While the New Year is often the time people are most determined to get into shape, not everyone wants to work for it. Fortunately noninvasive technology available to medical spas, including cryolipolysis, low-level laser, radiofrequency, and ultrasound, helps bridge the gap between real and ideal bodies. As a result, nonsurgical fat reduction has soared with record year-over-year growth. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, nonsurgical fat reduction procedures were up a whopping 42 percent in 2014 with more than 135,000 procedures performed. “The trend in body contouring for the past several years has been a steady increase in consumer demand for noninvasive, nonsurgical, wash-and-wear procedures that do not require anesthesia or downtime,” says Sarvar Kothavala, vice president of marketing for the Americas for Syneron Candela. Healthy Habits According to doctors, the best candidates are already fit, active, and eat a balanced diet, but they are struggling with stubborn excess fat pockets. “Noninvasive body-shaping treatments are not a substitute for diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle,” says Kothavala. “The best patients are at or close to their ideal weight with minimal skin laxity.” As such, typical results include inch loss and circumferential reduction but not significant weight loss. On the flip side, visible results can provide extra incentive for patients to adopt other healthy habits. “When a patient sees faster results, they tend to stay more focused than with diet and exercise alone,” says Sharon Cobley, director of Laser Lipo, makers of Strawberry Laser. She adds that this is especially true for those with a significant weight-loss goal looming. “Clients that do the best with this type of treatment are those who are motivated for a true lifestyle change,” says Aaron Flickstein, D.C., clinical director for FIT Bodywrap. “Incorporating a service like this into their wellness journey will not only provide real results but also set them up for a healthier future.” Read more at American Spa.