Popular Technologies That Target Clients’ Body Contouring Needs

body-contouring[Thalgo’s Body Palp massage helps refine, reshape and tone for visible results. Courtesy of Thalgo USA]Spas across the country are cashing in on cutting-edge body contouring techniques to smooth clients’ most stubborn problem areas.

As technology improves at lightning speed and clients become better educated than ever about the latest and greatest spa offerings, body sculpting services have taken off in a big way. And while they’ve proven to be a hit with guests and techs alike thanks to their visible results, spa owners also love such services’ ability to boost their bottom lines by enticing recurring visits. “We opened 14 years ago, but these types of services have become very popular just in the last few years,” asserts Devin Haman, cofounder and CEO of Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center (BHRC), headquartered in Los Angeles, with 12 locations nationwide. “And, as the technology keeps getting better and better, we’re also able to offer better results.” Here, DAYSPA delves into some of the high-tech ways medspas around the country are targeting—and conquering— clients’ body contouring needs.

CoolSculpting, or cryolipolysis, has become a major name in aesthetics since its arrival in 2010. The FDA-cleared, nonsurgical fat reduction and body contouring measure targets and freezes fat tissue to -11 degrees Celsius, reducing fat by 20 to 30 percent in one treatment, explains Haman. “Over time, the body naturally processes the fat and eliminates those dead cells, leaving a more sculpted result,” he says. Measurement changes vary depending on the patient and the number of areas treated, but results can be seen after two months (typically, one to three treatments are recommended to achieve the ideal outcome).

Rise of the Machines

CoolSculpting procedures can be administered to different areas using different applicators. For instance, BHRC now uses CoolAdvantage (35 min./$500-$750), which halves the session time and is more comfortable for clients. “We also provide DualSculpting ($500-$750 per applicator) to treat multiple areas at once, as well as CoolMini for smaller areas, such as under the chin or behind the knees,” adds Haman. “Typically, you can get results in one treatment, although it can take 20 to 30 days for the fat to drain.”

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Another option offered at BHRC is BTL Exilis Ultra ($200-$500 per session/area), which simultaneously delivers radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasound, smoothing skin and reducing the look of cellulite. Haman notes that ultrasound allows the technician to go deeper, while RF kills fat cells and stimulates collagen production and cell turnover, which helps skin become firmer, thicker and more youthful- looking. Clients receive skin tightening, fat reduction and body contouring, with optimal results over three to four treatments. “For skin tightening, 41 to 43 degrees Celsius is ideal, and to kill fat cells, the temperature must be over 43 degrees,” says Haman. “RF without cooling targets the dermis and the epidermis to help tighten skin, but the cooling applicator allows the RF to penetrate deeper to 2.5 centimeters, which can reduce underlying fat cells.” Similarly, InMode Forma and Body FX ($200-$500 per session/area) uses RF at temperatures between 41 and 43 degrees to kill fat cells and tighten skin.

With so many options available, BHRC specializes in combination treatments, designing a customized plan for each guest with a multi-pronged approach to achieve the best results—and showcases its work by posting before and after photos on social media. “People love to see results when considering aesthetic treatments, and before and after photos give a clear idea of what transformations look like at BHRC,” notes Haman. “They also attract prospective clients by allowing them to easily look through our portfolio, share with friends and learn more about our offerings.”

At Belia Skin and Beauty Spa in Las Vegas, the contouring Cavitation Treatment (30-90 min./$50- $250) features three modalities for skin tightening: ultrasound, RF and nanocurrent. “The RF creates heat when it penetrates into the dermis, melting the fat; nanocurrent tightens skin and contracts muscle; and the ultrasonic frequency pushes melted fat away from the surface so that it’s easily dissolved,” explains owner Lia Yulianti. “It’s great for tackling loose skin after liposuction or CoolSculpting treatments.” Techs advise clients to visit once weekly for a series of six sessions, which the spa sells as a package: buy five, get one free. The service can also be implemented on smaller areas, including the neck and jawline.

When Belia began offering the Cavitation Treatment in 2017, the spa threw a launch party where it educated clients about the service and performed a demonstration so that they could witness it firsthand. Its popularity quickly spread as fans raved about the new procedure on Google and Yelp, and now demo videos are widely available for curious clients. “After watching demos online, they feel informed and more comfortable about trying it out themselves,” says Yulianti.

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Premier Med Spa in Richardson, Texas, combines Alma Accent Skin Tightening RF (60-120 min./$250- $400) with the M’lis Contour Body Wrap (90-120 min./$165). The wrap delivers niacinamide and cinnamon to increase blood flow and flush out toxins, while the RF helps produce a younger look. “The detoxing can cause inch loss of up to 14 inches, so the treatment is ideal before special events or a vacation,” says owner Katy Rohr, licensed esthetician and certified injector. “Plus, the RF heats the skin to stimulate collagen production and cellular turnover, reducing fine lines and delivering a healthy glow to almost any area of the body—with no downtime.” She notes that although results can be seen after one treatment, the spa recommends a series of six per area for optimal outcomes.

body-contouring-treatment[Belia Skin and Beauty Spa’s Cavitation Treatment combines ultrasound, RF and nanocurrent to melt fat and tighten skin. Courtesy of Belia Skin and Beauty Bar]Ready to Roll

Spas unable to commit to the often expensive aesthetic devices may prefer to offer more manual treatments combined with targeted topicals. The most popular body contouring service at Tulalip Resort Casino’s T Spa in Tulalip, Washington, is the Body Sculpt Treatment With Body Palp (75 min./$185). The slimming and firming service by Thalgo incorporates a double-mask body wrap that infuses oxygen deep into skin cells, ultimately detoxifying and encouraging the elimination of stored fat. Then, the brand’s patented Body Palp massage helps refine, reshape, firm and tone the skin. “The body palp device has an adjustable, calibrated pump and uses patented lift and roll technology; it’s like a cupping device, but it doesn’t heat up or leave any marks when you lift and roll the skin,” reports T Spa manager Naomi Ervin. “We added the service last spring, and the results are crazy—you can really see the changes.”

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The treatment touts a 1.18-inch reduction in hip circumference, 33 percent reduction in cellulite, 87 percent push-up in buttocks and visible improvement in skin firmness. Meanwhile, estheticians love the device’s ease of use, and Ervin notes that it increases therapists’ hand strength as well.

T Spa markets the service a number of ways. “We promote the treatment on social media and with in-house advertising, and offer a 10 percent discount if clients purchase a series of six or more (we recommend at least three for best results),” says Ervin. “Everyone who experiences it sees results after the first session—and books again!” The spa provides samples of the recommended body care to maintain those results at home, as well as the complete line of full-size products—including detoxifying ampoules, skin-firming lotion and a stomach/waist-refining cream—in its retail area.

Similarly, Jeanné Maureen’s European Spa & Salon in Hammond, Louisiana, provides the Silhouet- Tone P.R. Shape Technique (60-90 min./$200), which uses motorized rollers to perform palper rouler, a deep subdermal suction massage that helps release trapped fat and improve skin’s appearance. The process draws the skin up and gently rolls it out, releasing lymphatic blockage and softening connective tissues. Then, ultrasound cavitation converts fat cells to a liquid form that can be naturally drained by the body.

Manager Cori Vining advocates using the technique for shaping, toning, cellulite reduction and skin smoothing. “The service reduces water weight because it helps boost circulation, but we use it more often for shaping and counteracting cellulite on the arms, legs and stomach, eliminating the orange peel effect,” she says. “Clients love having the option of getting the service as often as every two weeks, or spreading out the sessions.” The spa recommends a series of six for optimal benefits—and when purchased in a series, guests save $25 per service. As with any body contouring technique, therapists encourage clients to maintain a healthy lifestyle— balanced diet, exercise and plenty of water—for lasting results.

–by Tracy Morin

 

This story first appeared in the January issue of Dayspa magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

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