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Find Body Sculpting Options in Santa Rosa Beach

With summer in full swing, you want the best body possible to show off at the beach. All summer clothes reveal a lot of skin. For certain people, they may still be clinging to winter wear in order to hide certain areas of their body. Diet and exercise just don’t seem to work for them. They’ve lost weight, but they can’t seem to lose the stubborn fat and skin that continues to cling to their body. These individuals are not without hope. Body sculpting in Santa Rosa Beach can offer you a trimmed figure that diet and exercise aren’t providing. Through CoolSculpting®, Emsculpt®, and even Kybella®, you can receive a toned figure that you’ve always wanted. It’s time to remove winter clothes and embrace the sun and beaches at long last. This article will discuss body sculpting and the various treatments that you can select in Santa Rosa Beach.

Body Sculpting

There is often some confusion when it comes to body sculpting. Some people sign up for a body sculpting treatment expecting that their weight suddenly decreases. While some weight may be lost, body sculpting is not, in itself, a weight-loss treatment. Those who see the best results from body sculpting or body contouring are those who have already achieved their target weight.

Instead of being a way to lose weight, body sculpting helps trim away skin and remove stubborn fat that collects in certain areas of the body. This fat isn’t the kind of fat that helps your body. The good kind of fat stores energy for later use during periods of starvation or fasting. The bad kind of fat is primarily used for insulation or just exists because it has nowhere else to go.

It’s the bad kind of fat that is difficult to lose. Because it’s not being burned up and broken down for energy, it just sits there at your abdomen and hips doing nothing. You can restrict yourself to certain diets and try all of the crunches that you want, but it doesn’t mean that the stubborn fat is going to disappear.

Body sculpting helps remove that fat or makes it lose the content within the fat’s cells. As a result, your body is able to trim itself. The skin can press closer to the muscle rather than the barrier of fat that sits between the skin and muscle. Any muscle that you’ve developed through your exercises will be noticeable far easier.

There are a few different body sculpting treatments in Santa Rosa Beach that you might want to consider. Each one removes fat in a different way and can be used in certain areas of the body. Because body sculpting is a non-invasive treatment, you can receive these treatments numerous times over your life without consequence. Here are some of the treatments that you might want to consider and what they offer.

CoolSculpting®

Perhaps the biggest name in terms of body sculpting is CoolSculpting®. Before CoolSculpting®, most body contouring options began and ended with liposuction. Since liposuction is an invasive procedure, not many people were interested in trying it out. CoolSculpting® changed the body sculpting game.

It relies on the concept of freezing fat cells until they die. It was discovered by two researchers who noticed that children who ate a lot of popsicles had dimpled cheeks. The belief was that the consistent exposure to the cold destroyed the fat cells in certain areas of their cheeks. As a result, dimples were formed. The researchers continued to look into this and discovered that extremely cold temperatures could, in fact, destroy fat cells.

The process is quite simple. A device is used atop your body in the key area that you want to have toned. This device then uses liquid nitrogen or other freezing agents to deliver a cold temperature against your skin. Eventually, it seeps through the skin and the fatty layer. The cold temperatures damage the cells. Your body then targets them for death, and they’re destroyed. The content that resides within the fat cells is released into the body. This content can be used for energy or it can be transferred into waste.

With the removal of the fat cells, the skin is then able to cling to the muscle layer below it. Sometimes results can be noticed immediately. Other times, you may need a few treatments to receive a full effect. Fat cells are not gone forever either. So, if you’re worried about what the destruction of fat cells does to your body, you have no need for concern. As you eat, you will eventually create new fat cells. That also makes touch-ups necessary if you do not regularly exercise and eat well to limit the number of fat cells that are created.

After only a few minutes, the device is removed, and you’re finished with the treatment. Your physician might offer a few suggestions on how to take care of the area after the treatment is over. By and large, however, because the treatment is non-invasive, you’re able to simply return home or back to work without any issues.

You may wonder if you’ll feel the cold. This isn’t the case. Before the procedure begins, you’ll have either a thick cloth or some ointment placed on the target area. This dispels the temperature, so you don’t feel it. In fact, the treatment is quite relaxing. All you do is lay back and let the professionals run the device over your skin.

Because the treatment is so quick, it’s easy to fit CoolSculpting® into your schedule. You can do it right after work or even on your lunch break. Since it’s easy on the body, you don’t have to worry about skipping out on social engagements afterward either.

CoolSculpting® can be used in many different parts of the body. Although it is most commonly used in the abdominal area, it can be used on the arms and legs area, too. With more devices being made for CoolSculpting® technology, there is practically a device for any area that you might want to have worked on.

If you want an easy way to body sculpt your body in Santa Rosa Beach, then you should consider CoolSculpting®.

Emsculpt®

Another exciting way to trim the body is through Emsculpt®. This body sculpting option is quite different from CoolSculpting®. While CoolSculpting® was focused solely on the removal of fat cells, Emsculpt® actually helps build muscle while destroying fat. Instead of cold temperature, Emsculpt® uses contractions.

When you work out, you’re essentially contracting your muscles. You perform some form of damage to them. This forces the body to break down fat and build muscle. The more that you work out, the more muscle is created in order to deal with the strain. Emsculpt® takes that up to a few notches. When you go in for an Emsculpt® treatment in Santa Rosa Beach, you’re basically going to receive an easy workout for your muscles.

By using a device that invokes contractions in your muscles, your body works fast to destroy the fat cells. Because your muscles are being contracted quickly, the body has to break down the fat in that area in order to have the energy to build up the muscle. The fat is also removed simply because of the movement. As muscle builds up, it needs space. That space is created through the removal of fat.

The procedure lasts about a half-hour. However, to receive the best results, you have to schedule at least four sessions. These sessions should take place every two to three days. Like with working out, if you don’t work the muscle out continuously, then the muscle is eaten away, and you’re back with fat. In order to remove the fat entirely, a series of contractions is required. That’s why four sessions seem to be the optimal amount for the best results. Of course, your provider will take an examination of the area and determine just how many sessions you will need. These treatments are always relative to the individual.

Considering that a lot of contractions are being used, you may wonder what the treatment itself will feel like. More than anything, it will just feel like you had an intense workout. You’ll be laying down while the device is moved over your body. You can even relax. It’s only after the treatment is complete that you may feel as though you did a bunch of crunches or ran a few miles.

Just like CoolSculpting®, Emsculpt® does not require any downtime after the procedure is over. While you may want to take it easy with working out just to give your muscles a break, you can likely hit the gym again the day after. In fact, you really get the most of Emsculpt®, it doesn’t hurt to work out lightly to continue to build muscle in those target areas.

You don’t have to worry about doing anything before the treatment either. Because the device doesn’t interfere with your skin, you don’t have to worry about shaving or showering or doing anything else to prepare. You can come as you are.

Emsculpt® is similar to CoolSculpting® in that it can be used on most areas of the body. People typically receive treatment on their abdomen to help promote abs. However, it has also been used on arms, legs, and even on the backside for firm glutes.

It can sometimes take up to two to four weeks for results to be noticed. Yet those results continue to be shown and even become better and better as time goes on. For a body sculpting option in Santa Rosa Beach that helps you build muscle as well as to trim the fat, you should consider Emsculpt®.

Kybella®

For those who dislike their double chin, then Kybella® is the body sculpting option for you. For many, a double chin can make them bigger than they are. It can also make an individual look older. A key sign of aging is sagging skin. A double chin is essentially sagging skin. They’re also difficult to keep from forming. Even if you’re incredibly fit, you can still suffer from a double chin simply through your genetic makeup.

Kybella® is a body sculpting option in Santa Rosa Beach that is specifically designed to remove double chins. The procedure is just as simple as CoolSculpting® and Emsculpt®. Instead of having a device ran over the treatment area, however, Kybella® is actually an injectable treatment.

Initially, you’ll meet with your doctor and go over the problem area. They’ll assess your chin and come up with a treatment plan that will determine how many injections you’ll need and where they need to be injected. Once the plan is set, you’re able to receive treatment. The procedure itself is easy and quick. A naturally-occurring molecule known as Deoxycholic acid is what’s injected into the body. In your body, Deoxycholic acid actually works to naturally dissolve fat. It absorbs the contents within the fat to bring to the rest of your cells that require it for energy.

In terms of Kybella®, Deoxycholic acid is used to dissolve the fat that resides within the double chin. Once they’re gone, fat content can no longer be stored there. Your double chin will disappear, and you’ll no longer suffer from a dreaded double chin.

During the procedure, you’ll receive multiple injections. You will likely need a few different sessions in order for the fat cells to be destroyed completely. It’s most common for six treatment sessions to be needed in order to have the best results. These sessions are scheduled at least one month apart. This allows the Deoxycholic acid plenty of time to work through the area and remove fat cells.

The best aspect of Kybella® is that once the fat cells are destroyed, you likely won’t need another treatment again. As long as you mind your food and stay up on your weight, fat cells won’t need to be produced under your chin again. Kybella® provides lasting results that you can be proud to show off.

Practically everyone is able to receive Kybella® treatments. As long as you’re tired of having a double chin and don’t want to see pricier surgical options, then you’re likely a good candidate for Kybella®. The treatment only lasts for about a half-hour, and you’re able to return to work and other activities following treatment.

Kybella® is a body sculpting option that is only used on the area below the chin. It cannot be used in other areas of the body as of yet. So, if you suffer from a double chin and want to stop looking older or fatter than you actually are, then you should consider scheduling a body sculpting treatment with Kybella® in Santa Rosa Beach.

Who Are The Best Candidates?

If you’re thinking about body sculpting, then you might wonder if you make for a good candidate. The good news is that since body sculpting in Santa Rosa Beach is noninvasive, practically everyone is a good candidate for the treatments. The key factors are to ensure that you are already at your target weight and have done everything you can to achieve a good level of fitness. These are the individuals who experience the best results with body sculpting because they’ve already put in the hard work of maintaining a good weight and developing muscle.

They have a trim figure in the making. Their stubborn fat just keeps them from being able to see the bulk of the results. Good candidates are also of good health. They don’t have any infections or problems with their blood or heart. While these treatments shouldn’t exacerbate any of these problems, it’s always a good idea to be of good health before undergoing any treatment.

Finally, body sculpting does not require you to be a certain age or skin color. The treatments listed above can work on you just as well as if you were 20 or 70. Whether you have light or dark-colored skin, the devices and injections will work on you just the same. That makes body sculpting available for almost everyone.

What to Look for in a Clinic

One last aspect to consider with body sculpting is to use a clinic that is experienced with the treatments. These are professionals who have delivered the treatments countless times before. They’ve seen everything and know how to handle everything. They can answer any questions that you have with informative answers. More than that, however, they can take a look at your case and understand exactly what kind of treatment you need and how many sessions of that treatment you’ll need.

Experience and professionalism matter when it comes to body sculpting. That’s why you should consider The Aesthetic Clinique in Santa Rosa Beach. We offer numerous body sculpting treatments that can help you achieve the trimmed body you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

Coolsculpting Update 2017 – Faster, More Comfortable, Better Results

Coolsculpting’s original FDA approval was in 2009 and it was initially cleared to cool skin prior to dermal procedures. It was later in 2010 that the FDA approved Coolsculpting for fat reduction in the flanks (love handles). Over the next several years, the procedure has been approved for abdomen, thighs – both inner and outer with various sized handpieces to treat every body type.

What’s new is that there are 2 new indications for Coolsculpting treatment. The submental fat (double chin) can now be treated with the Cool Mini handpiece. Depending on the needs of the patient, one or two applications are needed. Treatment times are 45 minutes. There is no downtime as is customary with all Coolsculpting procedures. A 2nd treatment is needed in some patients who need larger corrections. Another exciting area of recently approved treatment is the underarm area. This is where the new Cool Petite handpiece is used. Loose skin is not going to improve but that annoying “bat wing” can be reduced with these treatments.

In 2016, there was a significant change to the handpieces used for treatment called the CoolAdvantage Handpieces. (Not all practices have upgraded to these, so patients must inquire). The difference is that these handpieces are more shallow – the amount of suction witl therefore be less. The cooling plate is continuous rather than just the sides. The area treated is now more uniformly cooled than with the prior handpieces. These changes result in:

More comfortable treatments
Treatment times of 35 minutes vs the usual 60 minutes
Faster onset of results – as little as 3 weeks
Less bruising and post procedure pain

Soon after Coolsculpting’s approval it had been noted that manual massage post treatment led to improved results. About a couple years ago it was found that using the Zimmer Z Wave in place of the massage yielded even better results. It was found that adding the Z Wave increased the treatment efficacy by 68-100%. The Z Wave uses Acoustic Pulsed Technology, which sends shock waves through the skin and fat. It is a painless 5-10 minute procedure. These shock waves further injure the fat cells leading to a better result. After the Coolsculpting treatment, there are fat cells which are killed, some unaffected, and some which are “on the fence” as to whether they will survive or die. The Z Wave pushes some of these “undecided” cells over the brink. Z Wave has also been shown to lead to less post procedure discomfort.

“If one is good, two is better”. In some practices, a second Coolsculpting machine has been purchased. This allows for “DualSculpting”, treating 2 areas simultaneously. Treatment times are then cut in half using this technique.

Comparing the DualSculpting to treatments 1 year ago, two areas can now be treated in about one quarter of the time when adding the benefits of the CoolAdvantage Handpieces.

The Aesthetic Clinique has been one of the pioneers in Coolsculpting treatments. Its first machine was obtained in 2009, being one of the first 25 in the country, even before the formal FDA approval for fat reduction. All the latest handpieces are available including the CoolAdvantage, Cool Mini, and Cool Petite. The Zimmer Z Wave is a complementary service added to all Coolsculpting treatments. A second machine has just been purchased, so DualSculpting is now available at The Aesthetic Clinique.

Recent advances have made Coolsculpting significantly faster, more comfortable, and more effective. It is a great noninvasive procedure for reducing unwanted fat without downtime.

Treating the Double Chin and Jawline Fat Has Become Easy

Until recently, the dreaded double chin has been fairly difficult to treat. Liposuction was the mainstay of treatment. This can be performed under local anesthetic, but there is downtime, bruising, need to wear a chin strap, and some risks. Now, there are 3 non surgical options to treat this area and along the jawline (with 2 of them) which have no or minimal downtime.

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Kybella is a bile salt (deoxycholic acid) that is found in the gallbladder. It is natural secreted to assist the body in digesting consumed fat. It is now available in an injection form and can be used in the submental area to permanently reduce fat. It typically requires 1-2 vials per session, and about 2-4 session. This is all dependent on the amount of fat in this area. 1 month to 6 weeks in the recommended period between treatments. The procedure takes about 15 minutes. There is very minimal pain at first. It then starts burning and this lasts for up t0 30 minutes. Swelling occurs for the first 3 days that is significant. Most of the swelling is gone by a week. All swelling is gone by about 3-4 weeks and results are seen at this time. Areas other than the submental area are being investigated

Pros: short procedure, effective for submental area, long lasting results

Cons: swelling, can’t be used along lateral neck – only central portion, multiple treatments

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CoolMini from Coolsculpting is a new handpiece that is designed to treat the upper neck area. At this point, most people have heard of Coolsculpting. This technology cools fat down to a certain temperature to where it will partial die, but leave the other structures intact. The CoolMini is a newer technology from Coolsculpting that uses more uniform cooling, and doesn’t require the full one hour to get treated. It’s suction grabs onto the fatty area and stays attached for the 45 minute cycle. It can be used to the central and lateral portions of the neck. If there are large areas needing treatment, more than one session is needed and more than one attachment is needed per session.

Pros: minimal or no downtime, can treat lateral as well as submental fat, proven technology that is permanent

Cons: treatment times are 45 min per application, might need more than one application and more than one session

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Infini uses high intensity radiofrequency to treat excessive fat in the neck. It gets to the fat by use of the microneedling delivery system. It can go up to 3.5 mm which is into the superficial layer of fat. By adjusting the power and pulse duration, fat along the jawline, jowls, and submental areat can be treated. It is usually a series of 3 treatments, spaced about 4-6 weeks apart.

Pros: can treat all areas of fat in the neck and jowls, tightens skin as well and improves wrinkles

Cons: requires topical anesthetic (more painful than others), requires 3 treatments usually, mild redness and swelling afterwards for a couple days

There are now a few ways to treat the neck and double chin area. Which one is best for you is based on your desires, lifestyle, and anatomy. All are effective with minimal or non invasive techniques.

Maximizing Coolsculpting Results with CoolAdvantage and Zimmer Z Wave

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Coolsculpting has established itself as the worlds #1 noninvasive fat reduction treatment. It has over 3 million treatments worldwide and has been found to be a safe, well tolerated, and reliable procedure. It was FDA approved to cool skin to allow for anesthesia in 2009 and later in 2010, it was given the permanent fat reduction approval.

Coolsculpting treatments involve attaching a handpiece to the area of desired fat removal. There are various sizes of handpieces to assist in reaching all the different areas of the body where there is excessive fat. Most of these handpieces use a suction to pull/draw the tissue and fat into the handpiece, so a requirement (except for the outer thigh where a flat handpiece is used) is that there is “pinchable” fat. These handpieces gradually cool the area treated to the optimal temperature where the fat is killed but the surrounding tissues (skin, blood vessels, nerves) are kept safe. The attachment duration has been 1 hour until recently. It has been proven that about 25% of the fat treated will be removed during this process. It has also been shown that massaging the area treated immediately after handpiece removal improved the outcomes too. There was more fat loss and less post procedure discomfort.

There was a study last year that showed the Zimmer Z Wave treatment, done in place of the massage, lead to a 65-100% improvement in outcomes. In large volume practices, including Dr. Weiner’s office, this is now routinely performed on all Coolsculpting patients immediately when the handpieces are removed. The Z Wave uses radio pulsed technology that send shock waves through the tissues. When these waves bump against newly frozen fat cells, the already compromised cell is further damaged. This increases the amount of fat cell death from the Coolsculpting treatment. Another way to explain how it works is that with Coolsculpting, there are cells that are killed, cells that aren’t, and cells that are undecided. The Z Wave pushes some of these undecided cells to the point that they will die.

A recent advancement in the handpiece technology has been developed. This is the found in the CoolAdvantage and CoolMini handpiece. The changes consist of a more uniform cooling of the area treated. Older handpieces had cooling elements only on the sides of the handpiece cup but the newer has cooling throughout. What does this do to change the treatments? It lowers the treatment time from 1 hour to 35 minutes (45 min with the CoolMini). The newer handpieces have less depth, so more fibrous, less flexible skin areas can now be treated. This also translate into a much more comfortable treatment because there is less pulling in of the tissues. It has been found that post treatment discomfort is also less. There are reports that these handpieces are more effective because there are no longer fat pockets that might not get to the critical temperature need for death.

With the addition of CoolAdvantage technology and the Zimmer Z Wave, Coolsculpting treatment times are almost cut in half, treatments are more comfortable (during and after), and most importantly, the procedure is significantly more efficacious. When researching providers, make sure they use these new technologies.

Vanquish ME Vs Coolsculpting for Fat Reduction

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Coolsculpting ushered in the era of non invasive fat reduction in 2009. Who would ever have believed that a one hour procedure could remove fat permanently, without incisions? Coolsculpting can produce reliable fat loss of approximately 20-25% with no downtime and minimal risk. It is clearly the market leader with over 2 million treatments. For a long time, Coolsculpting stood without competition, but over the past couple years, formidable competition has been developed. The differences between Coolsculpting and Vanquish ME will be elaborated below. (Dr. Weiner has experience with both technologies, adopting the Coolsculpting in 2009 and the Vanquish in 2014.)

Research has found that a fat cell’s survival is sensitive to both heat and cold. Coolsculpting takes advantage of cooling the fat tissue to a temperature that is safe for all other structures such as nerves, muscles, and skin. After the Coolsculpting treatment, the fat cells gradually die in a process called apoptosis over the next 6-8 weeks. Subsequent treatments in the same areas yield even better results.

Vanquish ME uses radiofrequency technology to heat up the fat tissue to a point where the fat cells undergo apoptosis as well. The more treatments an individual has, the better the outcomes will be.

From a cursory perspective, it appears that these technologies are interchangeable, but that is definitely not the case. These are where they differ:

One of the major differences between these 2 technologies is that Coolsculpting requires pinchable fat that can be suctioned into the handpiece. This is a major downside to this technology because patients that have fat that can’t be drawn into the handpiece, can’t be treated. On the other hand, Vanquish ME can treat all patients. This includes the moderate to severe obese patient, who is not a candidate for the Coolsculpting. It can also treat the very fit patient who has just a small bit of fat that doesn’t go away with exercise but is not enough to place in a Coolsculpting handpiece.

The treatment area of Vanquish ME is significantly larger than with a Coolsculpting application. This is important because there have been cases of Coolsculpting treatments leading to demarcations between the treated areas. Correction of this problem is difficult, and might require liposuction. This has not been found to occur with Vanquish ME due to the large treatment areas, multiple sessions, and feathering that occurs on the edges of the area treated.

Coolsculpting has been advocated for patients with BMI’s (body mass index) below 30. This limits the procedure to those patients which are mildly overweight. On the other hand, Vanquish ME can be performed on all body types. The problem with treating the higher BMI patient’s with Coolsculpting is that they are at higher risk to have the indentations and demarcations then the lower BMI patients.

Radiofrequency has long been used to help tighten skin. The heat causes collagen stimulation and remodeling. An advantage of the Vanquish ME over Coolsculpting is it’s ability to cause some skin contraction.

Potential side effects of Coolsculpting have been shown to be numbness, bruising, prolonged pain, and paradoxical fat enlargement. The potential side effects from Vanquish has only been superficial skin burns, but that risk has been minimized with changes in the administration of the treatments.

The areas treatable with the technologies are:

Abdomen and Flanks: Coolsculpting needs at least 4 different applications to treat abdomen and flanks (4 hours). This can be performed in one treatment with the Vanquish ME, but will require 4-6 visits (about 4-5 hours).
Inner and Outer Thighs: Coolsculpting 2 different applications each leg vs Vanquish ME’s one each leg but 4-6 treatments
Chin, Gynecomastia, Bra Fat: Only treatable with Coolsculpting
Arms (“batwings”): Treatable with both technologies

Zimmer’s Z Wave has been shown to increase the fat destruction after use of both the Vanquish ME and Coolsculpting. Studies have shown an average increase of about 68% fat loss (up to 100%) when the Z Wave is used. The Z Wave is a painless 5 minute procedure that is performed at the conclusion of the treatment. Technically, the Z Wave is described as “Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT)”, which causes a shock wave to go thru the fat. It pushes fat cells that are “undecided” as to whether they are going to survive the fat destroying treatment over the edge, leading to a more effective treatment.

Both Vanquish ME and Coolsculpting have proven technologies that treat unwanted fat permanently using noninvasive techniques. Coolsculpting can be used to treat some areas that Vanquish can not. Coolsculpting has more side effects, albeit usually minor. The clear winner for the larger patient is the Vanquish ME for its ability to treat larger surface areas without the risk of lines of demarcation or indentations. Patients with loose skin will be better served with the Vanquish ME.

New Handpieces From Coolsculpting Help Create an “INNER THIGH GAP”

Coolsculpting of Inner and Outer Thighs showing the Thigh Gap. 5 weeks after treatment.

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It seems that women are going to great lengths to try to achieve the elusive “inner thigh gap”. According to Nik Richie, the founder of the website “The Dirty” who claims to be the first to coin the phrase “inner thigh gap”, the space between the thighs needs to ideally be 5 finger breadths. Many people, including physicians, argue that women are genetically predisposed as to whether they have the ability to obtain an ITG. If one’s hips are narrow, the argument is that the legs are too close together and having a gap is not possible. Nik’s reply is that it is possible in all women with harsh dieting and exercise, with particular attention to the thigh abductor weight machine (I think he meant adductor machine). Most women would probably be satisfied with an ITG of any dimension, and feel that Nik’s definition is at the far end of the spectrum.

Coolsculpting has just made it easier for women to improve their inner thighs. Whether or not one achieves the perfect “5 finger breadth” gap is really dependent upon what status the thighs are before starting the procedure, their anatomy (genetics) and how much is related to excessive fat deposits. Each Coolsculpting treatment is able to decrease fat in the treated area by about 25%. Results can be visible at only 5 weeks but take about 3 months to fully appreciate the change. The procedure can be repeated if more fat reduction is desired.

Although Coolsculpting was initially FDA approved in 2009 (2010 approval to treat flanks), the handpieces to treat the thigh area were only recently developed and approved. Both the Coolsmooth and Coolfit handpieces are able to treat the thigh area. Treatments are nearly painless and take approximately 1-2 hours per thigh. There is no downtime and no restrictions on activity after the procedure. Risks are minimal and include bruising, numbness, and need for more treatments. Dr. Weiner feels that Coolsculpting offers a healthy method for reducing thigh fat and does not endorse the alternative, that being extreme dieting. In addition, Dr. Weiner stresses that patients must have realistic expectations as to what the Coolsculpting procedure can achieve, and have an appropriate body image before commencing treatment.

Certainly the “inner thigh gap” is a controversial subject. Dr. Weiner’s stance is that many people will not be able to achieve the gap with the Coolsculpting procedure, but they should expect improvement. There are some people who have an actual physical need to reduce their inner thighs – those who have thighs that rub during exercise or walking – who are particularly good candidates for this treatment. The bottom line is that Coolsculpting is a noninvasive, no downtime, permanent way to improve one’s inner thighs with it’s newly approved handpieces, gap or no gap.

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Recent Advances in Coolsculpting – 2014

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Coolsculpting is a noninvasive technique to permanently reduce unwanted fat. It was FDA approved in 2009 for treatment of the flanks. It has subsequently been FDA approved for abdominal fat and, as of April, 2014, has the indication for treating thighs.

Up until this point, all the handpieces required a suction to adhere to the area that was going to be treated. There needed to be a roll of fat that could be “grabbed” by the suction or the area couldn’t be treated. The development of the newest handpiece, the Coolsmooth, allowed for areas to be treated without the use of the suction, such as the thigh area. It also enabled the person with smaller amounts of fat or tighter skin to be treated. At the present time, each application of the Coolsmooth handpiece requires 2 hours but this will most likely be reduced to 1 hour in the future.

“Treatment to transformation” is a technique whereby multiple applications of the Coolsculpting machine are applied in either one or several sittings. By overlapping areas treated or by treating some areas 2 or 3 times, results are now approaching what liposuction can achieve – without the downtime or risk associated. The technique has been pioneered by Dr. Grant Stevens, from Marina del Ray, California.

Massaging immediately after removal of the handpiece has been shown to increase the fat loss in a recent study. This has been done in our office for at least 4 years.

Although loose skin is a theoretical risk after losing fat underneath it, Dr. Stevens has shown that this is absolutely not the case. He has seen skin contraction with his patients and has not seen cases of excess skin.

A recent study presented at ASLMS 2014 showed effectiveness in patients with gynecomastia. Two treatments were required and most patients were satisfied with their results.

Future handpieces are being developed to work on the neck/chin area, ankles, and one specifically for breast tissue. Cellulite reduction is also being studied and it looks promising. Treatment for uneven results after liposuction seems to be greatly improved with Coolsculpting as well, and the new Coolsmooth handpiece will be a huge advance in this treatment.

Coolsculpting questions answered by Dr. Steve Weiner

All these questions were answered before the CoolSmooth handpiece was available. Some areas will be treatable with this handpiece that couldn’t be previously treated.

Q: Why not ice packs to kill fat? Do you really expect us to believe it’s dangerous?

A: Can’t compare ice to Coolsculpting

Coolsculpting protects skin, muscle, and nerves by precisely controlling the temperature at which the fat is cooled to. Through feedback mechanism, the temperature is maintained over the hour of the cycle to a certain level. Ice applied would give a variable temperature and can cause skin injury. From personal experience, my daughter fell asleep with an ice pack and that resulted in hyperpigmentation on her leg.

Q: Can Insulin Dependent Diabetics Get CoolSculpting?

A: Coolsculpting for Diabetic is FINE

There is no problem getting Coolsculpting as a Diabetic. You might have slightly more numbness in the area because diabetics are predisposed to nerve issues, but this is only congecture. I have treated numerous patients with diabetes without any issues.

Q: Stomach Pain After Zeltiq (CoolSculpting)

A: Discomfort after Zeltiq will resolve

Having some discomfort after Zeltiq does occur. I goes away without treatment in 2-3 weeks or less. No special diet is needed after the treatment. If it gets severe, you should be evaluated by your physician.

Q: Does Coolsculpting Work on Inner Thighs?

A: Coolsculpting can be used for inner thighs on some people

The limiting factor is the handpiece attachment. If it can attach, then Coolsculpting can be used for this area. Another alternative for helping inner thighs without a lot of downtime is the Body-Jet, Water Assisted Liposuction. The Body-Jet will remove the fat faster and more aggressively than Coolsculpting. I’ve heard thru the grapevine that there is a Coolsculpting handpiece in the works specifically to be used for the thighs, but I don’t know if this is true or when it should be coming.

Q: Will Zeltiq Work for Buffalo Hump?

A: Zeltiq will work on Buffalo Hump if it can attach

Zeltiq will work on fat where it can attach. I’m not optimistic it can work there for you. My suggestion is to do an attachment with the handpiece without turning on the cooling to see if it will be effective. There have been no cases of embolism after the Zeltiq. There are more handpieces coming in the future which might work if the current ones don’t.

Q: How Does Zeltiq Coolsculpting Affect Cholesterol Levels in the Bloodstream?

A: Coolsculpting results in no change in cholesterol levels

After extensive testing by Zeltiq, there has been no elevation in the levels of cholesterol found in pateints undergoing Coolsculpting. This was a concern which the FDA wanted data and would have prevented approval had this not been true. I assume because the breakdown of the fat cells is slow and gradual, that the levels aren’t significantly elevated.

Q: Why is Zeltiq Used for Fat Removal?

A: FDA has approved Zeltiq / Coolsculpting for Fat Reduction

When a device is FDA cleared for an indication, it can be used off label for other purposes. It had been used in other countries for Fat Reduction and so it was appropriate to be used in the US for that. A doctor can’t use a drug or device for anything if it is cleared, only what is considered by peers or experts in the field to be appropriate and customary. Having said that, the Coolsculpting device is now cleared for the flanks for fat reduction, but it will be used anywhere where it can be attached.

Q: Is Cool Sculpting Appropriate for Women over 65?

A: Coolsculpting can be used for any age group

There is no age which is ideal for the Coolsculpting. Over 65 is not a contraindication. Results should be similar. The chances of skin laxity are probably increased becaue of decreased skin elasticity but clinically that hasn’t been seen.

Q: How Long Does the Coolsculpting Procedure Last and How Many Treatments Are Needed?

A: Coolsculpting permanently reduces fat

You can expect on average about 22% reduction in the area treated. You might need more than one treatment to get your desired results. The cryolipolysis kills the fat cells, but if you gain weight, the remaining fat will get larger and lessen the results.

Q: Will Cool Sculpting (Zeltiq) Address Skin Laxity?

A: Zeltiq will not address lax skin but…………

We have done hundreds of these precedures and haven’t seen lax skin get worse. It might be that the reduction is so slow that the skin gradually contracts on its own. In general, healthier, younger people should have more elastic skin that should contract better after Zeltiq or lipo than an older person. Also keep in mind the amount of fat reduction per treatment is generally about 22%.

Q: Zeltiq (CoolSculpting) to Treat Fat On Upper Outer Thighs?

A: Zeltiq will work on thighs

I have treated several patients with Zeltiq on their thighs. However, there needs to be an area which can be pinched that measures about 2 inches. Also keep in mind that Zeltiq removes about 25% of the fat that is treated. If this area is small, the results will be small, because 25% of a small area is even smaller.

Q: Can Zeltiq Cool Sculpting Be Used for Upper Arm Fat?

A: Yes, Zeltiq can be used on upper arm fat

With the newest handpiece, we are treating the upper arm fat. Previously, the handpiece was too big to get a good grip on that area. We haven’t used it long enough to see the results, but I will post pictures as soon as I have those clients come back.

Q: CoolSculpting Vs Laser Lipolysis

A: Zeltiq results will take longer to see than laser lipolysis but can be as good

Zeltiq is going to get a consistent result (about 25% fat loss) per treatment. Laser lipolysis is a form of liposuction which uses a laser to destroy the fat. There is much more user variability with the laser. Total amount of fat removal is potentially the same, if you do several treatments with the Zeltiq. The end results are all dependent on the person performing the treatment not necessarily the technology.

Q: CoolSculpting (Zeltiq) for Cellulite Reduction

A: Zeltiq experience is limited with cellulite

With this new technology, the primary focus is fat reduction. Right now it is not promoted for cellulite reduction. It may improve it, but that’s not it’s intention. My guess is that in the future, Zeltiq in combo with Thermage or other radiofrequency device will be the answer for cellulite.

Q: Does Zeltiq (CoolSculpting) Really Work for Fat Reduction?

A: Zeltiq works for Fat Reduction, about 22% loss with one treatment

I have an article posted here on Realself regarding Zeltiq which is quite comprehensive. The short answer is that is very consistantly works for a 20-25% fat reduction in the treated areas. Currently due to constraints by the hand piece, only the love handles, belly, and back fat can be treated. In the future, other hand pieces will allow for thighs and gluteal reduction. This is a NO DOWNTIME procedure and almost everyone considers it painless. For no downtime, no pain, no incisions, and no anesthesia, it will be a very popular procedure in the near future.

The New Coolsmooth Handpiece for Coolscupting is a “Game Changer”

Coolsmooth Handpiece for Coolsculpting

Coolsmooth Handpiece cooling plates

Coolsmooth will be available April 2014

Dr. Weiner answers questions about Coolsculpting

Coolcurve Handpiece

Coolsculpting is a noninvasive way to treat undesired fat deposits using cryolipolysis. It
permanently removes the fat with no downtime, minimal side effects, and little to no pain. It’s
been available at The Aesthetic Clinique since December 2009, with Dr. Weiner being one of
the first 25 users in the Country.

Coolsculpting is the world’s leading technology for noninvasive fat removal. It was developed by physicians at Harvard University, Dr. Rox Anderson and Dr. Dieter Manstein. They coined the term “cryolipolysis” for the process of cooling fat cells to the point that they will gradually die through apoptosis. The fat reduction, around 25% of the treated area, becomes fully appreciated at about 3-4 months, and the results will be long lasting if diet, exercise, and weight are stable.

Until the Coolsmooth handpiece was developed, the Coolsculpting procedure involved placing a suction device to the area of excessive fatty deposits. This required that there was some tissue redundancy which could be drawn into the handpiece. A subset of patients were not treatable because the tissue was too taut despite there being excessive fat deposits.

The Coolsmooth handpiece doesn’t rely on suction to be able to treat. It can conform to any body type without the need for tissue redundancy. Instead of the cooling plates being located in the sides of a suction apparatus, the plates can be laid directly on the areas of the excessive fat. The Coolsmooth handpiece has opened up the treatment candidates to virtually everyone, even those with only very small fat reductions needed.

While the FDA has only approved Coolsculpting for use on flanks (love handles) and abdomen, physicians have been treating other areas off label including: inner thighs, arms, gynecomastia, bra fat, and back fat. In addition to treating previous untreatable patients, the Coolsmooth offers a treatment for the outer thighs.

Coolsculpting just announced that there have been 1 million treatments performed using its technology worldwide. This is a testament to its effectiveness and safety record and substantiates why it is the world leader in the field of noninvasive fat reduction.

Dr. Weiner is a Facial Plastic Surgeon who “laid down his scalpel” in 2005 and now concentrates solely and injectables and lasers for cosmetic enhancements. Santa Rosa is located between Destin and Panama City Beach, Florida.

To stay abreast with Dr. Weiner:
Blog: http://stevenfweinermd.wordpress.com
Website: http://www.theclinique.net
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/StevenFWeinerFacial
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAestheticClinique

The Top 14 Trends in Cosmetic Procedures (Plastic Surgery) for 2014 as Predicted by Dr. Steven Weiner

This coming year is an exciting one with a couple new FDA approvals expected. It’s also going to see several procedures fade away and new approaches with the “gold standards”.

Kythera’s ATX-101 will be approved for reducing the double chin fat using only an injection. The procedure will need to be repeated 3-5 times in most people, but there will be no incisions and minimal risks. Side effects will be swelling and discomfort that will last maybe up to a week. Off label, it could be used for fat in the belly, love handles, or thighs.
Longer acting dermal fillers for total facial volumization will catch on. Fillers such as Voluma, Sculptra, and Artefill can be used to add volume to the temples, cheeks, midface, jawline, and preauricular area. Even earlobes can use a little volume in most people. Very little side effects other than swelling and bruising are noted with these “Liquid Facelifts”, particularly when blunt cannulas are used. Results are instant with Voluma and Artefill, and gradual with the Sculptra. Duration of improvement is about 2 years with Voluma, 2-3 years or longer with Sculptra, and over 5 years (some doctors may say permanent) with the Artefill.
Botox administration will be “lighter” to give a more natural look. No more frozen faces leaving people expressionless. Particularly in the forehead, less Botox using a “micro injection” technique, means more movement and less risk of dropping the brows. The downside to this lighter dosing is that its duration will be slightly less.
A new topical neuromodulator, Revance’s RT001, will be FDA approved in 2014. Unfortunately, this won’t eliminate all the injections. It will be great for the crows feet area and possible for reducing underarm sweat though. It still will be administered in the doctor’s office (not for in home use).
Tattoo removal will become easier with less trips to the doctors office. With new protocols like the R20 and R0, several treatments (up to 4) can be combined into one office visit. It looks like the side effects and risks are the same as doing only one treatment per visit. The Picosure laser seems to also lead to faster ink removal but it is still too expensive to be widely available.
RF (radiofrequency) skin tightening will become even more popular, spurred on by microneedling devices which are more effective than transcutaneous ones. Being able to drive the RF energy to deeper levels both safely and reliably, as with the Infini, will lead to better and more predictable results. The other RF devices such as Thermage, Exilis, Pelleve and Tripolar will become less and less relevant as consumers are disappointed by their results.
There will be even more interest in noninvasive fat removal. Lead by Coolsculpting, people will find that having no downtime, minimal risks, and getting real observable fat loss is better than getting liposuction. Certain areas such as outer thighs have been difficult to treat noninvasively but new attachments with Coolsculpting and/or new devices using high frequency ultrasound (HIFU) might be developed to treat all the areas that liposuction traditionally treats. RF fat reduction will also become more popular because they will be more effective than prior versions. Zerona will lose all relevance due to its lack of sustained results.
Lip enhancements will be smaller and done using blunt cannulas. It seems like the trend for having your lips enter the room before you do is waning. People want to look like they have naturally beautiful lips and not obviously overdone lips. Using blunt cannulas enables one to have minimal downtime, minimal discomfort, and a naturally enhanced look.
People will become more concerned with anti-aging procedures of the hands and chest. Volumization using Sculptra in the declotage and Radiesse in the hands will become popular. Skin tightening using the Infini RF device will help with the wrinkles. Spots can be improved with the Fraxel Dual or Q-switched laser.
Tear trough injection will be the most popular area treated with dermal fillers. Blunt cannulas make this procedure both comfortable, safe, and quick. Restylane is the filler of choice for this area. By treating the tear trough and upper cheek, the nasolabial folds (smile lines) actually improve as well due to the lifting from above. Patients will have some swelling in most cases for a couple days which can be reduced by sleeping elevated. Bruising is minimal or none with the cannulas when compared to the needles which almost always has bruising lasting up to a week or more.
Men will do more cosmetic procedures. The drivers for this will be the competitive jobs market and the “no downtime” procedures. Sometimes experience isn’t all that is needed to land a job. To compete with the younger job seekers, the more “experienced” men are seeking procedures that can improve their looks, yet not keep them out of the public for very long. Botox, fillers, Ulthera, and Coolsculpting will become even more popular for men.
The number of people getting facelifts will continue to drop. With the improvements in skin tightening by Ulthera and full face volumization with dermal fillers, particularly collagen stimulators (Artefill and Sculptra) the aging face can be more naturally improved. There will be a trend for younger patients to start anti-aging treatments earlier leading to “more graceful” aging. People are not as willing to undergo the knife given the associated risks, downtime, and potential for undesirable results.
Artefill, a permanent filler that stimulates collagen, will gradually replace fat grafting for the face. As an off the shelf solution, Artefill is much more attractive to the patient than undergoing 2 procedures for fat; fat harvesting and then grafting. Also, fat is not always predictable with its “take”, and there can be a need for more than one procedure. Fine tuning with fat is also somewhat difficult and is much easier with Artefill. The apprehension behind the permanent aspect of Artefill has not been borne out and more of the well known injectors are warming up to Artefill.
Hydroquinones will gradually be replaced by other products to help with pigmentary problems. This trend started in Europe and South America. They have banned hydroquinones because of concerns over their potential carcinogenicity (even though there have been no known documented cancers from hydroquinones), ochronosis (pigmentation side effect that is very difficult to treat), and possible rebound hyperpigmentation. SkinMedica’s Lytera and Neocutis Perle will become acceptable replacements.

Dr. Steven Weiner is a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon practicing in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, between Destin and Panama City Beach, Florida. After laying down his scalpel in 2005 he has devoted his practice to Lasers and Injectables.

Blog: http://stevenfweinermd.wordpress.com/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/StevenFWeinerFacial

Website: http://www.theclinique.net

Press Release regarding these predictions by Dr. Weiner.