In recent years, body contouring procedures have expanded to include non-surgical options that produce near-surgical, permanent results. These techniques are less invasive, preserving more of the body’s natural tissues, and involve shorter recovery periods. Historically, cellulite in particular has been difficult to treat without employing methods like liposuction or body lift surgeries. It is estimated that up to 98% of women are affected by cellulite, while this cosmetic issue rarely occurs in men. Different sculpting devices have been tested and used in plastic surgery practices and medical spas, but have never offered the type of results that are now available in modern aesthetics. The gold standard treatments now available are Body FX & Mini FX, available at Hillelson-Whipple clinic in Richmond, VA with acclaimed plastic surgeon Ruth L. Hillelson, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Mini FX
What are Body FX and Mini FX?
Body FX and Mini FX cosmetic procedures are performed under the guidance of a medical professional to eliminate extra fat. Not only does a series of sessions improve the appearance of cellulite, it also tightens the treated skin. By creating a firmer silhouette in a one-step treatment, Body FX and Mini FX offer a unique option for patients.
The same procedure is tailored for different areas of the body during Body FX or Mini FX, but two different hand pieces are attached for the two versions of the procedure. Body FX addresses problem fat in larger areas of the body, like the abdomen, back, and thighs, whereas Mini FX targets smaller regions, including the neck, arms, and knees.
The devices provide non-surgical liposuction by first vacuuming the skin with a heated suction. The skin’s temperature is raised to between 108-109 degrees Fahrenheit, and the patient will feel the gentle force of the sensation as the skin is drawn up toward the device. This motion ensures that the energy is distributed evenly to the intended areas. Next, radio frequency energy is delivered to the area in pulses, effectively destroying fat cells. The combination of these modalities has been clinically proven to produce results on fatty tissue.
Body Fx and Mini FX treatment sessions are performed over a period of 6 weeks for optimal results. Patients will schedule an appointment at Hillelson-Whipple clinic once a week during this time, and will likely notice a change in the look of their cellulite after 2-3 sessions. Each treatment will last between 30 minutes to an hour. Mini FX is said to eliminate 40% more fat than CoolSculpting mini, with the added benefit of skin-tightening.
Body FX
Recovering from Body FX or Mini FX
Because these are non-invasive treatments, during which the skin remains intact, patients do not require any anesthesia to undergo Body FX or Mini FX. They will be able to drive themselves home following their appointments and are not expected to miss out on any daily activities, though the area may be a bit too tender for same-day strenuous activities. It is completely normal for patients to notice redness and bruising following an FX session.
There are a few instructions patients should follow to reap the most benefit from each treatment. After the procedure, if there is any discomfort, it should not be alleviated by a cool compress because the heat action is still affecting the fat cells. Instead, Dr. Hillelson can provide post-treatment relief options for patients that will not affect the final results. Patients should apply moisturizer daily to the treated area to maintain hydration.
Fat Removal Treatments – Not a Weight Loss Replacement
Procedures that help minimize or eliminate cellulite are not effective for weight loss, and cannot replace lifestyle management. While extra fat does create burdens for the multiple systems of the body, the effects of Body FX and Mini FX are intended to be for cosmetic purposes only. Undergoing these sessions is not expected to improve a patient’s general health.
Most women who schedule Body FX or Mini FX sessions are a healthy weight, but have difficulty toning certain areas of the body. It should be noted, however, that the slimming treatments can also prepare patients for new exercise habits. It can be painful to workout with extra bulk in certain areas, like the inner thighs or lower abdomen. Once the area has undergone some reshaping, patients may be more inclined to get fit.
Cellulite – Female and Male Body Composition Differences
Most women have higher body fat than men, with the percentages around 25 and 15, respectively. This is mainly the result of estrogen, which females have in greater amounts than males. Cellulite occurs when fat puckers through the connective tissue below the skin and becomes visible at the skin’s surface. Men have tighter connective tissue structures that lie in a crisscross pattern, so even with extra fat, they tend not to show signs of cellulite because the fat is held into place. Women have vertical bands of the same material, and are more vulnerable to lumpy-textured skin. Since fat accumulates in specific areas in women, typically the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, these areas tend to show cellulite. Dietary and exercise changes can decrease the amount of body fat a woman has, and can improve the look of cellulite, but rarely eliminates it completely.
Candidates for Body FX or Mini FX
In general, ideal patients for Body FX or Mini FX non-surgical liposuction are seeking minor to moderate improvements of the look of cellulite and loose skin that adds bulk to their figure. Most prospective patients interested in this procedure are women as men with extra weight don’t typically have cellulite. Patients who are interested in medical weight loss solutions should consult with their primary care physician for additional treatment options and referrals.
Complementary Procedures
Dr. Hillelson offers a range of different cellulite reduction treatments. Patient results may vary, and some may respond to certain treatments better than others. Thermage and TriPollar RF treatments are also aimed at smoothing the skin and contouring the body.
TriPollar RF
The TriPollar RF procedure also employs radio frequency to achieve a reduction in cellulite through a handpiece. The emitted energy waves reach underlying fat, gradually heating the tissue to causing disruption to the processes the fat cells need to survive. After this breakdown, cellulite is eliminated from the body through lymphatic drainage. There is little discomfort, and the non-invasive procedure only takes about an hour to perform.
Thermage
This technology also utilizes research-backed radio frequency to heat the deeper layers of skin while leaving the top layers intact and unharmed. This thermal action promotes collagen production, acting on and improving the skin as well as eliminating unwanted fatty tissue. Results can be seen between 8 and 12 weeks of treatments, though the final Thermage session typically takes place by week 6. The in-office sessions are between 30-60 minutes long.
Body FX and Mini FX FAQs
Is it painful to undergo Body FX or Mini Fx?
No, this treatment does not cause pain. Patients will not require any topical or local anesthesia and can resume their day after they leave the office. In some cases, there may be some minor inflammation with redness or bruising, but it will not likely interfere with the patient’s day.
Will Body FX or Mini FX create instant results?
The heat portion of the FX system will immediately target fat cells, but the skin will not reveal changes right away. Some patients notice results after 2 or 3 treatments (2 or 3 weeks), with continue gradual improvement.
Are the results of Body FX and Mini FX permanent?
The treatment will kill fat cells, but cannot change the way the body distributes fat with weight gain. There is no way to prevent cellulite, but it can effectively be managed with health habits and the FX treatments.
Where are Body FX and Mini FX performed?
Dr. Hillelson and her medical staff perform each session at the Richmond, VA location of Hillelson-Whipple clinic. The in-office procedure takes between 30-60 minutes to perform and requires no downtime. Patients will visit the office-suites once
Dr. Hillelson, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Hillelson-Whipple Clinic
Ivy league-educated and board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Hillelson has been in practice for over 30 years. Hailed as one of the most accomplished and best plastic surgeons in the Eastern United States, the doctor specializes in plastic and well as reconstructive surgery for more extensive cases. Her practice offers both surgical and non-surgical treatment options that utilize the latest technology available in modern aesthetic medicine. In addition to her treatment menu, Dr. Hillelson helped develop a skin care line with her patients in mind.
Hillelson-Whipple clinic in Richmond, VA, is now accepting new patients. Dr. Hillelson can be reached through the office’s Contact Us form.