We all want to hit the beach looking trim, taut and terrific this year - but what about the body blips that exercise forgot? Body contouring may offer a solution.

Even the most disciplined gym-goer will typically have little pockets of fat they just can't budge, despite repeated step classes and sit-ups. Thankfully there are options out there to help us banish that muffin top for good.

Liposuction is generally considered the gold standard in dealing with unwanted fatty deposits and sculpting a more pleasing body shape. However, advancements in body contouring technologies offer a variety of non-surgical options to remove body fat and create a more shapely form - sans the invasive procedure and lengthy down time.

The best candidates are usually those with small to medium localised fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise, rather than those seeking large-volume fat removal. For optimal results you should be in good health with skin that has sufficient elasticity.

There are several methods used to break down fatty deposits. These include body contouring treatments that use targeted ultrasound frequency waves or radiofrequency energy to destroy fat cells while leaving surrounding tissue, nerves, skin and blood vessels unaffected. In both processes, the broken down fat cells are dispersed and processed through the body's vascular and lymphatic systems and eliminated naturally.

A world-recognised body contouring and cellulite treatment is Endermologie, distributed by Aussie Medi Tech. The latest generation of Endermologie treatments uses motorised rollers, enabling it to reach the targeted fat tissue and stimulate fat breakdown faster and more effectively. The rollers have unique ways of grasping tissues for highly targeted results, such as slimming (fat release), firming, smoothing and resculpting.

‘Endermologie's body contouring systems treat connective tissue and stimulate vascular circulation, lymphatic drainage and detoxification - resulting in smoother, more toned skin,' says Jim Norman from Aussie Medi Tech.

Body contours are re-shaped and overall skin quality is increased - so loose skin, cellulite and even excess fluid can be significantly improved.

As with any cosmetic procedure, it is imperative you choose an experienced practitioner and have realistic expectations of the results. While non-surgical body contouring can deliver significant results, it should be noted that, like liposuction, it is not a solution for weight loss or a treatment for obesity.

This type procedure typically does not require anaesthesia or sedation and is usually performed in an in-office setting, so there is normally minimal down time and discomfort and complications are rare.

All body sculpting methods work best in conjunction with a healthy diet and an effective exercise regime. ‘When used as part of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise utilising equipment such the Power Plate can help to improve muscle strength and tone and even reduce the appearance of cellulite and body fat,' says Sue Cohen from BodyRev, distributor of The Power Plate.
‘The Power Plate works by transferring vibrations to muscles, which naturally activates reflexive muscle contractions. Different poses are held on the vibrating platform, activating multiple muscle groups simultaneously and enabling you to target problem areas.'

With the latest advancements in body contouring technology, you should be hitting the beach with confidence in no time.

Bella Beauty Magazine #16