BodyFX: What You Need to Know

Pros

• BodyFX is considered a permanent fat reduction solution (when you maintain your results with a healthy diet and exercise).
• RealSelf members give BodyFX a 96% Worth It Rating, with most positive reviews citing its body contouring benefits. 
• It tightens skin as it melts body fat, so patients with mild to moderate skin laxity are less likely to have sagging after fat loss.
• It's a quick, safe, and typically comfortable treatment. 
• The device's handpieces allow your provider to customize your treatment. Smaller areas on the body, like the neck or knees, can be treated with the MiniFX handpiece.
• BodyFX can be less expensive than other noninvasive fat reduction treatments. It’s also significantly less expensive than liposuction (though don't expect your results to be comparable), and it has the advantage of mild skin tightening.

Cons

• Doctors recommend a series of six to eight weekly BodyFX treatments for optimal results. So while each treatment session is quick, it's still a commitment. 
• As with most nonsurgical body contouring procedures, it takes three to six months for your lymphatic system to process the dead cells, so you'll have to be patient to see your results. 
• While most people find the procedure tolerable, some RealSelf members have reported severe nerve pain, with lingering discomfort in the treated area for up to two days afterward.
• It's not a weight loss treatment, and not everyone is a good candidate.
• This non-surgical alternative to lipo won't boast the same significant fat reduction results as liposuction.
• RealSelf members who said it was Not Worth It saw no results (or said they looked worse).

• Average Cost:
• $950

• Range:
• $200 - $2,250

Your BodyFx cost will depend on many factors, including how many areas you have treated and the number of sessions you have, as well as your provider’s experience level and location. 

Many providers and med spas offer promotions and discounts, especially if you purchase a package.

The BodyFX photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Six to eight weekly treatment sessions are recommended for optimal body shaping and cellulite reduction results. 

Each BodyFX treatment is relatively quick—10 minutes for each six-by-six-inch treatment area. Before you start, alert your provider to any open wounds, active infections, bruises, or sunburned areas to avoid.

Your provider will apply a handpiece that uses negative pressure suction to isolate the fatty tissue. You'll feel warmth from the radiofrequency energy and a gentle pulling sensation, similar to a deep tissue massage. For smaller areas, they'll use a small handpiece that's often called MiniFX.

Once the tissue is heated, the handpiece delivers controlled energy pulses that kill fat cells. Most patients find the feeling uncomfortable but tolerable, although some RealSelf members say they experienced intense shooting pains during this part of the procedure. If you're especially sensitive to the pulses, you can ask your provider to turn down the treatment intensity, though that will have an impact on your results.

Afterward, you won't need downtime, though you can expect redness in the treated area for a day or two (one RealSelf member said it looked like she had hickeys from the suction).

Drinking plenty of water before and after treatment can help your body metabolize and eliminate the dead fat cells.

Related: How to Speed Up Your Lymphatic System Post Body Contouring

You can expect to see optimal results between three and six months after your last treatment.

Skin tightening results take about the same amount of time to develop, since they're dependent on gradual collagen remodeling.

In clinical trials, the average patient saw a 68% reduction in the appearance of cellulite and a circumferential reduction of 3.58 centimeters in the treated area. Just be aware that changes in body contour don't necessarily mean you'll lose weight: this is more sculpting than significant fat loss. 

See BodyFX before and after photos.

BodyFX treatments permanently destroy fat cells, but you'll need to exercise regularly and stick to a healthy diet to keep up your fat reduction results, since remaining fat cells in the area can expand with weight gain. 

Cellulite treatment results are usually temporary, since the fibrous bands that cause dimples are only relaxed. You can expect to need annual maintenance treatments for cellulite.

BodyFX is considered safe in the hands of licensed medical providers. Your skin temperature is monitored throughout the procedure, to help ensure safety and maximum comfort. 

As with any thermal device, burns and scarring are a risk, though they're relatively rare.