Some areas of the body stay the same even when we eat well and exercise: a little fat on the abdomen or flanks, skin that is less firm after weight loss, or the orange-peel texture on the thighs and buttocks. Non-surgical body contouring covers a group of aesthetic medicine treatments designed to improve these concerns without an operation.
Fat, cellulite and laxity are not the same
They are often lumped together, but each is approached differently.
- Localised fat: pockets of fat in specific areas that do not respond to diet or exercise. This is not the same as being generally overweight.
- Cellulite: changes in the tissue beneath the skin that create the uneven, orange-peel appearance. Circulation, fluid retention and tissue structure all play a part.
- Laxity: loss of firmness and elasticity as collagen and elastin decline, linked to age, weight changes or pregnancy.
Many people have more than one of these at the same time, which is why a plan often combines techniques.
The main treatment options
Cryolipolysis. Controlled cooling is applied to the area to act on fat cells, which are particularly sensitive to low temperatures. The body then clears them naturally over the following weeks. It is suited to pockets of localised fat in people at a healthy weight, not to weight loss.
Body radiofrequency. It heats the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve firmness. It is one of the most widely used options for laxity and can also form part of cellulite treatment.
Carboxytherapy. Small infiltrations of carbon dioxide beneath the skin support circulation and tissue oxygenation. It is used for cellulite, laxity and localised fat, depending on the case.
LPG Endermologie. It combines suction and motorised rollers to provide deep drainage. It is useful where there is fluid retention and cellulite with a swollen component, and it is often included in combined plans.
There are also other technologies the doctor may consider depending on the area and the goal.
Realistic expectations
These treatments offer gradual improvements, and changes do not happen overnight. Some effects become visible in the weeks after a session, while others take several sessions to show. The number of sessions, the interval between them and the changes you can expect all depend on the individual, the area and the starting point.
It is also worth knowing what they do not do: they are not a substitute for weight loss where someone is overweight, nor for surgery in cases where it is indicated. A proper assessment exists precisely to match your expectations to what each treatment can offer you.
A complement to healthy habits
Body contouring works best as part of a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, good hydration and rest all help to maintain the changes achieved. If you need it, Mesomedic also offers a nutrition service to support your treatment.
The medical assessment comes first
Before recommending any technique, the doctor reviews your medical history, examines the area and listens to what you would like to improve. From there, they propose a personalised plan, which may combine several technologies, and explain what the sessions involve and what aftercare to follow.
If you would like to know which options suit you, book an assessment at our clinics in Palma or Manacor. You can also browse all our body treatments.
