The demand for cosmetic procedures is on the up and non-invasive body contouring is one of the most sought after treatments as people aspire for the perfect body.

Experts predict the global body contouring machine market is set to be worth more than $4.5 billion in 2025 as people of all ages move from more invasive procedures like liposuction to non-surgical options like laser lipolysis. And North America has the most number of body contouring devices in the world, and the regions dominance in the area is expected to remain.

There are a variety of different non-surgical options for reducing fat and body contouring. They are known as nonsurgical fat reduction procedures. They are designed to remove unwanted fat and can improve the look of skin and tissue after major weight loss.

The popularity of laser treatment for targeting stubborn pockets of fat and helping people to achieve their dream body shape has grown as the procedures become more and more accessible to patients and as there is minimal risk linked to non-invasive surgery.

And it is not just wannabe Kim Kardashians who are opting for body contouring treatments. Women who are over 50, 60 and 70 are all aspiring to be like Hollywood role models such as Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep, Michelle Pfieffer and Diane Keaton, who are rocking their more mature looks, and are looking for ways in which they can create their best selves.

How does laser treatment work?

Some treatments work by freezing fat and others work by heating fat and dissolving it. One company, SharpLight has create an innovative approach using radio frequency and infrared light. The radio frequency heats the fat cells under the skin and this helps to break them down. Once they have broken down, they are absorbed by the body’s lymphatic system and removed from the body as waste. Once doctors have helped the patient to achieve the shape they require, the infrared light is applied and this renews collagen cells and tightens the skin.

It is traditionally used to help reshape the abdomen, thighs, bottom and upper arms.

What are the benefits of laser body contouring?

Patients can achieve quite dramatic results in a very short period of time. The number of sessions they attend will depend upon what treatment is needed but it is usually two to four and they only last 20 to 30 minutes each time so people can fit a session in on their lunch breaks.

Some people can experience tingling or stinging in the area for a couple of weeks after the treatment and there may be a little bruising.

Laser body contouring is safe and largely pain free compared to surgical options, no anesthesia is involved and it has proven to remove unwanted cellulite and produce shapelier and slimmer bodies for those who have used it.

Liposucton can achieve permanent fat reduction and life changing results in just one treatment, but it is invasive and has some health risks that patients have to consider.

Experts have warned that body contouring is not a weight loss solution and that there is a big difference between weight loss and fat reduction.

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery cautioned people seeking body contouring. They explained that everyone is born with a certain number of fat cells. When people put on weight, it is the fat cells in the body getting bigger and if you lose weight they get smaller. Fat cells aren’t gained when you put weight on. Through body contouring treatments, you can remove fat cells, but that won’t stop the fat cells that remain getting bigger if people don’t change their lifestyles though good nutrition and regular exercise.

By removing fat from stubborn places, it can help to shape and contour the body, but it doesn’t mean that someone has lost weight; it is because they have literally lost fat cells. Only a certain amount of fat cells can be removed at one time safely, so body contouring and liposuction are not designed for people trying to lose large amounts of weight. It is designed to help people close to their target weight to sculpt their body into shape.

Body contouring is not just for women. There has been a 22 per cent increase in the number of men undergoing body contouring treatments.

Who to go to for treatment?

It is important that patients do their research before they undergo a treatment like body contouring. Reading reviews and testimonials, and even contacting former patients, will help to get the full picture of how a clinic works and treats its clients. Choose an expert and body contouring professional who can talk you through all of the different options and help you choose the right option. Prepare and ask lots of questions about previous treatments, previous clients and how they handled those cases. This will all help prospective patients feel confident and comfortable with the treatment they are about to undergo.