Should You Ditch Your Shapewear?

Many of those who want to look slimmer under their clothes rely on the temporary fix that a shapewear provides. If this is the same for you, it is likely that you’ve experienced how uncomfortable it can be to get in and out of this garment. This is especially true if you wear it too tight or for extended periods. 

Approaching shapewears the right way

While shapewears today are nothing like Victorian-era corsets, they can still be misused and cause physical problems. There is nothing wrong with wearing them, but it is best to be wise about your choices and use them in moderation. Here are some tips on wearing them properly:

• Get the right size.
• Don’t wear them for long periods.
• Don’t sleep in them.
• Avoid daily use.
• Clean your shapers properly.

Avoiding mistakes and drawbacks

Although an extremely tight shapewear will not dislocate or permanently damage your organs, it creates a squeezing effect. This could compress digestive tract, leading to bloating, gassiness, and acid reflux. In addition, tightness could restrict blood flow to the lower legs, leading to pain and numbness in the area. 

This is why it is not ideal to wear shapewear if you have urinary stress continence or any other related condition. This is because the pressure it puts on your digestive tract can worsen incontinence issues and other bladder problems.

One sign that your shapewear is too tight or not of the right size is that it leaves a mark on your skin. Marks and skin irritation could occur if you wear the garment too long and have sensitive skin. If this happens to you, it might be a good idea to take a break from wearing them. You can also try a larger size or buy another brand.

When you’re considering ditching your shapewear

When worn properly, shapewear poses no health problems. If you, however, want a more permanent solution that does not involve wearing a garment underneath, a fat freezing treatment like CoolSculpting is worth considering. Here are some important things to know about this nonsurgical fat reduction treatment.

The basics: CoolSculpting is US FDA-approved treatment that can target stubborn fats and kill fat cells. It uses Cryolipolysis or controlled cooling technology, exposing the fat cells to freezing temperatures. It can target problem areas in the belly, thighs, arms, and chin, and smaller fat areas like bra and knee fat.

The procedure: It works by suctioning the fat bulges using applicators of different sizes. These deliver direct cooling to the areas, which then freezes the fat cells to the point of natural elimination. The treated fat cells are then cleared through the lymphatic system and processed as waste in the liver.

The results: Some report seeing results as early as three weeks after the first session. However, significant results can be seen within 60 to 90 days (or once the body metabolizes the fat cells). Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is the key to achieving long-term stable results.

Number of treatments needed: It usually takes several treatments to reach optimal results, but this can still depend on the area of concern. Do take note that undergoing multiple treatments means that more fat cells will be eliminated and you’ll achieve better results.

Pain and safety: Fat freezing treatments may cause a bit of discomfort, but this still depends on every patient. However, this is often experienced during the first few minutes of the procedure. CoolSculpting also has safety mechanisms built in it to detect if the skin is getting too cold. If it’s found to be too cold, it shuts off automatically.

Side effects: You may experience soreness and tenderness for a few days, but you can return to your normal activities after the procedure. Other side effects include minor redness, swelling, and bruising, but these are temporary and will resolve completely after a few days.

Ideal candidates: Good candidates are those who are within their ideal weight but can’t get rid of stubborn fat through diet and exercise. It can help remove pockets of fat, without the risk and pain related to surgery. Just take note: while CoolSculpting can kill fat cells, it is not a weight loss treatment.

Schedule a Body Assessment and Consultation

Shapewear does wonder, especially in making your body appear slimmer and going down a dress size. But if you’re looking to ditch your shaper but still want to look and feel good in your favorite clothes, consider CoolSculpting. 

Contact Cutis Laser Clinics today and schedule a body assessment and consultation with our aesthetic doctors, to find out if this fat freezing procedure suits you.