In towns and suburbs across the country, the secret to getting fit in the age of the “skinny shot” is no longer exclusive to the elite. With advances in body contouring and fat reduction, anyone can now enhance their appearance, regardless of where they are in their journey, says Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Jeffrey Antimarino, MD of Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa.
A New Approach to Fat Reduction
Body contouring has come a long way, offering a range of options for patients looking to refine their physique. From traditional procedures like liposuction and tummy tucks to newer, noninvasive fat reduction techniques, the field continues to evolve. Recently, medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have gained popularity for their remarkable weight-loss effects. “We’ve seen an uptick in patients using GLP-1 weight loss medications,” Dr. Antimarino notes. “We offer a program here as well.”
These injections help control appetite and promote weight loss, making them a helpful tool for those aiming to improve their health before undergoing body contouring. But they’re not just for the affluent. “It’s not just a tool for the wealthy,” emphasizes Dr. Antimarino. “Men and women nationwide are using these medications to look and feel their best.”
Traditional vs. Innovative Techniques: What’s Changing?
Understanding the latest advancements in body contouring requires comparing them to traditional methods. “Traditional liposuction hasn’t changed much,” Dr. Antimarino says. “Whether it’s straight liposuction, ultrasound-assisted, power-assisted, or laser-assisted, the technology has been reliable for over 15 years.”
That said, recent innovations offer more precise options for smaller, stubborn areas of fat. One such advancement is the Lipo AI device, a new addition to Dr. Antimarino’s practice. “Lipo AI is an Italian-designed device that uses a one-millimeter fiber optic cable and a small handpiece to target areas like the chin, upper arms, small parts of the abdomen and love handles, thighs and calves,” he explains.
This procedure is done in-office with just oral sedation and Pronox, allowing patients to go home the same day. “It’s more cost-effective than traditional liposuction, but it’s best for smaller areas that don’t require general anesthesia,” adds Dr. Antimarino.
The Impact of Weight Loss on Body Contouring Decisions
For patients who’ve experienced significant weight loss—whether through diet and exercise, surgery like gastric bypass or GLP-1 medications—stubborn pockets of fat often remain. “Patients lose fat in different ways, and some areas don’t respond to GLP-1s,” Dr. Antimarino explains. “That’s where alternatives like Lipo AI and nonsurgical techniques come in.”
One of the latest noninvasive methods Dr. Antimarino offers is Physiq 360. “The original Physiq used heat-based paddles to kill fat, but required multiple sessions to get results,” he says. “The new Physiq 360 penetrates 50% deeper and combines heat with electrical muscle stimulation.”
This is especially helpful for those worried about losing muscle mass, a common side effect of substantial weight loss. “With Physiq 360, we can stimulate muscle in the treated areas, which is essential for maintaining tone after weight loss,” he says.
Timing and Patient Suitability
A key factor for patients on a weight loss journey is knowing when to start considering body contouring. “The best time to consider it is when you’re within five to ten pounds of your goal weight or when you’ve plateaued,” advises Dr. Antimarino. “That’s when you can evaluate which areas need surgical or nonsurgical treatment.”
For those deciding between surgical and nonsurgical options, the choice depends on the size of the area and the patient’s goals. “If you’re addressing one or two small areas, minimally invasive or nonsurgical treatments like Lipo AI or Physiq360 might be enough,” explains the surgeon. “But for larger areas or multiple spots, surgery could be the better route.”
The Future of Body Contouring
As aesthetic surgery advances, the combination of new technologies and weight loss medications like GLP-1s is creating exciting possibilities. “The future of body contouring is about providing personalized options,” Dr. Antimarino says. “Whether it’s advanced surgical techniques, minimally invasive procedures, or medications like GLP-1s, we can help patients achieve their goals in a way that’s safe, effective and fits their lifestyle.”