CoolSculpting®: Freeze the Fat

There’s a buzz going on about the new alternative to liposuction in Los Angeles: CoolSculpting. People with a healthy body weight are finding this innovative procedure helps get rid of fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise.

• The Treatment: With no incisions or anesthesia needed, patients can enjoy a comfortable procedural process with no downtime. A cooling device is placed over the treatment area to freeze unwanted fat cells. Surrounding skin and tissue are not affected, and patients can return to normal activities immediately.
• Treatment Areas: This FDA-cleared procedure is most commonly used on the abdomen. My patients have also had success when CoolSculpting is used to treat the flanks, back, arms, buttocks, thighs, hips and waist.

While CoolSculpting is a great alternative to liposuction, sometimes patients need a surgical procedure to achieve the results they desire. The best way to determine which option is best for you is by talking with a qualified medical professional who offers a range of treatments.

Tags: los angeles coolsculpting
Posted in Body Contouring,CoolSculpting

Minimize Recovery Time with Liposuction Options

Small pockets of fat can keep people from truly enjoying their bodies, but the recovery time associated with liposuction in Los Angeles often deters them from visiting a plastic surgeon. Luckily, advances in procedures and techniques have paved the way for liposuction alternatives that greatly reduce recovery time.

Here are 4 of the most popular options that I offer to my patients:

CoolSculpting®: This innovative liposuction alternative uses a special cooling process to freeze fat. No anesthetic or incisions are needed, and there is no recovery time. Surrounding tissue and skin are not affected.

Liposonix®: High intensity ultrasound energy destroys targeted fat tissue to contour a patient’s abdomen and flank area. Treatment typically lasts only an hour, and surrounding tissue and skin are unharmed.

ZERONA®: Using a low-level laser system to target fat cells, this procedure helps patients lose fat in areas such as the thighs, hips and waist. Patients typically undergo multiple treatments, depending on the amount of enhancement desired.

Exilis: Precisely controlled radiofrequency (RF) energy is used to heat the deeper layers of the skin, shrinking fat cells and tightening skin tissue. Unlike traditional liposuction, Exilis requires no downtime. It can be performed on the face, arms, thighs and midsection.

Questions about alternatives to liposuction should be discussed with a qualified plastic surgeon.

Tags: liposuction los angeles
Posted in Body Contouring,Liposuction

Knowing the Difference Between Trendy and Timely

Non-surgical alternatives to Los Angeles liposuction are constantly emerging. So, how do you know whether a procedure is just a “flash in the pan” or a revolutionary new technique? Here are some things to look for:

• FDA approval: Approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ensures that the procedure has been thoroughly researched and tested for safety and effectiveness. However, it’s important to note that there is a difference between medical devices that are “FDA cleared” and those that are “FDA approved.” FDA clearance applies to devices that are substantially similar to those that are already available. Approval applies to items that employ new technology that hasn’t been previously tested and must go through a complete approval process to be investigated for possible new hazards.
• Scientific research: There are a lot of inflated claims floating around in the field of cosmetic medicine. Clinical studies give validity to a new product because they measure how predictable the new cosmetic device is. This also allows researchers to identify whether the machine produces reliable results, as well as pinpointing any weaknesses or limitations in the technology.
• History of use: There’s a fine line between “trendy” and “timely.” One of the distinguishing characteristics of a new cosmetic treatment is whether it is being widely used. Doctors only want to invest in technology that is safe and delivers real results. The more accepted the procedure is in the medical world, the more likely that it is turning out to be trustworthy and effective.

CoolSculpting®: A Non-invasive Method That Works

I have found CoolSculpting to be one of the most reliable methods of non-surgical liposuction. This procedure has undergone clinical testing and has been shown to reduce fat by an average of 20% to 25% after just 1 treatment. CoolSculpting received FDA approval in 2010 and has been widely used by doctors and dermatologists since that time. The results are consistent, and the side effects are minimal. With these qualifications, I think it’s safe to say that CoolSculpting is much more than a trend; it’s here to stay.

Tags: los angeles liposuction
Posted in CoolSculpting,Body Contouring,Liposuction

Mommy Makeover Rated as ‘Worth It’ by 98% of Patients

It comes as no surprise that Mommy Makeovers have a 98% “worth it” rating on Realself.com, a website that connects men and women who are interested in cosmetic enhancement with medical professionals. This procedure, which often combines a Los Angeles tummy tuck and breast augmentation, helps women flatten their midsections and enhance their breasts for a younger, firmer-looking body.

Benefits of a Mommy Makeover

A Mommy Makeover is perfect for restoring areas of the body that are affected by pregnancy and childbirth. Some advantages of this procedure include:

• Tightening abdominal muscles that were stretched by pregnancy
• Restoring fullness to the breasts
• Reducing the visibility of stretch marks and scarring from a C-section
• Removing excess fat from the stomach, hips, buttocks or thighs
• Sculpting slimmer, sleeker body contours
• Balancing body proportions
• Elevating the breasts to a higher position

Tags: los angeles tummy tuck
Posted in Tummy Tuck,Body Contouring

Fat Deposit Frustrations? Freeze Them

When it comes to treating fat deposits on the hips, midsection, arms and back, liposuction has become the gold standard. However, this surgical procedure isn’t right for everyone. For men and women frustrated by love handles, muffin tops or tummy pooches, there’s a new non-surgical alternative to liposuction in Los Angeles, CA. It’s called CoolSculpting®.

CoolSculpting is easy, and effective:

• You can relax, read or listen to music during your procedure. No anesthetic, no incisions and no downtime is needed. A specially designed device draws up your skin and positions it between two cooling panels.
• Because fat cells freeze at a warmer temperature than surrounding tissue, this technology destroys your fat cells safely without affecting your skin.

During the weeks after your treatment, your body’s natural cleansing processes gradually eliminate the destroyed fat cells. Within a few months, you’ll notice that your clothes are looser and the targeted regions, such as your hips and mid-section, have become more sculpted. Studies show that fat in the targeted areas is reduced by up to 25 percent.

Tags: liposuction in los angeles ca
Posted in Body Contouring,Liposuction

The Facts about CoolSculpting® by ZELTIQ®

Women and men who lead healthy and active lifestyles frequent my office with questions concerning their options for non-surgical alternatives to liposuction in Los Angeles for small and often difficult to remove pockets of fat. CoolSculpting® by ZELTIQ® uses a controlled cooling process to freeze fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by your body. Here are 5 facts to help you understand just how effective this popular procedure is:

• Patients can resume daily activities, even exercise, almost immediately after each treatment. This is a great option for people with an active family or work schedule.
• The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour, making it an ideal “lunch break” treatment.
• On average, patients who visit my practice experience about a 20% reduction of fat. Although one treatment may provide the results you desire, I commonly see patients who want to extend their results with continued treatments.
• Clinical studies on hundreds of patients have shown that the procedure is an effective way to reduce fat without the pain, risk, and recovery time of some surgical procedures.
• CoolSculpting only targets fat cells. The surrounding tissue and skin is left unharmed, and any redness will dissipate within a few hours of treatment.

No two people have the exact same body type or cosmetic goals, so I always encourage patients to visit my practice for personalized and professional advice. Whether you’re looking to achieve your ideal body, or simply want to enhance the results you’ve achieved in the gym, CoolSculpting is an excellent tool for looking and feeling great.

Tags: liposuction los angeles
Posted in Body Contouring,Liposuction

Ready for Liposuction?

Women and men in Los Angeles considering liposuction may wonder how they can determine whether the procedure is right for them. This procedure is growing in popularity, and is an excellent option for many of my patients who want to eliminate small areas of fat, such as the “love handles.”

When patients come to my practice for a liposuction consultation, there are some quick and easy ways that I can check if this is the right procedure for their needs. Here’s a shortened version of my checklist to see if you’re ready for liposuction:

• Physical: One of the best ways to prepare for any surgery is to check that you are at a reasonable weight for your age and height. Since liposuction is not intended as a tool for major weight loss, check your cosmetic goals to make sure this procedure is right for you. Ideal liposuction candidates are people who lead active and healthy lifestyles, but who have stubborn pockets of fat, such as “love handles.”
• Mental/Emotional: Although advances in procedural techniques have made liposuction a safe procedure, it’s important to understand the mild risks associated with any surgery. A great way to ensuring the results you desire is seeking out a board-certified surgeon. That surgeon can help you set realistic expectations, and make sure it’s the right procedure for achieving your cosmetic goals.

Once you feel you are ready for liposuction, you can set up a consultation with an experienced board-certified surgeon. Together, you can create a treatment plan customized just for your needs.

Tags: los angeles liposuction
Posted in Body Contouring,Liposuction

Understanding the Potential of Tummy Tucks

Women and men often come to our practice after spending countless hours in the gym and trying what seems like every diet available, yet they are still unsatisfied with the overall shape of their bodies. A tummy tuck in Los Angeles is extremely effective in creating a flat and toned abdomen, but the key to successfully using this popular procedure is understanding what it can and cannot achieve.

Tummy tuck procedures begin with a horizontal incision along the pubic line that is often easily covered by a person’s bathing suit. Once the incisions are made, a number of steps are utilized:

• Sutures bring the underlying muscles together to tighten the abdominal wall.
• Abdominal skin is pulled downward, and the navel is repositioned through a small incision.
• Remove excess skin to reveal a tighter abdomen and eliminate stretch marks.
• Liposuction may be used to improve the contour of the waist, flanks, and abdomen.

Tummy tucks often serve as a valuable component of many Mommy Makeovers, which combine the procedure with breast enhancement. This relatively simple procedure can help mothers regain their toned abdomens and bounce back after having children.

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Posted in Tummy Tuck,Body Contouring

Why You Should Combine Plastic Surgery Procedures

When I see patients in my office who have more than one concern, I often recommend combining surgeries. Combining plastic surgery procedures is a cost-effective way of achieving a more comprehensive makeover, and studies I have done over recent years suggest that the safety of combined procedures is on par with the safety of individual cosmetic surgery procedures.

Combined procedures for body and breast contouring are increasingly commonplace these days. For instance, some of my Los Angeles tummy tuck patients will benefit from combining liposuction of the midbody, hips or thighs. The removal of excess skin as well as fat can result in beautiful, smooth body contours.

Also, many tummy tuck patients choose to combine breast procedures with their surgery. These combined surgeries are often called Mommy Makeover procedures, addressing the specific areas that are of concern to women who have had children.

Combining surgical procedures has the added benefit of reducing total recovery time, when compared to having the procedures separately.

Tags: los angeles tummy tuck
Posted in Tummy Tuck

Body Contouring 101

Body contouring is a way for women and men who have exhausted other methods of diet and exercise to contour and tone specific areas of the body. Typically, excess skin and fat is removed from targeted areas of the body.

While body contouring is never a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle, it can help improve the body shape for people who find that the pounds won’t budge from certain areas. For instance, my Los Angeles tummy tuck patients choose the procedure to remove unwanted fat and tissue, while tightening the underlying abdominal muscles.

Below is some basic information about body contouring:

• Body contouring can help create a smooth body shape.
• Procedures such as a tummy tuck can help remove excess skin and tissue from areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.
• After significant weight loss, body contouring procedures can be particularly helpful for removing excess skin to reveal a slimmer shape.
• There are various body lifting procedures that exist for almost every area of the body – legs, abdomen, buttocks, back, arms, and chest.

Body contouring can consist of several procedures, but at the end of the day, all are meant to reshape and contour the body. The best way to see if you are a candidate is to talk with your surgeon.

Tags: los angeles tummy
Posted in Tummy Tuck,Body Contouring