Body contouring treatments aren’t just popular in summer but are a lucrative offering year round, whether clients are wearing swimsuits or bundled up in layers. A staple of any spa menu and available in many forms, body contouring services are best delivered as a package for quicker results, and before and after pictures are a must.
There are several factors that can contribute to optimal results. Body contouring, in most cases, is intended to remove stubborn pockets of fat; it will not replace diet and exercise for sustained health or weight loss. The clients who will see the best results are typically close to their ideal weight, and they should be willing to undergo several treatments.
In addition, guests who follow these guidelines are more likely to see ideal outcomes:
- Drink 64 ounces of water before treatment
- No alcohol or caffeine for at least three days before treatment
- No hot showers immediately after treatment
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Stay active
As always, a consultation is imperative. Practitioners should review and discuss long-term goals to create a customized treatment plan, which will include the best techniques and modalities for the client’s needs, as well as the recommended number of treatments.
With all of that in mind, the following are the most popular body contouring modalities that spa technicians can incorporate into their wellness programming.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency (RF) is a noninvasive modality that uses thermal heat energy to eliminate fat cells and contour the skin. In addition to shrinking fat pockets, RF treatments encourage circulation, metabolism, lymphatic drainage and collagen production, while tightening the skin and minimizing the appearance of cellulite.
Thermal energy is an oscillating electrical current that produces collisions between ions and molecules, causing them to generate heat. When applied to the body, this RF stimulation causes a micro-inflammatory process that stimulates collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid (HA) production; it also thickens the lower levels of the dermis to promote skin that looks smoother and firmer. In addition, RF thermal stimulation can be administered regardless of skin color type, so it’s a great treatment for clients of every ethnicity.
Light Therapy
Infrared light is the invisible part of the sun’s spectrum, and it’s known in spa and wellness for a wealth of internal and external benefits. A traditional infrared sauna will usually have infrared at captures of 100-200 degrees Fahrenheit. Near-infrared (NIR) is the shortest infrared wavelength and is known to promote skin renewal, cellular health, wound healing and even tissue growth (when delivered at a specific wavelength). Advanced LEDs provide true NIR.
Topically, NIR helps with product penetration, increases cell permeability, improves elasticity and smoothes lines and wrinkles. Its internal benefits are also impressive, as NIR treatments can reduce pain and inflammation, accelerate wound healing, calm cystic acne and address the look of cellulite by treating the subcutaneous tissue/adipose layer.
Continue reading our Digital magazine for more body contouring modalities...
Cynthia Malcom Taylor is an internationally certified CIDESCO diplomat and founder of Edgar Renee Aesthetic Education and Consulting Group. She’s also the founder of Queen Taylor Cosmeceuticals, and has more than 20 years of experience in the spa industry.
