Understanding a DEXA Scan
THE PRIVATE CLINIC
Whether you’re considering Body Contouring, working towards a fitness goal, or simply want to understand your health better, stepping on a set of scales only tells part of the story.
That’s where a DEXA body composition scan can make a real difference.
At The Private Clinic, we’re pleased to partner with MyVitalMetrics at 98 Harley Street, giving our patients access to advanced DEXA scanning technology that provides a detailed picture of what your body is really made up of.
What Is a DEXA Scan?
DEXA stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. While the technology has been used for many years to assess bone health, modern DEXA scanners can also provide one of the most accurate assessments of body composition available.
Rather than simply measuring your weight, a DEXA scan analyses your body to show:
- Body Fat Percentage
- Muscle Mass
- Lean Tissue Distribution
- Visceral Fat (fat stored around your internal organs)
- Bone Mineral Density
- Fat Distribution Throughout Different Areas of the Body
The scan takes just a few minutes, is completely non-invasive, and uses a very low dose of X-ray radiation.
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Why Choose a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan can distinguish between water, muscle, and fat, providing a comprehensive snapshot of your body composition.
Two people can weigh exactly the same but have completely different body compositions.
For example, someone with a higher proportion of muscle may weigh more than someone with less muscle but significantly lower body fat.
A DEXA scan helps move beyond the number on the scales by giving a far more comprehensive understanding of your body.
This information can be particularly valuable if you’re:
- Trying to lose body fat rather than simply lose weight
- Building muscle through exercise
- Monitoring changes following weight loss
- Looking to improve your overall health
- Preparing for Body Contouring Surgery
What Information Will I Receive?
You’ll receive a detailed report that breaks down your body composition into easy-to-understand measurements.
This includes:
- Body Fat Percentage – Understand your overall body fat percentage and how it compares with healthy ranges for your age and gender.
- Muscle Mass – See how much lean muscle you have throughout your body and whether it is evenly distributed.
- Visceral Fat – Unlike fat that sits beneath the skin, visceral fat surrounds your internal organs and can increase your risk of health complications. A DEXA scan can provide valuable insight into these levels.
- Bone Health – Assess bone mineral density to measure if your bone health is within the ideal range.
- Regional Body Composition – A unique benefit of the DEXA scan is its ability to analyse individual areas of the body, this allows you to see clearly how fat and muscle are distributed across your arms, legs or chest.
How Can a DEXA Scan Help Before Surgery?
A DEXA scan is not required before treatment, but it can be a useful way to better understand your body composition before your procedure.
Pre-surgery, it can help you:
- Establish a baseline of body composition
- Get guided nutrition and recovery planning with qualified professionals
- Identify potential bone health that could influence healing
- Assess Symmetry to assist with surgical targeting to ensure realistic aesthetic objectives.
Post-surgery, it can help you:
- Monitor changes in body composition during recovery
- Support a whole body approach to post-operative care
Available at 98 Harley Street Through Our Partners, MyVitalMetrics
We work closely with MyVitalMetrics, located at within our London Harley Street clinic, to provide our patients with access to high-quality DEXA Body Composition scanning.
Their experienced team uses advanced imaging technology to produce detailed, clinically accurate reports that can help you better understand your body composition and support your wider health and wellbeing goals.
Whether you’re interested in tracking your fitness progress, understanding your health in more detail, or preparing for Body Contouring Surgery, a DEXA scan can provide valuable information that goes far beyond the scales.
Discover More
If you’re interested in learning more about DEXA body composition scanning, or you’re considering liposuction and would like to understand whether it’s the right option for you, our team would be happy to help.
Contact The Private Clinic to find out more about our partnership with MyVitalMetrics at 98 Harley Street, or book a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons to discuss your Body Contouring goals.
