Body contouring treatments have gotten hugely popular over the last few years — and for good reason. These procedures can help you achieve the body shape you desire. Some of the most common med spa body sculpting options include:
- Cryo or cool sculpting
- Radiofrequency (truSculpt, Evolve)
- Ultrasound (ultrasonic cavitation)
- Laser lipolysis (SculpSure)
- Electrical muscle stimulation (emSculpt, EvolveX)
If you're considering treatment, these tips will help you get the best results possible with the right before-and-after body contouring care.
Before and After Body Sculpting: Day of Treatment
Body contouring is a great way to reduce fat and treat cellulite, but everyone's body is different and results vary. Here are some day-of protocols to help you maximize yours.
HYDRATE
Drink plenty of water before and after your appointment. Proper hydration is essential for flushing out toxins released by destroyed fat cells and helping with overall detoxification.
It can also help you replenish lost electrolytes, avoid inflammation, and promote healthy digestion.
Eat Sensibly
Avoid eating a heavy meal right before or after treatment. You should also limit alcohol and caffeine.
In general, proper nutrition is important to achieving and maintaining your body contouring goals.
Exercise
While you should avoid strain and overexertion, which can lead to inflammation, it's a good idea to engage in some type of physical activity after your session. Exercise stimulates lymphatic flow throughout the body which helps with removing fat cells from the treated area.
After Body Contouring: Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that carries fluid throughout the body. This fluid helps to remove waste products, toxins, and other debris from the tissues, finally getting rid of material dislodged during treatment.
In addition to exercise, several other activities stimulate lymphatic flow. Find something that works for you.
Massage for Lymphatic Drainage
Need an excuse for a massage? Here you go.
Massage therapy can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation as well as promote lymphatic flow. By increasing circulation in the area being massaged, your masseuse moves waste products away from the tissues and into the lymph nodes where they can be eliminated.
Infrared and Red Light Therapy
Infrared and red light therapy are also great ways to get the most out of your body contouring treatment. These treatments use light energy to penetrate deep into the skin.
Infrared heat can boost metabolism and assist in breaking down stored fat. And red light therapy increases circulation and stimulates collagen production, helping to tighten the skin.
Whole Body Vibration
Incorporate whole-body vibration into your health and exercise regimen. It stimulates muscles and has been proven to reduce fat in the long term. gets all systems of your body moving.
Not sold? Whole-body vibration also improves bone density, reduces inflammation, and positively affects metabolic health.
You can find vibration plates at many health clinics and gyms or purchase one for home use.
Diet and Exercise for Body Contouring
Body contouring targets fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise and tightens your skin. But it doesn't prevent the need for a healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet and regular workouts.
Cardio
Cardio increases circulation, assists lymphatic drainage, and burns calories and fat — all of which are important for slimming down.
You can do any type of cardio that you enjoy, such as running, cycling, swimming or even walking. Just make sure to get your heart rate up and keep it up for at least 30 minutes each session.
The current guidelines supported by the CDC recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity and two days of muscle-strengthening exercise a week.
Strength Training
With strength training, you can build muscles, which then burn more calories even when you’re not exercising. This means that even when you’re resting or sleeping, your body is burning calories and fat! Focus on compound movements like squats and deadlifts that target multiple muscles at once for maximum efficiency.
Healthy Foods
Eat a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Produce, lean proteins, and whole grains should all feature in your meal plans.
You can also promote the skin-tightening element of body-sculpting treatments. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon or flaxseed oil can improve skin elasticity — as can the protein keratin, so it may be time to break out that new quinoa recipe you've been itching to try.
Vitamins A, C, E, and K are also important for skin health and should be included in your diet before and after your body contouring session. Together, these vitamins promote cell growth, promote collagen production, and protect against free radicals. Add foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, and oranges to your diet.
Step Into Your After
These tips for before and after body contouring should help you maximize its effectiveness while promoting overall good health.
So if you want to treat resistant fat and tone your muscles and skin, schedule a consultation or contact us today. Learn about the different body sculpting options we offer — such as cryosculpting and Evolve X — and which will best suit your needs. At Advanced Body Sculpting and MedSpa, we're excited to help you step into your after.
Download body contouring infographic.
