THE DEBATE
The recent demand for non-invasive fat reduction and muscle toning has generated the need for a variety of non-invasive body contouring devices, including cryolipolysis, radiofrequency, focused ultrasound, laser energy, and high intensity focused electromagnetic energy. Is there a lack of comparison between modalities that makes it difficult for practitioners to select the best treatment option for patients? Shriyal Sethumadhavan finds some answers.
Shriyal Sethumadhavan
Dr Meera James, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Founder, Beau Aesthetica Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic and Academy, Cochin and Kottayam
“Yes. Although we have a huge modality of treatment options available, studies comparing the effectiveness of various techniques is limited. If the existing techniques and technologies were as effective, we would not be seeing new innovations every now and then. What most of us find in our practice is that the effectiveness of the various techniques tend to show some differences between individual patterns. This can be dependent on the kind of fat deposition, that area of deposition, the general metabolism of the patient, their activity index, their diet as well as compliance to the treatment. This makes it essential to offer a proper and comprehensive counselling before putting them to any kind of treatment and giving them a realistic idea of what is going to happen, what can go wrong, and what can be the final outcome. Although, we may not be able to tell the patient exactly how much they are going to lose or what kind of inch reduction and tightening is going to happen, we can set realistic expectations for them. Spend time with the patient, understand their concern, their lifestyle, make them understand what best we can do, and then get them to work on themselves as well. It is never the job of the dermatologist alone. Without the patient’s complete cooperation and compliance, the results are also going to be mediocre.”
Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Founder & CEO, Yavana Aesthetics Clinic, Mumbai
“There are multiple device options currently available to practitioners for non-invasive body contouring that promise exciting results. When evaluating a body contouring device, it is essential to keep the following factors in mind – safety, efficacy, comfort levels with using the device, as well as patient comfort. Obviously, since these are non-invasive devices, they will not be as precise or as drastic as a surgical liposuction. While they deliver credible results, there is substantial lack of scientific literature authenticating the comparative results between these modalities. The selection of patient is extremely crucial as different devices vary in their tissue response. Thereby, while a cryolipolysis may be extremely effective in an individual, the HIFEM may not yield any result in the same one. Another salient point is that since the devices at times work on different principle and target tissue, the concept should be a combination of these technologies for optimum results. When evaluating these devices, it is essential to conduct adequate, in depth research about them, talk to peers who are working with these machines to get clarity, and do trials with devices to understand the functioning and adverse effects.”