Body Contouring & Targeted Fat Reduction
When Diet and Exercise Aren’t Enough
Exercise and good nutrition can't always address stubborn pockets of fat. A double chin. A softened jawline. Lower abdominal fullness. These areas and others are often influenced by genetics and hormones more than lifestyle choices, making them highly resistant to change through behavior alone.
Non-surgical body contouring provides a medical solution to refine specific areas and achieve your desired shape. Rather than being an overall weight-loss remedy, treatments target localized fat to enhance definition. We typically use one of two approaches—energy-based therapy or injectables—to eliminate fat cells.
Supporting Structure for Lasting Definition
We often pair body contouring with structural support or skin-tightening therapies to prevent laxity and ensure contours remain well-defined as fat decreases. Each dermatologist-led plan considers your anatomy and goals, prioritizing balance and proportions that harmonize with your overall physique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is non-surgical body contouring, and how does it work?
Often referred to as body sculpting, non-surgical body contouring is an in-office treatment that reduces localized fat or refines contours, with no incisions or anesthesia. These treatments use either targeted energy technologies or injectable therapies to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) or chemically dissolve fat. After treatment, the body naturally eliminates these fat cells over time.
Which areas can be treated with targeted fat reduction?
On the face, we commonly treat the submental region ("double chin"), jawline, and lower cheeks. Other areas include the lower abdomen, flanks ("love handles"), and the spots where the lower buttocks meet the upper thighs ("banana rolls"). Customized treatment plans typically focus on contour refinement and structural support rather than large-scale fat removal.
Is body contouring a weight-loss treatment?
No. Body contouring does not aid in overall weight loss or help manage obesity. The treatment is a refinement tool, commonly for people with a stable, healthy weight or those who are near the end of achieving their weight loss goals. Body contouring is a "spot treatment" targeting fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.
What treatments are used for chin and jawline contouring?
We commonly use injectable fat-dissolving agents to reduce chin fullness and enhance jawline definition. For smaller, more delicate areas, we may use energy-based therapies to target fat cells. In some cases, we may complement these treatments with skin-tightening technologies and structural solutions such as dermal fillers to ensure a well-defined jawline.
How are abdominal and gluteal contouring treatments different?
Lower abdominal treatments typically focus on reducing stubborn fat to flatten the profile. In some cases, abdominal procedures are paired with skin-tightening technologies to address laxity. Gluteal contouring typically focuses on improving skin quality and enhancing shape rather than removing fat. Gluteal treatments may include dermal fillers or biostimulators to add volume and smooth contours, creating a more sculpted appearance.
How many treatments are typically needed, and when will I see results?
With fat reduction, most patients require 2 to 4 sessions spaced several weeks apart. Initial changes typically appear within 4 to 6 weeks, with more dramatic results visible at 3 months. With skin tightening and collagen production, improvements appear gradually over several months as the body’s natural renewal processes take effect.
Are the results permanent, and what is the downtime?
The fat cells eliminated during treatment are gone permanently. As remaining fat cells can expand, maintaining a stable weight after treatment is essential in preserving results. Downtime is typically minimal, with temporary swelling or tenderness in the treated areas. Most patients return to daily activities immediately following the session.
Get in touch!
Contact Us
Location
9323 Pinecroft Dr, Ste 202
The Woodlands, TX 77380
© Copyright 2026 Rêve Dermatology and Aesthetics | Accessibility