BodyFX by InMode is an FDA-cleared body-contouring and cellulite treatment. It uses radiofrequency energy, deep-tissue heating, and light vacuum suction to melt fat cells. The heat also provides some skin tightening benefits.
The technology can be used for fat reduction anywhere on the body, but the most commonly treated body areas are the tummy, hips, thighs, flanks (aka love handles), and back.Â
Some providers also offer Mini BodyFX, which can treat smaller fat deposits in areas like the upper arms and under the chin.
Pros
Cons
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
As with any thermal device, burns and scarring are a risk, though they're relatively rare.
Although both noninvasive body-contouring treatments target fatty deposits, BodyFX and CoolSculpting use very different technologies: BodyFX uses radiofrequency to melt fat cells, while CoolSculpting induces cell death via freezing.Â
Both treatments kill fat cells, but only BodyFX also promotes new collagen production (via heat) and reduces the appearance of cellulite (via suction).Â
Both treatments can provide some mild skin tightening benefits, but that's not their primary purpose.Â
For CoolSculpting, two to three treatment sessions are usually recommended, while BodyFX often requires six to eight.
Studies show that CoolSculpting results in an average fat loss of 25% in the treated area over four to six months, while BodyFX produces a 39.6% reduction, on average, after three months.
Related: CoolSculpting vs. Emsculpt: What’s The Difference?
Updated July 20, 2023