DM DERMATOLOGY
Body Contouring
BODY CONTOUR
When your body lines concern you,
we start by finding the cause
Body contouring is DM Dermatology's examination and injection treatment for concerns about body lines in areas such as the abdomen, flanks, upper arms, thighs, calves, and trapezius.
6areas
Body areas we consult on
(abdomen · flanks · upper arms · thighs · calves · trapezius)2
Causes we first tell apart in the examination
(subcutaneous fat · muscle)4–6wk
When line changes start to show
after calf Botox4–6months
Interval for discussing calf or
trapezius Botox again
There are two main causes that make body lines look thick: subcutaneous fat stored under the skin, and muscle that has grown larger from heavy use. What feels soft when you pinch it is usually fat. What hardens and bulges when you tense it is muscle.
Different causes call for different methods. If fat is the cause, we treat the fat layer; if muscle is the cause, we treat the muscle. That is why at DM Dermatology, a board-certified dermatologist looks at and feels the area in person to confirm the cause first.
Body contouring is not a way to lose weight. It addresses the lines of areas that remain after diet and exercise. Depending on the examination, we may not recommend treatment, or we may suggest another method.
BY AREA
Body contouring
by area
The cause that makes lines look thick differs by area. Choose an area below to go straight to it.
01Belly
Abdomen
The lower belly around the navel is an area where subcutaneous fat builds up easily. It often remains to the last, even after you lose weight.
In the examination, we pinch the fat to check its thickness and extent. If the abdominal muscles have separated or the skin is very loose, injections are hard to use, so we suggest another method.
This may suit you if- Your weight has not changed, but the line of your lower belly bothers you
- Your lower belly folds when you sit
- You want to discuss localized fat that remains after diet and exercise
02Flank
Flanks
The flanks at the sides of the waist are where fat easily folds over the waistband of your pants. Fat sometimes builds up along the side of the lower back toward the back as well.
In the examination, we pinch the flank fat to check its thickness and extent. At this point we also decide whether to treat the flanks together with the abdomen or on their own.
This may suit you if- Flank fat folds over your waistband
- The side line of your waist does not look smooth
- You want to discuss the abdomen and flanks together
03Upper Arm
Upper arms
Fat builds up easily on the back of the upper arm, and with age the skin may loosen as well. We first check whether the part that hangs down when you raise your arm is fat or loose skin.
If fat is the main cause, we discuss methods that treat the fat layer. If skin laxity is the main cause, injections alone are unlikely to neaten the line.
This may suit you if- The back of your upper arms bothers you when you wear sleeveless tops
- The underside of your upper arm looks loose when you raise your arm
- You want to discuss the upper-arm line as a localized area
04Thigh
Thighs
The inner and outer thighs are areas where subcutaneous fat builds up thickly. If the front of the thigh has become firm and thick from exercise, muscle may be the cause.
The thighs are a large area, so we first decide which side to treat and how much. Cellulite, the uneven, bumpy look of the skin surface, is assessed separately from the amount of fat.
This may suit you if- The line of your inner or outer thighs bothers you
- The side line of your thighs stands out when you wear pants
- You want to know whether fat or muscle makes your thighs look thick
05Calf
Calves
A rounded bulge at the back of the calf is usually because the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) is well developed. It becomes more prominent with heavy calf use, such as long walks, hiking, or wearing high heels.
If muscle is the cause, we discuss using Botox (botulinum toxin) to reduce the muscle's strength. Calves that look thick because of fat change only a little with Botox, so we tell the two apart in the examination first.
This may suit you if- The back of your calf hardens and bulges when you stand on tiptoe
- Your calf muscles have developed from exercise
- The line of your calves bothers you when you wear skirts or shorts
06Trapezius
Trapezius
When the trapezius, which runs from the neck to the shoulders, is well developed, the tops of the shoulders rise and the neck can look short. It becomes more prominent if you sit and work for long hours or tend to tense your shoulders.
We discuss using Botox to reduce the strength of the trapezius to address the line above the shoulders. If shoulder and neck pain is your main concern, care to find the cause comes first.
This may suit you if- The tops of your shoulders rise and make your neck look short
- Your shoulder line bothers you when you wear clothes that show your shoulders
- You also want to check why your trapezius has developed
FAT OR MUSCLE
Fat or muscle?
How the two causes differ
Even for the same 'thick line,' the layer treated differs by cause. If the cause is misjudged, treatment may change little.
Both causes can be present in one area. In that case, we decide in the examination which one to treat first.
DEPTH
The depth
each method reaches
From the surface down, the skin is layered as epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat, and muscle. Injections for fat and injections for muscle reach different depths.
- EpidermisOuter skin layer · about 0.1 mm
- Dermis1–4mm
- Subcutaneous fatSeveral mm–several cm, by area and body type
- FasciaThin membrane around the muscle
- MuscleCalves · trapezius
Depth body contouring injections reachIf fat is the cause, we inject into the subcutaneous fat layer; if muscle is the cause, into the muscle.
- Subcutaneous fat layer · when fat is the cause
The layer you can pinch on the abdomen, flanks, upper arms, and thighs. We set the injection points and dose based on the thickness and extent of the fat layer.
- Muscle · when muscle is the cause
Injected into well-developed muscles such as the gastrocnemius at the back of the calf or the trapezius above the shoulders. As the muscle's strength decreases, it is used less, and its volume may decrease over several weeks.
PROCESS
How body contouring
proceeds
- Consultation
We ask about the areas that concern you, the lines you want, recent weight changes, and exercise habits. We also check your current medications and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Examination
A board-certified dermatologist looks at and feels the area to confirm whether fat or muscle is the cause. We also check whether skin laxity is present.
- Plan
We set the method, the injection area, and the number of sessions. If the use is outside the approved indications (off-label), we explain this and the reactions to expect.
- Treatment
We mark the injection points, disinfect the skin, and inject. An ice pack or numbing cream is used if needed.
- Follow-up
We look at the area again after a few weeks. At this point we decide whether another session is needed, and when.
This is the general flow. The steps and timing may differ by area and method.
INFORMATION
Treatment info by method
| Fat-layer injection | Muscle Botox | |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure time | About 10–20 min of injection per area (about 30 min of waiting if numbing cream is used) | About 10–15 min |
| Amount per session | Often starts at roughly 4–10 cc per area (for arms, flanks, and thighs, both sides combined). 1 cc is 0.2 cc injected at each of 5 points, 1 cm apart | Measured in units (U), not cc. The dose is set after an examination, based on the size and strength of the muscle |
| Numbing | Ice pack or numbing cream | Usually done without numbing; an ice pack if needed |
| Recovery | Swelling, bruising, pain, and firmness settle over a few weeks | Injection marks last about a day; weakness or fatigue in the legs or shoulders may last a few weeks |
| Daily life | You can shower the same day; avoid strenuous exercise and saunas for a few days | You can go about daily life the same day; for 1–2 weeks, cut back on exercise that works that area hard |
| Interval · Sessions | At least 1 month between sessions; the number of sessions is set after an examination, based on the amount of fat | Changes often last 4–6 months, so we discuss again around then |
These are general guidelines. Results vary from person to person with the area, extent, and body type, and DM Dermatology explains the method and schedule after an examination.
Caution
Aftercare and
precautions
Injection sites may be swollen and sensitive for a few days.
DoHow to care for it
- Cold compress
On the day of treatment and the next day, place a thin cloth over swollen areas and apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes at a time.
- Daily habits
Keep up your diet and exercise. The remaining fat cells can grow larger again if you gain weight.
- Watch your progress
Swelling and bruising usually settle within a few weeks. If swelling keeps getting worse or you develop a fever, contact the clinic.
AvoidThings to avoid
- No kneading
Do not knead or massage injection sites firmly. After Botox, the medicine may spread to nearby muscles.
- Avoid heat
On the day of treatment and for a few days after, avoid saunas, Korean spas (jjimjilbang), and hot baths.
- Take a break from strenuous exercise
For calves and shoulders treated with Botox, cut back on exercise that works those muscles hard for 1–2 weeks.
- After fat-layer injections, swelling, bruising, pain, firmness, or tingling may occur. These usually settle over a few weeks, but how strong they are and how long they last vary from person to person.
- Rarely, skin damage (ulcers) or infection may occur at injection sites.
- After Botox, pain and bruising at injection sites, as well as muscle weakness and fatigue, may occur. In the calves, this is often felt when walking for a long time or climbing stairs; in the trapezius, when lifting heavy things.
- Rarely, the medicine may spread to nearby muscles and cause unwanted weakness, or an allergic reaction may occur.
- The amount injected (cc) differs from person to person. The amounts on this page are a reference range only; the actual amount is set after examining the thickness and extent of the fat layer. Large areas are treated over several sessions rather than with a large amount at once.
- Both methods, when used on body areas, are outside the approved indications (off-label). In Korea, the approved indication for the fat-layer injection ingredient is under-chin fat, and the approved cosmetic indication for Botox is glabellar lines and crow's feet. Our medical staff explain this in detail before treatment.
- Be sure to tell us before treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a muscle or nerve disease, take blood-thinning medicine, or have inflammation where the injections will go.
Changes and sensations after treatment vary from person to person with the area, body type, and lifestyle.
DM DOCTOR
Fat or muscle?
A board-certified dermatologist checks first
DM Dermatology is a dermatology clinic where the medical director, a board-certified dermatologist, sees patients. We look at and feel the area in person to find the cause, then decide on the method and area.
Dr. Shin Young-ik Medical Director · Board-Certified Dermatologist
- M.S., Hanyang University College of Medicine
- Adjunct Professor, Hanyang University
- Full Member, Korean Dermatological Association
- Clinical Fellowship in Dermatology, Jefferson Medical College (Thomas Jefferson University), USA
FAQ
01Is body contouring a weight-loss treatment?
No. Body contouring is not a way to lose weight; it is a treatment for the lines of areas that remain after diet and exercise. If your weight is going up or down a lot, it is better to have a consultation after your weight has stabilized.
02Which body areas can I discuss for body contouring?
We consult on areas where fat builds up easily, such as the abdomen, flanks, upper arms, and thighs, and on areas where muscles develop, such as the calves and trapezius. For other areas, we let you know whether treatment is possible after an examination.
03How can I tell whether fat or muscle makes an area look thick?
If it feels soft when you pinch it, it is usually fat; if it hardens and bulges when you tense it, it is muscle. Both causes are often present together, so a board-certified dermatologist checks by looking at and feeling the area in person.
04When will I see changes after calf Botox?
Muscle strength starts to decrease after a few days, and changes in the line usually show from around 4–6 weeks. Changes often last 4–6 months, and vary from person to person.
05Can I go back to daily life right after treatment?
Most people can go about daily life the same day. After fat-layer injections, swelling and bruising may last a few weeks, so it is better to leave room in your schedule. Avoid saunas and strenuous exercise for a few days.
06How many body contouring sessions will I need?
Fat-layer injections are spaced at least 1 month apart, and the number of sessions is set after an examination, based on the amount and extent of fat. For calf or trapezius Botox, we discuss again at around 4–6 months, when the changes fade.
07How many cc does a fat-layer injection start with?
Body areas are larger than the under-chin area, so more is used per session. In studies and clinical practice, a session often starts at about 6–10 cc for both upper arms, about 4 cc for both flanks, about 8 cc for both inner thighs, and about 10 cc for the abdomen. These amounts are a reference range only. The amount you need depends on the thickness and extent of the fat layer and your body type, so it differs from person to person and may be less or more even for the same area. Large areas are treated over several sessions rather than with a large amount at once. DM Dermatology explains the amount and number of sessions after an examination.
08How do I get a body contouring consultation near Apgujeong Station?
DM Dermatology is at 4F, 158 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. From Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5, walk straight for 50 m and you will see the A Twosome Place building; it is a 2-minute walk. You can book by phone, Naver Booking, or our KakaoTalk Channel.
CONSULTATION
Consultation comes first
Before any treatment is chosen, a board-certified dermatologist checks your skin in person.
DM Dermatology, 4F, 579-1 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
From Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5, walk straight for 50 m. 4th floor of the A Twosome Place building
- Weekdays
- am 10:00 - pm 07:00
- Saturday
- am 10:00 - pm 04:30
- Lunch break
- pm 01:00 - pm 02:00
- Sun & holidays
- By appointment only
- Subway
3Apgujeong StationExit 5
Walk straight for 50 m · 2 min on foot · 4th floor of the A Twosome Place building
- Bus
Apgujeong Station Exit 4 · Exit 32310523429
Blue bus147 · 148 · 240 · 463 · 343Green bus4211
Kwanglim Church · Hyundai High School2310323104
Blue bus143 · 240 · 345 · 472Green bus3011 · 4312 · 4318
- By car
Search in your navigation app158 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu디엠피부과의원
Use the building’s underground parking · Parking available in the building
