The short answer: A Lipo Shot is a quick lipotropic injection meant to support fat metabolism and energy. Ultrasonic cavitation uses ultrasound to target fat in a specific, mapped area. PHYSIQ combines heat with muscle stimulation to address both fat and muscle tone. None of them is a weight-loss treatment; all three are designed to support shaping and contouring.
Here’s how our Lipo Shot, ultrasonic cavitation and PHYSIQ treatments compare.
Lipo Shot vs cavitation vs PHYSIQ at a glance
| Lipo Shot | Ultrasonic cavitation | PHYSIQ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Lipotropic injection (methionine, inositol, choline, B12) to support fat metabolism and energy | Low-frequency ultrasound disrupts fat cells in a mapped area; the body clears them through the lymphatic system | Hands-free thermal energy plus electrical muscle stimulation, through four applicators |
| Best for | People actively working toward body composition goals; abdomen, flanks, thighs; metabolism and energy support | Localized fat in the abdomen, flanks, outer thighs, arms, back and bra line, in people at or near a stable weight | Stubborn fat plus core definition and muscle tone, in people near their target weight |
| Session time | 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Downtime | None; possible mild soreness at the injection site for about 24 hours | None | None |
| How often | Weekly; a 10-vial series over 8 to 10 weeks | Weekly; an eight-session series | Weekly; a six-session series, often with quarterly maintenance |
| Starting price at The Bodie Co | From $150 per vial | From $150 per session | From $450 per session |
Lipo Shot: an injection to support your efforts
Lipo Shots contain lipotropic agents, including methionine, inositol, choline and B12. Our page describes them as supporting fat metabolism and energy, and as a booster for body contouring rather than a standalone weight-loss treatment.
A visit takes about 15 minutes. The recommended plan is weekly injections, a series of 10 vials over 8 to 10 weeks, and first results are typically noticed in 2 to 4 weeks. Side effects listed are minimal: occasional mild soreness at the injection site for 24 hours, and the B12 may give you a noticeable energy boost for a day or two.
A Lipo Shot is not the same as Kybella, which is a different injectable used for fat under the chin.
Ultrasonic cavitation: targeted, no needles
Cavitation uses low-frequency ultrasound on a mapped area to disrupt fat cells, which your lymphatic system then clears. There are no needles, incisions or downtime. Sessions last about 45 minutes, and the studio recommends an eight-session weekly series. First results tend to appear in 4 to 8 weeks and build over the series.
During a session, most people feel warmth and may hear a faint high tone as the handpiece passes. That’s harmless and stops when the session ends. Between sessions, hydrating well and staying active support the process.
Cavitation is not right for everyone. Our page says it is not appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with liver or kidney conditions, with a pacemaker or metal implants in the area, or over active infection. Every client is screened before a series is booked.
PHYSIQ: fat and muscle in one session
PHYSIQ by Cartessa pairs deep thermal energy with electrical muscle stimulation in one sequenced, hands-free session. Four independent applicators are strapped in place and you rest for about 30 minutes. Our PHYSIQ page notes it is manufactured by DEKA and FDA-cleared for body contouring and muscle stimulation.
Most people describe a warm, rhythmic pulling as the muscle contracts. A six-session weekly series is recommended, with first results typically at 6 to 8 weeks. Many clients return quarterly for maintenance, since muscle tone benefits from upkeep. Before a session, hydrate well and avoid a heavy meal in the hours beforehand.
Which should you choose?
- You want help with one or two specific areas of fat and prefer no needles: cavitation is built around a mapped area.
- You want shape and muscle tone, such as core definition: PHYSIQ addresses both fat and muscle.
- You’re already working on your fitness and nutrition and want a quick add-on for metabolism and energy support: a Lipo Shot is a 15-minute visit.
- You’re looking to lose a significant amount of weight: none of these is a weight-loss treatment. A consultation can help set realistic expectations.
Can you combine them?
Our Lipo Shot page notes weekly injections are often paired with PHYSIQ or cavitation, and our cavitation page says the studio often runs cavitation and PHYSIQ together, since they work by different mechanisms. Our packages include a body plan combining all three. Whether a combined plan suits you is something to ask about at your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Will these treatments help me lose weight?
No. Our pages are clear that PHYSIQ, cavitation and Lipo Shots are not weight-loss treatments. They are designed to support shaping and contouring, and results vary.
Which has no needles?
Ultrasonic cavitation and PHYSIQ are both needle-free. The Lipo Shot is an injection.
How soon will I see results?
Per our treatment pages: Lipo Shots, 2 to 4 weeks; cavitation, 4 to 8 weeks; PHYSIQ, 6 to 8 weeks. Everyone responds differently.
Is PHYSIQ the same as CoolSculpting or Emsculpt?
Our PHYSIQ page explains that CoolSculpting targets fat through cooling and Emsculpt targets muscle, while PHYSIQ sequences heat and muscle stimulation in the same session.
Who shouldn’t have cavitation?
It isn’t appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with liver or kidney conditions, with a pacemaker or metal implants in the area, or over active infection.
Book a complimentary consultation
Read more about Lipo Shots, ultrasonic cavitation and PHYSIQ body contouring, then book a complimentary consultation to map a plan to your goals. Members save on body treatments through our membership tiers.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Results vary; a consultation determines whether a treatment is right for you.