With non-invasive and non-surgical body contouring treatments becoming increasingly popular, there is one device that has received quite a bit of attention: SculpSure. It’s a device that can help get rid of stubborn fat pockets in different areas of the body. But SculpSure is not the first of its kind to try and remove excess fat from the body.
Still, there are certain aspects of this device that make it more unique, even when compared to another fat reduction method, namely CoolSculpting. Additionally, while it may work to sculpt your body to a certain extent, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s still a non-invasive procedure, so its results aren’t the same as liposuction’s.
In this guide, you’ll learn more about how SculpSure works, who it is for, its procedure, recovery, results, and cost so that you know better about this treatment if you’re considering getting it.
What Is SculpSure?
SculpSure is a body contouring device that uses a laser to get rid of subcutaneous fat (just underneath the skin) from different areas of the body, such as:
- Love handles
- Belly
- Chin
- Thighs
- Back
The device uses a 1060nm wavelength, which has a “special affinity for adipose tissue,” according to Cynosure, which is the manufacturer of the SculpSure device. However, they also note that it’s minimally absorbed by the dermis – the middle layer of the skin – so it doesn’t cause any damage to it.
The device itself works by heating up and then damaging the fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the lymphatic system of the body (it’s removed through urination). The process isn’t immediate, so you won’t see results right after.
Who Is A Good Candidate For SculpSure?
You might be considered a good candidate for SculpSure if:
- You have already achieved your ideal body weight.
- You are unable to lose stubborn fat through diet and exercise.
- You are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You are in good health.
It’s also very important to keep in mind that SculpSure is not a treatment for weight loss. It tones your existing frame by targeting small fatty areas.
And because SculpSure isn’t a surgical procedure, you need to have realistic expectations about the results. They’re going to be more subtle and not so dramatic.
For this reason, it’s best to discuss your aesthetic goals with your practitioner beforehand so they can prepare a suitable treatment plan for you. Moreover, if you’re experiencing any health issues, make sure to discuss them as well.
What Is The Procedure For SculpSure?
For the SculpSure procedure, your practitioner will begin by strapping you in a belt with applicators (rectangular frames) to which the machine will be attached. Depending on the areas under treatment, the practitioner will adjust the configuration of the applicators accordingly.
Once the treatment begins, you will feel a cooling sensation. However, the device will heat the fat cells between 42-47°C, so you will feel warmth – these sensations will alternate, and the entire treatment for one area will last for around 25 minutes.
It’s possible for you to experience prickly, tingling sensations in the area under treatment. However, generally, the treatment is said to be well tolerated. The device’s cooling system continuously makes sure that you remain comfortable.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From SculpSure?
SculpSure has zero downtime, which means that you can get back to work immediately after the treatment. You might even be allowed to exercise, although you should consult with your practitioner.
You can experience side effects for 2 weeks after the treatment, as noted on SculpSure’s website. These can include:
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Tissue firmness
If you have any lingering post-op issues or you feel that you’re not recovering normally, make sure to get in touch with your treatment provider. Other than that, during recovery, gentle massages and staying hydrated may be recommended.
How Painful Is SculpSure?
Even though SculpSure has a cooling effect, you can experience discernible discomfort. Some people tolerate it better than others but keep in mind that since the treatment is destroying the fat cells in your body, you can feel uncomfortable.
An individual’s sensitivity to pain can be unique to them. Therefore, if it is something that you’re concerned about, you should talk about this with your provider beforehand. And even if it becomes too much during the treatment, you should not hesitate to inform them.
Does SculpSure Actually Work?
The way SculpSure is designed, it really does work. It uses laser lipolysis to particularly target the fat cells in an area, heating and disrupting them. These fat cells are then permanently removed from the body as well. But bear in mind that its results can be quite subtle. It’s not for weight loss; it’s only for contouring a surface.
How Much Fat Do You Lose With SculpSure?
As per SculpSure, the treatment can destroy up to 24% of the fat cells in a target area with each 25-minute treatment. Usually, patients are recommended multiple sessions of this treatment, but their number can vary depending on their needs.
How Long Do The Results Of SculpSure Last?
Since the fat cells destroyed by SculpSure are eliminated from the body, the treatment should give you permanent results. As the process can take time, you won’t notice a difference right after.
You may be able to see the results of your SculpSure treatment as soon as 6 weeks, but the final results become visible after 12 weeks. You can maintain the results of this treatment by maintaining a stable weight and continuing to have a healthy lifestyle.
How Much Does SculpSure Cost?
In the UK, a single treatment session of SculpSure might cost you between £300 to £1,000. The prices can vary depending on the number of areas you’re getting treated and the area under treatment. It can also depend on the location of the facility where you’re getting this treatment, as well as the experience and qualifications of your provider.
Which Is Better: CoolSculpting or SculpSure?
SculpSure may have certain advantages over CoolSculpting in that it can be used to treat multiple areas in just one sitting. Additionally, SculpSure can be relatively more time-saving since its treatment session takes 25 minutes, whereas CoolSculpting can take 35 to 60 minutes.
With CoolSculpting, patients can also feel concerned about a rare complication of the treatment called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH). It is when there is a “delayed increase in adipose tissue” in the treated area, as per a study published in JAMA Dermatology. It may then require treatment through liposuction. It is said that it’s not an issue that you can experience with SculpSure, but, of course, you should ask your doctor about this.
CoolSculpting and SculpSure work in opposite, where one freezes fat to eliminate it, and the other heats it up to destroy it. Both are considered safe, but depending on your needs, your practitioner will advise you accordingly.
Conclusion
SculpSure is a popular treatment because it allows one to eliminate hard-to-get-rid-of fat through a non-invasive treatment. All you’ll have to do is lie down and let the machine do the work. But it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not for everyone, and its results are also not dramatic.
If you’re considering getting this treatment, make sure to do your homework to find someone who is experienced and qualified and can advise you based on your needs and aesthetic goals.
Reviewed and approved by Prof Dr Fuat Yuksel
FAQ
What are the lumps after SculpSure?
Lumps are considered an uncommon side effect of SculpSure. Some report experiencing them even for months after the treatment. Massages and hydration may be recommended, but it’s very important that you follow up with your doctor on this.
How many treatments of SculpSure do you need?
You may be recommended 2-3 treatment sessions of SculpSure. There may be an interval of 6-12 weeks between treatments. The total number of sessions you need will only be determined after your practitioner has assessed you.
Is SculpSure less expensive than CoolSculpting?
SculpSure may be less expensive than CoolSculpting. Where you may be able to get one session of SculpSure for around £300, CoolSculpting can be around £500. But since prices can vary depending on a number of factors, make sure to do your research.
Does SculpSure cause loose skin?
Anecdotally, it’s been suggested that SculpSure can help tighten the skin because the laser heats the skin up. However, the treatment is not for tightening the skin.
Is SculpSure better than liposuction?
If you’re looking for a non-surgical treatment to eliminate small amounts of fat, SculpSure can be considered worth it. However, if you need to get rid of a larger volume of fat with noticeable results, liposuction may be recommended to you.
What are the negatives of SculpSure?
SculpSure is generally considered safe, but you should still discuss the potential downsides of this treatment with your practitioner. In general, one of the bigger negatives of SculpSure can be its limited results, so you need to have realistic expectations about it.
