If you’re looking to reshape stubborn areas that won’t respond to diet and exercise, you’re not alone. Many people in Bal Harbour struggle with pockets of fat that just won’t budge, no matter how many hours they spend at the gym or how carefully they eat. The good news? Modern body contouring treatments can target these areas without surgery, downtime, or the risks that come with invasive procedures.
At Manhattan Laser Spa, we specialize in advanced body contouring solutions that help you achieve the shape you want using FDA-approved technology. Our medical spa combines clinical expertise with a comfortable, luxurious environment where you can feel confident about your treatment journey.
Body contouring is a collection of non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments designed to reduce fat, tighten skin, and improve your body’s shape. Unlike traditional liposuction, these procedures don’t require incisions, anesthesia, or significant recovery time.
The treatments work by targeting fat cells in specific areas using various technologies like cryolipolysis (fat freezing), radio frequency energy, ultrasonic cavitation, or laser systems. Once the fat cells are destroyed or reduced, your body naturally eliminates them over the following weeks and months.
Here’s what makes body contouring different from weight loss: you’re not losing pounds on the scale. You’re losing inches in targeted spots. Think of it as sculpting and refining your shape rather than overall weight reduction.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Body Contouring?Body contouring works best for people who are already at or near their goal weight but have stubborn fat deposits that won’t respond to traditional methods. These are the areas most people complain about: love handles, lower belly pouch, inner thighs, upper arms, or that annoying bra line bulge.
You might be a great candidate if you:
It’s worth noting that body contouring isn’t a weight loss solution for people who are significantly overweight. These treatments target specific problem areas, not overall body weight. If you’re unsure whether you’re a good fit, we offer free consultations at our Bal Harbour location where we can assess your goals and recommend the best approach.
Every body is different, which is why we offer multiple treatment options. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which technology makes the most sense for your specific concerns and goals.
CoolSculpting & Cryolipolysis
This popular treatment uses controlled cooling to freeze fat cells without damaging surrounding tissue. The process, called cryolipolysis, causes fat cells to crystallize and die. Over the next 8-12 weeks, your body naturally processes and eliminates these dead cells.
Most people see a 20-25% reduction in fat in the treated area after one session. Some areas may need multiple treatments for optimal results. There’s no downtime, though you might experience some numbness, redness, or mild discomfort for a few days.
Radio Frequency Body Treatments
Radio frequency energy heats the deeper layers of your skin, which does two things: it breaks down fat cells and stimulates collagen production. This makes it excellent for both fat reduction and skin tightening.
This treatment is particularly effective if you have mild to moderate skin laxity along with stubborn fat. You’ll feel warmth during the procedure, but it’s generally comfortable. Many clients in Surfside and Aventura choose this option because there’s zero downtime and you can return to your normal activities immediately.
Ultrasound Cavitation
This technique uses ultrasonic waves to create pressure changes in fat cells, causing them to break apart. The liquefied fat is then naturally eliminated through your lymphatic system.
Ultrasound cavitation works well for the abdomen, thighs, and flanks. Most treatment plans involve 6-12 sessions spaced about a week apart. You’ll need to stay well-hydrated after each session to help your body flush out the fat.
EMSculpt & Muscle Toning
Here’s something different: EMSculpt doesn’t just reduce fat. It also builds muscle. The treatment uses high-intensity electromagnetic energy to trigger thousands of muscle contractions in a short period, something you couldn’t achieve through regular exercise.
This is ideal if you want both fat reduction and muscle definition. Popular treatment areas include the abdomen, buttocks, arms, and thighs. Each session takes about 30 minutes, and most people need 4-6 treatments for best results.
Laser Liposuction
For those who want more dramatic results but still want to avoid traditional surgery, laser liposuction offers a middle ground. It’s minimally invasive, using tiny incisions and laser energy to liquefy fat before it’s gently removed.
You’ll need some local anesthesia, but you can typically go home the same day. Recovery is much faster than traditional liposuction, though you’ll still need to wear a compression garment and take it easy for a few days.
What Areas Can Be Treated?Body contouring treatments can address almost any area where you carry stubborn fat. Here are the most common spots we treat at Manhattan Laser Spa:
Abdomen and waistline: The lower belly pouch, upper abdomen, and love handles are top concerns for many clients from Bal Harbour Shops area and Miami Beach.
Thighs: Both inner and outer thighs can be treated. Inner thigh fat is particularly stubborn and responds well to these treatments.
Arms: Upper arm fat, sometimes called “bat wings,” is a common concern, especially as we age.
Back and bra line: That roll of fat above or below your bra line can be frustrating. Body contouring can smooth these areas significantly.
Chin and neck: A double chin or neck fullness can make you look heavier than you are. Targeted treatments can create a more defined jawline.
Buttocks: You can reduce fat in the buttocks or, with treatments like EMSculpt, actually lift and shape this area for a non-surgical Brazilian butt lift effect.
Flanks: The sides of your torso, often called “muffin top,” respond particularly well to fat freezing and radio frequency treatments.
Your journey starts with a consultation. We’ll talk about your goals, examine the areas you want to treat, and take measurements and photos. This helps us track your progress and show you real results.
We’ll discuss which treatment option makes the most sense for you based on your body type, the amount of fat you want to reduce, and whether skin tightening is also a concern. We’ll also give you a realistic timeline for results and how many sessions you might need.
On treatment day, you’ll relax in our comfortable treatment room. Depending on the technology we’re using, sessions typically last 30-60 minutes per area. Most treatments are surprisingly comfortable. You might feel cooling, warming, tingling, or muscle contractions, but nothing painful.
There’s little to no downtime with most body contouring procedures. You can drive yourself home and return to work the same day. Some people experience temporary redness, swelling, numbness, or tenderness in the treated area, but these effects usually resolve within a few days.
Results don’t appear overnight. Your body needs time to process and eliminate the destroyed fat cells. Most people start seeing changes within 3-4 weeks, with full results visible at 8-12 weeks. Some treatments, like ultrasound cavitation, show faster results because you’re doing multiple sessions close together.
How Long Do Results Last?Here’s the great news: when fat cells are destroyed through body contouring, they’re gone for good. Your body doesn’t create new fat cells in adulthood. However, this doesn’t mean you can abandon healthy habits.
The remaining fat cells in your body can still expand if you gain weight. If you maintain a stable weight through reasonable diet and exercise, your results can last for years. Most of our clients from Golden Beach and Sunny Isles Beach find that seeing their new shape actually motivates them to maintain healthier habits.
Think of body contouring as a jumpstart or refinement to your fitness journey, not a replacement for healthy living.
People often wonder how body contouring compares to surgical liposuction. Both have their place, and the right choice depends on your specific situation.
Traditional liposuction removes more fat in a single session and provides more dramatic results. It’s still the gold standard if you have larger volumes of fat to remove or significant skin laxity that needs addressing.
However, liposuction requires anesthesia, incisions, and downtime. You’ll need someone to drive you home, and recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks before you feel normal again. There are also surgical risks to consider, including infection, scarring, and anesthesia complications.
Non-surgical body contouring works gradually and provides more subtle results per session. You might need multiple treatments, but there’s virtually no downtime or risk. You can have a treatment on your lunch break and go back to work. For many busy professionals in the Bal Harbour Village area, this convenience is invaluable.
The best approach? Come in for a consultation. We can honestly assess whether non-surgical options will give you the results you want, or if you might be better served by surgical consultation.
Combining Treatments for Better ResultsOne of the advantages of working with an experienced medical spa is that we can create a customized treatment plan that combines different technologies.
For example, you might benefit from CoolSculpting to reduce fat in your abdomen, followed by radio frequency treatments to tighten the skin in that same area. Or you could do EMSculpt to build muscle definition while simultaneously reducing fat.
We also often recommend cellulite reduction treatments alongside body contouring, since many people dealing with stubborn fat also want to smooth the skin’s texture. Combining treatments can give you more comprehensive results than any single technology alone.
Many moms struggle with changes to their bodies after pregnancy. Even with diet and exercise, some areas just don’t bounce back. The lower belly pouch, separated abdominal muscles, and stretched skin are common concerns.
Non-surgical body contouring can be part of a “mommy makeover” approach without the surgery. EMSculpt can help with muscle tone in the abdomen, while fat freezing or radio frequency treatments address stubborn fat deposits. Skin tightening treatments can improve mild to moderate looseness.
You should wait until you’re done breastfeeding and have reached a stable weight before pursuing body contouring treatments. We recommend waiting at least 6 months after delivery, though many women wait a year or more.
Why Choose Manhattan Laser Spa for Body Contouring in Bal Harbour?Choosing where to have body contouring treatments matters. You want experienced professionals, proven technology, and a facility that puts your safety and results first.
Our medical spa operates under the oversight of board-certified medical professionals who understand both the science and artistry of body sculpting. Our practitioners are certified aesthetic specialists who receive ongoing training in the latest techniques and technologies.
We use only FDA-approved, medical-grade equipment. This isn’t the same technology you might find at a budget spa or wellness center. Our devices are manufactured by industry leaders and maintained to strict safety standards.
Every treatment plan is customized to your body and goals. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. What works for someone else might not be right for you, and we take the time to understand your unique concerns.
We’re transparent about pricing, realistic about results, and honest about what body contouring can and can’t do. You’ll never feel pressured or sold something you don’t need.
Our location serves clients throughout the Bal Harbour area, including those from Surfside, Bay Harbor Islands, Aventura, North Miami Beach, and Indian Creek Village. We’re conveniently located near Bal Harbour Shops and easily accessible from Collins Avenue.
Body contouring costs vary depending on which treatments you choose, how many areas you want to address, and how many sessions you need. During your consultation, we’ll provide transparent pricing for your customized treatment plan.
Most body contouring treatments range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars per session. While this might seem like a significant investment, consider it against the cost of ongoing gym memberships, specialized fitness programs, or the expense and risk of surgical procedures.
We offer financing options to make treatments more accessible. Many clients choose to spread payments over several months, making it easier to fit body contouring into their budget.
It’s worth noting that body contouring is typically considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. However, the physical and emotional benefits many people experience make it a worthwhile investment in themselves.
Most body contouring treatments require minimal preparation. We’ll give you specific instructions based on which procedure you’re having, but here are some general guidelines:
Stay well-hydrated in the days before and after treatment. This helps your lymphatic system process and eliminate fat cells more efficiently.
Avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen for a few days before treatment if possible, as these can interfere with your body’s natural response to the procedure.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment. You’ll want to be comfortable during treatment and afterward.
Eat a light meal before your session. Don’t come on an empty stomach, but don’t have a huge meal right before either.
If you’re treating your abdomen, avoid foods that cause bloating on treatment day. You want accurate measurements and the best possible results.
Following your treatment, there are steps you can take to maximize your results:
Drink plenty of water. This is especially important with ultrasound cavitation and other treatments that rely on your lymphatic system to flush out fat. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses daily for the first few weeks.
Maintain light physical activity. You don’t need to hit the gym hard, but gentle walking and movement help stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Follow any specific aftercare instructions we provide. This might include massage, wearing compression garments, or avoiding certain activities.
Eat a balanced diet. This isn’t the time to go on a crash diet or overindulge. Stable, healthy eating habits support your results.
Be patient. Results take time to develop. Don’t judge the outcome by how you look the day after treatment.
Consider lymphatic drainage massage. Some clients find that professional massage helps reduce swelling and speeds up the elimination of fat cells.
This depends on your goals and which treatment you choose. CoolSculpting often shows good results with 1-2 sessions per area, though some people do more. EMSculpt typically requires 4-6 sessions. Ultrasound cavitation usually involves 6-12 treatments. Radio frequency treatments vary but often need 6-8 sessions. During your consultation, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and give you a realistic expectation of the number of sessions required.
Most body contouring treatments are surprisingly comfortable. CoolSculpting causes intense cold sensation for the first few minutes, then the area becomes numb. Radio frequency feels like a hot stone massage. EMSculpt causes strong muscle contractions that feel intense but aren’t painful. Ultrasound cavitation typically just feels warm. Most clients read, work on their phones, or even nap during treatments. Any discomfort afterward is usually mild and short-lived.
Body contouring works best if you’re already at or near your goal weight. These treatments target specific areas of stubborn fat, not overall weight loss. If you have 50+ pounds to lose, you’ll get better results by losing weight first through diet and exercise, then using body contouring to address remaining problem areas. We’re happy to discuss a timeline that makes sense for your situation during your consultation.
Body contouring primarily reduces fat, though some technologies also provide mild skin tightening as a secondary benefit. Skin tightening treatments focus on improving skin laxity, texture, and firmness without necessarily addressing fat. Many people benefit from combining both types of treatments. If you have stubborn fat plus loose skin, we can create a plan that addresses both concerns for more comprehensive results.
Body contouring is generally very safe, especially compared to surgical options. Common temporary side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, numbness, tingling, or tenderness in the treated area. These typically resolve within a few days to weeks. Serious complications are rare with FDA-approved devices operated by trained professionals. During your consultation, we’ll discuss any specific risks related to the treatment option you choose and your medical history.
Results appear gradually as your body processes and eliminates the destroyed fat cells. Most people notice initial changes within 3-4 weeks, with continued improvement over the next 2-3 months. Full results typically appear at the 8-12 week mark. Some treatments like ultrasound cavitation may show faster results because you’re doing multiple sessions close together. We’ll take before photos and measurements so you can track your progress accurately.
The fat cells destroyed during treatment are permanently eliminated. Your body doesn’t create new fat cells in adulthood. However, your remaining fat cells can expand if you gain significant weight. Most clients find that maintaining a stable weight through reasonable diet and exercise preserves their results for years. Think of body contouring as giving you a head start, not a free pass to abandon healthy habits.
If you’re tired of struggling with stubborn fat that won’t respond to your best efforts, body contouring might be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Manhattan Laser Spa, we’re committed to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals safely and effectively.
Our team serves clients throughout Bal Harbour, FL, and the surrounding communities including Miami Beach, Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. We’re conveniently located near the Biscayne Bay waterfront and Bal Harbour Shops.
We offer complimentary consultations where we can discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan. There’s no pressure and no obligation. Just honest advice from experienced professionals who care about your results.
Contact Manhattan Laser Spa today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward the body you want. You deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.
