Combination treatments offer optimal outcomes for patients seeking fat reduction and body contouring procedures.
When a patient seeking body contouring or fat reduction comes in for a consultation, they usually have a specific procedure or device in mind. Many people hear about the benefits of liposuction, radiofrequency, muscle stimulation or other aesthetic procedures, then do a lot of research on their own and come into the office seeking that one specific treatment.
We are, of course, happy to serve them, but often it is beneficial to listen to the patient’s reasons for inquiring about the procedure and the desired results they are looking to achieve, and then determine how we can pair services to help them achieve these goals.
Explaining how procedures can be used in tandem to streamline, enhance and, in some cases, accelerate results, leads to the patient requesting to move forward with both services. This results in not only better results and a happier patient in the long run, but more cross referrals and better word of mouth for the office. It is a win/win.
Enhancing Liposuction
Our liposuction consultations always include discussion with the patient of the anatomical basis of their concerns. While someone with excess fat, strong underlying muscles and tight skin is the ideal liposuction candidate, we are often faced with good—but not ideal—candidates for the procedure. This is where supplemental, noninvasive procedures can help maximize their results.
One of the best supplemental treatments to liposuction is Emsculpt, which uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to help tone muscles. This helps patients with poor muscle definition achieve optimal aesthetic outcomes.
I often use the analogy of the tide going down. When the tide is up and the beach is covered, you can’t see what’s below. But when the tide goes down and the water recedes, then all the logs, rocks and shells are visible. The same is true for liposuction. It reveals what is below. Ideally, a tight and toned stomach.
For patients seeking nonsurgical solutions, we like to pair the Emsculpt and Emtone, a device which simultaneously emits both radiofrequency and targeted pressure energy to smooth dimples and release the fibrous bands of cellulite, or “Taut and Toned.” These are both noninvasive procedures with zero recovery time. The combination treatment is ideal for patients with cellulite who are also seeking better muscle tone. While Emsculpt tones the muscles, Emtone reduces the appearance of cellulite and smooths skin. Each on their own are great, but the way they enhance each other is unmistakable.
Continue reading the Digital Magazine for tips on patient selection, patient satisfaction and more…
David Shafer, MD, FACS, is a New York City-based board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue. He specializes in plastic surgery and noninvasive aesthetic medical procedures.
Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and media expert who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Combination treatments in body contouring involve using multiple procedures or devices together to optimize fat reduction and enhance overall aesthetic results. By pairing treatments, patients can achieve better, faster, and more comprehensive outcomes than with a single procedure alone.
While liposuction is effective for removing excess fat, some patients may not have ideal muscle tone or skin tightness. Combining liposuction with supplemental noninvasive treatments like Emsculpt can help tone muscles and improve the overall contour, leading to more satisfying aesthetic outcomes.
Emsculpt uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to tone and strengthen muscles, which enhances the results of liposuction by improving muscle definition. This is especially beneficial for patients with poor muscle tone who want a more sculpted appearance after fat removal.
Emtone is a noninvasive device that emits radiofrequency and targeted pressure energy to reduce cellulite and smooth the skin by releasing fibrous bands. When combined with Emsculpt, which tones muscles, the two treatments work synergistically to improve both muscle tone and skin texture without downtime.
Many combination treatments, such as pairing Emsculpt and Emtone, are noninvasive and involve zero recovery time. This makes them convenient options for patients seeking effective body contouring without surgery or downtime.
During consultations, doctors assess the patient’s anatomy, concerns, and desired results to recommend the most effective combination of procedures. This personalized approach ensures that treatments are tailored to maximize outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Ideal liposuction candidates typically have excess fat, strong underlying muscles, and tight skin. However, patients who do not meet all these criteria can still benefit from liposuction when combined with supplemental treatments to address muscle tone and skin quality.
Combining radiofrequency treatments like Emtone with muscle stimulation treatments like Emsculpt enhances both skin texture and muscle tone. This dual approach smooths cellulite and tightens skin while simultaneously building muscle, resulting in a more contoured and youthful appearance.
Yes, combination treatments often lead to superior aesthetic results, which increases patient satisfaction. Additionally, patients who experience enhanced outcomes are more likely to provide positive word of mouth and referrals, benefiting both the patient and the practice.
The combination treatments are developed and recommended by board-certified specialists such as Dr. David Shafer, a plastic surgeon, and Dr. Dendy Engelman, a dermatologist. Their expertise ensures safe, effective, and personalized treatment plans.
