Skin tightening, cellulite reduction and body contouring - 3D-lipo

Product Summary

As of early 2016, the 3D-lipo system is available in over 200 clinics throughout the UK.

With the various device models also used across the world, in places like Australia, Greece, Brazil and Sweden.

The 3D brand, which distribute 3D-lipo, was the vision of Roy Cowley, drawing on his decades of experience in the beauty industry.

The 3D-lipo system combines hand pieces for cryolipolysis, radiofrequency, cavitation, dermology and shockwave therapy and can be used separately or in combination treatments on the face and body to achieve skin tightening, cellulite reduction and body contouring, with each person offered a bespoke service to target their needs and concerns.

It is often marketed as a non-surgical alternative to liposuction.

Technical Specifications

There are different models of 3D-lipo systems available. All are aimed at non-surgical fat removal, cellulite reduction and skin tightening and come with differing treatment options. They are as follows:

• 3D-lipo+

The original machine. 

Cryolipolysis & Cryoelectrophoresis

1 mode of Galvanic Current, 7 modes of Faradic Current. Cryo Temperature -5°C.

Medium and Large cryolipolysis hand pieces depending on the size of the area being treated

Cavitation

Frequency: 32Khz +10%, Power: Max 200W

Transducer: 2 Flat and 2 Focus, Max Treat Area: 60cm²

Radiofrequency (RF)

4 Pixel Tripolar for the Face and 6 Pixel Tripolar for the Body.

RF Frequency: 10Mhz, RF Max Power: 50W

Dermology

Power Vacuum: Max 800mbar

• 3D-lipomed

Launched in 2014.

The same specification as the 3D-lipo+ model but with improved dermology thanks to an automated vacuum roller with integrated radiofrequency in the same hand piece.

It also has a duo cryolipolysis function so two areas can be treated simultaneously in the treatment session, such as both thighs at once, in order to save time.

• 3D-lipomed V2

The next generation lipomed system introduced in 2016. 

In this model the 3D dermology with integrated RF hand piece is replaced with a Shockwave therapy hand piece used to target cellulite and the cryolipolysis hand piece is replaced with a HIFU one which stands for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, which is used for targeted fat removal.

How Does it Work?

The 3D-lipo machines offer five different methods of fat reduction and improvement of skin appearance, with bespoke services being offered to suit a person’s individual needs.

Cryolipolysis

In a process that utilises the completely unique combination of electro and cryo therapy, there will be a 20-40% reduction in the fat cells of the treatment area, which will die and dissolve over the months following treatment, to reveal the new body shape. It works via a targeted super cooling applicator that takes the temperature of the treatment area down to -6ºC, which freezes the fat cells to a point where they cannot survive (1). This kills the fat cells under the skin, without affecting any other type of cells.

Cavitation (Ultrasound)

Cavitation allows for a large area to be treated in a shorter period of time thanks to the four transducers that are used. It is a non-invasive way of body sculpting, by treating deep cellulite and reducing fat in localised areas. 

Using low frequency ultrasound, bubbles are created in the liquid in the fat cells. These bubbles implode once they grow to a certain size and the heat and pressure energy that is released, causes the destruction of the fat cells. No other types of cells are affected and the broken down fat cells are re-purposed by the body or excreted.

Radiofrequency (RF)

Radiofrequency energy is directed to a target area to improve the appearance of cellulite and to tighten skin. The radiofrequency energy heats the layer of skin which contains the collagen fibres, causing these fibres to contract, as well as increasing the production of new collagen and elastin. This will tighten the skin for a smoother more youthful appearance. The 3D-lipo system comes with options for RF skin tightening on both the face and body.

Dermology

Dermology improves the appearance of skin with cellulite reduction by combining a roller and vacuum action. This works by increasing the blood supply and lymph circulation.

The later 3D-lipomed model combines this modality with in-built radiofrequency. 

Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Shockwave therapy works by applying radial shockwaves which stimulate the breakdown of fat and increase lymphatic drainage and collagen synthesis (production). This is available on the newest 3D-lipomed V2 model.

Radiofrequency and dermology are often combined to target cellulite, whilst cryolipolysis (fat freezing) or cavitation (ultrasound) are used for fat reduction and inch loss in an area.

License Status

European CE Mark certified medical device.

Should Be Used By

The 3D-lipo system should only be operated by trained aesthetic professionals, be they medical professionals such as doctors or nurses as well as aesthetic or beauty therapists. This treatment is often performed by trained aestheticians in medically-led clinics.

The manufacturer notes that with each system a clinic purchases the company offers free training throughout the first 12 months of ownership, so each user should be fully trained. Don’t be afraid to ask about your practitioner’s level of training before going ahead with any treatments.

What is it Used to Treat?

The 3D-lipo machine range offers non-surgical fat removal for men and women, as well as the treatment of cellulite and body skin tightening (such as post childbirth tummies). Modalities can be used separately or in a combined treatment approach, depending on your specific concerns. It can be used on the abdomen, flanks, back, inner and outer thighs and buttocks, as well as on the upper arms and under the neck, around the jawline. Addressing areas of concern often referred to as love handles, saddle bags, muffin tops, turkey neck and bingo wings.

How Long does it Last?

There is no reason why the results seen from a 3D-lipo procedure shouldn’t be permanent if the recommended treatment regime is followed. Weight gain or hormonal factors could affect long term results so you are advised to adopt an appropriate diet and lifestyle plan after your treatment programme ends. You will not be required to follow a specific exercise regime during or after your treatment however.

You may be advised to have top-up treatments on an annual basis to maintain the results.

Side Effects & Risks

As the treatment is non-surgical, the recovery time is much shorter than more invasive fat removal treatments.

You should be able to return to your normal activities almost immediately following treatment. Some individuals might experience a little redness, bruising and discomfort in the treatment area, both during and after treatment, as well as possible tingling and numbness. All these minor symptoms will be very short lived, leading to a quick, full recovery.

Not to be Used In

As with most cosmetic procedures it should not be used in women who are pregnant or breast feeding, or on any areas of skin that are affected by wounds or injury.

Those with pacemakers or metal implants within their body may not be suitable for treatment.

A full medical history should be taken before treatment and if you have any concerns about your suitability you should consult a doctor before undergoing any treatment.

Treatment Regime

Depending on the specific hand pieces used in a treatment, each session of 3D-lipo lasts between anything from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, and the treatment regime depends of the targeted treatment, the hand pieces used and the desired results. Some people have achieved their desired results after one treatment, particularly with cryolipolysis, others may have up to 6-8 treatments, to get the preferred amount of fat loss or cellulite reduction using cavitation, RF and dermology. With most methods, one area is treated at a time, with one week between treatment sessions.

Cost of Treatment

The price of treatment depends on the modalities used in the treatment, the number of treatment areas, and the desired result following treatment which will dictate the number of sessions required.

Treatment session prices can therefore range from £100 to £300+, with discounts often given on the session cost for a programme of six treatments where required. Cryolipolysis treatments generally start from £300.

Clinical Results

Positive results from treatment will be seen after the first session and over the following few months as the body metabolises the destroyed fat cells and new collagen formation occurs to tighten skin. Better results in fat reduction and skin tightening will be seen with each additional treatment. Fat cells will continue to be flushed out of the body, up to 6 months following treatment.

Before and after photographs are real patients, your results may differ.

Before and after 8 sessions of Radio Frequency at the Renatus Clinic, Rugby.

Before and after 4 sessions of Cavitation at The Beauty Rooms, Doncaster.

Images provided by 3D Lipo.

References
1. Manstein, D. et al. (2008) Selective cryolysis: A novel method of non-invasive fat removal.  Lasers in Surgery and Medicine  Vol 40(9): 595-604