. If getting into better shape made your list of Resolutions, you may be considering medical fat-reduction options alongside healthier eating and more time at the gym.

This month, we’ll be discussing today’s body contouring procedures. We sat down with Dr. Cox to learn more about body contouring, and how it differs from normal weight loss.

Q : How does weight loss actually work?

A : The good, healthy kind of weight loss refers to a shrinking of the size of fat cells, which are also called “lipocytes.” Conversely, when we gain weight, fat cells swell. Weight loss never actually removes or kills fat cells. Generally speaking, the number of fat cells in the body is stable through weight loss and weight gain – the size of the fat cells is what changes.

Q : Why is some fat so difficult to remove?

A : Your body decides where to prioritize the distribution of fat. Many people think that if they do a hundred crunches every day, they’ll lose fat on their tummy. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works! Physical activity promotes generalized weight loss, but it doesn’t produce targeted weight loss. That’s why it’s possible to be in great physical shape, and still have stubborn fatty deposits.

Q : How is body contouring different?

A : Body contouring is accomplished through targeted elimination of fat cells. It’s a common misunderstanding that this medical reduction of fat is the same as weight loss. Procedures like CoolSculpting, Liposuction, Kybella and others actually destroy and remove fat cells, rather than just shrinking them. This makes it possible to target specific areas of stubborn fat. It’s why we say “body contouring” rather than “weight loss” for these procedures.

Q : Can fat reduction remove all fat from an area?

A : Not only is it impossible to remove 100% of fat cells from an area, it wouldn’t be healthy. We often demonize fat cells, but they’re an essential part of our bodies that protect, insulate, and give us curves we do like. So when we talk about fat removal, we’re actually talking about removal of excess fat. Because some fat cells stay behind, some patients can regain weight in these areas if they put on a significant amount of weight after the procedure.

Q : How should I behave after a body contouring procedure?

A : After body contouring procedures, it’s essential to continue a healthy diet and exercise plan. One of the side effects we love to see is that patients often take better care of their bodies in order to maintain their results.

Q : What if I gain a significant amount of weight after a body contouring procedure?

A : Some patients regain weight in the area where the body contouring was performed. Because these procedures do not remove 100% of fat cells, the remaining cells are still able to swell with weight gain. Other patients experience just the opposite – the body redistributes new weight to other parts of the body, and weight gain to the treated area is relatively minimal. The result is difficult to predict. This is why body contouring procedures are intended for patients with a stable body weight.

Q : How do I know if I am good candidate for body contouring?

A : It’s essential to seek out a physician experienced in body contouring to help determine if any of these procedures are right for you. These experts can evaluate your medical history for risks, discuss your expectations and options, and develop and execute a personalized treatment plan. New, non-invasive treatments mean body contouring is safer and more convenient than ever, but it’s important to remember that these are medical procedures with potential complications. Always ask to see a physician’s accreditation and evidence of their experience with the procedure.

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If you have any questions or are interested in learning if a body contouring procedure might be right for you, get in touch. We can be reached by phone at (919) 289-4645 or by email at appointments@aesthetic-solutions.com.