Body Contouring & Fluid Retention: what it is and how we help

Body contouring and fluid retention at a glance

Many people feel puffy, heavy or bloated, especially in the legs and abdomen, because of fluid retention. It can be caused by hormones, heat, long periods of sitting or standing, salt, travel and circulation. Body contouring treatments aim to reduce this fluid and improve the shape and feel of the tissue without surgery. Most fluid retention is harmless, but swelling that is sudden or one-sided needs a doctor.

Signs of fluid retention

• Swollen ankles and feet, worse at the end of the day
• Heavy, aching legs
• Rings or shoes feeling tighter
• Bloating and puffiness around the cycle
• Skin that stays indented after pressing

What causes it?

Hormonal changes around periods, pregnancy and menopause, heat, prolonged sitting on flights or at a desk, high salt intake, some medications and venous insufficiency. Heart, kidney and liver conditions can also cause swelling and need medical care.

How we help in Chiswick

• Manual lymphatic drainage: gentle massage to move excess fluid.
• Body Ballancer compression therapy: sequential air compression for heavy legs.
• LPG Endermologie: mechanical tissue mobilisation for contouring and skin texture.
• Styku 3D and InBody: circumference and body water measurements to track change.

What does the evidence say?

Compression and movement reduce leg swelling effectively. Lymphatic drainage and Endermologie can reduce puffiness and improve how the tissue feels, with results that are best maintained with activity. Compare options in MLD, compression and LPG compared.

Body contouring or weight loss?

Weight loss reduces overall body fat, while body contouring focuses on the shape, firmness and smoothness of specific areas, often by reducing fluid retention and improving tissue texture. Non-surgical contouring works best for people close to their goal weight, and it complements rather than replaces healthy weight management.

How long do results last?

Results from lymphatic drainage, compression and Endermologie are real but not permanent, because fluid and tissue respond to lifestyle, hormones and time. Most people keep their results with regular movement, hydration, a balanced diet and occasional maintenance sessions.

Why does fluid retention get worse before a period?

Hormonal changes in the days before a period cause the body to hold more salt and water, which many women notice as bloating, puffiness and heavier legs. It usually eases once the period starts. Reducing salt, staying active and drinking enough water can lessen it.

What to expect at Omnia

We start with a conversation about your goals and health, check for any reason the swelling needs a doctor first, and take circumference, Styku or InBody measurements. Your plan may combine lymphatic drainage, compression therapy and Endermologie, with practical advice on activity and diet, and we re-measure to track change.

What you can do at home

• Walk and move your ankles regularly, especially when travelling
• Raise your legs in the evening
• Reduce salty and ultra-processed food
• Drink enough water

See our guides to how to get rid of cellulite and what compression therapy is.

Read feeling bloated or puffy? Omnia Lifestyle, Chiswick W4. Book online or call 020 4515 0000.