In the last decade, a new field has emerged in the world of aesthetics – one where clients seek more than just facial services from their skin care providers. More and more clients are wanting body services, such as noninvasive treatments to promote the breakdown of adipose tissue that eventually translates to weight loss. For those who dare to go a step further and undergo cosmetic surgeries, they may even desire post-operative, noninvasive body treatments as well. 

This has caused great controversy since, in multiple states, adipose tissue reduction and post-operative treatments are not within the aesthetician’s scope of practice. This is due to their novelty in the industry, and the fact that the manipulation of adipose tissue might be considered a more medical practice.

SCOPE THIS

The controversy began because there are multiple body treatments designed to break down and reduce body fat that are not medical, such as wood therapy, manual reductive techniques, and some aesthetics equipment. These treatments are in high demand, and currently, multiple states have been evaluating whether they should formally be a part of the aesthetician’s scope of practice to ensure that professionals receive the education and complete information necessary to practice these services. 

The body contouring industry has grown exponentially in recent years, with more aestheticians in the United States offering body and post-operative care. In fact, many doctors already approve of this type of post-care to improve their patients’ results and to speed up their recovery. Although post-operative treatments are still relatively new and controversial, their acceptance is increasing for these reasons.  

BODY TALK

 Body treatments are typically noninvasive techniques that utilize tools, aesthetics equipment, and various products and procedures with the primary purpose of breaking down adipose tissue through different technologies. These include ice therapy, infrared sauna, and the use of frequencies like cavitation or microcurrent, to name a few.

Body contouring treatments’ main objective is to accelerate fat burning or calories to promote the breakdown of fat cells while activating the lymphatic system to detox the body. Three to ten consecutive treatments can leave clients with impressive results, causing great popularity and growth in the beauty industry. The speed and appearance of the results depends on technique, protocol, the viscosity of the adipose tissue, and so on. 

EASING THE AFTERMATH

 After cosmetic surgery, the body undergoes multiple changes, and recovery can be complicated and painful. The surgery type will decide what post-operative protocol should be used. While the primary purpose of post-operative sessions is to accelerate the healing process, they can also eliminate bruising, prevent fibrosis, eliminate fluid secretion, and reduce pain. Other techniques such as ultrasound, a compression garment, supplements, and other topical products have also become popular for post-operative care.

 Aestheticians and other skin professionals empower individuals to embrace confidence, embodying the perfect blend of art and science in the pursuit of beauty and well-being. In the last decade, they have become true experts in skin care, and many have also mastered the art of body sculpting with noninvasive treatments. As they stride into the future, these dedicated professionals not only enhance the beauty of their clients’ skin but also craft enviable silhouettes through a repertoire of safe and innovative techniques.