About Noninvasive Body Contouring

Noninvasive body contouring has become progressively popular as people seek ways to improve contour and definition by removing fat and enhancing muscle tone, all while minimizing risks and downtime. While liposuction remains the gold standard in fat removal to both debulk and create more appealing contours, it may not be the best treatment option for patients whose schedules cannot accommodate post-surgical downtime, who do not wish to take time away from their physical fitness routines and activities (we are in Utah after all!), or who simply might not need it.

Furthermore, a new class of weight loss drugs known as GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide (also known as Wegovy® or Ozempic®), is helping many people kickstart their weight loss journey extremely effectively. For these individuals who are able to achieve their goal weight via this approach, the only enhancements required may be addressing a few small stubborn pockets of fat, or a few areas that are lacking in muscle tone.

For patients who are seeking noninvasive ways to contour their bodies, Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center can offer the following solutions:

• Coolsculpting®
• EmSculpt Neo®

What is Coolsculpting®?

Coolsculpting is a noninvasive fat reducing treatment that works via a process known as cryolipolysis. During treatment, a vacuum applicator is placed on the surface of the skin, which suctions fatty tissue to be targeted between the treatment panels. Controlled cooling is then applied, which targets fat cells (which are more sensitive to being damaged by low temperatures than the other cells in your skin) while leaving the rest of your skin intact. Fat is therefore selectively destroyed with cold, before being metabolized and eliminated by your body’s immune and detoxification systems, during the weeks following treatment.

What areas of the body can be treated with Coolsculpting®?

Areas of the body that can be treated with Coolsculpting® include:

• Abdomen
• Bra fat
• Lower back
• Flanks
• Hips
• Inner thighs
• Outer thighs
• Inside of the knee
• Arms
• Ankles
• Chin

How much fat can be removed with Coolsculpting®?

The amount of fat that is removed depends on the number of treatment cycles that you undergo, the areas being treated, the amount of fat in those areas, the results that you are seeking to achieve, and what your lifestyle is like as you are undergoing treatments. In general, we recommend that you undergo at least two treatment cycles per area that you are looking to target, and potentially more depending on the aforementioned factors. That being said, some published studies have demonstrated a 10-20% reduction in fat after one treatment cycle, and a 20-30% reduction in fat after two treatment cycles. But again, individual results will vary, and those who often attain the best results are actively engaged in a healthy lifestyle during treatment, as well as efforts to manage or reduce their weight.

Who is not a good candidate for Coolsculpting®?

If you have a history of any of the following medical conditions, then you are not a good candidate for Coolsculpting®:

• Cryoglobulinemia
• Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria
• Cold agglutinin disease
• Known sensitivity to cold such as cold urticaria, Raynaud’s disease, pernio, Chilblains
• Impaired circulation or neuropathy in the areas to be treated
• Inflamed, open, or infected skin in the areas to be treated
• Hernia in or adjacent to the treatment site
• Recent surgery or scar tissue in the areas to be treated
• Active implanted devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators

What is EmSculpt Neo®?

EmSculpt Neo® simultaneously uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology alongside radiofrequency heating, to build muscle and reduce fat. EmSculpt Neo® induces 20,000 supramaximal muscle contractions during a single 30-minute treatment session. 4-treatment sessions over the course of 2-4 weeks are recommended to achieve optimal results, with a maintenance treatment recommended every 3-6 months to maintain them. The ideal candidates for treatment are those with a low to medium body mass index (BMI) with less than 2.5 cm of subcutaneous fat that can be pinched between 2 fingers. As previously stated, those who often attain the best results are actively engaged in a healthy lifestyle during treatment, as well as efforts to manage or reduce their weight.

What areas of the body can be treated with EmSculpt Neo®?

Areas of the body that can be treated with EmSculpt Neo® include:

• Abdomen
• Buttocks
• Thighs (quadriceps)
• Calves
• Upper arms

What results can EmSculpt Neo® achieve?

With 4-8 treatment sessions over the course of 2-4 weeks, various clinical studies have shown up to a 30% reduction in subcutaneous fat, and a 25% increase in muscle thickness. EmSculpt Neo® has also been shown to decrease abdominal muscle separation (also known as diastasis recti, which is common following pregnancy) by at least 10%.

Who is not a good candidate for EmSculpt Neo®?

If you have a history of any of the following medical conditions, then you are not a good candidate for EmSculpt Neo^Ò:

• Pregnancy
• Cardiac pacemaker
• Implanted electronic devices
• Metal implants
• Heart disorders
• Any other medical condition contraindicating the use of an electromagnetic field

Why trust Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center for my noninvasive body contouring needs?

We offer comprehensive body contouring options at the Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center—from noninvasive options such as Coolsculpting® and EmSculpt Neo® to surgical options such as liposuction. Additionally, several of our physicians offer semaglutide for medically-assisted weight loss, which can further be utilized to help you achieve the physique that you aspire to. Our broad range of treatment options allows you to opt for one or several of these approaches, all under the careful guidance of our expert physicians. While some individuals may only need a few sessions of Coolsculpting® or EmSculpt Neo® to realize their goals, others may benefit from a more comprehensive approach. The expertise of our physicians, coupled with our numerous treatment options, means that you could potentially start your journey with semaglutide for medically-assisted weight loss, then undergo liposuction or Coolsculpting® for any residual areas of stubborn fat, and ultimately transition to EmSculpt Neo® for adding further muscle definition in areas such as the abs, glutes, quads, calves, biceps, and triceps.

Furthermore, because skin quality can be an issue following significant weight-loss, our board-certified dermatologists can continue to work with you to address issues such as stretch marks or skin laxity while you are pursuing your ideal physique with the methods listed above.

The breadth of treatment options that we offer, coupled with the expertise of our physicians, gives you the option of starting and completing your body’s transformation entirely at our practice. We are proud to offer this continuity of care at the Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center, where our patients form long-standing, caring relationships with our team of highly skilled physicians, who approach each patient with a refined aesthetic sensibility as well as meticulous attention to the safety and efficacy of the treatments that they perform. We prioritize your comfort, discretion, and results during the entirety of your journey with us, so that you can realize a more confident, and sculpted you.