T-SHAPE 2

Pros

• T-Shape 2 is a noninvasive, comfortable treatment, often described as a warm massage. 
• It requires no downtime, so you can resume your normal activities immediately post-treatment.
• Nonsurgical treatment options like this one are much more affordable than cosmetic surgery. 
• A clinical study (funded by the manufacturer) showed a measurable increase in muscle tissue to fat ratio; fat reduction, including reduced abdominal circumference and volume; and increased abdominal muscle thickness.
• Reducing excess fat and firming skin can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. 
• In addition to the aesthetic benefits, the micro-vibrational massage can help relieve minor muscle pain.

Cons

• As with other nonsurgical options, this isn’t a one-and-done treatment: most patients need 6–12 treatment sessions, twice a week, for optimal results. Ask your provider up-front how many sessions they think you’ll need, and if they offer special package pricing.
• Results aren’t permanent, so you’ll need follow-up treatments about 4 times a year to maintain them.
• While this treatment is widely available in the EU, it’s very new in the U.S. It may be a challenge to find a practice near you that offers it.

RealSelf Tip: Like other nonsurgical treatment options, this one won’t deliver the same kind of result you’d get from surgical skin tightening, liposuction, or a cellulite treatment like subcision. Realistic expectations are key.

You may be a good candidate if you’re looking to enhance the benefits you get from a healthy lifestyle and diet. If you have moderate to severe skin laxity or excess fat, your provider may recommend a more invasive procedure.

Here’s what to expect during your first T-Shape 2 appointment.

• You’ll begin with a personal consultation to discuss your goals and concerns, so your provider can personalize your treatment plan.
• When it’s time to begin, you’ll lay down, and your provider will apply the T-Shape 2 handpieces (four in all) to the targeted areas. 
• The RF and LLLT energy may cause a warming sensation, and the vacuum suction may gently pull, but the procedure is generally described as comfortable. Alert your provider if you feel any discomfort.

Each session lasts 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and number of treated areas. 

Afterward, downtime is minimal. Most people return to their daily activities immediately after each session.

You may notice some mild improvements in firmness after the first session, but you’ll need at least three treatments to start seeing a visible difference. As we mentioned above, 6 to 12 biweekly treatment sessions are typically recommended for best results. 

The T-Shape 2 device has a “checkup system” that allows patients to see the improvements in cellulite reduction from session to session, and from the first to the final session. So, you should be able to see your progress as you go through the treatment process.

A clinical study sponsored by the manufacturer showed that the T-Shape 2 reduces localized fat deposits and improves skin firmness, which can help lessen the appearance of cellulite. 

During the study, 20 women ages 18–60 with localized abdominal fat had 10 bi-weekly T-Shape 2 treatments. Participants didn’t alter their diet or exercise habits during the study. 

The study reports that after completing the treatment series, patients showed these improvements:

• 2 cm (.8”) average reduction in abdominal circumference
• 23% improvement in the ratio of muscle tissue to fat
• 10% improvement in skin tone and firmness
• 14% increase in the thickness of the rectus abdominis muscles (aka the “six-pack”)

There aren’t yet any long-term clinical studies on T-Shape 2, so we asked Artemis about the longevity of results. They say that improvements in body sculpting, muscle tone, skin texture, and cellulite appearance “can last several years”—but exactly how long depends on “factors such as the client’s lifestyle, diet, skin type, age, and compliance with treatment protocols.” 

They also note that after the initial treatment series, “quarterly” maintenance treatments are recommended to “sustain results over a longer period,” though those with “significant aesthetic concerns” may need them more often. 

During your consultation, ask the provider how often they think you’ll need maintenance treatments to maintain the benefits.

The T-Shape 2 is considered a safe treatment when it’s used as intended by an experienced provider. In the clinical study mentioned earlier, no participants reported adverse events or complications. 

The newest T-Shape device makes side effects less likely than with the original, but you may experience temporary redness, bruising, or tenderness in the treatment area. This should subside after a few days. 

Because the skin may be more sensitive, your provider may recommend avoiding direct sun exposure to the treated areas for a week or two.