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Fat layers and muscles

Fat layers and muscles

Fat-reduction treatments target the subcutaneous fat between the skin and the muscle. Muscle devices target the muscle under that fat. Fat inside the abdomen, deep to the muscles, is not a target.

Devices and injections

Layer by layer

What each treatment targets

1. Superficial fat (above Scarpa fascia)

The fat layer just under the skin. On CT scans of 69 women, it averaged 19 mm at the mid abdomen and 22 mm in the lower abdomen. Cryolipolysis reduced the superficial fat layer in the pig studies that preceded human use.[1][2]

2. Deep fat (below Scarpa fascia)

Scarpa fascia separates the superficial fat from a deeper fat layer. On the same CT scans, the deep layer averaged 14 mm at the mid abdomen and 5 mm in the lower abdomen. truSculpt biopsies showed fat cell death from just under the dermis to about 1.5 cm below the skin.[1][2]

3. Fat inside the abdomen (visceral fat)

Fat deep to the abdominal muscles lies around the organs. Applicators work from the skin surface, and ASPS lists fat inside the abdomen as a reason not to have laser lipolysis.[1]

4. Submental fat (under the chin)

Kybella is injected into the pre-platysmal fat, the fat between the dermis and the platysma muscle. Injections stay away from the platysma, the marginal mandibular nerve, salivary glands and lymph nodes. CoolSculpting was cleared for the submental area in 2015.[1][2]

5. Rectus abdominis and abdominal wall muscles

HIFEM devices contract the abdominal muscles. In a 22-patient MRI study, rectus abdominis thickness rose 15.4% and the gap between the two rectus muscles narrowed 10.4% at 2 months. A systematic review states early muscle gains likely reflect swelling after exercise.[1][2]

6. Buttock, thigh and arm muscles

Emsculpt studies also treated the buttocks (4 studies), thighs (3) and arms or calves (1). The Evolve Tone applicator is cleared for electrical muscle stimulation.[1][2]