Not all fat is created equal, and knowing the difference between subcutaneous and visceral fat is key.
1. Subcutaneous Fat (The “Pinchable” Fat): This is the fat located directly under the skin, sitting above the abdominal muscle wall. It is soft to the touch and can be “pinched” between your fingers.
While it is often the cause of aesthetic concerns like sagging skin or a lack of muscle definition, it is metabolically less active compared to visceral fat. This is the primary target for non surgical RF treatments.
2. Visceral Fat (The “Hidden” Fat): Visceral fat is stored deep within the abdominal cavity, wrapping around internal organs like the liver and intestines. Unlike subcutaneous fat, you cannot pinch it. Instead, high levels of visceral fat push the abdominal wall outward, creating a “firm” or “distended” belly. Because it is tucked behind the muscle wall, radiofrequency waves often cannot reach it.
While diet and exercise are the primary tools for reducing visceral fat, non surgical treatments are designed to address the subcutaneous layer that obscures muscle definition and affects skin elasticity.
A simple way to tell which fat you are dealing with is the “Pinch Test.”
If you can grab the tissue between your fingers, it is subcutaneous.
If your stomach is firm to the touch and protrudes, but there is very little to “grab” on the surface, the volume is likely visceral.
An RF slimming treatment works by delivering radio frequency energy into the dermal and subdermal layers. This energy creates deep thermal heating, which serves two primary purposes at the same time:
It is a scientific reality that radio frequency energy has a limited depth of penetration. Most non invasive RF treatments calibrations are usually limited to superficial and subdermal layers.
Visceral fat is located behind a thick layer of abdominal muscle, which acts as a biological shield. Radiofrequency energy is absorbed by the water and lipids in the upper layers, meaning the thermal effect never reaches the deep-seated visceral cells.
Therefore, an RF slimming treatment is a safe and effective tool for fat reduction and skin tightening of the surface envelope, but it will not improve metabolic health markers associated with internal organ fat.
The only way to eliminate visceral fat is through metabolic changes. Since it is highly responsive to hormones, diet and exercise remain the gold standard. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and a reduction in processed sugars are the most effective for shrinking these deep fat cells.
One of the greatest benefits of RF treatments is their ability to address “laxity” while reducing volume.
Traditional fat reduction methods can sometimes leave behind sagging skin, but non-invasive radiofrequency ensures the “envelope” of the skin shrinks along with the fat loss.
SSKINS is proud to be the 1st in Singapore to offer the Alma PrimeX Body Dual Sculpt treatment. It is a powerhouse for those seeking not only fat reduction and reshaping, but skin tightening as well.Â
This is achieved by combining ultrasound (to target fat cells) and radio frequency (for skin tightening), providing a comprehensive solution for both stubborn fat and skin laxity. With a range of different sized handpieces, we can treat a wide range of locations ranging from the face, body, to limbs.Â
It is a safe and effective way to achieve a more contoured look without the downtime of surgery.
How long it takes to see the results of a radiofrequency treatment depends on the individual’s metabolic rate and the number of treatments performed.
Most customers in Singapore notice an immediate “lifting” effect due to collagen contraction, with the full fat reduction becoming visible as the fat cells are flushed out over several weeks.
Radiofrequency (RF) treatments cannot significantly reduce waist circumference caused by high visceral fat because radio frequency energy cannot penetrate the abdominal muscle wall.
Visceral fat is stored deep within the abdominal cavity around internal organs, whereas RF treatments are designed to target the subcutaneous fat layer located directly beneath the skin. While an RF slimming treatment will provide skin tightening and improve surface contouring, internal “visceral” volume must be addressed through diet and exercise.
It typically takes 4 to 12 weeks for the body to fully eliminate fat cells damaged during an RF slimming treatment. Following the procedure, the lymphatic system must process and flush out the cellular debris. Because the results are gradual and cumulative, a series of 6 to 8 sessions is generally recommended to achieve optimal body goals and visible fat reduction.
An RF slimming treatment is considered a safe and effective non invasive option for most individuals, though it is not suitable for everyone. Specifically, RF treatments are contraindicated for those with metal implants, pacemakers, or during pregnancy.
While the risk of adverse effects is low, the treatment must be calibrated to individual skin sensitivity to prevent discomfort or thermal injury. At SSKINS, we ensure the procedure is tailored to each client’s specific skin type and skin elasticity.
