We’ve all seen it. We’re scrolling through posts on social media like Instagram, and out pops pictures and reels promoting ‘body positivity’, or ‘bo-po’, where phrases like, “Every body is beautiful,” and “Equality and acceptance is for all body types and sizes,” are repeated. Sometimes, this creates a conflicting emotion or thought in our heads! Growing up Asian and being naturally and genetically more predisposed to having a smaller frame compared to our Caucasian or European counterparts, even the slightest bit of weight gain is sure to bring about comments from family members – whether that’s behind our backs or to our faces. The concept of ‘body positivity’ can be hard when weight gain happens and efforts to lose it come up short.
And while we agree that every body type and size is deserving of equal care, the mental and emotional worries about those extra inches on the waistline puts a toll on a person, making ‘positivity’ difficult. In addition, personally taking action on slimming treatment types of diets like extreme dieting or some form of restrictive calorie intake puts a person at risk of health problems, creating a cycle of physical, mental, and emotional distress. There are many other types of slimming treatments in Singapore which are physically safe for a person, do not involve restrictive dieting, and are able to help a person achieve their weight loss goals which this article will explain. Read on more to find out about the types of slimming treatment in Singapore!
Body contouring is a type of procedure that, like its name suggests, ‘contours’ the body by shaping it through the use of different types of treatments. One such example is ultrasound body shaping treatments like the Liposonix Fat Reduction and Body Contouring System. An autologous fat transfer procedure is also something that can help with body contouring.
Ultrasound treatments, such as the Liposonix, work by using high-intensity focused ultrasound energy (HIFU) to destroy fat cells in the target areas to help contour the body. If you’ve ever gone for an ultrasound scan before, this treatment uses the same type of energy wavelength but in a different manner – a diagnostic ultrasound does not involve any heat, but the Liposonix uses heat to target specific fat cells. When the heat penetrates the fat cells to the point where they can be destroyed, the remains are then removed through the lymphatic system.
Autologous fat transfers (AFT) for body sculpting are a little different. It is also known as ‘Fat Grafting’ or ‘Microlipoinjection’ because it takes fat from certain areas of the body, like the thighs, and adds them to other areas like the breasts or buttocks to contour the body and make it look more hourglass in shape. It can also be used over the cheek regions to give the face a slimmer, V-shaped look.
While the fat cells are permanently destroyed in the first session of Liposonix itself, greatest results are usually seen at 8-12 weeks after the procedure. This amount of time is necessary for the body to naturally metabolise the destroyed fat cells and remove them from the body through waste products. Some individuals find that a follow up treatment a few months down the road can help them to achieve further fat reduction in specific areas for better body sculpting effect.
The effects of the autologous fat transfer is also usually rather obvious once healing has taken its course. Studies show that first results are observed soon after the procedure at 14 days, and the transferred fat cells should be fully accepted into the graft region to stay for long-term by the 6 month period.
Liposonix is FDA-approved for aesthetic use, proving its safety and efficacy for use, especially in studies that note its efficacy in removing fat deposits. Ultrasound procedures, which uses soundwaves, are non-surgical and non-invasive, meaning that it does not come with any of the risks of a surgical treatment. Because Liposonix uses heat to destroy fat cells, there may be some bruising appearing 1-2 days after the treatment which will resolve over 1-2 weeks.
For autologous fat transfers, there are some risks involved as it is a minimally-invasive procedure. However, since it uses the individual’s own fat tissues, adverse allergic reactions are rare. Compared with implants as well, AFT has a shorter downtime with minimal incisions. The main risks are scarring or infections over the incision areas, or fat necrosis (death) where the transferred fat cells do not get enough oxygenated blood, although it happens rarely
Most clients who are active and in good health are suitable for body contouring treatments that use ultrasound energy. It may work best for those who are seeking to lose about an inch (2.5cm) of fat around their tummy or flank areas (sides of the waists), and better results may be seen in those who are already reaching their target weight. Unlike certain laser treatments where darker skinned individuals may not be suitable for their use, Liposonix can be done for people of all skin colours.
For autologous fat transfers, this may be chosen in clients who want to obtain a more dramatic body contouring effect. However, AFT requires time to prepare the fat tissue before transferring them to other areas. This means that those who undergo AFT need to have enough fat over the donor sites to be transferred, and do not have any other circulatory problems.
For those who may want to focus on toning up the body instead of outright fat reduction or removal, there are treatment options like the Thermage FLX (Faster Algorithm Experience) which can help to tighten up target areas, or the Fotona TightSculpting Laser Lipo.
Body toning treatments aim to improve the tone, texture, and firmness of the skin for a slimmer appearance. Thermage is also FDA-approved for aesthetic use, and while Liposonix uses sound energy, Thermage utilises radiofrequency waves to heat up the deeper layers of the skin. The main difference is in the outcome. While Liposonix targets fat cells in body tissues, Thermage stimulates the collagen-rich layers of the skin. This encourages the regeneration of collagen and ‘plumps’ up the skin, which gives a smoother and slimmer look. It is useful for areas where there may be sagging skin, and can be combined with Liposonix to give a better slimming effect.
The Fotona Tightsculpting FDA-approved treatment also works similarly to tone the body areas where tissues are experiencing sagging or loose skin; however, it has the added benefit of fat reduction as well by destroying fat cells!
As collagen regeneration takes time to occur naturally within the body tissues, most people see progressive results over 2 to 6 months following one Thermage session. Skin tightening and toning results were often regarded as satisfactory within this time period as well, according to a 2020 review. The Fotona TightSculpting procedure may require more sessions, typically a minimum of 3 sessions per area, with at least 1 month between treatments to see results.
The most frequently reported side effects for body toning treatments are redness and some swelling over the treatment areas due to the deep heat effect, but those normally reduce over the period of a couple of days. Uncommonly, some people report bruising.
You are suitable for these procedures if your main concerns are reducing the appearance of sagging skin for a slimmer appearance. If you require more fat removal, a combination of techniques with body contouring treatments may be needed.
The V+ sculpting treatment targets the areas of the face and jaw instead of the body. It is a type of slimming treatment in Singapore, but for the facial regions instead.
Through the use of equipment like the Thermage FLX machine or the Fotona TightSculpting laser, slimming treatments are no longer limited to the body, but can also address droopy cheeks or a double chin! The same principles apply – heat is directed into the tissues of the face, jawline, or neck, and helps to zap away fat cells or stimulate collagen regeneration for a more V-shaped jawline.
Depending on the type of procedure chosen for V-sculpting, it can take up to 6 months to see the full results although improvements can usually be seen within the first month onwards.
Similar risks as with the other body parts may be seen, such as redness and some swelling around the face area. Using SPF is also needed when going out as the skin may have some sensitivity to UV rays after the procedure, and may be aggravated with excessive sun exposure.
If you are looking for slimming treatments but targeted around the face, jawline, and neck area, V-sculpting procedures may be what you need!
Fat freezing is also known as ‘cryolipolysis’ – ‘cryo’ referring to ice, and ‘lipolysis’ meaning the destruction of fat cells. Basically, this treatment uses a non-surgical method of applying cold temperatures to the target areas to ‘freeze off’ the fat cells.
Cryolipolysis uses the hypothesis that fat cells are more vulnerable to damage in cold temperatures. The use of a handheld applicator to vacuum in the target area is combined with cold temperature blasting, whereby a tingling and stinging sensation is felt for 5-10 minutes after which the area becomes numb. This cold temperature ‘injures’ fat cells, which triggers the body’s inflammatory response and the body’s defence mechanisms rush to that area to remove the injured fat cell particles.
Studies show that good results are usually seen after 4 months post-treatment, although changes can be seen about a month after. If more than one session is needed, it can only be done 2-3 months after the first procedure to avoid tissue damage.
Expected side effects are temporary redness, bruising, and numbness which will go off within a week. There are some complaints of late-onset pain which occurs 2 weeks post-procedure, but with usually no long-standing effects. A very rare risk that may occur is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, whereby the size of fat cells increases after cryolipolysis.
Those who are not suitable for cryolipolysis are those that have conditions which make you sensitive to cold temperatures. This includes Raynaud’s (a circulatory disease), autoimmune diseases which affect red blood cells, or those with nerve disorders such as diabetic neuropathy.
Cellulite treatments are a general term for any treatment which addresses the removal of fat cells, or toning up of the more superficial skin tissues. This is because cellulite is made out of fat cells, with a connection to fibrous tissues that tend to pull it down, which results in the uneven and lumpy texture of cellulite. Cellulite tends to become more obvious as weight increases and as a person gets older because collagen content reduces, and fat cells contribute to the appearance. Studies show that non-invasive body contouring treatments using radiofrequency waves improve the appearance of cellulite, including the Thermage procedure and laser lipolysis to reduce cellulite, such as the Fotona laser!
So, how exactly do you choose which slimming treatment types are suitable for you?
First, consider the target area. Are you aiming to achieve slimming over certain body parts, or around the jawline region? Different treatments can target different areas. Next, narrow down into the goals you want to achieve – slimming, fat removal, just contouring, or toning? Knowing what you want to achieve can help to narrow down which treatments may be more suitable for your expectations. And thirdly, consider the effort you are ready to put in for long-term maintenance. For slimming treatments that destroy fat cells, the surrounding fat cells can grow back again. Hence, maintaining the desired results is usually through a healthy lifestyle, well-balanced diet, and exercise. Some treatments are usually ‘permanent’, such as an autologous fat transfer that can help to contour your body shape, and some treatments require follow up sessions over a period of time.
Discuss your concerns and questions with a certified professional to further understand which types of slimming treatments in Singapore best suit your physical condition and future goals! Book an appointment today at your nearest clinic to get started.
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