Body toning and volume reduction – in brief
| What is being treated | Sagging skin, localised fat deposits and poor muscle tone on the abdomen, upper arms, thighs and glutes |
|---|---|
| Treatments | Alma PrimeX, Morpheus8, Emsculpt, muscle electrostimulation, 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 the problem for you?
The same impression, “the stomach isn't firm” or “the thighs are soft”, can have three different causes. The treatment that will help depends on this.
- 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 it heats the deeper layers of the skin with radio waves, and Morpheus8 it 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 fatty tissue is retained on the abdomen, hips or thighs despite diet and exercise, Alma PrimeX ultrasound acts on fat cells; working with the probe on one region takes about 10 to 20 minutes, while the entire visit takes longer, depending on the number of regions. 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 it induces strong contractions of the abdominal, gluteal and thigh muscles; the treatment lasts 30 minutes, and most commonly four treatments are performed for one area. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation It is a different technology: it stimulates muscles with electrical impulses via electrodes, whereas Emsculpt uses an electromagnetic field. A 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 toning by region
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 the treatment may only be a supplement to exercises and rehabilitation. Read more about this in the articles Excess belly skin and Postpartum tummy.
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 treatment. More in the article 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. More in the text Knee skin tightening.
Glutes. Emsculpt and electrostimulation strengthen the gluteal muscles, while Alma PrimeX and Morpheus8 tighten the skin above them. More in the text Buttock lift.
When stretch marks are present along with loose skin, see the page 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 is also fatty tissue 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 the page Cellulite treatment. There are options for a combination of multiple treatments body contouring packages.
What is realistic to expect
Body tightening treatments provide gradual results: the skin becomes firmer, the circumference in the treated region smaller, 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 region. 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 you got 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 evaluates the region and proposes a treatment or a combination of treatments.
How many treatments are needed?
It depends on the treatment and the region. 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 to 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, warmth is felt and it is performed without anaesthesia. Emsculpt causes strong muscle contractions. After both treatments, you return to your duties immediately. 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 help most 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 in the case of metal implants in the region, 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 region. Prices for individual treatments can be found on the page Price list – body treatments, and for a combination of multiple treatments there are body contouring packages.
Book body tightening in Belgrade
The Imedic Polyclinic is located at Kneza Miloša 23 street, 2nd floor, Belgrade. Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 9:00–21:00.
Appointments are made 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
Doctor of Medical Sciences (Molecular Medicine and Immunology), subspecialist in rheumatology, dermatology resident.
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