Body tightening and inch loss – at a glance
| What it treats | Sagging skin, localised fat deposits and poor muscle tone on the stomach, upper arms, thighs and buttocks |
|---|---|
| Treatments | Alma PrimeX, Morpheus8, Emsculpt, electrical muscle stimulation, lipolysis |
| Treatment plan | The selection, number and sequence of treatments are determined after an examination |
| Result | Gradually, over the course of a series of treatments and for several weeks afterwards |
Skin, fat or muscle: what is your main concern?
The same complaint – “my stomach isn't firm” or “my thighs are soft” – can have three different causes, and this determines which treatment will help.
- Sagging skin. The skin has lost its firmness, is wrinkling or sagging, and there is not much fatty tissue beneath it. Treatments that stimulate the production of new collagen help here: Alma PrimeX heats the deeper layers of the skin with radiofrequency energy, and Morpheus8 delivers energy up to 8 mm deep into the skin of the body using microneedles, making it a good choice even when stretch marks are present alongside sagging skin.
- Fat deposits. When fat persists on the stomach, hips or thighs despite diet and exercise, Alma PrimeX uses ultrasound to target fat cells; treating one area with the handpiece takes about 10 to 20 minutes, while the whole visit takes longer, depending on the number of areas. For smaller, stubborn deposits, the doctor may recommend lipolysis.
- Low muscle tone. If the muscles beneath the skin are not firm, the body looks soft even when there is little fatty tissue. Emsculpt induces strong contractions of the abdominal, gluteal and thigh muscles; the treatment lasts 30 minutes, and usually four sessions are done per area. Electrical muscle stimulation is a different technology: it stimulates muscles with electrical impulses via electrodes, whereas Emsculpt uses an electromagnetic field. The doctor will assess which is better for your goal.
In most patients, two or all three problems are present, so treatments are combined. For example, Emsculpt strengthens the muscle, and Alma PrimeX acts on the skin and fatty tissue above it.
Body tightening by area
Stomach. After pregnancy or weight loss, the skin on the stomach is often left sagging, especially below the belly button. Alma PrimeX and Morpheus8 tighten the skin, while Emsculpt strengthens the abdominal muscles. In cases of diastasis, the doctor first assesses the condition of the abdominal wall, and treatment can only complement exercise and rehabilitation. Read more about this in the articles Excess stomach skin and Postpartum belly.
Upper arms. The skin on the inside of the upper arms loses its firmness with age and after weight loss. We tighten it with Alma PrimeX and Morpheus8 treatments. Read more in our article about Upper arm skin tightening.
Thighs and knees. The skin above the knee is thin and wrinkles with age. Alma PrimeX and Morpheus8 restore its firmness, and in the case of fatty deposits on the inner thighs, the plan can be supplemented with lipolysis. Read more in our article about Knee skin tightening.
Buttocks. Emsculpt and electrical muscle stimulation strengthen the gluteal muscles, while Alma PrimeX and Morpheus8 tighten the skin above them. Read more in our article about Buttock lift.
When stretch marks are present along with loose skin, see our page about Laser stretch mark removal.
Combinations and treatment plan
The plan is made according to what your main problem is. The most common combinations are:
- Emsculpt and Alma PrimeX, when there are also fat deposits or sagging skin alongside poor muscle tone;
- Alma PrimeX and Morpheus8, when the skin is lax and stretch marks are also present;
- lipolysis with Alma PrimeX or Morpheus8, when, alongside stubborn fat deposits, the skin also needs to be tightened.
When cellulite is the main problem, the plan is made according to the type of cellulite and is described on our page about Cellulite treatment. For a combination of several treatments we offer, body contouring packages.
What to realistically expect
Body tightening treatments provide gradual results: the skin becomes firmer, the treated area slimmer, and muscles more defined. The changes develop during a series of treatments and continue for several weeks afterwards as new collagen is formed. For Emsculpt and Morpheus8 treatments, the full effect is evaluated about three months after the last treatment.
Treatments do not replace weight loss and act locally on the treated area. In cases of very pronounced excess skin, the effect is limited, so the doctor explains during the consultation what is realistic to expect. The result lasts longer with a stable body weight and regular exercise.
Have a question?
Answers to frequently asked questions
Which body-tightening treatment is right for me?
It depends on whether the main problem is sagging skin, fatty deposits or poor muscle tone, and most often it is a combination. During the examination, the doctor assesses the area and suggests a treatment or a combination of treatments.
How many treatments are needed?
It depends on the treatment and the area. Alma PrimeX is most commonly performed in a series of three to four treatments spaced one to two weeks apart, Emsculpt in four treatments, once or twice a week, and Morpheus8 usually in three treatments. The exact plan is determined by the doctor.
When will the results be visible?
Changes develop gradually over a series of treatments and continue for several weeks afterwards. With Emsculpt and Morpheus8 treatments, the full effect is assessed around three months after the last treatment.
Do the treatments hurt and is there a recovery period?
During the Alma PrimeX treatment, you feel warmth, and no anaesthesia is needed. Emsculpt causes strong muscle contractions. After both treatments, you can return to your daily activities straight away. Before the Morpheus8 treatment, an anaesthetic cream is applied, and afterwards the skin is red and slightly swollen for one to three days.
Does body tightening replace weight loss?
No. The treatments work locally, on the skin, fat deposits and muscles in the treated region. They are most helpful for people with a stable body weight who are left with sagging skin or stubborn deposits in certain areas.
Can devices remove a large excess of skin?
No. Non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments deliver the best results for mild to moderate skin laxity. In cases of significant excess skin, for example after substantial weight loss, the effect is limited, and the doctor explains during the consultation when a referral to a plastic surgeon is necessary.
When are treatments not carried out?
Body-tightening treatments are not performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Emsculpt is also not performed for the first three months after a caesarean section, nor if there are metal implants in the treatment area, pacemakers, or serious heart conditions. For each treatment, the doctor checks for contraindications during the examination.
Body tightening treatment price
The price depends on the choice of treatment and the area. Prices for individual treatments can be found in our Price list – body treatments, and for a combination of several treatments we offer body contouring packages.
Book body tightening in Belgrade
Imedic poliklinika is located at Kneza Miloša 23, 2nd floor, Belgrade. Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 9:00–21:00.
Appointments can be booked by phone: 064 237 0707. If you contact us from abroad, we are also available via Viber and WhatsApp on the same number.
Author: Dr Ivica Jeremić
PhD in Medical Sciences (Molecular Medicine and Immunology), rheumatology subspecialist, dermatology resident.
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