SculpSure for the abdomen in London

The abdomen was cleared for SculpSure in the US in 2015, weeks after the flanks, with its own trial: 35 people, the fat layer 11.5% thinner on ultrasound at twelve weeks after one treatment. The 1060 nm laser applicators are fitted over the bulge on a belt, up to four at once, and a cycle runs 25 minutes, with normal activities straight away. Every treatment is led by Dr Marie Duggan, GMC 7488383, at Sculpsure Clinic, 8 Devonshire Place, London, W1G 6HP, with the price in writing at a free consultation.

What it does on the abdomen

The laser heats the fat layer under the skin to the temperature at which fat cells break down, with contact cooling on the skin throughout. The body clears the cells over the following weeks, so the bulge reduces by a measured fraction of its fat layer. It does not tighten loose skin or repair separated abdominal muscles, and it is not weight loss; the US clearance sets a BMI of 30 or less for the body. For a large bulge liposuction does what no applicator does, and in our practice the doctor says so where it is the better route.

What the study measured

Thirty-five people, the trial behind the 2015 clearance: the fat layer 11.5% thinner at twelve weeks on ultrasound after one treatment, with satisfaction across the body trials of 83 to 98%, which are the maker's studies. The abdomen and flanks page sets out the flank trials beside it.

The session and after

The applicators fitted over the bulge, the cycle of 25 minutes, hot with cooling running throughout and the energy adjusted with you. Red and warm afterwards, then tenderness, swelling or a firm feeling for one to three weeks, with normal activities throughout. The result shows from about six weeks and is best at about twelve, when we photograph the area in our practice. The side effects page has the other risks.

Who it suits

In our practice, an adult close to the weight they want with a stubborn bulge on the abdomen, a BMI of 30 or less, and the patience for a result that shows over weeks. Your clinician checks your suitability at the consultation, including pregnancy, a hernia, skin conditions, medicines and previous surgery in the area. The full guide covers the rest.