In this article we will cover the merits and flaws of the top 3 devices that are presently on the market and we will delve into how we picked what we believe to be the best solution. Let’s begin by establishing that here at Simply Dermatology after extensive research and experience with the major contouring devices in the aesthetic market Dr. Papantoniou has chosen to the Ultrashape Power made by Candela, and the following information outlines this for anyone considering non-invasive body contouring.
Video: Watch the Ultrashape Power treatment here at Simply Dermatology!
The Ultrashape Power technology is the first and only FDA cleared non-invasive body shaping procedure to use focused pulsed ultrasound energy to selectively destroy fat cells on the stomach, hips and thighs. The Ultrashape Power is novel in that it gently destroys fat cells with the use of sound waves, the vibration that is caused by the sound waves selectively targets fat cells (there is no damage to any surrounding tissue or structures, such as nerves or blood vessels). This means there is no bruising, no nerve pain, no swelling, and best of all no downtime. The procedure itself is painless and takes 30-45 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated. After each treatment your body will eliminate those fat cells permanently over the course of a few short weeks. Ultrashape Power works with a hand held applicator that the provider can use on areas that are mapped out as needed, this means that we can treat any shape or size that we desire. The number of sessions usually performed is 3, and we do this 2-4 weeks apart for the best results.The Ultrashape Power destructs up to 32% of fat per area treated, greatly out performing other devices. Patients are able to continue on with their daily routine as usual and are expected to see results in as little as two weeks.
Coolsculpting and other devices that work via thermal technology target fat destruction by damaging fat cells through reduced temperatures. This technique is however not selective and can cause bruising and discomfort because surrounding tissues, vessels and nerves can also become injured. The Coolsculpting device provides an approximate 24% reduction of fat in areas treated in comparison to Ultrashape Power at 32%. The applicators for Coolsculpting are a set size and are essentially a “one-size fits all”, but this can sometimes be restrictive for treating areas 
that do not “fit” into a hand piece. Some experience soreness for a few days, and rarely pin and needles or other dysesthesias may occur for several weeks which usually resolves. There are also rare but concerning cases reported in the literature of paradoxical lipohypertrophy occurring in areas treated, this means in non-medical terms, that firm fatty overgrowth nodules developed after Coolsculpting in an area treated. This can be worrisome and may need to be treated with other body contouring devices, Kybella injections or possibly liposuction to fully correct.
The other new device that has hit the market and has recently made some waves is the Emsculpt. The Emsculpt differs from the Ultrashape
Power and Coolsculpting in its approach to body contouring, its technology actually targets muscle mass and definition and is actually not a fat reducing therapy. The Emsculpt works particularly well in combination with a fat reducing device such as the Ultrashape Power and can complement the overall result. It works by electromagnetic stimulation of muscle groups to trigger strong muscle contraction which in turn builds muscle and may lead to metabolizing fat. This is accomplished over the course of several sessions and results will usually be seen after a month.
When looking at what our goals are, we are able to identify that reducing the most fat possible, with the least downtime, least amount of risk…comfortably, conclusively we are able to say that the one device that can deliver these expectations is the Ultrashape Power. It provides all of the above, and is safe and highly effective. Many practices including our own recommend the combination of Exilis or other radiofrequency devices to pre-treat areas before an Ultrashape session, this may help potentiate the effect of the Ultrashape Power and lead to better fat cell destruction and concurrent improvement of skin tightening at the same time. The addition of radiofrequency can warm up the tissues and “prime” fat cells for the sound wave vibrations that are delivered by the Ultrashape Power, and the radiofrequency also stimulates collagen production which is a great bonus for body contouring and tone.
So, when making your decision to choose a body contouring device it is good advice to put all these factors into consideration so you can make the best educated decision for yourself.
