Body contouring and firming is regular body care that focuses on one area you choose, such as the stomach, waist, hips, legs or arms, using body care devices and hand massage. With regular sessions, it supports a firmer, more toned look for that area.
Below we explain how the care works, what happens in a session, how many sessions are usually planned and what you can expect, so you know what you are choosing before you decide.
What is body contouring?
Body contouring is device-assisted body care for one area you choose, finished with hand massage. It is a beauty salon service that works on the skin from the outside, and it is not usually painful.
Body contouring or slimming: what is the difference?
Both terms come up when people search for this kind of care, but they do not mean the same thing. “Slimming” suggests losing weight, while body contouring at our salon is body care that supports a firmer, more toned look for the area you choose.
At the salon we care for the area regularly with a device and hand massage. We do not offer a programme designed to help you lose weight. For questions about weight and nutrition, we suggest speaking to your doctor or a dietitian.
Does body contouring work?
With the right expectations and regular sessions, body contouring gives the area you choose focused attention. As the sessions go on, the aim is a firmer, more toned and smoother look. The pleasant relaxation you may feel after a session is the enjoyable side of this care.
How noticeable the change is depends on your skin, your age, your daily routine and how regularly you come to your sessions. Every body responds differently, and we talk through what you can expect at your first consultation.
Does it replace exercise or a balanced diet?
This care does not replace exercise, a balanced diet or enough sleep, but complements them. Alongside them, it becomes regular time set aside to look after your body. Staying active and drinking enough water also help you enjoy the care more.
How does body contouring work?
Body contouring has two main parts: work on the area with a body care device, and hand massage. Together they give the area regular, focused attention.
Device-assisted care
We work with a body care device, choosing the head that suits the area. Depending on the head, you may feel one of the following during the session:
- A light pulling sensation: a head that works by gently pulling on the skin.
- Gentle warmth: a pleasant feeling of warmth in the area.
- Rhythmic vibration: a light, steady movement in the area.
Which head we use, and at what intensity, depends on the area and on your comfort. Before the session we explain what each head will feel like, and you are welcome to ask us anything.
Finishing with hand massage
After the device-assisted part, we give the area a calm hand massage. This is the most relaxing part of the session, and it rounds everything off.
What happens in a body contouring session?
Every session starts with a short conversation and preparation, continues with device-assisted care and hand massage, and ends with a body care cream applied to the area. Please allow about an hour, including the conversation and preparation. We ask how you are feeling throughout, and if anything is uncomfortable we adjust the intensity straight away.
How many sessions do you need, and how often?
The number of sessions varies from person to person. A programme usually runs at 1-2 sessions a week, with around 6-10 sessions in total. Once the programme is finished, you can carry on with less frequent sessions if you wish.
Because we plan and carry out every session to a personalised protocol, these ranges are only a general guide, and your timings and frequency may differ. At your first consultation we plan together what suits the area, your expectations and your diary. Partway through the programme we also talk about how you are feeling and update the plan if needed.
How do you prepare for a session, and what should you do afterwards?
Before a session, it helps to drink enough water, avoid a heavy meal and wear comfortable clothes. If the area is sunburnt or irritated, or you have recently had waxing or hair removal there, or used a hair removal cream, please tell us beforehand. For the first 24 hours afterwards, we suggest staying away from saunas, the hammam, very hot showers and intense exercise. We go through the first session and the aftercare step by step in our post on what to expect at your first body contouring session.
Who should check with us first?
In some situations it is better to postpone the session or to speak to your doctor first. If any of the following applies to you, please tell us before your appointment:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- A pacemaker, or any metal or electronic implant in the body
- A long-term condition, or medication you take regularly
- Recent surgery on the area
- An open wound, irritation or sensitivity on the area
- A high temperature, or a time when you are feeling unwell
We do not offer this service during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This list is a general guide and does not replace your doctor’s assessment. If you are unsure about anything, please ask us.
Frequently asked questions
Is body contouring a way to lose weight?
No. Body contouring and firming is body care for the area you choose, using a device and hand massage. For questions about weight and nutrition, we suggest speaking to your doctor or a dietitian.
Does it hurt?
It is not usually painful. Depending on the head we use, you may feel gentle warmth, a light pulling sensation or vibration. We always set the intensity to what is comfortable for you.
Can I carry on once the programme is finished?
Yes, if you like, you can carry on with less frequent sessions, and we plan that together around what you need. After the programme, your daily routine, how active you are and how you eat also play a large part in how your body feels.
Which areas can you work on?
We usually work on the stomach, waist, hips, legs and arms. At your first consultation we talk through which area matters most to you. If the “orange peel” look on the hips and legs is on your mind, our post on what causes cellulite may also help.
Let’s plan what suits you
With regular sessions, body contouring is focused care for the area you choose and calm time set aside to look after your body. At Parla Deniz Aesthetic your sessions are carried out by our expert team of qualified practitioners, who explain every step, look after your comfort throughout and make the plan together with you.
You can find the details of the care on our Body Contouring page. If you have questions, or would like to talk about a programme that suits you, message us; we would be glad to welcome you to our beauty salon in Nişantaşı, Istanbul.
