2024 complete guide to non-invasive body contouring & slimming

Close up doctor cosmetologist using ultrasound device while performing lifting procedure on woman abdomen. Female patient receiving body tightening and contouring procedure in cosmetology clinic.

Many of us want to lose weight or improve our physique. This isn’t always easy, and not everyone likes the idea of going under the knife — thankfully, with advancements in technology, there are non-invasive body contouring and slimming treatments to help you achieve these goals! 

When it comes to picking the right body slimming treatment in Singapore, we’re spoilt for choice. Read on to find out more! 

What is non-invasive body contouring and how does it work?

Non-invasive body contouring involves the use of energy-based devices to:

• Tighten extra skin
• Reduce excess fat
• Reshape or contour targeted areas
• Reduce cellulite and dimpling in the skin
• Improve tone and muscle structure

Like all cells in the body, fat cells can only survive in certain conditions and temperatures. Non-invasive body contouring works by subjecting these fat cells to conditions that cause the cells to atrophy and die off, which are then metabolised and removed from the body naturally.

The technology used for these treatments typically include cryolipolysis, radiofrequency, light or ultrasound-based energy.

In what areas can non-invasive body contouring treatments be done?

Areas where fat can be reduced or skin can be tightened depends on the type of treatment you choose to undergo. However, generally, these targeted areas have a higher amount of fat or loose skin, such as:

• Arms 
• Buttocks 
• Neck
• Chin
• Thighs
• Back
• Abdomen 
• Waist

When picking the right body slimming treatment, it is important to take note of which trouble areas you’d like to treat and your desired goals — is it to melt fat, reduce cellulite or tighten the skin?

How non-invasive procedures differ from surgical methods

Surgical body contouring methods generally entail physically removing excess skin and fat in order to attain your desired silhouette. Common surgical methods include tummy tucks and liposuction. 

• Tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) — As its name suggests, a tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin and fat, and strategically tightening the abdominal muscles to contour the body. 
• Liposuction — This procedure involves removal of fat deposits from specific parts of the body, like the abdomen and arms. An incision is made in the area, and a small tube called a cannula is inserted. Through this tube, fatty deposits are suctioned out using a vacuum or syringe. 

The main difference is that non-invasive ways of sculpting and contouring procedures do not involve incisions, stitches and, hence, do not require hospital stays. In fact, they are often referred to as “lunchtime treatments” because they entail little to no downtime, which means you may return to your daily activities right after your treatment.

As no cutting is involved, non-invasive treatments also greatly reduce your risk of post-procedure complications, and create more gradual and subtle results. 

Benefits of non-invasive procedures

Unlike surgical body contouring methods, non-invasive procedures do not require incisions or cuts in the body. This leads to benefits such as:

• Natural-looking and subtle results — Changes made from non-invasive body contouring procedures are more gradual in nature and results improve over time and with a few sessions. This results in a more natural appearance. 
• Little to no downtime — Unlike surgical cosmetic procedures, no hospital stay is required. You may get back to your daily activities right after your treatment. 
• Lower risk of complications — As no incisions are used, there are very low chances of post-procedure complications, such as infections. This makes it a good option for those with compromised immune systems. 
• Reduced risk of scarring — As no incisions are involved, non-invasive treatments leave little to no visible scarring. If you’re concerned about cosmetic outcomes and want to avoid post-procedure marks, non-invasive body contouring might be an ideal option for you.
• More comfortable treatment experience — Compared to a surgical procedure, non-invasive treatments involve less pain and discomfort. Sometimes, a topical numbing cream or no anaesthesia at all is needed. 
• Relatively affordable alternative to cosmetic surgery — Non-invasive body contouring treatments are a cost-effective alternative to cosmetic surgery. 
• Shorter treatment sessions — When opting for cosmetic surgery, you’ll need to factor in a few days for your procedure and healing when planning your schedule. Non-invasive body contouring treatments are a good option for those who are pressed for time. 

Types of Non-Invasive Body Contouring Procedures

SkinLab offers a variety of energy-based body contouring procedures for all types of weight loss and shaping goals. Sometimes, a combination of these treatments are recommended for optimal results. 

Lightfective Reborn

Type of treatment: Multi-powered LED energy

Treatment time: 60 minutes 

The Lightfective reborn fat reduction treatment utilises multi-powered LED light energy (light energy) to heat up and kill off fat cells in targeted areas. Compared to other fat reduction devices available in Singapore, Lightfective Reborn applicators can cover a larger treatment area and utilises a comparatively higher temperature than other heat-based treatments for fat reduction, providing optimal results. The Lightfective reborn procedure also includes a patented cooling technology to ensure you’re kept as comfortable as possible during your treatment session. 

Its main benefits include:

• Painless with no downtime
• Highly effective in reducing fat 
• No anaesthesia required 
• Can treat larger areas of the body within one session

MiCool Freeze

Type of treatment: Fat freezing

Treatment time: 60 minutes

On the other end of the spectrum, the MiCool Freeze treatment uses extremely cold temperatures to get rid of fat cells without damaging surrounding tissues. This 60-minute treatment is based on the science of cryolipolysis — subjecting the subcutaneous fat cells to controlled sub zero freezing temperatures (-10 degrees celsius), causing them to atrophy. The subcutaneous fat cells are then metabolised and naturally excreted from the body. 

Its main benefits include:

• Painless with no downtime
• Alternative option for those averse to using heat-based devices
• No anaesthesia required
• Tones and smoothes skin texture 
• No downtime

Vanquish+  Me Body Contouring

Type of treatment: Radiofrequency energy

Treatment time:45 minutes

The Vanquish+ Me is a circumferential treatment that utilises radiofrequency energy to target the fat layers and heat the fat cells. It is a medical-grade, FDA-approved device. 

Unlike other spot treatment devices, this 45-minute procedure can treat the entire waistline or circumference of the arms and legs in one sitting. This treatment has no downtime, and you can return to your daily activities right after your session.

Its main benefits include:

• Contactless treatment
• Comparatively comfortable treatment
• Specially designed for the abdomen and thighs 
• Little to no downtime

3rd Gen RF Body Contouring

Type of treatment: Tripollar radiofrequency energy

Treatment time: 60 minutes 

SkinLab’s 3rd Generation Radiofrequency treatment uses TriPollar radiofrequency to help slim and contour the body. The radiofrequency energy both targets fat and tightens the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production for a more contoured physique. It can be used on the eye and neck too. 

Its main benefits include:

• Immediate results 
• Tightens the skin while reducing fat
• Comfortable treatment with no downtime
• Reduces stretch marks
• No downtime
• Extends to face and neck tightening

Are non-invasive body contouring treatment results permanent?

Yes, the results are permanent. These treatments subject fat cells to extreme temperatures and trigger apoptosis, or cell death. This permanently causes the fat cells to leave the body. 

It is, however, important to note that fat can be regained, which is why you’re encouraged to adopt dietary and lifestyle changes to complement your procedure for optimal, long-lasting results. 

Other body contouring options

Other medical-grade aesthetic treatments include:

• Weight loss injections — weight loss injections, such as Saxenda, Ozempic, Orlistat and WeGovy, need to be prescribed by a doctor. They work by reducing your appetite and increasing the insulin produced by your body. These injections, along with lifestyle and diet changes can be an effective slimming treatment. 
• Neurotoxin injections — Neurotoxin injections, or Botulinum toxin injections, help contour parts of the body by temporarily paralysing the muscles. This can be used on oversized calf muscles or bulky shoulders, and are strategically placed injections administered by a licensed aesthetic doctor to help streamline these areas of the body. 
• Autologous fat transfer — Simply put, a fat transfer procedure or microlipoinjection involves transferring fat from one area of the body to another, allowing you to reduce fat in targeted areas while enhancing others. As your own fat is used, this minimises the risk of allergic reactions or material rejection by the body.
• Liposonix+ fat reduction — This medical-grade treatment utilises targeted ultrasound energy to heat deep layers of fat tissue, and can reduce waist size circumference by 4 – 5 centimetres.
• TightSculpting laser — The TightSculpting laser is an FDA-approved procedure that utilises Fotona’s laser lipolysis technology to target layers of fat and tighten excess skin caused by sagging. This, in turn, helps you achieve a more contoured and streamlined body shape. 

The above treatments must be carried out by a doctor and are available at our sister brand, SL Aesthetic Clinic. 

Importance of a qualified professional

Making a sound decision requires several considerations, and a qualified professional can help you with this. 

• Customisation — A qualified professional will be able to provide treatment recommendations customised to your body type and lifestyle needs to ensure optimal results. 
• Understanding limitations — Not all non-invasive slimming treatments are suitable for everyone. A qualified professional will be able to advise you on what would suit you best and recommend alternative options if required. 
• Understanding risks — Every treatment comes with its own risks. A treatment done by a qualified professional ensures that it is carried out in accordance with proper protocols and guidelines. 
• Follow-up care — Non-invasive treatments generally require several sessions, and proper follow-up care allows your therapist to track your progress and address any concerns you may have. 

Get fat reduction and body slimming treatment in Singapore

Getting the right slimming treatment can greatly boost your confidence and help you achieve your dream physique. This starts with a proper assessment by a qualified professional to ensure that you get the best out of your procedure. 

SkinLab is a medispa dedicated to providing body slimming and contouring treatments tailored to various body types. Schedule a consultation with our experienced team today!