The Difference Between Body Sculpting and Skin Tightening

Knowing the difference between body sculpting and skin tightening is essential if you want a fitter body. Both treatments improve how your body looks but work differently. 

Sculpt and Skin by Amber Jasper’s skin tightening treatments improve loose skin, while body sculpting targets stubborn fat without surgery. 

Further, by knowing their differences, you can choose what's the best treatment for your weight loss or toning goals. It's like picking the right tool for the job! So, let's discover how they can help you look and feel better!

Key Differences Between Body Sculpting and Skin Tightening

Both body sculpting and skin tightening are non-invasive treatments with little to no downtime. They are safe and effective options for individuals seeking to improve their appearance. Here are some key differences between the two:

Body Sculpting	Skin Tightening
Removes stubborn fat cells, enhances body shape	Firms and tones skin, improves loose skin (laxity)
Noticeable reduction in fat cells, streamlined appearance	Firmer and tighter skin, improved tone
Uses treatments like liposuction or fat-freezing	Utilises techniques like radiofrequency or lasers
Individuals with stubborn fat pockets who desire a sculpted appearance	Individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity who desire firmer and tighter skin
Can be combined with skin tightening for optimal results	Can be combined with body sculpting for optimal results
Beneficial for a wider age range	Are more suitable for individuals aged 30 and above
Not focused on stimulating collagen	Aims to increase collagen production

What is Body Sculpting?

Body sculpting is a procedure that removes unwanted areas of fat from your body when exercise and diet fall short of achieving your goals.

It can treat many areas of your body, including your tummy, back, arms, thighs, neck, and knees. Body sculpting may either be invasive (surgical) or non-invasive.

Invasive treatments include:

• Upper body lift 

• Lower body lift

• Tummy tuck

• Arm lift

• Liposuction

Non-invasive treatments include:

• EMSCULPT

• Ultrasound 

• Injection Lipolysis 

• Cryolipolysis 

• Laser lipolysis 

How to Choose the Right Body Sculpting Treatment for Your Body

Body sculpting can either be invasive or non-invasive. In this section, we will focus on the non-invasive procedures and help you determine which one best suits you.

EMSculpt

EMSCULPT uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) to stimulate targeted muscles, inducing their contractions and prompting the breakdown of surrounding excess fat cells.

This procedure suits individuals who want to sculpt and strengthen their physique rather than significantly reduce overall fat deposits.

EMSCULPT is effective in diminishing fat and enhancing muscles in the abdomen, arms (biceps and triceps), legs (calves), and glutes (buttocks).

It benefits fitness enthusiasts, regular gym attendees, and those committed to improving body tone and shape. It also helps new mothers address diastasis recti (the separation of abdominal muscles) and helps athletes recover from injuries.

Book your EMSculpt + ultrasound sculpting session here.

Ultrasonic cavitation

Ultrasonic cavitation works best by reducing cellulite and fat, improving body shape and contour, and reducing circumference. You should maintain a low-calorie balanced diet and physically exercise after the procedure. This helps control body weight and treat prediabetes in obese women. 

Ultrasonic cavitation is ideal for treating localised fat, such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, hips, and upper arms.

The number of sessions needed for ultrasonic cavitation treatment varies. Clients typically start to see a difference after three treatments. However, between eight and twelve sessions are usually required for optimal results. 

The following individuals should not undergo ultrasonic cavitation:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women 

• Persons with skinfold lower than 2 cm

Injection Lipolysis 

Injection lipolysis uses deoxycholic acid to disrupt fat cells at the injection site. Injection lipolysis with sodium deoxycholate or phosphatidylcholine removes small, localised, stubborn pockets of fat that commonly occur in double chin, eyebags, and jowls.

It is suitable for those with localised fat deposits and good overall health. However, patients with loose skin or poor tone may not be ideal for the procedure. This treatment focuses on reducing fat cells rather than addressing skin laxity.

Moreover, individuals with kidney or liver problems, type 1 diabetes, challenges in processing fat, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and those with existing skin conditions or infections would not be suitable candidates for injection lipolysis. 

Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis, also called "fat freezing," freezes fat cells, dissolving them as they get absorbed by the body. It’s effective because fat cells are more sensitive to cold than skin cells around them.

The method begins by marking and covering the treatment area with a gel pad to safeguard the skin.

A handheld vacuum applicator delicately pulls away surplus skin and subcutaneous fat between the cryo applicator.

During the process, you might experience a firm contraction and a mild cooling sensation in the treated area. This sensation will fade, and the area will become numb, resembling the feeling when applying ice.

Cryolipolysis is most effective for individuals who want to reduce fat in larger body parts like the abdomen, love handles, outer rolls, muffin tops, and hip bulges.

It's recommended solely for individuals in good overall health without neurological or orthopedic issues. However, it's not suitable for individuals with obesity.

Laser lipolysis 

Laser lipolysis produces gradual, natural slimming outcomes by allowing your lymphatic system to eliminate damaged fat cells after the treatment. 

This leads to noticeable body contouring results. Most individuals achieve optimal results with non-invasive liposuction sessions, shedding up to 25% of unwanted fat in the targeted area.

Laser lipolysis is also a safe and effective solution for addressing small areas of stubborn fat that might not have responded to previous lipoplasty or other body contouring treatments.

Unlike typical weight loss methods that shrink but don't eliminate fat cells, laser lipolysis permanently removes specific fat cells and prevents future regeneration.

This procedure can be minimally invasive or non-invasive. In minimally invasive laser lipolysis, a small incision is made to insert the laser applicator.

Meanwhile, non-invasive laser lipolysis has no incisions, and the applicator is applied to the skin's surface.

Suitable candidates for laser lipolysis are those in good health and non-smokers. It can't be done on individuals with excess weight (obesity), loose skin, or with liver or cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Benefits of Body Sculpting

Aside from targeting stubborn fat areas, here are the other benefits of body sculpting treatments:

More youthful appearance

Body sculpting procedures make patients look younger by decreasing fat and enhancing body shape and contour.

Eliminating surplus skin during body sculpting promotes the growth of new skin cells, leading to a smoother skin appearance. Moreover, body sculpting enhances skin tone and firmness, further contributing to a rejuvenated and youthful appearance.

Improves posture

Body sculpting helps posture by targeting and reducing fat in specific areas. This can make your body more balanced and aligned. It reduces strain, especially in the lower back and belly, which helps you stand straighter.

Reduces health risk

Body sculpting removes excess fat and tightens skin, making it easier to move and exercise. This can motivate people to adopt healthier habits like regular exercise and a balanced diet, leading to long-term health benefits.

What Is Skin Tightening?

When we're born, our skin has lots of elastin and collagen that keep it firm and bouncy. But as we grow older, our body makes less of these proteins. That's when our skin loses its stretchiness.

Skin tightening procedures should be started before we notice our skin getting saggy. This way, we can prevent our skin from sagging and boost that collagen. The good news is that many treatments can help tighten up loose skin!

These treatments are like a makeover for your skin without any surgery. They bring back that youthful bounce by using targeted energy to warm up the deeper layers of your skin gently.

Different Treatments for Skin Tightening

Radiofrequency 

What is it

Radio frequency skin tightening is a safe and efficient anti-aging procedure suitable for various body parts, including the face and neck. It also addresses lax skin concerns on the abdomen or upper arms.

How it works 

When the radiofrequency (RF) energy is sent into the targeted areas, it heats the collagen under your skin, which results in collagen production.

How many treatments are needed

Radiofrequency sessions last between 20 to 40 minutes and may require a topical anaesthetic cream. Most patients need at least three to six treatment appointments to achieve ideal results. 

At Sculpt and Skin, we offer radio-frequency treatments for the neck, face, and abdomen. Check out the different packages we offer here. 

Infrared light sauna therapy

What is it

Infrared saunas differ from traditional saunas because they don’t heat the air but use infrared lamps to warm your body with electromagnetic radiation. Plus, it runs cooler, usually around 48 to 60 °C, compared to traditional saunas at 65 to 82 °C.

How it works

Using an infrared sauna opens up your blood vessels to boost blood flow all over your body. This helps eliminate waste and brings more oxygen and nutrients to your skin.

Because our skin needs these nutrients to make collagen, infrared sauna sessions make your skin look better by lessening fine lines and wrinkles.

How many treatments are needed

Most clients typically require around nine sessions for the best results. Infrared sauna sessions commonly run between 30 minutes to an hour. Keep an eye on how the sauna eases muscle soreness. It'll guide you in figuring out how often you should go each week for the greatest benefits.

At Sculpt and Skin, we finish our radio frequency treatments with a 1-hour LED infrared sauna. Why? Because we value your skin and believe it's a vital part of our process. 

Laser treatment

What is it

Laser skin tightening uses heat to stimulate your body's production of collagen and elastin. These proteins make your skin firmer and fuller. The laser treatment works well because the infrared laser can apply heat to your skin without affecting the epidermis. This treatment can be used on the face, jawline, stomach, and neck. 

How it works

Laser skin tightening uses an infrared light laser to penetrate the skin and heat collagen at 41 to 65 °C. This is the same heat as a hot stone massage. The laser stimulates fibroblast cells, reducing lines and wrinkles while enhancing skin texture.

How many treatments are needed

The number of sessions depends on skin sagging, often up to three sessions. You will notice results immediately with no downtime. Typically, treatments are painless, which lasts 30 minutes to an hour per session.

Ultrasound Therapy (Ultherapy)

What is it

Ultrasound therapy boosts moderately loose or sagging skin using focused ultrasound energy to stimulate new collagen. Research confirms its effectiveness for the forehead, neck, eyelids, cheeks, chin, and jaw. It's also safe and proven to enhance texture and contour in the upper arms, knees, and mid-thighs.

How it works

With Ultherapy's ultrasound imaging, providers can see the tissue layers they're treating. They target energy precisely where it's most needed, giving natural results that improve over time. Immediate effects are visible, but the complete tightening and lifting happen in two to three months.

How many treatments are needed

Typically, one procedure is enough for most patients. Some might need additional treatments based on their skin condition and the body's reaction to ultrasound and collagen production. Usually, patients undergo about four treatments spaced around 14 days apart.

RF Microneedling

What is it

Radiofrequency microneedling is an effective cosmetic procedure that uses small needles and radio waves on the facial skin. It's less invasive than treatments like chemical peels and dermabrasion.

How it works

Microneedling involves tiny needles from 0.25 to 2.25 mm in length to create micro-wounds or channels in the skin, stimulating the production of capillaries, elastin, and collagen.

The longer the needle, the more painful it becomes and the longer the interval between treatments.

When combined with radiofrequency waves, it becomes radiofrequency microneedling. The needle emits radiofrequency into the channels, intensifying the impact beyond regular microneedling.

How many treatments are needed

RF microneedling requires three to six sessions, depending on your skin concerns. It's safe to have RF microneedling every four to six weeks. Your complete results will show up three to six months after treatment. Some people get yearly maintenance treatments to keep their skin firm and radiant.

Benefits of Skin Tightening

Aside from boosting collagen production, here are the benefits of skin tightening treatments:

Reduces cellulite

Skin tightening treatments can help reduce cellulite by stimulating collagen production. As collagen production is enhanced, the skin becomes firmer and more capable of smoothing out cellulite-prone areas.

Improves skin tone

Radiofrequency treatments enhance skin tone and texture by boosting collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. They help diminish dark spots and blemishes and make your skin look smoother and younger.

Builds confidence

RF skin tightening treatments can boost confidence by solving typical skin issues like sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines, which greatly influence a person's self-assurance. These treatments stimulate collagen production, enhancing skin texture and tone and creating a more youthful and revitalised look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can body sculpting and skin tightening procedures be combined or performed simultaneously?

In some cases, individuals may opt for combined procedures to address fat reduction and skin tightening. For example, some treatments like laser-assisted liposuction or specific radiofrequency-based procedures can target fat removal while promoting skin tightening in the treated area.

How do the costs of body sculpting compare to skin tightening procedures?

Generally, body sculpting procedures, particularly surgical treatment, tend to be more expensive than non-invasive skin-tightening treatments. The price varies based on the specific procedure, the area treated, the provider, and the number of sessions required. 

Skin tightening treatments may be more cost-effective for individuals seeking less invasive options without significant fat reduction.

Sculpt and Skin offers a range of packages tailored to your needs, providing cost-effective solutions for body sculpting and skin tightening procedures. Book now.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with body sculpting versus skin tightening procedures?

Body sculpting procedures, particularly surgical ones like liposuction, may cause infection, bleeding, or uneven contouring. Skin tightening treatments might involve mild side effects like redness, swelling, or temporary discomfort in the treated area. However, they typically pose fewer risks compared to surgical interventions.

Sculpt your dream body and tighten your skin at our Subiaco Day Spa

In conclusion, understanding the nuances between body sculpting and skin tightening empowers you to make the best choice for your aesthetic goals. At Sculpt and Skin by Amber Jasper, we specialize in both techniques, offering tailored solutions to help you achieve your desired look.

Whether you're seeking to redefine your silhouette through body sculpting or restore youthful firmness with skin tightening, our Subiaco Day Spa Studio is your destination for transformative beauty experiences. Take the first step towards a more confident you by scheduling your appointment with us today. Let's sculpt your dream body and tighten your skin to unveil a version of yourself that's truly radiant.

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