Pressotherapy: What It Is, Real Benefits, and Results for Body Contouring

Pressotherapy is a body treatment that has gained enormous popularity in Costa Rica thanks to its multiple aesthetic and therapeutic benefits. At Anthea Health & Aesthetics, we offer pressotherapy sessions with state-of-the-art equipment at our Pérez Zeledón and Uvita de Osa locations. But what exactly is it and what results can you really expect?

What is pressotherapy and how does it work?

Pressotherapy is a treatment that uses a special suit with air chambers that inflate and deflate sequentially, applying controlled pneumatic compression on the legs, abdomen, buttocks, or arms. This compression simulates and enhances lymphatic drainage massage, but more uniformly and with a precision that the human hand cannot replicate.

The equipment consists of boots, an abdominal wrap, or arm sleeves that connect to a central unit. This unit controls the pressure (measured in mmHg), the inflation sequence (from distal to proximal, meaning from feet to waist), and the duration of each cycle.

The sequential pressure produces a "milking" effect that pushes lymph and interstitial fluids toward the lymph nodes, facilitating their drainage and elimination. Simultaneously, it improves venous return circulation, which has both aesthetic and vascular health benefits.

Proven benefits of pressotherapy

For body aesthetics

• Cellulite reduction: By improving lymphatic and venous circulation, pressotherapy helps dissolve the fat and fluid nodules that cause the appearance of cellulite. Results are most notable when combined with other treatments such as cavitation or body radiofrequency.
• Body contouring: The reduction of accumulated fluids and improved circulation contribute to better defining the silhouette, especially in legs, thighs, and abdomen.
• Measurement reduction: It is common to observe a reduction of 1 to 3 centimeters in treated areas after a complete protocol, primarily from the elimination of retained fluids.
• Firmer, smoother skin: Circulatory stimulation improves tissue oxygenation and nutrition, which is reflected in skin with better tone and texture.

For health

• Tired leg relief: If you spend many hours standing or sitting, pressotherapy relieves heaviness, tingling, and leg inflammation immediately.
• Varicose vein prevention: By improving venous return, it reduces pressure on veins and helps prevent the formation of varicose veins and spider veins.
• Sports recovery: Many athletes use pressotherapy to accelerate recovery after exercise, reducing muscle soreness and inflammation.
• Post-operative recovery: It is an ideal complement to manual lymphatic drainage after cosmetic surgeries, helping to reduce inflammation more quickly.

What does a pressotherapy session feel like?

The experience is extremely pleasant. You will feel a rhythmic pressure that rises from the feet to the waist (or from the hands to the shoulders, depending on the treated area). The sensation is similar to an enveloping and relaxing massage. Many patients fall asleep during the session.

Each session lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. No special preparation or recovery time is required. You can resume your normal activities immediately after.

How many sessions do I need to see results?

Pressotherapy results are cumulative:

• From the first session: Your legs will feel lighter, less inflamed, and you will experience a general sense of well-being.
• After 4-6 sessions: You will begin to notice cellulite reduction, better body definition, and measurement reduction.
• Complete protocol (10-15 sessions): Optimal results in cellulite reduction, body contouring, and circulation improvement.

The recommended frequency is 2 to 3 sessions per week during the intensive protocol, followed by monthly maintenance sessions.

What treatments can it be combined with?

Pressotherapy is exceptionally versatile and enhances the results of other body treatments:

• Cavitation: Pressotherapy helps drain the fat liquefied by cavitation, significantly improving measurement reduction results.
• Body radiofrequency: Combined, they offer a more pronounced tightening effect and greater sagging reduction.
• Manual lymphatic drainage: The combination of both techniques multiplies the drainage effect for faster reduction of inflammation.
• Modeling massage: After a pressotherapy session, manual massage can work specific areas with greater effectiveness.

Who should not receive pressotherapy?

Although it is a very safe treatment, there are some contraindications:

• Deep vein thrombosis or history of pulmonary embolism
• Active skin infections in the areas to be treated
• Decompensated heart failure
• Pregnancy
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Active malignant tumors

At Anthea, we always perform a prior assessment to ensure the treatment is safe for you.

Professional pressotherapy in the southern zone of Costa Rica

At Anthea Health & Aesthetics, we have medical-grade pressotherapy equipment that allows adjusting pressure, times, and sequences according to your specific needs. Our locations in Pérez Zeledón and Uvita de Osa offer this treatment as part of individualized body contouring protocols.

If you are looking to reduce cellulite, relieve leg heaviness, accelerate your post-operative recovery, or simply treat yourself to a relaxing treatment, pressotherapy is an excellent option. Contact us via WhatsApp to schedule your first session.