FAQ: LIPO BODY SCULPTING (Ultrasonic Lipo Cavitation)
WHAT IS IT?
Ultrasonic Cavitation is used predominantly for fat reduction. Cavitation is a natural phenomenon based on low frequency ultrasound and is the sculpting of the body without the need for anesthetic. This pain-free, risk-free procedure, limits downtime and is seen as a safe alternative to liposuction. The ultrasound produces a strong wave of pressure that targets the fat cell membranes. These membranes cannot stand the pressure thus disintegrating into a liquid state which is naturally eliminating, resulting in instant fat loss.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
- No need for general or local anesthetic
- Non-Surgical and Non-Invasive
- No downtime – patients can return to normal day to day activities immediately (with liposuction surgery, downtime is usually 6-8 weeks)
- No risk of infection, scarring and irregularities
HOW DOES ULTRASONIC CAVITATION WORK?
A uniquely designed, handheld instrument is applied to the target area by a specially trained therapist. The instrument transmits strong low-level ultrasonic waves which consist of a compression – expansion method which travel in high speed cycles. Rotating this cycle, back and forth will cause an infinite quantity of micro-cavities (micro-bubbles) to enlarge. It is the progressive enlargement of the micro-cavities that turn to collision and implosion, producing emission of shockwaves that encourage emulsification and elimination of the fat tissues in the target area (this is called ‘cavitation’). The lymphatic & urinary system easily uptakes this liquid from the body, resulting in fat reduction.
WHERE ARE FAT CELLS STORED?
The size of the fat cells in each person can differ greatly, regardless of size or weight but the number of fat cells are the same. Fat is primarily stored inside adipocytes as triglycerides and can be found between the muscles and the skin membrane.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE RELEASED FAT?
Excess fat is released into the interstitial space between the cells during and following the cavitation treatment. Here it is metabolized to glycerol and fatty free acids. Glycerol that is water-soluble is absorbed by the circulatory system and used as an energy source. The insoluble fatty free acids are transported via the liver and kidneys and processed as if fatty acids from foods and then eliminated naturally from the body.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Typically, a single fat cavitation session lasts 30-40 minutes when treating a single part of the body. A minimum of 72 hours is required between each session so the body can finish the elimination of the fat. For the best fat reduction results, between six and ten sessions is recommended.
WHAT CAN BE TREATED WITH THE LIPO CAVITATION SYSTEM?
All areas with localized fat such as thighs, abdomen and the buttocks are the most appropriate to be treated. The treatment works on cellulite, the reduction of general fat and for skin tightening. For cellulite, the ultrasound focuses on the superficial fat tissue. Best results are achieved when the ultrasound is applied in conjunction with the radio frequency.
WHO IS SUITABLE?
An initial consultation will be performed over the phone as several conditions can exclude clients from therapy. A full assessment during the pretreatment consultation will determine your suitability. People who experience cardiac or vascular diseases, carry a pacemaker, are pregnant or breast feeding should avoid this type of procedure. If you are in any doubt, please consult with your physician.
IS IT SAFE?
Yes. This is a nonsurgical procedure that is non-invasive and requires no recovery time. Some people may experience some redness of the skin which should return to normal within a few hours.
CAN I LOSE WEIGHT WITH ULTRASONIC CAVITATION?
Cavitation is not designed specifically to lose weight, more so to reshape the body. It is particularly effective in the reduction of the adiposity (love handles) that are hard to reduce through diet and exercise. The treatment offers similar results to liposuction as it removes the cellulite (dimpling of the skin) and prevents it from recurring without damaging the vascular system.
HOW QUICKLY CAN I EXPECT TO SEE RESULTS?
Some clients have experienced up to 1-2 inches of circumference reduction after a single session. More significant results will be experienced after the second and third treatment.
WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM RESULTS I CAN EXPECT?
Gradually, over several weeks, the body will clear down the broken-down fatty tissues which will result in a volume reduction of fatty tissues. It is not uncommon to achieve results of up to 4 inches reduction in body mass by the end of the course of treatments. These results will be long lasting, provided you follow a healthy diet and exercise program. If you overeat or consume too much alcohol, fat can easily be deposited back into the body.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TREATMENT?
You will need to avoid alcohol for 72 hours after each treatment because your liver will be busy processing the fat that has been broken down by the Ultrasonic Lipo therapy. Also try to drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated before and after treatment. Patient should be advised that following treatment they should maintain low caloric intake. This will ensure that fat energy released because of the treatment is used by the body.
You will NOT be able to start Ultrasonic Lipo Cavitation treatment before consulting your doctor, if any of the below apply:
- During menstruation (applies only to treatment of the abdomen)
- Skin infections and diseases
- Acute fever
- Thyroid disease and other hormonal disorders
- Any other chronic diseases
- Heart diseases or pacemakers
- Allergy to applied materials (e.g. ceramic)
- Severe high blood pressure or circulation problems
- Cancer (malignant tumors)
- Deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, phlebitis
- Epilepsy
- Hemorrhagic disease, trauma, vascular rupture
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Intrauterine device avoid abdomen
- Liver or kidney disease
- Wounds, sores
- Treatment with anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, antibiotics
- Metal Coil Fitted (tummy area treatments only, new plastic coil is fine)
- Under 18
- Pacemaker, heart valve replacement, severe heart diseases
- Severe liver or kidney diseases
- Arterial disease
- Autoimmune diseases such as: cryoglobulinemia, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, cold urticaria, HIV
- Metal implants in the treatment zone
- Other metals due to accident or surgery
- Impairment of skin feel in the treatment zone (e.g., after surgery)
- Keloid / hypertrophic scar in the region
- Anticoagulant drugs (e.g., warfarin, heparin, low-dosage aspirin)
FAQ: RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) FOR SKIN TIGHTENING
WHAT IS IT?
Radio frequency or RF skin tightening treatment is an innovative therapy that uses radio frequency electromagnetic waves (energy waves in the range of about 3 kHz to 300 GHz) to stimulate collagen development deep within the dermal layers of the skin. Radio frequency re-structures and contracts existing collagen and stimulates fresh collagen production to give noticeable yet natural results. Clients benefit from healthier, smoother and more youthful looking skin.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
- RF is FDA Approved as a Non-Surgical Facelift
- Easy, non-invasive and pain-free
- Immediate results that continue to improve for months
- Tightens sagging skin
- Reduce fine lines, wrinkles
- Reduces enlarge pore size
- Improves the tone and texture of the skin
- Radio frequency is great for those who are looking for subtle improvements but not yet ready for a surgical face-lift or want to avoid surgery completely.
HOW DOES RADIO FREQUENCY WORK?
The use of electrical currents and other energy wave forms for medical purposes has been documented for over 100 years. Technology has come a long way in that time, especially in recent years though the basic principles are the same. Non ablative radio frequency energy is the newest addition to the treatment options available for skin tightening, cellulite and fat reduction.
It is now possible to deliver RF energy to the deep dermal and sub-dermal layers of the skin, while protecting the epidermis (outer layer of the skin). Heating the dermal and sub dermal layers of the skin causes microscopic changes to the tissues and collagen contraction, with subsequent collagen remodeling over the months that follow.
Radio frequency also gives deep, controlled heating of the fatty layers under the skin, which means that superficial fatty deposits can be broken down and drained through the lymphatic system, reducing the appearance of cellulite.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Depending on the treatment and treatment area, sessions are between 15 and 30 minutes.
WHAT CAN BE TREATED WITH THE RADIO FREQUENCY?
Radio frequency electromagnetic energy is safe, non-invasive and a pain-free way to tighten skin that may have lost some of its elasticity around the forehead, eyes, cheeks, jaw line, mouth and under the chin and neck. It is also an effective way to tighten skin on the body such as post birth tummy, or where someone has lost a few pounds in weight.
IS IT SAFE?
Radio frequency has a proven track record and has been shown to be safe. It has been used in neurosurgery, dermatology, cardiology, and ENT for more than 70 years! The treatment is relaxing and pain-free and carries no side effects.
Radio Frequency (RF) is FDA Approved for Non-Surgical Face-Lifts! RF uses advanced technology that safely heats the collagen in the skin (dermis). When sufficient energy is delivered, the collagen will contract, providing an immediate change in skin appearance.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
During the procedure, our RF hand piece gradually heats the deeper layers of skin, while the skin surface remains around 40°C. Your skin temperature will be constantly monitored. Radio Frequency Skin Tightening is relaxing, pain free and carries no side effects.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF RADIO FREQUENCY TREATMENTS?
Tri-polar RF combines the effects of both mono and bi-polar radio frequency in a single treatment, which produces better pain-free results. By delivering RF energy deep into dermal tissues, the heating action causes deep collagen structures within the skin to immediately tighten. Over time, new collagen is produced by the body to further tighten the skin.
Tri-polar Fractional RF Skin Tightening is a non-ablative treatment which means that it doesn’t damage outer layers of skin (the epidermis) but it does however cause a specific type of micro trauma to the lower dermal layers of the skin which stimulates elastin and collagen production.
Bipolar RF refers to a treatment device that has two electrodes or poles. This penetrates to deeper levels of the skin.
Monopolar RF (also called Unipolar) refers to the treatment device having one electrode or pole. It works on the uppermost layers of the skin.
WHAT RESULTS I CAN EXPECT?
A result of encouraging collagen production is tighter, more youthful looking skin. RF can be used for both the face and body). Clients can expect to see instant, visible results.
The unique combination of processes involved in RF skin tightening provides both an immediate uplifting effect, followed by further long-term skin tightening, restructuring and rejuvenating benefits.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
It depends on the individual’s needs and the area being treatment. It may be recommended to have a session of radio frequency skin tightening twice weekly with an average of 6 – 12 sessions in a treatment program, or a session once every 7-10 days, with an average of 8 sessions in a program. But this will all depend on the individual’s needs.
CAN ANYONE HAVE RF SKIN TIGHTENING TREATMENTS?
Usually yes, though there are some contraindications. It cannot be used in clients with pacemakers, metal plates or pins in the treatment area (e.g. metal hip joints, heart valves or dental plates, etc.). RF current flowing through the body may interfere with these devices or heat up metal implants, which could be dangerous. Severe heart disease, connective tissue diseases, pregnancy or breastfeeding women are also contraindicated conditions for treatment.
F.A.Q. RED LIGHT THERAPY
What is Red Light Therapy?
What does LLLT stand for?
LLLT stands for Low Level Light Therapy or Low Level Laser Therapy. Both are Red Light and Near Infrared Light technologies. Also referred to as Photobiomodulation (PBM), and Red Light Therapy, this modality is effectively used to stimulate fat loss, manage pain, reduce inflammation, activate skin rejuvenation and boost the immune system.
Are there other Red Light Therapy 635nm devices on the market?
There are several 635nm devices in two different categories on the market. Laser based devices have high energy output for targeted deep tissue treatments, are classified as medical devices and require physician oversight and a licensed technician to operate.
LED based devices, like Contour Light, use lower level light energy output that can safely treat larger areas on the body and does not require a licensed technician to operate. Both are effective forms of Photobiomodulation: Red light treatments that stimulate healthy cell energy response.
What is a Contour Light treatment like?
The closer the light is to the skin, the more effective the treatment. The Contour Light pad delivery system allows direct application to the skin. We recommend that patients wear a two-piece bathing suit, speedo or boxers attire, for maximum treatment coverage. The patient lies on a treatment table and the pads are placed on the areas of treatment. Typically, that includes two large pads placed underneath the mid back and back upper legs, two large pads placed on the abdomen and the front of the upper legs. One small pad on each of the upper arms, and the face mask is placed arching over the face and chest area. The pads can be used in a variety of configurations, specific to the areas on which the patients desire treatment. Once the system is on, the patient will see ultra bright red lights. Goggles should be worn to protect their eyes. After a few minutes, when the light stimulates the cell mitochondria and they begin to generate energy in the cells, the patient will feel a warming effect. The pads themselves do not emit heat, the warmth is primarily generated by the body. Many patients describe it as comforting and calming. A session can last up to 30 minutes, giving the patient time to relax and even nap.
How long will the results last?
The results from Contour Light will vary from person to person based on nutrition, activity, healthy life style, and frequency of treatment. The recommended treatment protocol is 10 sessions-(every 2-3 days over a period of 2 -3 weeks) with periodic tune ups following.
Do patients need to follow a strict diet and exercise regimen?
Contour Light along with a healthy life style of good nutrition and moderate exercise will result in remarkable and measurable results. That said, there is no particular diet or exercise regimen required, but drinking plenty of water and even a 15-20 minute walk or moderate exercise following a treatment will noticeably enhance the results.
Will cholesterol and triglyceride levels increase after treatment?
No. There is no evidence that Contour Light treatment or any 635 nm treatment will cause an elevation of cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Is the Contour Light device safe?
Yes, absolutely. The light emitted by the Contour Light device is cool, and it does not generate excessive heat, so it will not burn or damage the tissue. However, the light is very bright and patients should take care to shield their eyes with goggles if using the face mask. Short glances at the light will not harm the eyes, but staring at the light should be completely avoided.
Early versions of other 635 nm red light therapy devices did not see satisfactory results. Why is that?
The first 635 nm low level laser device was released with a lot of publicity and promises of quick fat loss, without FDA approval, and without sufficient understanding about how it works. Since it was laser based and in the medical device arena, it was sold only to physicians, but without the proper level of training and education for optimal outcomes. The device used weak light that was not applied directly to the body, and therefore did not interact at the cellular level to produce the outcomes we see with our system.
What is 635nm and 880nm technology?
635nm and 880nm are the wavelengths on the light spectrum that when harnessed provide the most effective red light therapy. The 635nm and 880nm light when combined are able to penetrate the skin and activate the cells’ mitochondria to produce cellular energy, as well as stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.
What is the difference between laser light and LED light as it relates to this technology?
According to Dr. Michael Hamblin, associate professor at Harvard and MIT, and widely regarded as the world’s top expert in the study of red light therapies, there is no real difference between what laser-based light and LED-based light can do for cell energy and healing in the 635nm range. However, a licensed technician under the supervision of a physician, is required to operate a laser-based device. Whereas the Contour Light system-an LED-based device requires about 1 minute of training, no license to operate, and is safely administered by the staff and professionals in the health and wellness field.
What type of results can be expected?
The recommended Contour Light protocol involves a series of 10 treatment sessions of 30 minutes each, delivered every 2-3 days over a 3-week period. Most patients see a noticeable improvement within the first 2-3 treatments, some even after the first treatment. Depending on the patients’ goals, the full 10 session series can reliably address most of their expectations. Though continued treatments, or series can be added if needed for further benefit.
Are there any restrictions as to who can be treated?
Contour Light is safe and beneficial for the vast majority of people. There are three exceptions for which a patient would need a physician’s clearance to be able to utilize the Contour Light.
They include:
- Patients that have a medical condition that seriously inhibits proper waste elimination via the liver and kidneys may struggle, because during the treatment cells release fat and toxins into the lymphatic system for elimination from the body, passing through the liver and kidneys. If the liver or kidneys are already compromised, this process could cause further congestion.
- Patients who have extreme light sensitivity, either due to a medical condition or a medication, should get clearance from their doctors before using red light therapy.
- Patients who are pregnant need to check with their OB doctors before utilizing Contour Light, and should not use the pads in the abdomen area.
What parts of the body can be treated?
Every part of the body, from the top of the head to the toes, can be treated by Contour Light, with the exception of the eyes. The red lights are ultra bright and goggles are recommended when using the face mask.
Will the Contour Light work for people who struggle with obesity?
Clinically obese patients can benefit in all the same ways. Contour Light helps to stimulate the mitochondria in the cells which creates cellular energy, eliminates fat and toxins, and promotes a healing effect on the body. It helps with reducing inflammation, which often is the cause of obesity. As with all people, patients who utilize the Contour Light get the best results when creating a healthy lifestyle of good nutrition, moderate exercise, and plenty of water.