Treatment Protocols: The Practitioner's Clinical Reference

These protocols represent recommended starting points based on manufacturer guidelines, clinical literature, and collective practitioner experience from 2,000+ practices. They are NOT absolute prescriptions — every client is unique. Fitzpatrick skin type, body composition, treatment history, current medications, and individual sensitivity all influence optimal parameters.

The golden rule: Start conservative. Document everything. Adjust based on individual response.

A slightly underpowered treatment is infinitely better than one causing an adverse event. You can increase intensity next session — you cannot reverse an over-aggressive treatment. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Disclaimer: For trained, licensed professionals only. Always perform thorough client consultation, contraindication screening, and patch test before any new treatment. Your specific machine’s manufacturer guidelines take precedence when they differ from these general technology-level protocols.

Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing)

Indication: Localized subcutaneous fat resistant to diet and exercise. Best candidates: BMI under 30, pinchable fat ≥2.5cm. Settings: Temperature -5°C to -11°C (start -5°C first session). Vacuum: medium-high for adequate tissue draw. Duration: 30–60 min per area. CRITICAL post-treatment step: 2–3 minutes vigorous manual massage immediately after applicator removal — improves results up to 68%. Schedule: 1 session per area, reassess at 8–12 weeks. Max 3 sessions per area. Expected outcome: 20–25% fat layer reduction per session. Visible changes at 3 weeks, full results 8–12 weeks. Permanent — dead fat cells do not regenerate.

Ultrasonic Cavitation + RF

Cavitation: 40kHz, power level 3–5 of 5, generous gel, slow circular movements (~1cm/sec), 15–25 min/area. Never: head, chest, spine, genitals, bony areas. RF follow-up: Apply immediately post-cavitation. Target 40–43°C skin surface. Continuous movement. 10–15 min/area. Schedule: 1–2x/week, min 72 hours between same area, 8–12 session course, monthly maintenance after.

Diode Laser Hair Removal (808nm)

Settings by Fitzpatrick: Type I–II: 30–40 J/cm², 30–50ms. Type III: 25–35 J/cm², 40–60ms. Type IV: 18–25 J/cm², 50–100ms. Type V–VI: 12–18 J/cm², 100–400ms + maximum cooling. Always patch test at lower end of range. Schedule: Face every 4 weeks, body every 6–8 weeks, 6–8 session course for 70–90% permanent reduction.

RF Skin Tightening

Settings: 1–2 MHz, target 40–43°C skin surface (monitor with IR thermometer — exceeding 45°C risks burns). Generous conductive gel, continuous movement always. Schedule: Face weekly × 6–8 then monthly maintenance. Body weekly × 8–12. Expected: Immediate mild tightening (collagen contraction) + progressive improvement 2–6 months (neocollagenesis).

LED Light Therapy

Wavelengths: Red 630–660nm (collagen, 2–3mm penetration). Blue 415–420nm (acne, 1mm). NIR 810–850nm (deep tissue, 5–10mm). Settings: 1–6 inches distance, 10–20 min/zone, 4–20 J/cm². Schedule: 3–5x/week for 8–12 weeks (therapeutic), then 2–3x/week (maintenance). Cumulative — consistency > intensity.

EMS/HIEMT Muscle Sculpting

Settings: Start at 50–60% intensity first session, increase 10% each session as tolerance builds. 30-minute sessions targeting specific muscle groups. Schedule: 4–6 sessions, 2–3 days apart. Expected: +16% muscle mass, -19% fat in treated area. Results begin appearing at 2 weeks, full results at 4–6 weeks post-final session. Maintenance: 1 session monthly.