Body treatments and contouring in Lugano
A practical guide to cellulite, tone, drainage and combined protocols.
When discussing body treatments, words such as cellulite, firming and drainage are often used as if they meant the same thing. In reality, cellulite, skin laxity, localised fat, fluid retention and skin quality require different approaches, different timelines and often different tools.
This guide is based on Studio17’s actual services — LPG Endermologie, Accent Prime protocols, body massage and peeling — and translates them into practical selection criteria, with clear language, realistic limitations and close attention to method.
INTRODUCTION
The most common body concerns usually relate to three broad feelings: looking less toned than before, perceiving certain areas as heavy or uneven, and no longer recognising the quality of one’s skin. Sometimes the concern is cellulite, sometimes laxity, and sometimes a combination of fluid retention, less defined contours and tissue that appears less firm.
The risk in this field is to seek a single answer to concerns that are not the same. A drainage treatment can be pleasant and useful, but it does not work on tone and firmness in the same way. Radiofrequency may support the tissue and improve texture, but it does not automatically replace everything else. A technology designed for localised fat is not the same as a cellulite protocol. Making a sound choice means distinguishing first and choosing second.
This guide is designed to do exactly that: explain clearly what a non-invasive body programme can realistically do, how to understand the differences between the main options available at Studio17, and how to build a realistic, sustainable plan aligned with your objective.
CHAPTER 1 — WHAT BODY CONTOURING REALLY MEANS
Body contouring is a broad expression, but in practice it is best used precisely. In a well-designed programme it may mean improving the appearance of cellulite, making tissue look more toned, easing the feeling of fluid retention, working on skin quality or targeting localised fat. These objectives are not identical and should not be treated as synonyms.
Cellulite, for example, is not simply “localised fat”. It involves the architecture of the subcutaneous tissue, microcirculation, fibrous septa, skin laxity and skin quality. Laxity, on the other hand, is primarily related to tissue support and loss of firmness. Fluid retention and heaviness are often perceived as swelling or sluggishness in the tissues. Localised fat calls for yet another line of reasoning. Understanding which category best describes your concern is the first real step.
This also clarifies an important point: body treatments should not be judged as weight-loss methods. An aesthetic programme is not a substitute for nutrition, physical activity or medical care when required. It can, however, contribute to the aesthetic quality of the tissue, the contour of certain areas, the perception of lightness and the continuity of maintenance.
When setting expectations, the most useful criterion is to look for visible, progressive and sustainable improvement rather than sudden transformation. The body responds well to consistency, carefully designed protocols and an intelligent combination of in-studio sessions and reasonable daily habits.
CHAPTER 2 — HOW TO DESIGN A SENSIBLE BODY PROGRAMME
The choice of a body treatment should begin with a simple question: is my main objective drainage, improving cellulite, increasing tone, refining the contour of an area or maintaining the skin? Once the priority is clear, designing the programme becomes much more straightforward.
The location of the concern also matters. The abdomen, buttocks, inner and outer thighs, arms and knees do not always respond in the same way. The same technology may be used for different purposes depending on the area, and the same person may have different needs in different areas. For this reason, a standardised approach is rarely the most intelligent one.
In practice, a thorough assessment should consider at least the following:
- priority areas and how the tissue looks and feels;
- the relative importance of cellulite, laxity, fluid retention and localised fat;
- actual lifestyle: sedentary habits, exercise, hydration, travel and working hours;
- a frequency that the person can sustain without interrupting the programme;
- seasonality, sun exposure, upcoming events and willingness to follow a maintenance plan.
Studio17’s services fall into three fairly clear families: LPG Endermologie for mechanical stimulation, drainage and skin quality; Accent Prime radiofrequency and ultrasound for tone, texture and body contour; and massage and peeling to accompany, maintain or respond to needs involving wellbeing, exfoliation and support. The value lies not in choosing one family “on principle”, but in understanding when each option is genuinely the most appropriate.
CHAPTER 3 — LPG ENDERMOLOGIE: CELLULITE, LIGHTNESS AND SKIN QUALITY
LPG Endermologie is a mechanical treatment that stimulates the tissues using dedicated handpieces and guided protocols. Its interest for the body lies in its ability to work on several aspects at the same time: tissue mobilisation, improved surface skin quality, a feeling of lightness and support in improving the appearance of cellulite.
It is often appreciated by people looking for a non-invasive, regular and comfortable treatment that is relatively easy to integrate into their routine. It is not a “one-shot” treatment: it works best as a course with consistent frequency, followed by maintenance sessions. The available literature on endermologie and mechanical massage techniques describes possible improvements in the appearance of cellulite and the perception of the tissue, with results varying according to the protocol, the number of sessions and individual characteristics.
Studio17 offers individual sessions, packages and maintenance programmes, with a standard session lasting 40 minutes. This is consistent with the nature of the treatment: the aim is not to deliver one “strong” session, but to build a progressive response. Many people first perceive smoother skin, more mobile tissue, less heavy legs and a more orderly contour. The value of LPG lies precisely in this continuity.
It should be clear, however, that LPG is not a universal answer to every body-contouring concern. If the main priority is visible laxity or more focused work on the tone and contour of a particular area, other technologies may be more suitable or more effective in combination. The mistake to avoid is using it outside its indications or expecting an effect that belongs to another treatment family.
CHAPTER 4 — ACCENT PRIME FOR THE BODY: RADIOFREQUENCY AND ULTRASOUND FOR TONE AND CONTOURS
When the focus moves from drainage and texture to tissue firmness or the contour of specific areas, body-contouring technologies come into play. At Studio17 this role is performed by Accent Prime, a platform that combines monopolar radiofrequency and ultrasound for different but complementary purposes.
Radiofrequency works by generating controlled heat in superficial and mid-depth tissues, with the aim of supporting firmness, elasticity and skin quality. It is especially relevant when the skin appears less toned, less firm and more lax to the eye and touch. Ultrasound, meanwhile, is used in body-contouring protocols to target localised fat non-invasively, with the objective of improving contour rather than achieving general weight loss.
In practice, the value of Accent Prime lies in its ability to combine these two needs: the contour on one hand and tissue that should appear toned on the other. Studio17 offers it for small, medium and large areas, with protocols that include the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, arms, back and knees. It is an interesting option for those seeking a more structured approach than a purely manual treatment.
Here too, a realistic interpretation is essential. The results should not be understood as weight loss. They relate more to improved contour definition, firmer-looking skin and a more even texture. The literature on non-invasive body-contouring technologies supports the use of radiofrequency and ultrasound for mild-to-moderate laxity, localised fat and skin quality, while also confirming that protocols, patient selection and maintenance strongly influence the final result.
From a practical perspective, Studio17 indicates intervals of approximately 7–10 days and sessions of up to 60 minutes per area. This operational detail makes one thing clear: body contouring requires planning. If a person cannot maintain a minimum schedule, it is better to know from the outset and design a different programme.
CHAPTER 5 — MASSAGE AND PEELING: WHERE THEY FIT AND WHAT THEY CAN OFFER
Manual and cosmetic body treatments continue to play a very practical role. This is not because they do “less” than technologies, but because they respond to different needs and can sometimes be the most effective way to maintain continuity without overloading the tissue.
Studio17 offers Relaxing, Sport & Vitality, Firming & Toning and Lymph Stimulating massages, as well as body peels and more complete rituals. These services illustrate an often-overlooked principle: perceived wellbeing and tissue quality do not depend solely on structural work. A person who feels lighter and less tense, with more toned-looking skin and a more consistent routine, often maintains aesthetic results more successfully.
A drainage or lymph-stimulating massage, for example, may make sense when the main aim is to ease the feeling of swelling or heaviness. A firming and toning massage is more suitable when a more dynamic form of manual stimulation is desired. Peels improve surface skin quality, make it feel and appear more even, and prepare the body to receive cosmetics and other protocols more effectively.
The key is not to ask these treatments to deliver something they do not promise. A body peel may improve texture and radiance; it is not a protocol for significant laxity. A massage may support comfort and tissue regularity; it does not replace technology when the primary objective is to contour specific areas. In the right place, however, these treatments can be decisive in making a programme more complete and sustainable.
CHAPTER 6 — A CLOSER LOOK: DRAINAGE, CELLULITE, LOCALISED FAT AND TEXTURE
One reason body programmes are often judged confusingly is that different phenomena are viewed through the same lens. Drainage means supporting the management of fluids and the feeling of heaviness. Working on cellulite means addressing the dimpled, “orange-peel” appearance and tissue irregularities. Working on laxity means focusing on firmness. Targeting localised fat means improving the contour of a defined area. Texture, finally, is the quality of the skin’s surface.
These dimensions can coexist in the same body. This is precisely where combined programmes can be valuable: LPG for cellulite and lightness, radiofrequency for tone and tissue quality, ultrasound when the contour of certain areas is a priority, and massage and peeling for support and maintenance. This is not merely theoretical; it is the practical way to avoid treating one tool as a universal answer.
The timing of results also differs. Drainage and mechanical treatments may produce a relatively early perceived response in comfort and surface appearance. Technologies for tone and contouring are better assessed over the medium term because the tissue needs several weeks to reveal the most relevant part of the result. Understanding this from the beginning makes the programme more credible and less vulnerable to unrealistic expectations.
CHAPTER 7 — SAFETY, METHOD AND REALISTIC PLANNING
Even with non-invasive body treatments, method matters more than promises. Safety begins with sound aesthetic screening: understanding what can be treated in the studio and what calls for caution, postponement or medical advice. Unexplained pain, unusual oedema, significant inflammation, skin lesions, known vascular conditions or implanted devices are examples of situations that deserve careful assessment before beginning, especially when heat or ultrasound is used.
Realistic planning starts here. If someone expects extensive sun exposure during the summer, a body peel or more active phases of a protocol should be scheduled sensibly. If only one monthly session is feasible, some strategies will make sense and others will not. If the goal is to look one’s best by a specific date, it is important to distinguish between what may provide a perceived benefit in a short time and what requires a complete course.
Studio17’s range is designed to support this phased approach: different technologies, clear treatment durations, specified areas, maintenance packages and a team that works with personalised protocols. Methodologically, this is a sound approach because it allows the programme to be directed rather than reduced to a simple list of sessions.
A sensible programme very often begins with one dominant objective. It then considers whether a second approach is needed or whether keeping the programme more linear would be better. Sometimes the best plan is simply the one that can genuinely be followed.
CHAPTER 8 — BEFORE AND AFTER: PRACTICAL GUIDANCE AND MAINTENANCE
Practical guidance before and after body treatments has a real impact on comfort and on how clearly the result can be assessed. Impossible rules are not needed; consistency is.
Before a session, it is useful to arrive with clear expectations and a reasonable basic routine. For drainage or contouring treatments, good hydration is advisable, and the skin should not have been stressed by aggressive exfoliation or intense sun exposure when the protocol advises against it. Sensitive areas or particular conditions should be reported before the treatment begins, not halfway through the session.
After a session, some guidance applies across the board: maintain good hydration, do not judge the final result after only a few hours, respect the recommended interval and avoid randomly alternating highly active treatments without a clear plan. After a body peel, protecting and moisturising the skin makes sense. Following radiofrequency or body contouring, it can be helpful to allow the tissue time to settle without immediately overloading it with intense heat or further stress.
The most important “aftercare” is really what happens between sessions. Walking, drinking regularly, not abandoning the programme at the first difficult week and not continually changing strategy are simple habits that make far more difference than they might appear to.
CONCLUSION
Discussing body contouring seriously means making distinctions. Cellulite, laxity, fluid retention, localised fat and texture do not all respond to the same treatment or improve on the same timeline.
The strength of a centre such as Studio17 lies in its ability to approach these objectives with different, combinable tools: LPG Endermologie when the focus is cellulite, tissue mobilisation and lightness; Accent Prime when more work is needed on tone, contour and localised areas; and massage and peeling when the programme calls for support, skin quality and continuity. A good result does not come from a single technological slogan. It comes from a sensible sequence.
If you would like to understand which approach best fits your objective, the right first step is an initial assessment: the area to be treated, the real priority, the time available and the level of maintenance you are willing to follow. Studio17 is located at Via Nassa 32 in Lugano. Contact: +41 91 922 97 33.
MINI-GLOSSARY
- Cellulite: an aesthetic alteration in the architecture of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, often described as an “orange-peel” appearance, influenced by structural, microcirculatory and skin-related factors.
- Skin laxity: loss of tissue support and firmness, with skin that appears less toned.
- Localised fat: defined deposits of adipose tissue that affect the contour of an area without corresponding to overall body weight.
- Drainage: work aimed at easing the feeling of heaviness and supporting fluid management in the tissues.
- Radiofrequency: energy that produces controlled heat to support tone, firmness and skin quality.
- Ultrasound: a technology used in body-contouring protocols to work non-invasively on the contour of localised areas.
- Skin texture: the quality of the skin’s surface — its regularity, softness, evenness and feel.
FAQ
Which body treatment is most suitable if my main concern is cellulite? It depends on how the cellulite presents and what accompanies it. If tissue irregularity, heaviness and skin quality are the main concerns, LPG may be a useful starting point. If cellulite is accompanied by loss of tone, it may be helpful to consider a combination or a technology more focused on firmness as well.
Does body contouring mean losing weight? No. A non-invasive aesthetic programme works on contour, skin quality, firmness and the appearance of specific areas. It does not replace weight loss, nutrition or physical activity.
Are LPG Endermologie and drainage massage the same thing? No. They may overlap in some perceived benefits, such as lightness and improved tissue quality, but LPG uses standardised mechanical stimulation designed for structured treatment courses. Drainage massage remains a manual technique with a different rationale.
Do radiofrequency and ultrasound do the same thing? No. Radiofrequency is more focused on tone, firmness and skin quality. In body-contouring protocols, ultrasound is used to target localised fat and the contour of specific areas. They make sense in a combined platform precisely because they address different aspects of the same objective.
How many sessions are needed before seeing a result? There is no single number. Some people notice early benefits in lightness and tissue appearance; more stable results in tone and contouring almost always require a course and maintenance.
Can I treat several areas during the same period? Often yes, but treating everything simultaneously with the same intensity is not always useful. It depends on the time available, individual tolerance and the type of technology. Working thoroughly on two priority areas can sometimes deliver better results than spreading the effort across the whole body.
Do massage and peeling make sense if I am already having technology-based treatments? Yes, when they are included logically. They can accompany the programme, support comfort and skin regularity, and help with maintenance without turning the entire plan into a sequence of technology-based sessions alone.
Can these treatments be performed all year round? For the most part, yes, but seasonality and the condition of the skin must be considered. Intense sun exposure, body peels and some more active phases of a protocol should be managed sensibly. The initial assessment also serves this purpose.
If I interrupt the course, will I lose everything? Not necessarily, but continuity matters greatly. The body responds better to regular protocols. Stopping too early makes results less stable and makes it more difficult to understand what was genuinely working.
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