What’s the difference between invasive and non-invasive body contouring?

Body contouring procedures have gained popularity in recent years, with many people looking to make adjustments and reshape their bodies. Liposuction was once the go-to surgical procedure, but the rise in Botox and dermal fillers inspired the development of non-invasive medical techniques. Non-invasive procedures yield excellent results minus the downtime or pain you would experience from invasive procedures. If you want to eliminate stubborn body fat, you no longer need to settle for procedures that hurt — you now have the choice between invasive and non-invasive procedures. 

With many different non-invasive medical techniques today, sometimes it’s difficult to know exactly what’s right for you and your body. Luckily, we’re here to help! In this helpful blog, we’ll compare the pros and cons of invasive and non-invasive procedures.

This is our ultimate cheat sheet for the difference between invasive and non-invasive procedures so that you can feel confident about your body!

Invasive Procedures

Invasive body contouring refers to any procedure that involves breaking the skin, usually through a small incision. These procedures are seen as more traditional forms of plastic surgery and have a higher risk of leaving a scar.

Invasive procedures typically involve the use of general anaesthesia. Surgeons make incisions to access the targeted area, remove excess fat or skin and reposition tissues as needed. Invasive treatments tend to have a significantly longer recovery time with a high probability of side effects, including bruising, swelling and pain. 

Moreover, invasive procedures can carry certain risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring and adverse reactions to anaesthesia. Recovery can be longer, with the need for post-operative care, and there may be a risk of more significant complications.

Overall, invasive treatments have the potential to offer longer-lasting results. However, the side effects are a large part of the procedure, meaning aftercare is a huge priority.

Non-Invasive Procedures

Non-invasive body contouring is any treatment that does not break or pierce the skin, meaning it results in less recovery time, does not generally involve any anaesthetic and will not leave a scar. The non-invasive definition, simply put, is a body contouring treatment that does not involve surgery and is performed externally. 

At Elite Body Contouring, we offer a range of non-invasive treatments from cryo-lipolysis fat freezing to LIPOcel body sculpting, HIFU non-surgical facelifts, HIFU body skin tightening, RF skin tightening, cellulite reduction, StimSure muscle stimulation and more. We use medically designed and clinically tested technologies to reduce fat, tighten the skin and contour the body, depending on the type of treatment you choose.

Non-invasive procedures have gained popularity in recent years since they have few side effects and are relatively simple. These procedures use various technologies to target and reduce fat cells or stimulate collagen production. They are typically applied to the skin’s surface and work by heating, cooling or disrupting fat cells without damaging surrounding tissues.

With non-invasive procedures, you can expect minimal discomfort, minimal downtime and fewer risks than with invasive procedures. 

This great article from GQ demonstrates the procedures and impact that can occur from our LIPOcel treatment and how it can help you with your body goals.

Ultimately, it’s about choosing the right option for you and your body, so make sure you take the time, research and find out what’s best for you!

What Are The Key Differences Between Invasive and Non-Invasive Body Contouring?

If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to pursue invasive or non-invasive procedures, let’s recap the pros and cons of each:

• Treatment Approach

Invasive procedures involve surgery, while non-invasive procedures are performed externally without incisions and generally without anaesthesia.

• Results

Invasive procedures often yield more dramatic and immediate results, particularly for significant fat removal or skin tightening. Non-invasive procedures will show some immediate results but gradually show the full extent of effects. You may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired outcome.

• Recovery Time

Invasive procedures generally require extended recovery periods, with potential discomfort and limited physical activities. Non-invasive procedures typically have no downtime, allowing individuals to resume their daily routines immediately.

• Cost

Invasive procedures tend to be more expensive due to surgical fees, anaesthesia and hospital or facility charges. Non-invasive procedures are generally more affordable, although costs can vary depending on the sessions required.

• Risks and Complications

Invasive procedures carry higher risks and potential complications, such as infection, scarring or adverse reactions to anaesthesia. Non-invasive procedures have fewer risks, but you may experience temporary side effects like redness, swelling or bruising.

How To Choose the Right Body Contouring Procedure for You

• Assess Your Goals and Expectations

Consider your desired outcomes and the extent of body sculpting or fat reduction you seek. 

• Consult with a Qualified Clinician

Schedule a free consultation with our experienced, qualified clinicians at Elite Body Contouring, who can assess your unique needs and recommend suitable options. Our friendly staff will take the time to get to know you and understand your body goals from the get-go. They will discuss any concerns you may have regarding your treatment and advise you on what to expect from treatment cost to the length of treatment, aftercare and any follow-up treatments you may require. 

• Consider Budget and Lifestyle Factors

After your free consultation, you can take some time to evaluate the cost, recovery time and any lifestyle restrictions associated with each procedure to determine what aligns best with your budget and daily routine. You can explore our client results to see our patients’ before and after treatment photos for yourself and understand firsthand why our patients keep coming back for more treatments. 

Book a free consultation with Elite Body Contouring to Discuss Your Treatment Options

When it comes to body contouring, understanding the differences between non-invasive and invasive procedures is critical to help you make the right decision. With the help of our experienced clinicians, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your expectations and overall well-being. Our staff will create a customised treatment plan to suit your specific needs — we don’t take a one size fits all approach. Elite Body Contouring also offers free body consultation sessions to help you understand more about your options and how to achieve the best treatment results. 

Our experienced team of clinicians is not interested in taking any shortcuts for our clients. Our main priority is ensuring you understand all your treatment options to make the most informed decision that ticks all your boxes. We only use award-winning technology with clinically proven results to help you reduce stubborn areas resistant to diet and exercise. So what are you waiting for? Make a booking at your local clinic today.