technology
Why One Device Only Won’t Get You Perfect Results Dr Gina Messiha explains the importance of combination treatments and understanding your patients’ bodies and concerns.
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he demand for body contouring and sculpting treatments is rapidly increasing, and so too has the interest in noninvasive approaches. In the last decade, the market for body contouring devices has soared given the high risk of adverse reactions, recovery time and cost of surgical options. In view of this, the revolution of technology has grown to meet this demand, from minimally invasive to even non-invasive modalities. However, one size does not fit all when it comes to body contouring treatments. Our patients present with different concerns, expectations and different body shapes, which all come into play when determining the most suitable treatment plan. At Ocean Cosmetics, we see patients who seek fat reduction in areas like the abdomen, thighs, love handles, banana rolls, bra fold and less commonly, arms. We also see post pregnancy and post weight fluctuation, stretch marks and skin laxity. And in more recent times, we are also seeing the demand for cellulite treatments. Above aesthetics alone, as a medical cosmetic clinic, we also have patients present with functional problems like Rectus Divarication, lower back pain, and asymmetrical muscle atrophy where muscle toning is required. I firmly believe that no one single device will achieve the perfect results, but rather, finding a combination of modalities for each individual will help to attain optimal outcomes.
The First Rule Of Thumb Is Body Contouring Is NOT A Weight Loss Alternative Patients need to understand that body contouring treatments are not designed for weight loss. Instead, they are designed to change the shape or ‘contour’ of the body. These are the treatments we provide at Ocean Cosmetic and when used individually or collectively, can help: 1. F or Non-invasive fat reduction in stubborn areas like lower abdomen, banana rolls, bra fold, inner and lateral thigh and arms, Cryolipolysis, also known as fat freezing, is still the gold standard. The procedure relies on the crystallisation of fat cells when exposed to cold temperature followed by selfdestruction, a process known by apoptosis. Studies agree on 20-28% fat reduction after each treatment. Ideal patients’ BMI should be less than 25 with pinchable fat fold, however patients with BMI 25-30 can still benefit with more than one treatment. 62 | SPA+CLINIC
1. Emsculpt: Patient had been treated with four Emsculpt treatments to her abdomen. Photo shows fat reduction and muscle definition as a result of the treatment.
2. For improving skin laxity, Radiofrequency (RF) & High Intensity Focus Ultrasound (HIFU) are considered the cornerstone for skin tightening. Recently, I started using bio stimulating fillers prior to RF and HIFU to achieve even better results. At Ocean Cosmetics, we have EndyMed which is 3Deep® RF for skin tightening. We also have Vivace™ by Cynosure, which is micro needling RF for skin tightening and stretch marks. These treatments assist with post weight loss, skin sagging and post-partum ‘mummy tummy’. The latest to join our clinic is ULTRAcel Q+ by Cynosure, which is a 3rd generation HIFU technology for face and body skin tightening and fat reduction. 3. F or muscle toning, high intensity focused electromagnetic technology (HIFEM) is now becoming one of the most soughtafter treatments in our clinic. Emsculpt ® by BTL is the latest device to build muscle and sculpt the body by producing 22,000 supramaximal contractions in each session. Areas that can be