Is Body Contouring Safe? Here’s What You Need to Know

Body sculpting methods have evolved far beyond traditional liposuction. Modern devices give providers the ability to reduce pockets of fat, firm loose skin, and refine muscle tone without a scalpel. Still, safety is the question most patients raise first.

Below you’ll find an in-depth look at the two leading treatments offered by Hera Skin and Wellness, plus practical guidance to help you decide whether they fit your goals.

The Safety Landscape of Today’s Body Contouring

The latest generation of body contouring technology relies on carefully calibrated energy to target stubborn adipose tissue and spur collagen renewal.

Examples are non-invasive procedures that utilize electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) or radiofrequency (RF). These treatments are non-invasive, which greatly lowers the risk of infection, scarring, or anesthesia complications.

Key safety advantages:

Temperature sensors and real-time monitoring that shut the device off if tissue warms past therapeutic thresholds.
Built-in impedance checks that stop current flow when a pad isn’t making perfect skin contact.
FDA clearance earned through clinical trials that measure both efficacy and adverse-event rates.

Because procedures are energy-based rather than surgical, side effects are typically minimal. These are usually limited to temporary redness, mild swelling, or muscle soreness that resolves within days.

Evolve Tone: Active EMS for Targeted Fat Reduction Treatments

Evolve Tone works by sending painless EMS currents through applicator paddles placed on the treatment zone. Each 30-minute session triggers thousands of supramaximal contractions—far more intense than a workout—prompting muscle fibers to grow stronger and helping the body metabolize overlying fat cells.

How does it promote results?

Muscle conditioning: Repeated contractions signal your body to strengthen the muscle bed, which in turn tightens the area visually.
Localized lipolysis: Greater metabolic demand encourages surrounding fat cells to release stored triglycerides.
Improved circulation: EMS boosts local blood flow, aiding nutrient delivery and recovery.

Treatment areas: Abdomen, flanks, buttocks, thighs, and arms.

Comfort & downtime: Patients feel rhythmic “twitches” but no pain; you may return to work or exercise immediately.

Safety profile: No heat is delivered, so there’s no danger of burns. The device automatically adjusts the current if the resistance rises, keeping the session within safe parameters.

Ideal candidate: Healthy adults already near goal weight yet frustrated by localized bulges or poor muscle definition.

Morpheus8 Body: RF Microneedling for Skin Tightening Treatments and Contour Refinement

Morpheus8 Body pairs fractionated RF with gold-plated needles that penetrate up to 7 mm. This is deeper than the facial versions of the device. As such, Morpheus8 body is effective in remodeling adipose tissue and tightening lax skin.

Mechanisms of action

Tissue coagulation: RF energy heats the fatty layer to ~42–45 °C, causing adipocyte apoptosis without harming the skin surface.
Collagen and elastin synthesis: Controlled micro-injuries plus heat activate fibroblasts, which thicken and firm the dermis over time.
Textural renewal: Needle channels improve crepey skin, stretch marks, and post-pregnancy laxity.

Treatment areas: Abdomen, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, bra rolls, and even the submental region.

Comfort & downtime: A topical anesthetic keeps discomfort low; most people resume daily life within 24-48 hours. Expect pinpoint scabbing that flakes away in a week.

Safety profile: Built-in impedance feedback and color-blind RF technology make the treatment safe across skin tones. Providers tailor needle depth and energy to each zone to avoid over-treatment.

Ideal candidate: Anyone with mild-to-moderate skin laxity, cellulite, or uneven texture who wishes to avoid surgery.

Comparing the Two Devices: Body Shaping Without Surgery Made Personal

Feature	Evolve Tone	Morpheus8 Body
Primary goal	Muscle toning and metabolic non-surgical fat loss	Deep skin tightening treatments and subdermal fat sculpting
Sensation	Intense muscle contractions	Warmth plus light pressure “stamping”
Downtime	None	24-48 hours of mild redness/scabbing
Sessions	4-6 weekly	1-3 spaced 4-6 weeks apart
Best for	Firming a soft core, lifting glutes, carving arm lines	Smoothing lax postpartum skin, shrinking bra rolls, evening texture
Combination Use	Can follow Morpheus8 Body once skin has healed to enhance muscle definition	Can precede Evolve Tone to tighten overlying skin before toning

Are You a Good Candidate for Non-Invasive Shaping?

You’re likely to benefit if you:

Maintain a stable weight within 15 lb of your ideal.
Have realistic expectations about gradual progress rather than overnight change.
Can commit to several visits and healthy habits (balanced diet, consistent movement).
Do not have metal implants, active infections, or uncontrolled medical conditions in the treatment zone.

A consultation with Hera’s team will include body composition analysis, skin elasticity assessment, and a review of your medication list to rule out contraindications.

Expected Results and Longevity

Evolve Tone

Visible toning often appears by session 3–4 as muscles hypertrophy. Fat reduction is subtle but accumulates after each appointment. Results hold for 6–12 months, or longer if you prioritize strength training and protein-rich meals.

Morpheus8 Body

Skin feels firmer within four weeks, with peak tightening at three to six months as new collagen matures. Fat remodeling reduces bulges gradually over the same window. Longevity spans two years or more. However, natural aging will continue, which means annual touch-ups can preserve smoothness.

Keeping Your Investment Intact

Hydrate well: Collagen synthesis and lymphatic drainage both depend on adequate water intake.
Balanced diet: Lean proteins, colorful produce, and limited processed sugar support muscle fiber and skin quality.
Regular workouts: Strength and high-intensity intervals maintain toned contours.
Sun protection: UV damage breaks down collagen; daily SPF delays skin laxity.
Follow-up visits: Quick maintenance sessions can refresh results before regression is noticeable.

Hera Skin and Wellness: The Destination for Body Contouring in Portsmouth, NH

Located just minutes from downtown, Hera Skin and Wellness is a boutique medical spa devoted to non-invasive aesthetics. Alongside injectables, laser resurfacing, and medical-grade skincare, we offer both Evolve Tone and Morpheus8 Body—the region’s most advanced duo for safe fat reduction treatments.

Why clients choose Hera:

Experienced providers: Licensed clinicians stay current on peer-reviewed protocols and hands-on device training.
Transparent consultations: Every plan begins with a full health review, realistic goal-setting, and clear discussion of costs and expectations.
Patient-centered care: Appointments are paced to your comfort, and after-care check-ins ensure any concerns are addressed quickly.
Whole-body philosophy: Nutritional guidance, post-treatment massage, and skin-health programs support enduring results.

Get the Shape You Want – Schedule Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is body contouring painful?

Most clients experience mild discomfort or warmth, but treatments are generally well-tolerated.

How soon will I see results from Evolve Tone or Morpheus8 Body?

Visible improvements typically begin within a few weeks, with optimal results seen after multiple sessions.

Can I return to work after my treatment?

Yes, both procedures involve minimal downtime, so most people resume normal activities the same day.

Are the results from body contouring permanent?

Results can last several months to years with healthy habits, though maintenance treatments may be recommended.

Is body contouring suitable for weight loss?

No, body contouring targets localized fat and skin laxity, not overall weight reduction.