Body Contouring Treatments

by Maggie Staszcuk

Body contouring and skin tightening are among the fastest-growing noninvasive esthetic procedures. These treatments have become a go-to option for clients who want visible results without surgery. Here, we review several body contouring modalities used to reduce fat and improve skin tone and texture. 

Radio Frequency Body Contouring

Radio frequency is one type of energy often used for toning and tightening the skin. It does not affect melanin, so it can be used on all Fitzpatrick skin types. It can also be used on areas of the body that are difficult to target with other body slimming devices. Radio frequency microneedling can be used for body contouring on the knees, upper arms, upper back (bra bulge), and other parts of the body where slack skin and fat pockets occur. Radio frequency uses alternating currents of radio waves—a thermal-based energy that noninvasively penetrates the skin. This thermal energy works to encourage new collagen formation (the protein that prevents laxity) by heating the outer layers of the skin to boost the collagen and elastin fibers.¹ RF is best suited for clients with mild to moderate skin laxity who want gradual tightening. 

Ultrasound Body Contouring

An alternative to radio frequency skin tightening and fat reduction is focused ultrasound. This energy type can tone and tighten the skin with heat or pressure. 

High-intensity focused ultrasound treatments heat the cells responsible for the production of collagen and elastin fibers. Ultrasound works by rapidly heating the targeted tissue to 65–70 degrees Celsius,² and focuses this heat to a depth of 1.5 mm–5 mm within the reticular layer of the dermis where fibroblasts—the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production—are found.³  

Ultrasound cavitation is the destruction of fat cells using focused, pulsed ultrasound energy. This noninvasive body contouring treatment destroys the walls of fat cells by causing them to implode and turn into a fatty acid. This fatty acid is filtered through the liver and eliminated by the body over time.⁴ Ideal for clients looking to target both skin laxity and localized fat deposits. 

Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing)

Cryolipolysis (or fat freezing) is a noninvasive body contouring procedure that involves the cooling of body fat to break down fat cells. And since adipose tissue is more responsive to temperature changes than skin, the frozen fat cells break down and leave the skin unharmed. 

Best for clients near their ideal weight who want to reduce stubborn fat pockets.⁵ Most will experience a reduction in inches, not a reduction in weight. 

Thermal Shock Body Contouring

Thermal shock takes cryolipolysis one step further by using an alternating application of heat and cold to break down fat cells and eliminate them from the body. The thermal shock body contouring treatment has also been shown to reduce cellulite, increase tone and tighten the skin, target fine lines, and relieve muscle strain.⁶ Suitable for clients seeking fat reduction along with skin tightening and cellulite improvement. 

What to Expect from Body Contouring Treatments 

Most noninvasive body contouring treatments require a series of sessions for optimal results. Outcomes are gradual, with improvements typically seen over several weeks to months. While these treatments can reduce fat and improve skin tone, they are not a replacement for exercise or weight loss and are best suited to enhance body sculpting and refinement.  

Insurance Considerations for Body Contouring treatments 

Many body contouring treatments involve advanced technologies such as radio frequency, ultrasound, and cryolipolysis. Professional liability insurance helps protect your practice in the event of adverse reactions or client claims. 

ASCP members have access to optional body contouring insurance and coverage for other advanced modalities like ultrasound cavitation, laser, IPL, or permanent makeup services. For more information about advanced esthetics coverage that protects you and your esthetics practice, including the steps for applying, visit www.ascpskincare.com/ami. Pricing for advanced esthetics insurance starts at $672 for the year, and you can bundle that coverage with other advanced modalities to save more. 

FAQs

How long does body contouring last?

Results vary depending on the modality and the client’s lifestyle. With proper maintenance, results may last anywhere from six months to up to ten years or more.

How much can you charge for body contouring?

Costs vary based on the treatment type, provider, and location. A series of treatments typically range from $1,600 to $4,200 on average.  

How do you become a body contouring specialist?

Estheticians must complete advanced training and certification, depending on the modality and state regulations.  

Does body contouring hurt?

Most noninvasive body contouring treatments involve minimal discomfort. Some clients may experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment.  

Notes
1. Emily Taylor, “4 Doctor-Approved Ways to Tighten and Tone Loose Skin,” New
Beauty, April 28, 2020, www.newbeauty.com/how-to-tone-and-tighten-loose-skin.
2. Emily Taylor, “4 Doctor-Approved Ways to Tighten and Tone Loose Skin.”
3. Sabrina Guillen Fabi, “Noninvasive Skin Tightening: Focus on New Ultrasound
Techniques,” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 8 (February 2015):
47–52, https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S69118.
4. Candela, “UltraShape,” accessed June 2021, www.candelamedical.com/na/patient/
product/ultrashape.
5. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, “Cryolipolysis,” accessed June 2021,
www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/cryolipolysis.
6. Erica Gorza, “The Top 5 Benefits of Thermal Shock/Cryo Generation,” accessed
June 2021, https://skinsciencesolutions.com/white-papers/the-top-5-benefitsof-
thermal-shock-cryo-generation.