Body Contouring

Body contouring is not a weight loss solution. Rather, it is a collection of techniques used to reshape and refine areas of the body that are resistant to diet and exercise. It can be used to eliminate small pockets of fat, improve skin laxity, reduce cellulite, and smooth overall body shape. These treatments are particularly beneficial for individuals who are near their ideal weight but wish to address areas such as the abdomen, thighs, flanks, arms, chin, or buttocks for a more sculpted appearance.

Body contouring procedures can serve both cosmetic and functional purposes. Patients commonly seek treatment for:

• Abdominal fat or loose skin after weight loss or pregnancy
• “Love handles” or flank fat
• Inner and outer thigh fat or skin laxity
• Arm fat or sagging skin
• Double chin or submental fullness
• Buttock contouring or lifting
• Cellulite reduction on the thighs or buttocks
• Muscle definition

Some patients also pursue body contouring after significant weight loss or bariatric surgery to remove or tighten loose, excess skin. Others choose it as a preventive or maintenance tool to address early signs of skin laxity and fat accumulation due to aging to maintain body definition and physique.

During an initial consultation with Dr. Brian Hibler, a thorough evaluation of the patient’s concerns, body type, skin quality, and treatment goals is performed. Dr. Hibler reviews medical history, examines the targeted areas, and discusses expectations and available options. Based on this personalized assessment, he will determine which contouring technique—or combination of techniques—is most appropriate. The goal is to enhance the body’s natural silhouette while maintaining skin health and safety.

Dr. Hibler offers a range of evidence-based, noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments tailored to the needs of each patient:

Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing)

Often referred to by the brand name CoolSculpting®, this technique uses cold temperatures to freeze and destroy fat cells. Once treated, the fat is naturally eliminated by the body over several weeks. It is ideal for reducing small, well-defined “pinchable” pockets of fat.

Radiofrequency Fat Reduction

Trusculpt id is a non-surgical non-invasive fat reduction treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body. It’s a customizable treatment that can be used on various body areas and offers a comfortable experience with minimal downtime.

Radiofrequency (RF) and Ultrasound-Based Skin Tightening

RF and ultrasound energy can be used to precisely heat the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production. This can firm loose skin, reduce mild to moderate laxity, and improve body contours without cutting or downtime. Devices include Sofwave®, Thermage®, and Ultherapy ®.

Microneedling-Radiofrequency Body Contouring

Microneedling devices may be augmented with the use of radiofrequency to enhance the heat delivery below the surface of the skin. These options can be customized for the face, neck, or body depending on the depth of tissue involved. Devices include Fractora® and Morpheus8® for minimally-invasive skin tightening that works by stimulating collagen production to reduce laxity.

Injectable Body Contouring

For areas such as the under-chin region, injectable treatments like deoxycholic acid (Kybella) can dissolve fat cells in a controlled manner, producing gradual and natural-looking improvement. This treatment can also be used to better define the jawline or treat other small pockets of fat such as the bra fat or above the knees.

Cellulite Treatments and Gluteal Augmentation

Specialized devices and subdermal treatments can help smooth out dimpled skin caused by fibrous bands, offering a more even and toned appearance, particularly on the thighs and buttocks. Common treatments include the use of biostimulatory fillers (Sculptra) and ultrasound energy-based devices (Sofwave) to smoothen skin and reduce the rippled texture.

Muscle Toning Treatments

Emsculpt® treatments enhance muscle tone and improve body contours. These treatments are customizable for different body types and goals.

Most noninvasive body contouring procedures are performed in-office without the need for anesthesia. Sessions typically last between 30 minutes to an hour depending on the number of areas treated. Patients may feel mild warmth, tingling, or cooling sensations during treatment, but discomfort is minimal. There is little to no downtime, and patients can often return to daily activities immediately following the procedure.

In cases involving minimally invasive approaches, such as those using microneedling with radiofrequency or deeper energy-based devices, topical numbing or the use of force chilled air may be applied to ensure comfort. Mild swelling or redness may occur, but these effects generally resolve rapidly.