Contents:
- SculpSure at Althea AgeWell
- Are You Tired of Diet and Exercise?
- How To Remove Unwanted Fat
- Why SculpSure?
- SculpSure or Liposuction: What’s best for me?
- SculpSure vs. CoolSculpting: What Separates Them?
- How Exactly Do SculpSure and CoolSculpting Work?
- Non-Surgical SculpSure Fat Removal vs. Surgical Fat Removal
- SculpSure vs. Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Alternatives
What Does SculpSure Mean?
SculpSure is an effective fat removal procedure that can help reduce the amount of stubborn body fat in certain problem areas such as love handles and in the abdomen, thighs, and arms, where fat often remains despite exercise and other attempts at weight loss. This procedure is particularly ideal for those who want more gradual fat removal without surgery or downtime.
The SculpSure procedure is FDA-approved and has undergone clinical testing for over 100 patients. It’s one of the best alternatives to surgical fat reduction, using a safe non-invasive lipo procedure that targets fat cells beneath the skin and destroys as much as 24 percent of the treated fat within a single 25-minute session. Once the patient leaves, the body will gradually absorb the damaged fat and naturally remove it from the body. Patients will also see results within six weeks, with the optimal results appearing in three months.
One of the key benefits to SculpSure compared to other fat removal procedures is the fact that patients can avoid the kind of side effects and complications that come with many surgical procedures. Recovery time is also unnecessary, which means that patients can return home as soon as they complete their session.
Are You Tired of Diet and Exercise?
SculpSure is here! Even with diet and exercise, many people have stubborn pockets of fat that seem impossible to lose. Sometimes, unwanted fat that cannot be removed by diet and exercise is something we cannot control. While there has been an increase in Americans becoming larger and heavier, there has also been an increase in the number of adults exercising and watching what they eat. The movement of exercising and eating well resulted in adults looking lean and fit. However, some people still have unwanted fat, especially around the stomach and love handles. The desire of people to remove unwanted fat resulted as well in the rise of non-invasive and minimally invasive body contouring procedures.
How To Remove Unwanted Fat
With the introduction of new technologies, unwanted fat can now be removed permanently. SculpSure is a breakthrough non-invasive body contouring treatment for the removal of fat that has been unresponsive to diet and exercise. It removes undesirable fat that diet and exercise cannot remove. SculpSure helps people achieve their desired shape safely, effectively, and rapidly, now more than ever.
SculpSure is the world’s first FDA-cleared laser treatment for non-invasive lipolysis (fat destruction). It is a state-of-the-art, controlled light-based technology, ideal for patients looking to get rid of stubborn and unwanted fat. Compared to traditional liposuction and other surgically invasive procedures, SculpSure is a body contouring procedure that delivers positive outcomes with little to no patient downtime.
The Technology Behind SculpSure
SculpSure uses 1060 nm wavelength light. It is a diode laser with a specific affinity for adipose (fatty) tissue. It is coupled with minimal heat absorption in the dermis (skin). SculpSure’s technology efficiently treats areas of troublesome fat in a time even shorter than a lunch break. Over a period of a few weeks, the body naturally eliminates the disrupted fat cells, resulting in a slimmer appearance.
Why SculpSure?
- Controlled hyperthermic laser light-based technology
- Results are seen in as soon as 6 weeks and optimally in 12 weeks
- Non-invasive 25-minute treatment
- Safely elevates adipose tissue temperature to between 42°C and 47°C
- No damage to dermal tissue due to contact cooling
- Up to 24% fat reduction in one treatment
- Multiple areas can be treated at once
- Permanently reduces fat
- Comfortable and well-tolerated treatment
- Can be used for all skin types
- No downtime
- Uses flat, non-suction applicator designed for consistent results
- Simple and efficient attachment system
- Hands-free device
Sculpsure at Althea AgeWell
Althea AgeWell is the first medspa to offer SculpSure in Fairfax, Virginia. Althea AgeWell is also one of the first to offer this procedure in northern Virginia. Our Fairfax location is within walking distance to the Dunn Loring Metro and close to Tysons Corner, I-495 and I-66.
Call Althea AgeWell and schedule your appointment today at 571 222-4073!
SculpSure or Liposuction: What’s best for me?
Liposuction
“Lipo” is a medical term that means “fat,” so “liposuction’ refers to a procedure that uses suction to remove fat. First, local anesthetic is applied to the treatment area. A small incision (about half an inch long) is then made in the skin overlying the treatment area. A tube is inserted and connected to a vacuum pump that removes the desired amount of fat. Finally, manually redistributing the remaining fat is critical to obtaining a pleasing result. These days, most liposuction is “laser-assisted,” which means that before suction is applied, a laser probe is inserted through the incision to heat and melt the fat.
A liposuction procedure lasts several hours, depending on the amount of fat being removed. Additional time is needed in the clinic for preparation and recovery as well.
Liposuction can remove up to 50 – 80% of the fat in an area of fat accumulation, depending on the client’s wishes.
After liposuction, most clients can return to work after a few days and resume normal activity after a recovery period of two weeks. During this recovery period there is usually discomfort and bruising which can last up to four days after the surgery. However, it takes four to six weeks for the majority of the swelling to resolve, and up to nine months for it to completely heal. Optimal cosmetic results are seen after 12 weeks, just as with Sculpsure.
The most common risk of liposuction is lumping and pitting of the skin if the remaining fat is not distributed evenly. As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection, which is minimized in the hands of an experienced physician. Finally, some clients may object to having a surgical scar, although most do not find a liposuction scar to be overly unsightly.
Sculpsure
Most Althea clients are familiar with Sculpsure. Sculpsure is a non-invasive laser-based body shaping or body contouring procedure that is designed to reduce areas of fat accumulation just beneath the surface of the skin.
During a Sculpsure treatment, laser devices are placed on the skin, The lasers generate heat that penetrates the skin and kills some of the fat cells beneath the skin. The dead fat cells are then removed naturally by the body over a period of a few weeks. Clients will feel waves of heat from the device that may cause some discomfort. However, the device includes a cooling function that keeps the skin cool during treatment and prevents the body from overheating.
A Sculpsure session lasts for 25 minutes and on average kills 24% of the fat cells in the treatment area. Most clients can resume their daily activities immediately after a Sculpsure session. Results start to become noticeable after 2 -3 weeks, and optimal results develop after 12 weeks. Because Sculpsure is not invasive, the possible side effects are relatively mild and include temporary discomfort, redness, swelling, and itching.
Comparison
Liposuction is the preferred procedure if a client wishes to remove a large volume of fat in a single session, and does not object to the lengthy procedure, lengthy recovery period, anesthesia, incision scar, and the chance of having an uneven appearance.
Sculpsure is for those who only need to remove a small volume of fat, and for those who opt for a safer, more gradual approach. Some people just don’t like the idea of surgery.
For removing the same moderate volume of fat, on average, Sculpsure will be less expensive than liposuction. This is because Sculpsure is faster, more automated, and requires less manual intervention and less technical expertise. However, for removing a large volume of fat, liposuction may actually be more economical than performing multiple Sculpsure sessions.
Conclusion
Liposuction has been in use for many years and overall is a safe, stable, and effective technology. Sculpsure itself is relatively new, but already seems to be becoming a mainstay of cosmetic body treatment. Sculpsure and similar technologies will no doubt be further refined over the next few years. However, the trend over the last 5 – 10 years has certainly been in the direction of greater use of non-invasive, energy-based procedures. It is becoming easier and more routine that ever for everyone to look great.
This post has laid out some of the factors to be considered in deciding between fat reduction technologies. Consult with a physician who performs liposuction and with your favorite medical spa to discuss your individual situation.
SculpSure vs. CoolSculpting: What Separates Them?
Many people might be confused about the differences between SculpSure and CoolSculpting fat removal procedures, but there are several key distinctions that each procedure has. While they are both non-surgical in nature, with equal hype behind the two, there are some things that you should know about them that make them drastically different from each other.
Differences Between SculpSure and CoolSculpting
One of the first differences you should take into account is the fact that SculpSure is the only FDA-approved laser fat removal machine, while CoolSculpting uses a different system that the FDA has approved for Cyrolipolysis, or freezing fat deposits. There are currently no official studies that reveal whether or not CoolSculpting works, but through testing and biopsies, researchers have found that SculpSure decreases nearly 25% of the thickness of fat.
Other key differences include:
The Amount of Time It Takes for One Procedure
Typically, SculpSure takes about 25 minutes to treat up to four areas, while CoolSculpting can take over an hour per area.
Results of Treatment
SculpSure permanently reduces fat by up to 25% in treatment area, with only one treatment required. CoolSculpting, on the other hand, permanently reduces 22% in treatment areas, with multiple treatments needed.
Comfort Levels
SculpSure uses a non-suction based with cooling technology for comfortable treatments, while CoolSculpting uses suction that can result in frozen lumps on the skin’s surface along with swelling.
Safety of Each Procedure
The FDA has approved SculpSure for laser fat reduction through the use off a cooling applicator, and has approved CoolSculpting for Cyrolipolysis.
How Much Does SculpSure Cost?
SculpSure’s initial pricing starts at $1,499 for a single treatment. CoolSculpting, on the other hand, can cost up to twice as much because of the multiple treatments needed to get the best results. With SculpSure, only one session is required to see optimal results in three months, and fat cells are permanently destroyed during the procedure.
For the price you pay for SculpSure procedures, you’ll also be in the hands of experienced and well-trained professionals who know how to properly provide the treatment. We also use the best equipment to complete each treatment. We’ll help ensure you get the results you want from your session and within the time you want them.
Also, consider the specific price ranges of other types of fat removal procedures. For example, liposuction typically costs anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500 per treatment, which excludes additional costs such as anesthesia. Liposuction procedures are also considerably more invasive than SculpSure and other non-surgical fat removal treatments, with the possibility of complications along with recovery time. CoolSculpting costs can vary greatly, depending largely on the type of applicator used; Mini applicators typically cost $750-$900, medium applicators cost $600-$800, and large applicators are $1,200-$1,500, with repeat treatments needed that will make those costs add up quickly. Depending on the number of areas treated, the total cost ranges between $2,000 to $4,000.
Ultimately, you’ll get the best service and results for the price you pay when you get SculpSure treatment at Althea AgeWell. You won’t need to worry about needing to return for repeat sessions on a regular basis, giving you top-tier treatment that you can count on whenever you visit us. You’ll likely find SculpSure to be a worthwhile investment, along with the many other treatments that we offer.
Potential Drawbacks
There are no reported downsides of SculpSure, but CoolSculpting has been known to cause bruising, swelling, and temporary nerve pain.
Available Treatment Areas
Patients can use SculpSure for treating the back, abdomen, and love handles. CoolSculpting has more limitations, requiring pinching via an applicator.
How Exactly Do SculpSure and CoolSculpting Work?
Both of these procedures use different fat reduction methods to treat patients.
CoolSculpting uses a device that freezes fat cells without affecting other nearby tissue. Once the cells are sufficiently frozen, they begin to crystallize and die so the body can remove them naturally. Unlike SculpSure, CoolSculpting can only target one area per procedure, which is why multiple treatments are required for ideal results.
SculpSure treatments use a unique laser system that heats the target areas instead of cooling them. This heat emulsifies and melts the fat cells, which the body then removes through natural means. The laser treatment also encourages the production of elastin and collagen, promoting youthful tissue growth that can improve the skin’s overall look.
Get SculpSure at Althea AgeWell for Immediate Results
For an effective fat reduction treatment, visit Althea AgeWell for SculpSure procedures, along with skin care, hair removal, and other treatments. Contact us today to learn more about how we can give you the results you want today.
Non-Surgical SculpSure Fat Removal vs. Surgical Fat Removal
If you’re considering undergoing a fat removal procedure, liposuction is one of the first options to come to mind. However, there are certain alternatives to choose from today that are less invasive, including SculpSure fat removal.
Here are some of the differences between traditional surgical fat removal and SculpSure to help you decide which is right for you.
Surgical Liposuction Fat Removal
Liposuction has been the traditional procedure used for fat removal for many years. Patients who undergo liposuction are given anesthesia to render them unconscious throughout the procedure, which requires administration by a medical professional in a surgery center or hospital.
The procedure itself begins with incisions made in the target area and the insertion of an instrument called a cannula. While some surgeons rely on a manual cannula and use it to aggressively scrape fat away, others use an automatic cannula that bites or shaves the fat. Meanwhile, suction is used to remove the fat from the body once loose.
As the most invasive fat removal procedure, liposuction causes a large amount of tissue trauma and subsequent bruising. This results in a long recovery time, with frequent reports of pain, bruising, and discomfort. This procedure also neglects to tighten the skin following the removal of fat, resulting in loose-hanging skin.
Non-Surgical SculpSure Fat Removal
As a minimally invasive alternative to liposuction, SculpSure is becoming increasingly popular. This procedure uses a combination of light and heat to elevate the temperature of the tissue and damage fat cells. Following the procedure, the body naturally eliminates these fat cells over time, taking several weeks. Unlike liposuction, this procedure doesn’t require any anesthetics or incisions, making it almost entirely non-invasive.
The procedure is also fast, taking only 25 minutes to complete depending on the extent of the fat removal. The process starts with the penetration of the skin using a laser, which then heats up adipose tissue that contains the targeted fat cells. The heat causes damage to these fat cells, and the body’s immune system then works to get rid of them. The entire process can take up to 12 weeks to complete, but many patients experience results within six. Another benefit of SculpSure is the lack of recovery time, as patients can immediately return to normal daily activities following the procedure.
When deciding between these two procedures, you should consult with a medical practitioner who can perform either procedure based on your decision.
SculpSure vs. Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Alternatives
If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure to remove excess fat, the procedure you’re most likely familiar with is liposuction. Today, there are several other procedures that you can undergo, which aren’t as invasive as traditional liposuction.
It can be a challenge to choose the right procedure for you, but here are some of the differences between SculpSure and other non-invasive alternatives to liposuction.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is one non-invasive fat reduction option. The procedure destroys fat cells by freezing them, applying temperatures as low as 23 degrees Fahrenheit to the target area. At the same time, the procedure avoids damaging the overlying skin. The body then naturally eliminates these fat cells over a period of weeks.
While there are no long-lasting side effects of the procedure, patients have reported local bruising, redness, and numbness that subside over time.
Smartlipo
Smartlipo is a type of laser-assisted liposuction that uses a laser to liquefy fat before liposuction is used to remove the fat from the body. The technology allows for efficient and fast melting of fat, along with skin tightening and protection of the surrounding tissue. Similar to traditional liposuction, patients will require local anesthesia, but they won’t need to be unconscious for this procedure.
Incisions made throughout the procedure are smaller than incisions made during traditional liposuction, and a thin cannula is used to hold the laser fiber that melts the fat cells. Suction is then used to remove the fat. The recovery time for Smartlipo is also fast, with mild pain in the days following the procedure.
SculpSure
SculpSure, like CoolSculpting, uses temperature to damage fat cells, but as a contrast to CoolSculpting the procedure uses heat to cause this damage. It’s a newer procedure that’s become more popular over time, and it’s one of the least invasive procedures available.
SculpSure is a fast procedure, taking as little as 25 minutes in many cases. It uses a laser that penetrates the skin and heats the targeted fat cells, damaging them in the process. The body views these cells as trash, and the immune system starts removing them naturally. This procedure also requires no recovery time, enabling patients to resume normal daily activities immediately afterward. Results may take as long as 12 weeks to show, but many see the desired effects within six weeks.
While selecting one of these procedures is up to the individual based on tolerance and lifestyle, consult with a medical practitioner who can make sure the procedure is properly performed.