Making Combined Body Sculpting Systems Work in a Busy Practice

The dreaded “Quarantine 15” has become a common phrase in today’s vernacular, and as vaccines are rolling out, patients are eager to get back to their pre-COVID bodies.

Non-invasive body contouring procedures can provide a safe and effective option to eliminate stubborn, unwanted fat and strengthen and tone muscles. Due to the extensive media coverage and influence from social media platforms, these procedures continue to grow in popularity in practices, as they are often seen as the ideal jumpstart to look and feel good.

According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Procedures Survey,¹ the body sculpting category saw the largest increase of 62 percent compared with the previous year. In addition, ASDS members performed one million body sculpting treatments in 2019, noting that “body sculpting” has grown more than five times in the last eight years and ranks as the number one most popular procedures consumers were considering. The second most desired procedure was ultrasound, laser, light, and radiofrequency treatments for skin tightening and wrinkles.

Based in Boca Raton, FL, our practice has patients who are very motivated to stay slim and toned to look good at the beach and by the pool. Technologies have advanced quickly, and treatment results have become more consistent and predictable along with providing higher patient satisfaction. Having state-of-the-art technology like Cutera’s truSculpt iD and truSculpt flex has been a very worthwhile investment for my practice. It has allowed us to take a comprehensive approach to non-invasive body contouring; recognizing that there are two unique and distinct issues at play. The first involves targeted body contouring utilizing a contact based radiofrequency technology (truSculpt iD) to provide a more desirable aesthetic shape. This is ideal for stubborn areas or even circumferential reduction. After reducing the overlying fat pockets, we address the other variable; muscle definition and strength with the truSculpt flex.

Our practice is a full-service dermatology office focusing on medical, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology. We have found that the demand exists and is growing for these treatment methods, and non-invasive body contouring has been a seamless addition to our practice offerings. In choosing which technology we incorporated into our office, we wanted to let science drive our decision. We looked at the data available from different manufacturers’ studies and evaluated the technology that drives the platforms.

Understanding Patient Needs

truSculpt iD is a non-surgical body sculpting treatment that is clinically proven to permanently eliminate fat cells in traditionally stubborn areas around the abdomen and flanks. truSculpt iD uses innovative Monopolar RF technology to selectively target fat and therapeutically heat it until fat cells are destroyed and passed through the body naturally. In one short 15-minute treatment, patients can achieve an average of 24 percent fat reduction.² truSculpt flex is a muscle sculpting treatment designed to strengthen, firm, and tone the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. This unique technology delivers three treatment modes by replicating intensified crunch, squat, and twisting actions, and provides up to a 30 percent increase in muscle mass.³ We are able to treats up to eight different muscle groups simultaneously.

Combining both modalities in what has been coined the truBody treatment, can reduce fat, renew skin,⁴ and tone muscles with no downtime. In this way, we can offer our patients a full body sculpting solution. These treatments produce impressive outcomes on their own, but when paired together the synergy produces great results.

The truBody treatment series is ideal for patients who are seeking a more sculpted appearance. We compare it to the investment of hiring a personal trainer. We use the truSculpt flex component of the truBody treatment to build, strengthen and maintain muscles to support training and performance goals. We also see more accelerated fat loss with substantial sculpting and contouring in the area. This innovative treatment can also be used therapeutically³ to strengthen the core or muscles supporting a muscle area so patients can rebuild strength and muscular endurance.

Patient satisfaction

Fat reduction paired with muscle toning is a very popular treatment for even our most demanding patients, and an excellent source of referrals to the practice. Some patients have brought in their husbands, wives, and adult children, while others are vocal about their experience on social media and have become treatment advocates. Patient satisfaction is very high with this treatment. This innovative dual treatment can deliver an average fat reduction of 24 percent with visible improvements seen in six to 12 weeks following the first treatment.² Multiple areas can be treated in just one 15-minute session in some patients, but we always caution them at the initial consultation that additional treatments may be needed for optimal sculpting results in some cases. If they gain weight after their treatment course, they will surely need additional treatments, but we find that many patients actually are so pleased with their results that they lose weight and stick to a fitness plan. However, as with all aesthetic procedures, it is very important to manage their expectations from the outset.

1. asds.net/Procedures-Survey

2. A Multi‐Site, Single‐Blinded, Prospective Pilot Clinical Trial for Non‐Invasive Fat Reduction of the Abdomen and Flanks Using a Monopolar 2MHz Radiofrequency Device; Michael T. Somenek, MD, Stephen J. Ronan, MD, FACS, Troy A. Pittman, MD, Lasers in Medicine and Surgery; Volume 52, July 2020

3. Amy Taub Study, ASDS 2017 Poster

4. truSculpt flex whitepaper by Stephen Ronan, MD

5. Through deep dermal heating.