12 Feb Two Ways to Contour in 2024
“Squeamish and Lazy.” The title of a recent Hollywood Reporter article is a bit misleading—Emsculpting is definitely not exclusively for the “squeamish and lazy.” However, it is one of the most popular non-invasive procedures at RefinedMD. Emsculpting is a breakthrough procedure that allows the glutes and/or abs to be targeted and forced into 20,000 contractions in just 30 minutes. Each contraction is the equivalent of a perfectly performed crunch, lunge, or squat. The precision is so on-point that it’s impossible to achieve the same level of contraction no matter how fit or motivated you are.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, “no pain, no gain” has become irrelevant. They point out that now that technology can perform exercises for you, and in just half an hour in many cases, the fanbase is growing and attracting legends like Jennifer Aniston. People aren’t lazy, they’re busy. They’re also incapable of squeezing 20,000 lunges into their daily life. Fortunately, Emsculpting upkeep is recommended just every six months so you can reap the benefits for half a year before another quick, comfortable, half-hour maintenance session is needed.
Should You Emsculpt?
The number of initial appointments will depend on you and your goals, but an average approach is four sessions within a two-week period followed by the six-month maintenance appointments. The Hollywood Reporter points out that it’s designed for those already in shape, which makes sense for Hollywood and Beverly Hills A-listers. Emsculpt isn’t a tool to lose fat, though it can be combined with procedures like CoolSculpting. Instead, it’s meant to build and tone the key muscles most people struggle with. Toned abs and buttocks give a more aesthetic shape and more confidence naked or in swimsuits. In other words, it’s the ideal treatment for A-listers but at prices suitable for anyone.
The Hollywood Reporter suggests that Nicole Kidman is a fan, but it’s possible that any celebrity with suddenly enviable abs or a shapelier behind has discovered Emsculpt.
How CoolSculpting Can Help with Fat Pockets
Every person is different, and everyone stores fat in their body differently—otherwise known as varying fat distribution. At RefinedMD, we’ve encountered an increasing number of patients asking about CoolSculpting, and with good reason. It’s the only non-invasive, non-surgical, safe way to “fat target” the body, which results in a sculpted look. CoolSculpting isn’t a fat-loss procedure, but it does allow a skilled professional to target stubborn fat pockets and freeze away excess fat distribution.
The targeted areas are treated and, over a few weeks, the frozen fat naturally dissolves in the body. Unlike liposuction, the surgical alternative for target fat loss, there’s no surgery, no down time, and no recovery period. But why do we store fat in different ways to begin with?
The Struggle With Fat Control
Even people in good health and at their target weight might have extra adipose tissue in their stomach area, their buttocks, back of their arms, and back of their legs. No two people carry weight the same way. Women usually store fat differently than men, but there can be vast differences even within the same gender (think apple vs. pear shapes). Recently, researchers have defined four primary manifestations (types of obesity) that are caused by genetics, diet, and activity levels. They include:
- Excess fat that’s even throughout the body
- Excess subcutaneous (lower) fat in the abdominal and trunk area (usually in males)
- Excess subcutaneous (lower) fat in the femoral/gluteal/trunk area (usually in females)
- Excess subcutaneous (lower) fat in the abdominal region. Also known as abdominal visceral obesity.
Those who fall into the first category might not look overweight at all (and may not be). Many models, bodybuilders, and celebrities are naturally this phenotype. The second type is usually found in males and increases with age. It’s why you don’t often see men with unusually large hips or thighs compared to the rest of their body—instead, the “beer belly” is more common. It’s also more common in those experiencing chronic stress. Women in menopause or who use illegal steroids (i.e. for fitness competitions) may also have this type of fat distribution.
The third type is most common in women and has lower health risks than other types of fat distribution. However, it’s also more stubborn than other types of distribution, which is partially why men seem to lose weight faster than women. The fourth type, belly weight, is the most dangerous. Visceral ab fat increases as you age regardless of gender, but genetics do play a role.
No matter your body type or fat distribution, CoolSculpting may be the safe answer you’ve been looking for. Schedule your consultation at RefinedMD today by calling the office or completing the online form.