Global Demand Surges for Body Contouring Devices from Seven Leading Aesthetic Companies as Non-Invasive and Minimally Invasive Fat Reduction Procedures Grow by 7% Annually

According to 2016 data released by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 1.45 million liposuction procedures were performed worldwide, making liposuction (also known as suction-assisted lipectomy) the second most popular cosmetic surgical procedure, after breast augmentation.

The primary purpose of liposuction is body contouring and shaping; however, traditional procedures, represented by negative-pressure liposuction, are associated with prolonged recovery times, relatively higher pain levels, and greater risks, and they are not suitable for all individuals.

In recent years, non-invasive fat reduction procedures have gained increasing popularity among individuals seeking aesthetic improvements. These emerging non-invasive or minimally invasive technologies enable them to eliminate excess fat and cellulite without prolonged recovery periods, thereby achieving body contouring and shaping goals. Key equipment manufacturers in this field include Zeltiq, Cynosure, CUTERA, Syneron, and Solta Medical.

According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of non-invasive fat reduction treatments increased by 7% between 2016 and 2017.

Non-invasive liposuction primarily utilizes extreme temperatures or ultrasound/laser technologies to help patients achieve a slimmer figure. Holly Cutler, a medical aesthetician and founder of a facial care and medical body contouring clinic, stated, “These procedures are not intended for weight loss; they target fat, cellulite, or aim to tighten the skin.” Cutler mainly provides body contouring treatments for women seeking to reshape their bodies after pregnancy.

In today’s market, non-invasive fat-reduction treatments are targeting far more than just postpartum women, with a growing number of consumers joining the ranks of those seeking body contouring and skin-tightening solutions. VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) will review technological trends in overseas fat-reduction procedures (primarily non-invasive and minimally invasive) as well as several popular devices offered by leading manufacturers.

Company Name:Zeltiq

Product Series Name:CoolSculpting

On February 13, 2018, pharmaceutical giant Allergan agreed to acquire Zeltiq, the manufacturer of CoolSculpting, for $2.48 billion. This acquisition is expected to drive revenue growth for Allergan in the near term and strengthen its body contouring and aesthetic product portfolio through Zeltiq’s flagship technology, the CoolSculpting system.

CoolSculpting cryolipolysis is an FDA-approved, non-invasive fat reduction technology that uses controlled cooling to eliminate "stubborn" fat resistant to diet and exercise. Years ago, scientists at Harvard University observed that children who ate popsicles developed dimples on their cheeks, realizing that the cold from the popsicles had frozen and eliminated small amounts of fat cells. The core principle of cryolipolysis is precisely that low temperatures can target fat cells without damaging the skin.

Image source: CoolSculpting official website

The number of fat cells in the human body is fixed. As weight increases or decreases, these cells enlarge or shrink, but their quantity does not diminish. CoolSculpting treatment safely delivers precise, controlled cooling to freeze subcutaneous fat cells. Following CoolSculpting treatment, the fat cells are frozen and subsequently undergo cell death. During this process, the fat cells begin to break down. Over the weeks following treatment completion, other cells phagocytose the dead fat cells, naturally metabolizing and eliminating them from the body.

Prior to undergoing CoolSculpting cryolipolysis, patients will meet with a provider during a one-on-one consultation. This provider may be a physician or another medical professional who has received specialized training in CoolSculpting procedures. The CoolSculpting provider will thoroughly discuss with the patient a comprehensive approach tailored to their individual goals for body contouring.

During the treatment, the physician places a gel pad and applicator on the target area. The CoolSculpting applicator delivers controlled cooling to the fat in the target area. During the procedure, patients can read, check emails, or even take a nap.

CoolSculpting cryolipolysis technology can reduce the number of fat cells in the treated area by 20%–25%, without the need for anesthesia. These fat cells are naturally processed and eliminated, so they do not migrate to other parts of the body. However, CoolSculpting treatment does not result in weight loss for patients.

It is important to note that CoolSculpting requires the calculation of treatment cycles, thereforeMore suitable for individuals with slightly excessive localized fat, and areas such as the calves and face are not suitable for this device. Individuals with a heavier build require multiple CoolSculpting sessions, with gradual slimming achieved through metabolic clearance over approximately three months.

The therapeutic effects achieved by CoolSculpting are long-lasting, and the fat distribution in untreated areas remains unaffected. Worldwide, there have been over 6 million CoolSculpting body contouring treatments performed to date.

Company Name:Cynosure

Product Series Name:PrecisionTx/SculpSure/Smartlipo Triplex

On February 14, 2018, Hologic, a manufacturer of mammography systems, acquired Cynosure for $1.66 billion. The company’s body contouring product portfolio primarily comprises four major series: Cellulaze, PrecisionTx, SculpSure, and Smartlipo Triplex.

Among them, SculpSure is the first FDA-approved laser liposuction device, suitable for areas such as the abdomen, flanks, back, inner and outer thighs, and submental region. SmartLipo is the laser liposuction device with the largest market share in the United States.

PrecisionTx is also an FDA-approved laser technology that uses side-firing lasers to address contouring needs of the neck and face. The PrecisionTx laser operates at a wavelength of 1440 nm Nd:YAG.

Image source: Cynosure official website

The 1440 nm Nd:YAG non-ablative fractional laser is highly absorbed by water and generates a photomechanical effect, producing microbubbles (cavitation effect) at the fiber optic tip. This results in bidirectional energy distribution, thereby concentrating the effect more precisely on the target area. This laser can be used to treat excess fat, especiallyNeck Fat and Mild Facial Aging, while also tightening the skin and the deep superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) tissues of the face. This significantly improves and restores vitality to the lower face, jawline, and neck.

Heating the skin to an appropriate temperature has always been a challenge. Unlike many technologies that deliver heat using radiofrequency energy, infrared radiation, or ultrasound energy, PrecisionTx laser technology andused in conjunction with the ThermaGuide temperature control system, enabling real-time temperature control of the heat delivered to tissues, thereby yielding more reliable outcomes and enhancing surgical safety.

If the procedure is performed in a clinic, the physician will administer local anesthesia to the area to minimize patient discomfort during treatment. PrecisionTx can be completed in a single one-hour session, making it an ideal choice for patients seeking results with minimal downtime.

For most patients, PrecisionTx requires only a single treatment session. The laser procedure itself takes approximately 20 minutes, after which the physician will apply dressings and a compression mask. Patients typically experience significant improvement within one to two weeks post-procedure, with continued enhancement over the following three to six months, although individual outcomes may vary. Some patients may opt for a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation and contour restoration. Botox or other injectables can be administered concurrently with PrecisionTx treatment to address forehead lines or crow’s feet.

FDA-approved SculpSure laser technology gently heats and eliminates excess fat in areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and back, while also reducing submental fat to eliminate double chins.

Image source: SculpSure official website

By safelyRaising the Temperature of Body FatSculpSure destroys fat cells without affecting the skin surface, safely targeting and eliminating unwanted fat in just 25 minutes. At the start of the treatment, patients initially feel a cooling sensation, which helps keep the skin comfortable throughout the procedure. This cooling effect continues during the entire treatment, while the laser cycles on and off to raise the temperature of the fat cells.

Officially certified, most patients experience intermittent sensations of deep warmth or tingling throughout the treatment period, which are generally well-tolerated. The procedure requires no downtime and does not cause burns or bruising to the surrounding skin. Over the three months following treatment, damaged fat cells are processed and eliminated by the body’s lymphatic system. Once removed, these fat cells do not regenerate. Patients can observe results in as little as six weeks, with optimal outcomes typically appearing by week 12. Most patients require multiple sessions to achieve the best results.

SmartLipo Laser Body Contouring is a minimally invasive, laser-assisted lipolysis procedure designed to eliminate fat from areas such as the abdomen, arms, buttocks, thighs, and neck. SmartLipo is a extensively researched, utilized, and validated laser-assisted liposuction or lipolysis system. After a decade of research, SmartLipo has been proven to reduce pain, bruising, and swelling, while offering a faster recovery time compared to traditional liposuction.

The procedure typically lasts 1–2 hours, depending on the number of areas treated and the size of the regions. Smartlipo utilizes local anesthesia, which numbs only the specific body areas undergoing treatment. Patients remain awake during the procedure and do not experience pain, but rather a sensation comparable to pulling or pressure. Depending on the treated body parts and the physician’s recommendations, patients may need to wear compression garments for a short period after the procedure to aid healing and provide support to the treated areas; however, they can generally resume normal activities within one to two days.

For most patients, a single Smartlipo treatment is sufficient. Results become visible within one week and continue to improve over three to six months. As Smartlipo tightens the skin through coagulation, patients need not worry about post-operative skin dimpling or laxity.

Smartlipo is best suited for individuals who are not significantly overweight but have localized fat deposits, such as love handles, loose upper arms, excess neck or facial fat, or lower body fat. Its three different wavelengths can selectively target and disrupt fat in specific areas, coagulate blood vessels, and stimulate collagen synthesis, thereby helping patients tighten their skin and improve skin elasticity by 57%.

Company Name：Cutera

Product Series Name:TruSculpt

Cutera, headquartered in Brisbane, California, is a leading provider of laser and other energy-based aesthetic systems. Since 1998, Cutera has been dedicated to developing innovative, user-friendly products that enable physicians and other qualified practitioners to deliver safe and effective aesthetic treatments to patients. Its flagship products, sold globally, include excel V, excel HR, xeo, enlighten, truSculpt, and Genesis Plus.

One of Cutera’s core products, truSculpt body contouring, employs a multidimensional approach to fat reduction, delivering precise therapeutic temperatures to subcutaneous adipose tissue in a unique manner to achieve optimal clinical efficacy within shorter treatment sessions. On July 16, 2018, Cutera announced the official launch of its next-generation monopolar radiofrequency body contouring device, truSculpt® iD, which features personalized, hands-free treatment and completes full abdominal treatment in just 15 minutes per session.

Image sourced from the truSculpt official website

As a cutting-edge RF-lifting device independently developed and manufactured, it is primarily used to reshape sagging facial contours. Unlike existing face-lifting treatments that enhance skin elasticity from the epidermis, TruSculpt laser non-invasively delivers high-frequency waves directly to the adipose tissue in a monopolar manner, removing unwanted facial fat and lifting sagging muscle tissue, thereby improving facial contour lines.

truSculpt is the only non-invasive radiofrequency body contouring system that utilizes a proprietary closed-loop temperature feedback mechanism to ensure precise treatment temperatures within each 15-minute session. This allows patients to achieve optimal results while remaining comfortable.

The patented applicator design of truSculpt delivers uniform heat to the target area. This signature design eliminates potential hot spots, enhancing patient safety and comfort. This body contouring system offers a flexible, non-invasive solution for the most common body shaping concerns. Patients can use truSculpt to reduce unwanted fat in both large and small areas, thereby decreasing body circumference.

Patients can see significant results after just one truSculpt treatment, with studies showing that the technology can reduce fat thickness by 24%. Within a one-hour treatment session, up to four areas can be treated. There are no post-procedure reactions and no downtime is required.

truSculpt documented data for every participant using the body contouring system. To objectively measure treatment outcomes, the company verified changes in fat thickness reduction through diagnostic ultrasound imaging and photography. Clinical results from ultrasound measurements and photography demonstrated that truSculpt achieves consistent efficacy compared to other non-invasive body contouring technologies.

Company Name：Syneron-Candela

Product Series Name:UltraShape V3/UltraShape Power/VelaShape

Syneron-Candela is a global leader in the medical aesthetics device market. Founded in 2000, Syneron counts Dr. Eckhouse as one of its founders; he is also a co-inventor of the company’s patented Elos technology. Dr. Eckhouse is additionally the inventor of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, a milestone in non-invasive medical aesthetic devices.

Based on its patented Elos technology, Syneron experienced rapid growth and went public on NASDAQ in 2004. In 2009, Syneron successfully acquired Candela Corporation.

The two UltraShape products are already well-known. They generate painless, non-invasive, non-thermal focused ultrasound waves. By employing unique focused shockwaves to create pressure waves within the subcutaneous fat layer, and combined with a 3D dynamic fat positioning system, they directly target the adipose tissue to selectively disrupt fat cells. This process avoids skin frostbite or burning sensations, ensuring precise and complete fragmentation of fat cells and a reduction in their number. When paired with VelaShape for skin tightening, body contouring, and enhanced metabolism, the treatment ultimately achieves comprehensive body rejuvenation, including fat reduction, shaping, firming, and overall aesthetic enhancement.

VelaShape is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that reduces body circumference and cellulite. VelaShape can typically achieve a more proportionate figure safely after three sessions. It delivers noticeable results without downtime or significant discomfort.

Image source: VelaShape official website

Most patients find VelaShape treatments very comfortable, akin to a warm, deep-tissue massage. VelaShape delivers treatment while prioritizing patient sensitivity and comfort. Patients typically experience a sensation of warmth for several hours after the procedure. Due to the deep heating effect on adipose tissue, the skin may become red post-treatment; this erythema will resolve spontaneously within a few hours and is no cause for concern.

VelaShape is not a weight-loss therapy; it primarily contours the patient’s body, targeting areas that do not respond to diet and exercise. These areas include the neck (submental region), arms, thighs, buttocks, flanks, and abdomen. The treatment is safe and effective for all skin types and tones. There are currently no reports of short-term or long-term health effects.

Clinical studies have confirmed that an average reduction of 1–3 cm in body circumference can be achieved after a single treatment. A recent study demonstrated that all patients experienced a reduction of at least 1.5 cm. Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 30 and cellulite classified as Grade 1 or 2 are the most suitable candidates for VelaShape treatment.

Company Name:Thermi

Product Series Name:ThermiSmooth

Thermi, a relatively niche medical device manufacturer in the United States, owns four major product lines: ThermiTight, ThermiRase, ThermiSmooth, and ThermiVa.

ThermiSmooth offers two types of products for facial and overall facial rejuvenation. It uses radiofrequency to heat the skin and stimulate the natural production of collagen, helping to strengthen and thicken the skin to improve its overall quality and appearance. As a non-invasive treatment, ThermiSmooth can lift and smooth the skin without pain or downtime.

Image source: Thermi official website

ThermiSmooth Body Contouring uses temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy to gently heat the skin, improving the appearance of aging skin by stimulating collagen production. With its built-in temperature control feature, physicians can adjust the energy delivered to the skin. By precisely managing temperature, doctors can provide each patient with a tailored treatment optimized for their specific skin type, achieving the most effective results while ensuring complete safety.

The procedure is typically very quick, lasting approximately 30 minutes. The treatment is gentle, with patients often comparing the sensation to a hot stone massage; in rare cases, mild swelling and redness may occur. The entire course of treatment lasts approximately six to eight weeks, during which patients experience a warm, massage-like sensation across a series of sessions.

Most patients can see the effects of ThermiSmooth after the first treatment, but typically require three sessions to achieve optimal results. The production and strengthening of collagen in the skin is a gradual process; smoothing and tightening become more noticeable over time, with full results visible after 3–6 months and lasting for a year or longer.

Company Name:Solta Medical

Product Series Name:Liposonix /Thermage/Vaserlipo

Solta Medical is a U.S.-based global leader in aesthetic medical devices. Its product portfolio includes Fraxel and Clear + Brilliant for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation; flagship body contouring and skin tightening systems such as Liposonix, Vaserlipo, and Thermage; and acne treatment devices like Isolaz and CLARO. Solta was acquired by Bausch Health in 2013, becoming its subsidiary, and was subsequently integrated into the Valeant group alongside Bausch at the end of 2013.

Liposonix and Thermage are two well-known consumer products for body contouring and skin tightening. Thermage utilizes patented monopolar radiofrequency (RF) technology to activate the body’s natural collagen renewal mechanism. It delivers volumetric heating to deep dermal tissues, stimulating collagen contraction and promoting neocollagenesis, thereby smoothing and tightening the skin, reducing wrinkles, and reshaping facial contours. Liposonix employs non-invasive high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology to disrupt fat cells without surgery, dieting, or exercise.

Image source: Vasre official website

In terms of fat reduction devices, the Vaserlipo system utilizes ultrasound technology to precisely eliminate excess body fat, making it suitable for multiple body areas, including the malar region (apple cheeks). The system employs VentX technology to effectively remove adipose tissue. The Vaserlipo series can also be used in combination with other systems or accessories, such as VASERsmooth, PowerX, and TouchView.

VaserLipo surgery requires anesthesia, takes only one to several hours, and can be completed in a single session, achieving thorough fat reduction. After the procedure, patients need 12 hours of rest and should avoid strenuous exercise for 2–3 weeks. As the body gradually recovers and condition improves, patients can see immediate and increasingly impressive results. Additionally, the fat extracted via VASER ultrasonic emulsification can be used for facial filling, with a higher graft survival rate compared to conventional facial fat grafting.

Company Name:Sciton

Product Series Name:ProLipo PLUS

Sciton, Inc., founded in 1997, is a laser technology company in the U.S. aesthetic medicine market. Its ProLipoPLUS system is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive, high-power laser device designed to liquefy and remove excess fat, thereby stimulating collagen remodeling and tissue tightening.

Data shows that ProLipo PLUS uses lasers with wavelengths of 1064 nm and 1319 nm for body contouring. It can be used as an adjunct to traditional liposuction or for patients who are not candidates for conventional liposuction surgery. Minimally invasive laser-assisted lipolysis addresses the gaps in precision, efficacy, and patient satisfaction between non-invasive procedures and traditional liposuction.

Compared with other laser-assisted lipolysis systems, ProLipo PLUS offers a wide range of customizable treatment parameters. Its dual-wavelength device provides flexibility in treatment options, allowing physicians to perform lipolysis using either a single wavelength or both wavelengths in combination. This technology introduces a novel approach to fat elimination and tissue tightening, thereby improving skin laxity associated with liposuction.

The ProLipo PLUS system meets patients’ demand for safe, comfortable, minimally invasive laser therapy requiring only local anesthesia. Its modular design allows for easy equipment upgrades.

Note: Product efficacy may vary depending on the individual consumer's physical condition; consultations should be conducted at qualified medical aesthetic institutions.

References:

https://www.americanspa.com/medical-spa/www.velashape.com

https://www.quatela.com/plastic-surgery/face/precision-tx-facial-contouring/

https://www.pacificplasticsurgery.com/surgery-procedures/face-procedures/precision-tx/

http://www.velashape.com