How to fight cellulite and localized fat with modeling massage

The name is already quite suggestive and usually attracts attention: modeling massage. It looks great and, not by chance, the procedure generates interest and some common questions, such as “what is the difference between this type of massage and conventional massage?”; “Is it really possible to achieve a ‘more shaped’ body with the help of a massage?”, among others.

Ingrid Peres, dermatofunctional physiotherapist at Onodera Estética, explains that the procedure consists of rhythmic, vigorous movements, which have greater pressure than in the case of conventional massages.

And it is exactly these more vigorous movements that make the procedure different, suitable for people who are bothered by localized fat and/or cellulite. Since the strongest massage movements aim to reach deeper layers of the skin.

In certain clinical/aesthetic centers, accessories are also used, such as rollers, textured balls, among others, to further intensify the modeling massage.

How massage is done and what are its benefits

Ingrid explains how modeling massage is usually done:

1. A cream with specific active ingredients is used to enhance the results of the massage.
2. The professional performs massages with rhythmic and “stronger” movements, with more pressure than in the case of conventional massages.
3. A suction and kneading roller can be associated with the procedure.
4. The movements are promoted mainly in regions with greater amount of adiposity and cellulite. And, thus, they favor the increase of blood circulation and body shaping.

Regarding the benefits of the procedure, Marília Barboni Luz, dermatofunctional physiotherapist at L&L Espaço Vida ao Corpo in São Paulo, graduated in Physical Education, Pilates and functional training instructor, explains: “the modeling massage has an effect on increasing local circulation, causing the tissue becomes more oxygenated, thus improving cellulite and decreasing localized fat due to increased metabolism, in addition to shaping the body due to the strong and fast massage”.

What parts of the body can be worked with the technique?

Ingrid highlights that the modeling massage can be done on the following parts of the body:

• Arms;
• Abdomen;
• Legs;
• glutes;
• calves;
• flanks;
• Back.

Marília points out that the massage can be done on the whole body. “But your best results are in the areas with the highest concentration of fat and cellulite,” she says.

Physiotherapist Marília also highlights that it is not customary to perform modeling massage in just one region: “either the whole body is done, or it is localized with a combination of equipment and massage”, she says.

Regarding costs, it all depends on the place (clinic and city) where the treatment will be performed. But, according to Marília, the whole-body modeling massage costs about R$130 per session.

Videos with step-by-step instructions to do at home

There are those who choose to do the modeling massage at home, although the results may not be the same as those achieved in a clinic, where professionals, with practice, perform the massage. Some videos even show the step-by-step of how to do a modeling self-massage.

1. Modeling self-massage by Andresa Ganacin

Andresa Ganacin gives tips and shows how she does her modeling self-massage, ideal for reducing measurements and slimming the waist.

2. Self-massage in the abdomen by Vanessa Cardoso

In the video, Vanessa Cardoso shows how she performs her modeling self-massage in the abdomen region, using a cream that reduces measurements and cellulite.

3. Decreasing measurements at home by Nathalia Serenna

Nathalia Serenna shows the step-by-step modeling massage that she does at home and that, combined with correct nutrition and training, helps to achieve good results.

4. How to decrease your measurements by Andressa Chaban

Andressa Chaban teaches how to do a self-massage that she uses on her belly and thighs and which, according to her, offers results.

Ingrid points out that the biggest difficulty, in the case of doing the modeling self-massage, is to be able to apply it to the back, where the largest accumulation of fat and cellulite is usually.

For those who want to do the modeling self-massage at home, Ingrid advises choosing the cream according to what the person would like to treat: cellulite, fat or sagging.

Contraindications of the technique

Ingrid highlights that modeling massage is not indicated in the following cases:

• Cancer;
• Fever;
• Inflammatory process;
• Excessive sagging;
• Pregnant;
• Cardiac insufficiency.

Modeling massage vs. other procedures: what are the differences?

Know below the main differences between modeling massage, lymphatic drainage and cryolipolysis.

Lymphatic Drainage X Modeling Massage

Ingrid explains that the modeler uses a deeper, faster massage technique and there is no sense of application. “Lymphatic drainage is a more superficial, slow technique and has a specific sense for stimulating the lymphatic system. There are different indications: the modeler activates blood circulation and reduces the layer of fat; drainage reduces edema and stimulates the lymphatic system,” she says.

“Drainage lasts for 60 minutes and the modeling massage varies according to the treated areas, but lasts between 30 and 50 minutes”, adds Ingrid.

Costs vary widely, but according to Ingrid, about 30 minutes of a shaping massage usually costs R$70, while 50 minutes of lymphatic drainage costs about R$108.

Cryolipolysis X Modeling Massage

Marília explains that cryolipolysis, unlike modeling massage, is not a massage, but an equipment that has a result as effective as a liposculpture. “It is a procedure that must be performed once in each region of the body, and we can only perform the procedure again in the same region after three months, as this is the time it takes for the result to appear.”

“During cryolipolysis, the person feels uncomfortable at first, after a little while, they feel more comfortable. The region is painful after the session and may form a bruise at the site. The value varies from 700.00 reais and 1,200 reais per region”, says Marília.

Ingrid points out that cryolipolysis uses a controlled cooling method, with a negative temperature. And, as the fat cell is sensitive to cold, freezing destroys its membranes, with a part being metabolized by the liver and the other being reused by the body. And, what’s left of this breakdown is eliminated by the lymphatic system. “The modeling massage is a massage that consists of a massage with rhythmic, vigorous movements, with greater pressure than in conventional massages”, she says.

To know which treatment is ideal for each case, the orientation is to go to a clinic you trust and make an evaluation.

How to enhance your modeling massage

Basic care enhances the effects achieved with the modeling massage:

• Maintain a healthy and balanced diet;
• Perform at least one type of physical activity;
• Exfoliate the skin before the massage. Which, according to Marília, increases the permeability of the assets contained in the cream;
• Do not eat at a time too close to the session;
• Associating massage with equipment such as Heccus, endermology, Russian current, among others, is also a good tip, according to Marília.

Frequently asked questions about treatment

The dermatofunctional physiotherapist Marília clarifies the main doubts about the procedure:

1. How many shaping massage sessions are needed and at what frequency?

Marília: at least 10 sessions, twice a week.

2. Which professionals can perform the procedure?

Marília: professionals who have courses in the area of ​​aesthetics or training in physiotherapy with specialization in dermatofunctional.

3. Can the modeling massage cause any damage to the skin?

Maria: no. It may just leave bruises, due to the force used in the massage.

4. What kind of product/cream is used in the shaping massage?

Marília: creams with reducing actives.

5. Does the shaping massage hurt?

Marília: in the first sessions it can hurt, especially if the person has a lot of cellulite. But over time, the pain subsides.

6. How long do the effects achieved in the modeling massage last/can last?

Marília: the effects of the modeler last as long as the client maintains a healthy diet and physical activity, so as not to gain weight, but we recommend that you never stop with the massage. It is important to do maintenance to prevent cellulite and localized fat from returning. For maintenance, only one session can be performed per month.

Remember: no procedure works miracles! To have a “more shaped body”, with less localized fat and less cellulite, it is necessary to adopt some essential habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet and exercising frequently. But, of course, modeling massage can be a great ally!