Some areas of fat can be difficult to reduce, even with regular exercise and healthy eating. The abdomen, flanks, and thighs often hold onto fat longer than other parts of the body. This can be frustrating for patients who feel they have already done what they can through lifestyle changes.
At Southeast Aesthetic + Wellness in Clayton, NC, we offer Vanquish treatments as a non-surgical way to help reduce stubborn fat. This device uses radiofrequency energy to target fat cells and is a good option for patients looking for a no-downtime method to address unwanted fat in specific areas.
What Is Vanquish?
Vanquish uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt fat cells beneath the skin. It is used in areas where fat tends to be more resistant to diet and exercise. The treatment is non-invasive and more comfortable than many other fat-reduction techniques. During the session, you will relax while lying beneath a panel that delivers controlled energy to the targeted area.
How Does Vanquish Work?
Target Areas Treated by Vanquish
Abdomen and Flanks
Fat around the midsection is often the hardest to reduce, even with consistent diet and workouts. Vanquish can address the entire abdominal area and wrap around to the flanks without suction or applicators. The energy field covers a broad zone and leads to uniform fat disruption across the treated area.Inner and Outer Thighs
These areas can be difficult to tone due to how the body stores fat. Vanquish treats both the inner and outer thighs simultaneously. Because the device doesn’t touch the skin, there’s no squeezing or pinching during the treatment.Upper Arms
Some patients struggle with fat in the upper arms despite weight loss or strength training. Vanquish can target this region with consistent energy delivery across the treated surface. It offers a non-surgical option for those looking to slim the arms and treat “bat wings.”The Benefits of Choosing Vanquish
Treatments Are “No Contact”
Vanquish doesn’t require the device to touch your skin. The panel hovers just above the body, delivering radiofrequency energy across the entire treatment area. This setup reduces the risk of pressure marks, dents in the fat, bruising, or skin irritation during the session.Treatments Are More Comfortable
Many patients describe the treatment as feeling like a warm blanket. Since there’s no pulling or suction involved, sessions are generally easier to tolerate compared to other non-surgical fat-reduction options. You can lie still and relax while the device works.Treats Large Areas
Vanquish is designed to treat wide zones in a single session, such as the full abdomen or both thighs. The energy field spreads across the surface evenly, helping to avoid patchy or uneven results. This coverage makes it useful for patients who want overall contouring rather than spot treatment.Suitable for Many Patients
This treatment doesn’t rely on suction or the ability to pinch fat, which makes it accessible for thinner patients who may not have enough fat for other devices. It’s also an option for patients with a higher BMI who want to reduce volume over a broader area. The technology adjusts energy levels based on the patient’s tissue composition for safe and consistent heating.Gradual, Natural-Looking Results
Fat cells are removed by the body’s own processes over the weeks following each session. This gradual change helps the treated area slim down in a way that looks natural. It also allows the skin some time to adjust as the volume decreases.The Vanquish Treatment Experience
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Before your first Vanquish session, we will review your medical history and examine the areas you want to treat. You do not need to fast or stop any medications unless directed otherwise, but we do recommend staying well-hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment. Good hydration helps your body process the disrupted fat cells more efficiently after treatment. On the day of your session, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to make the process easier.During the Treatment Session
We will ask you to lie down while we position the Vanquish panel just above the target area. You will feel warmth as the energy begins to work, but the heat remains controlled and safe. Most sessions last between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the area we are treating. You can rest quietly throughout the session, and you will not need anesthesia or any recovery time afterward.Post-Treatment Care
After your treatment, you can return to your usual routine without any restrictions. Some patients notice mild redness or warmth in the treated area, which typically goes away within a few hours. Continue to hydrate well, as this supports your body’s ability to eliminate the treated fat cells. Gentle activity, such as walking, can also help improve circulation and support results.The Expected Results and Timeline of Vanquish Treatments
You will not see a change right away, as your body takes time to remove the damaged fat cells. Most patients start to notice changes after two to three sessions, with full results developing over the following weeks. Your results will continue to improve as your body naturally processes the disrupted fat.The Safety Profile of Vanquish Treatments
Vanquish has been cleared by the FDA for non-invasive fat reduction and uses a safe level of radiofrequency energy. It does not break the skin, and it does not involve any needles, suction, or compression. The device monitors skin temperature throughout the session to maintain a consistent and controlled treatment. Because of its non-contact design, the risk of discomfort or surface-level side effects is low.Finding the Right Number of Vanquish Sessions for You
Most patients benefit from a series of four to six Vanquish treatments that are spaced about one week apart. This protocol gives the body time to respond between sessions while continuing to target fat in the same area. Depending on your goals, the size of the treatment zone, and how your body responds, we may suggest additional sessions. If you maintain a stable weight and active lifestyle, results tend to last longer, but some patients choose to schedule maintenance treatments every few months. We will assess your progress during the series and help you decide if any adjustments are desirable.Frequently Asked Questions About Vanquish
We typically recommend Vanquish for patients who are close to their goal weight but still have areas of fat that have not responded to exercise or healthy eating. It works well for both men and women with a range of body types, including those with a higher BMI. If you do not have enough pinchable fat for suction-based devices, this treatment may be a better fit. You do not need to meet a specific size or weight to benefit, but we will always assess your overall health and expectations first.
We do not require major changes to your routine after treatment, but continuing to take care of your body is important. Water helps your body flush out the damaged fat cells. Light activity, like walking, can also support your results by encouraging good circulation. Healthy and nutritious food will help you to maintain your current weight and have the energy needed to stay active. We encourage healthy habits, but there are no strict post-treatment rules.
The fat cells removed during treatment are permanently gone. As long as you keep a stable weight, your results can last. If you gain weight later, it is possible for the remaining fat cells to expand. Some patients choose to return for touch-up sessions after several months, especially if their goals change.
Radiofrequency energy can result in some skin tightening by contracting existing collagen fibers and encouraging more collagen production. However, the technology of Vanquish is designed to specifically target the fat layer. If you have loose skin in the treatment area, you may enjoy some skin-tightening benefits, but it will not promote significant skin-tightening. We may recommend additional treatments for loose skin or stretch marks.
Meet Your Provider
At Southeast Aesthetic + Wellness, you will work with experienced medical professionals who focus on both aesthetic care and overall wellness. The practice is led by Angel Turlington, RN, NP, who brings a background in Women’s Health, Functional Medicine, and Regenerative Aesthetics. Since opening in Clayton, NC, in 2009, we have continued to expand our services to meet the needs of patients looking for non-surgical treatments that support long-term results. Each provider is trained and certified in a wide range of medical aesthetic treatments, including body contouring, injectables, and skin tightening. We take the time to understand your goals and recommend options based on your body, your health, and what fits best into your lifestyle.
