There is a new body contouring device available that provides patients a way to get rid of their belly without going under the knife. Similar to Zeltiq, Zerona, and Vaser Shape, the Exilis is completely non-invasive but differs by using radio frequency (RF) energy to break up fat and tighten the skin. It's FDA approved in the US for non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and rhytids but many physicians are seeing that it's useful for body contouring as well. Kathie Lee Gifford has been having treatments with Exilis under the care of New York City dermatologist Dr. Patricia Wexler. Gifford has discussed her treatments on The Today Show this week where there will be a big reveal on Friday.
"The Exilis is a monopolar radio frequency device that allows for both tissue tightening and body shaping," says Dr. Sue Ellen Cox, a dermatologist in North Carolina. She says that this single device allows for multiple levels of penetration into the skin to deliver different results, and you can even go deep enough to affect the subcutaneous fat layer, the fat just under the skin.
Actual Exilis Results
Photos courtesy of BTL Industries
According to Dr. Cox, there is a cooling device on a specific hand piece used for body shaping and it cools the skin allowing the RF energy to go deeper, without causing the patient pain. "Normally you can only go 2-4 millimeters with most of the bipolar radio frequency devices. Exilis allows you to go much deeper and see up to 2.5 cm reduction of fat. It's very quick compared to other devices on the market for body contouring," she says.
Patients can expect to see results after only 2-3 treatments, but final results will be about 3 weeks following the final treatment. 4-6 sessions are needed at about 7-14 days apart. It can be used on any part of the body from the knees to the elbows.
Actual Before & After Exilis Photos
Photos courtesy of BTL Industries
Dr. Cox says that with a good diet and exercise program, a patient can expect to maintain their results for a long time. "For body contouring, if the person maintains good life style changes and doesn't gain weight and they exercise, reducing the fat one time should be sufficient." Many patients will need follow up, especially those undergoing skin tightening.
"An ideal candidate is somebody who does not want an invasive procedure," describes Dr. Cox. "This is completely non-invasive and this is not painful. I've had three sessions done and the feeling is of a deep heat but never to the point of pain. Those with small localized areas and small pockets of fat are going to be better patient candidates for it." Dr. Cox cautions that patients need to have realistic expectations and that the results from Exilis are not the same as a patient could expect from liposuction.
Actual Body Contouring Results with Exilis
Photos courtesy of BTL Industries
