Body Contouring: What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure

Body contouring involves procedures targeted at improving the shape and appearance of an individual’s body. Common treatment goals include:

• Eliminating stubborn pockets of fat
• Firming up loose skin or stretch marks
• Improving the tone and definition of muscles

An ideal candidate for body contouring treatments is healthy and active with a BMI <27 who has not achieved his or her goals despite best efforts to control diet and increase exercise. For individuals who are overweight or obese, a weight management program would be recommended.

Types of Body Contouring Procedures

Liposuction is a surgical body reshaping procedure that removes excess fat via a thin tube called a cannula, attached to a vacuum. The doctor will selectively remove unwanted fat deposits to contour the hips, outer thighs, upper arms, stomach, waist, flanks, back, under the chin, and other areas of the body. Liposuction may require general anaesthesia and hospitalisation depending on the areas treated and the amount of fat removed.

SculptSure Laser lipolysis is a non surgical body contouring procedure that uses diode-laser energy to permanently destroy stubborn fat cells. SculptSure is US FDA-cleared to reduce unwanted fat on the belly, love handles, back, thighs, and double chin. SculpSure cools the skin’s surface, while its laser energy heats the underlying fat cells until they are too damaged to survive. Over the next 1-2 months, the body flushes them out through the lymphatic system. one SculpSure treatment can destroy up to 24% of fat cells in the target area—so individuals may benefit from two or more sessions, a month apart, to reach their goals. 

Baysculpt electromagnetic muscle stimulation is a non-invasive, no downtime body contouring treatment that is used to build up the muscles of the abdomen, buttocks, inner thighs and arms, while burning fat. It also effectively treats abdominal muscle separation after childbirth (Diastasis recti). In just a 30-minute session, it generates 20,000 supramaximal muscle contractions- the equivalent of meticulously performing 20,000 crunches! A series of Baysculpt treatments result in improved muscle tone and bulk with less fatty deposits. Treatment areas include the abdomen, buttocks, arms and inner thighs.

SecretDUO combines  Radiofrequency Microneedling “RF Microneedling” with a 1540nm non ablative Erbium Glass laser. A treatment has two parts- RF microneedling is first performed to stimulate collagen production in the deeper skin layer, followed by laser skin tightening of the superficial skin. Treatment of the abdominal skin addresses loose skin and reduces  the appearance of stretch marks. Other treatment areas include the face, neck, upper arms and buttocks.

Benefits of Body Contouring

Benefits of body contouring include an improvement in the individual’s appearance that benefits self esteem and confidence. Visible results can encourage individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly, to maintain their image.

Risks and Side Effects of Body Contouring

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that needs to be carried out under general anaesthesia or deep sedation in an operating room. Risks of liposuction include: general anaesthesia risks, drug allergies, blood clot, fat embolism, asymmetry and dimpling. Downtime after liposuction is about 2 weeks, with bruising and swelling expected.

SculptSure Laser Lipolysis has no downtime and clients can return to work and usual activity right away. The treatment area will be sore and slightly swollen for 3-5 days. Risks to be aware of include formation of nodules (clumps of dying fat cells) that persist for months, as well as hyperpigmentation in the treatment area.

Baysculpt Electromagnetic stimulation is safe with no downtime. Clients report feeling slightly sore for 1-2 days after a treatment, similar to after a good workout.

SecretDUO Radiofrequency microneedling + Erbium Glass Laser leaves the treated skin red and sensitive for 2-3 days after a treatment. Rare risks include a skin infection. Most clients are able to return to normal activity right away.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Body Contouring Procedure

The right body contouring procedure depends greatly on the personal goals and expectations of the client, health issues, budget and ability to take downtime.

Liposuction is suitable for clients seeking a significant result in a short period of time, who have no major medical issues and can take 2 weeks of downtime and post surgical recovery.

For clients who are unable to take too much time off work or are concerned about the risks of surgery- non surgical options such as SculptSure Laser Lipolysis, Baysculpt Electromagnetic Stimulation and SecretDUO RF microneedling are suitable. These treatments require multiple sessions and take 2-3 months for visible results. Busy working professionals typically prefer this approach as there is minimal disruption to regular schedules.

Finding the Right Provider for Body Contouring in Singapore

At Bay Aesthetics Clinic, clients interested in body contouring procedures undergo a thorough assessment to ensure that he or she is a suitable candidate. Our team of medical professionals take a holistic approach, assessing the individual’s lifestyle, health conditions, goals and expectations.

Bay Aesthetics Clinic performs US FDA approved non surgical body contouring procedures- SculptSure laser lipolysis, Baysculpt electromagnetic muscle stimulation and SecretDUO RF microneedling.  Patients who meet BMI criteria will be enrolled in a customised weight management program. Patients seeking liposuction will be referred to trusted Plastic Surgeons.