Body contouring is a highly effective treatment for slimming down and sculpting your figure. Stubborn body fat or loose, sagging skin, especially after weight loss, are common aesthetic concerns. Non-surgical cosmetic procedures like body contouring address these concerns.
The best part? The results are permanent! If you maintain them, that is. That’s right, a body contouring treatment removes unwanted fat cells permanently, but it is not a guarantee that you won’t gain weight again. Maintaining your results requires some effort. To further enhance your shape, consider a non-surgical approach to enhancing curves, like the Sculptra butt lift, which can complement your contouring efforts by adding volume and defining your silhouette without the need for surgery.
Let’s talk more about body contouring and how to use diet and exercise to maintain your fantastic results.
What is body contouring?
Body contouring is a nonsurgical, noninvasive alternative to liposuction. This treatment uses ultrasound and radio frequency to target stubborn pockets of fat (such as the abdomen, love handles, arms, thighs, or buttocks).
These areas are often difficult to manage through diet and exercise alone. Body contouring has been shown to tone and sculpt the body while improving skin texture. When maintained, results are permanent.
Body contouring has also been used as a broad term to describe any cosmetic procedure used to eliminate fat cells and shape the body. Some other non-surgical body contouring treatments include EMsculpt, which uses electromagnetic energy to burn fat and build muscle, and Coolsculpting, a fat-freezing procedure.
How do I maintain my results?
If you’ve received a body contouring treatment, you are probably looking and feeling better than ever! You’re going to want to maintain those amazing results through diet and exercise. Here are a few tips:
Diet
We’ll start with diet first because it’s the hardest part for some. A healthy, nutritious diet doesn’t have to be a burden.
First, let’s talk about calories. The average number of calories a person should consume per day is usually in the 1600-2400 range, but this can vary depending on your size and activity level. Eating too many calories will make you gain weight, but eating too few calories will leave you feeling lethargic and won’t meet your nutrition needs. Some foods are very calorie-dense, meaning eating a small portion will result in a higher calorie intake. Some calorie-dense foods include:
- Nuts, including peanut butter
- Oils
- Sauces
- Cakes and pastries
- Sour cream, whole milk, mayonnaise
Try to be aware of how many calories you consume per day and make the necessary adjustments.
That being said, don’t focus on calories alone. To maintain a proper diet, consume fresh, whole, nutritious foods. Quality over quantity!
This includes:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean protein sources (such as chicken, turkey, or certain types of fish)
Try to avoid:
- Refined sugar (this includes sugary beverages)
- Fried foods
- Processed foods (anything that comes pre-made and pre-packaged)
- Refined carbohydrates (white pasta or bread)
Proper nutrition is a huge topic. If you have more questions or concerns about your diet and nutrition, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor or consult a nutritionist.
Exercise
Regular movement is a crucial component of weight maintenance. There are a couple of different types of exercise. Let’s go into more detail:
Cardiovascular Exercise
Cardiovascular exercise (also known as aerobic exercise) is a form of activity that increases the heart rate and respiration. Cardio is great for many aspects of your health, especially heart health and mood. You should aim for at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise sessions at least three times a week. Some forms of cardio include:
- Jogging
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Jump rope
- Dancing
The best way to stay consistent with exercise is to find something you enjoy! Many local gyms offer cardiovascular-focused classes.
Resistance Exercise
Resistance exercise (anaerobic or strength training) is a form of physical activity used to improve muscular fitness. Resistance exercises can use:
- Weights (dumbells or barbells)
- Strength machines
- Resistance bands
- Your body weight
Incorporating some form of resistance training into your exercise schedule is important to tone your muscles, protect from injury, and increase your metabolism. Some examples of strength training exercises include:
- Lunges
- Squats
- Bicep curls
- Shoulder presses
- Push-ups
- Band kickbacks
One common myth is that strength training will make you ‘bulky.’ You don’t need to lift heavy weights to enjoy the benefits of resistance exercise. Aim for three sets of 10 reps per exercise, with at least five exercises per session. As you get stronger, you can slowly increase your weight. Focus on good form and proper technique.
Starting a strength training routine can be intimidating if you don’t know where to start. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Additionally, for those interested in further enhancing their body contouring results, consider exploring the treatment of lipo dissolve Vancouver or VelaShape treatments as complementary procedures to your fitness goals.
Body contouring is a non-surgical procedure; you won’t need downtime. However, you should refrain from strenuous exercise and activities for at least 24-48 hours post-procedure. Talk to your doctor about any aftercare.
Achieve Your Body Sculpting Goals Today!
Body contouring eliminates stubborn fat and shapes the body. It might seem like a miracle procedure – but you’ll need to put in the effort with diet and exercise for long-lasting, permanent results. If you want to learn more about body contouring procedures, contact us at EverYoung Medical Aesthetic Clinic.
