Heat-Based Body Contouring

"Heat-based" is a label that covers more than one device. This article looks at what the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery says about radiofrequency, and marks where the label goes further than that. For the category, see the American Society of Plastic Surgeons page on nonsurgical fat reduction.

Radiofrequency, in the society's words

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery states that radiofrequency delivers controlled energy to excess fat areas, creating heat deep within fat cells and subsequently destroying them.

Flat heat-based contouring applicators belted across a woman's lower abdomen

What is backed, partly backed and not backed

Backed: the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery describes radiofrequency as creating heat within fat cells and destroying them.
Partly backed: "heat-based contouring" as a single label. The passage used here covers radiofrequency only, so the label is backed for that method alone.
Not backed: any claim about laser devices, session counts or visible results. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery passage used here says none of this.

The FDA page on non-invasive body contouring technologies is the next document to check for any device you are quoted.

What to ask for in writing

Whether the device uses radiofrequency, laser or something else.
The source document for the result claims on the quote.
The body site the device is intended for.

Reading the label fairly

The label holds up for radiofrequency as described by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Everything past that needs its own source. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery overview of non-invasive body contouring treatments and the American Academy of Dermatology page on what to expect from non-invasive fat removal are the two to read before you decide in New Canaan.