The Journal
Written by: GALDERMA | Published On: November 14, 2025
Sculpted Without Surgery: The Rise of Non-Invasive Body Contouring
Non-surgical fat reduction and muscle toning technologies are growing in popularity, but what type is best for you?
Overview
What is body contouring? In essence, non invasive fat reduction body contouring procedures use heating or cooling devices or an injectable liquid solution to reduce stubborn fat cells. These non invasive treatments are often the best solution for fat reduction and often provide options for patients unwilling or unable to undergo body contouring surgery (such as liposuction). Among the non invasive procedures that comprise fat reduction technologies are cryolipolysis (e.g.,
CoolSculpting), injection lipolysis (e.g., Kybella), radiofrequency lipolysis (e.g., Vanquish), non invasive laser lipolysis (e.g., SculpSure treatment). All of these are outpatient treatments for excess fat removal. Muscle toning devices (e.g., CoolTone, EmSculpt, truSculpt Flex) improve muscle tone by inducing muscle contractions using electric current.
Following these body contouring treatments, it is key to incorporate products that will enhance the appearance of the skin and body post-procedure. When used in conjunction with a body contouring procedure, the unique formulation of the Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology® can help improve the look of skin laxity, texture and crepiness.
Benefits of Non Surgical Body Contouring Treatment:
- Addresses pockets of excess fat on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, chin, or love handles that are resistant to diet or exercise.
- Supports additional muscle tone and strength to supplement workouts and body conditioning.
Examples of a Body Contour Surgical Procedure (invasive procedure):
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
- Thigh Lift
- Mommy Makeover (Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift)
- Traditional Liposuction
- Arm Lift
- Buttock Lift (Brazilian butt lift)
These procedures are considered cosmetic surgery and preformed by a surgeon to result in dramatic weight loss and less loose skin.
How Different Types Of Non-Invasive Targeted Fat Reduction Body Contouring Work
Many cosmetic procedure options exist for non invasive excess fat removal, skin tightening and muscle toning including:
Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis is a fat freezing treatment that is a noninvasive technology that uses extreme cold to permanently destroy stubborn fat cells through the process of apoptosis and help reduce the appearance of a fat pocket. A cupped device is placed on the skin in the area to be treated. The targeted area of excess stubborn fat deposits is suctioned up into the cup where low temperatures through controlled cooling gently freeze unwanted fat cells, destroying them, and allowing them to then be broken down and removed from the body.
What to expect: In most cases you should see a reduction in body fat within 3-6 weeks if the Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment is used, or 6-8 weeks if the Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment is not used. Final results may not occur until 6 months after your treatment
Laser Fat Reduction
Laser fat reduction works by destroying fat using controlled heat. A paddle type device is placed on the skin overlying the excess fat to heat fatty tissues below the skin surface to the point where fat cells begin to break down and are removed from the body over a period of time.
Ultrasound Fat Reduction
Ultrasound fat reduction uses high focused sonic waves targeting fat cells without damaging surrounding tissue during the non invasive treatment. It breaks down the wall of the fat cell, allowing the fat contents to be released then broken down and removed from the body.
Deoxycholic Acid
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps break down fat for digestion. In an injectable form, deoxycholic acid injected into the unwanted fat accumulation can break down fat cells on contact for isolated reduction of a fat pocket. Currently, Kybella is the only FDA approved injectable for this indication
Muscle Stimulation
HIFEM (High Intensity Focused Electo-Magnetic) or MMS (Magnetic Muscle Stimulation) technologies can improve muscle tone by inducing muscle contractions using electric current. These technologies are designed to directly stimulate muscles (such as abdominal muscles) through electrode pads placed on skin over targeted areas and directing energy impulses stimulating full muscle contractions. The body responds to these involuntary contractions resulting in strengthening the targeted muscle fibers resulting in more defined muscles.
Complement Body Sculpting Results With the Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment
The Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology® accelerates results from body sculpting procedures, improves the appearance of skin texture, laxity, and crepiness post-procedure or as a daily body treatment. In addition, it supports the production of new, healthy elastin and collagen.
Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology® in conjunction with Cryolipolysis
