Looking to reshape your body this year? With ongoing advancements in non-invasive fat reduction and body contouring, more people are exploring ways to address stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. Whether you’re already committed to healthier habits or just starting your journey, understanding your options can help you make informed decisions about your body goals.
This month, we’ll be discussing 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 : Your body determines where fat is stored and lost. Many people mistakenly believe targeted exercises like crunches will reduce fat in a specific area, but unfortunately, the body doesn’t work that way. Exercise promotes overall fat reduction, not localized fat loss.
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 works by removing fat cells, not just shrinking them. 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. It’s all about reshaping specific areas of the body.
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.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning if a body contouring procedure might be right for you, contact our office for more information.
