Non-surgical body contouring : What’s effective, what’s not?
By Dr Gayathri Sivakumar
What Is Non-Surgical Body Contouring?
Non-surgical body contouring refers to non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures that reshape and define areas of the body without surgery. These treatments typically reduce fat, tighten skin, or tone muscles using advanced technologies like radiofrequency, laser, ultrasound, and electromagnetic energy.
But with so many choices, how do you know what’s worth your time and money? Below, we break down what’s effective and what’s not.
Most effective and trending body contouring treatments in Malaysia
1. Radiofrequency microneedling (RF) Treatments
Silkro RF microneedling- exclusive at Cantiq Clinic and Aessence clinic, first clinics in Malaysia to offer this FDA approved RF microneedling device with minimal downtime!
How It Works:
Silkro is a medical aesthetic device that utilizes RF (radiofrequency) microneedling technology for skin rejuvenation and body contouring. It works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin using fine needles, while simultaneously delivering RF energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This process leads to skin tightening, lifting, and overall revitalization while offering faster recovery and enhanced results.
Is It Effective?
Yes. RF microneedling has been shown to improve skin laxity, reduce fine lines, and tighten crepey skin on both the face and body. The precise control of RF energy and adjustable needle depth allows for personalized treatments tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Silkro's unparalleled volumetric heating provides maximum treatment efficacy, resulting in superior immediate and long-term improvements and collagen remodeling that continues for months after the last treatment.
Best For:
Stretch marks, loose skin on arms/thighs, post-weight loss tightening.
Silkro RF Microneedling tightens skin and improves texture using advanced RF energy.
2. HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
Liftera HIFU is a popular energy based device, used for skin tightening, lifting and contouring facial features without the need of surgery.
How It Works:
This innovative medical grade technology delivers focused ultrasound energy into the SMAS layer, which is targeted in surgical facelifts. Liftera HIFU treatments employ a cutting-edge method known as Thermal Diffusion Treatment™ (TDT), which is unique to the Liftera system. This technique utilises controlled thermal energy to heat collagen fibres within the dermal layer, employing rapid irradiation and focused ultrasound at a swift 10 Hz speed. This process efficiently diffuses heat deeply into the skin’s layers, fostering significant collagen renewal and tissue tightening without the invasiveness typically associated with traditional methods. For the body, it lifts, tightens, and reduces localized fat by stimulating deep collagen regeneration.
Best For:
Double chin, jawline, upper arms, lower belly.
Is It Effective?
Yes. Liftera is known for its precision and non-invasive lifting results, especially for delicate or difficult areas.
Liftera HIFU lifts and tightens by reaching deep tissue layers — no surgery required.
3. Lasya Trinity Liftoning
Trinity Liftoning the next generation laser with instant lifting, with no downtime, exclusive at Cantiq clinic only.
How It Works:
Trinity Liftoning is primarily known for facial lifting and skin tightening, it can also contribute to body contouring by improving skin elasticity and texture, which can help with overall body sculpting. It uses a powerful diode laser with three wavelengths to penetrate the skin at different depths. This allows precise targeting of fat layers, stimulation of collagen, and improvement of skin firmness, all using laser energy alone.
- 755nm: Targets superficial fat layers and improves skin texture.
- 808nm: Penetrates deeper to treat moderate fat accumulation.
- 1064nm: Reaches deeper adipose tissues for more dramatic contouring and tightening effects.
Why It’s Effective:
- Non-invasive and completely pain-free.
- Enhances skin tone, tightness, and body shape.
- Ideal for clients seeking firming and contouring with no discomfort or recovery time.
Best For:
Abdomen, arms, thighs, postpartum belly.
4. Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing)
Cryolipolysis uses precise cold temperatures to target and destroy fat cells beneath the skin. Once crystallized, these fat cells undergo apoptosis (natural cell death), and are gradually removed by your lymphatic system over the next few weeks. Unlike other treatments, cryolipolysis doesn’t require heat, needles, or suction.
Why It’s Effective:
- Clinically proven to reduce up to 25% fat in treated areas after just one session.
- FDA-cleared and widely studied with long-term results.
- Once fat cells are removed, they do not return.
Best For:
Stubborn bulges on abdomen, arms, thighs, flanks.
Cryolipolysis freezes fat cells to help reshape the body permanently.
🚫 Treatments That Fall Short
Not all contouring treatments live up to their claims. Some lack strong clinical support or produce only temporary effects.
- Body Wraps: Mostly water weight loss, which results disappear in days.
- Standalone Ultrasound Cavitation (without RF or Laser): Minor inch loss; results fade quickly.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Some studies show minimal fat reduction, but results are not consistent or long-lasting.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to non-surgical body shaping, technology matters. Treatments like, Silkro RF Microneedling, Liftera HIFU, Lasya Trinity Liftoning and Cryolipolysis strong clinical backing and real-world results.
At Cantiq Clinic, we combine expert consultation with the latest tech to deliver custom treatment plans tailored to your body goals.
