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coolsculpting

Coolsculpting – Does it Really Work?

Non-Surgical

Plastic surgery treatments such as Botox, fillers, and other non-invasive procedures have experienced a massive surge in popularity over the past 10 or so years. After all, who wants to undergo the knife and long recovery process when you can get work done via injection or other non-surgical methods?

Medical science is at the forefront of new discoveries that do just that – prevent the need to undergo plastic surgery. Coolsculpting is one of those revolutionary new treatments.

Developed around 2007 and given FDA clearance in 2010, Coolsculpting uses cold temperatures to freeze the fat on certain parts of the body. Over the course of a few weeks to a month or two, the human body will absorb the fat harmlessly.

We’re going to look at what Coolsculpting is, how it works, and whether it’s right for you.

How Does Coolsculpting Work?

Doctors noticed the science behind Coolsculpting for many decades before its invention.  Doctors would see that children who ate a lot of popsicles seemed to have a fat reduction in their cheek areas. They called this phenomenon cryolipolysis, or the freezing of fat cells.

Coolsculpting is a non-invasive medical device that uses rounded paddles to suction up a small portion of your skin and fat. No incisions are made, just a gentle vacuum-like suction device that sucks up a tiny bit of skin and fat in between the paddles – almost as if you were gently pinching it yourself.

To perform the procedure, the patient is seated in a reclined comfortable chair for around 2 hours. The area that is to be treated is then cooled to a temperature that’s slightly below freezing. The cold is enough to kill fat cells, but it doesn’t kill other cells or cause permanent damage.

Most people who undergo Coolsculpting find that there is a very mild and tolerable discomfort as the procedure begins. After a few minutes, the area being treated goes numb, and patients can’t feel a thing. Many people who get the procedure done bring a laptop or their cell phone to work or chat with friends during the 2-hour treatment session.

Science Behind Freezing Fat

Coolsculpting has been looked at from a scientific perspective and found to be a safe method for body contouring.  The science behind it is relatively simple and straight-forward.  The Coolsculpting process uses a wand that applies cool temperatures to freeze fat cells. After a while, the human body will naturally absorb fat cells through normal metabolic processes.

The temperatures used in Coolsculpting are cold enough to freeze fat, but warm enough to not harm other cells or nearby body parts. This makes Coolsculpting such an ideal method to spot-treat areas of fat that exercise and diet have a hard time reducing. While Coolsculpting can’t take the place of liposuction procedures, it can help sculpt the body and deal with hard-to-remove areas of body fat.

Side Effects and Recovery Time

Coolsculpting is a non-invasive procedure so there are no incisions, medication, anesthesia, or anything of the sort that could cause complications or an allergic reaction.  However, some people have reported mild side effects such as:

  • Skin redness
  • Sensitivity
  • Bruising
  • Localized pain
  • Swelling

These side effects usually subside within a few days to a week or two after the procedure. Further scientific studies regarding the safety of Coolsculpting have been performed and only found mild short-term effects.

How Much Does Coolsculpting Cost?

The total cost of a Coolsculpting procedure depends on how many treatments were given. Some patients will require more than one treatment session to deal with stubborn fat areas. This is completely normal. The sessions are scheduled out because the body needs time to remove the layer of fat that has died off.

The best way to find out what Coolsculpting costs is to make an appointment with a qualified plastic surgeon. They will sit down with you and listen to your concerns and answer any questions that you might have. They’ll then give you a reasonable estimate of cost at that point in time. 

CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction

Coolsculpting is not a replacement for liposuction. It’s more to deal with “spot treatments” of fatty areas that diet and exercise cannot remove. Liposuction is still the best way to remove big areas of fat in the body.

A consultation with a plastic surgeon is the best way to determine if you’re a candidate for Coolsculpting or if liposuction would be better to achieve the results that you desire. Sometimes the surgeon might recommend a combination of both – Coolsculpting to remove up to 25% fat in the treatment area such as the neck, bra bulges, or love handles – and liposuction to deal with other areas where fat is more prominent.

Coolsculpting in Dallas

If you’d like to learn more about Coolsculpting or have any questions that weren’t answered in this blog post, give us a call at (214) 965-9885 or contact us via our website. Dr. Adams is one of the leading plastic surgeons in the country and can help you get rid of that annoying body fat and help you achieve your perfect look!

What’s Your Micromort? A Patient-Oriented Analysis of BIA-ALCL

In The News

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) continues to be a rare and elusive malignancy. Because BIA-ALCL does not behave like traditional lymphomas, additional research needs to be conducted to further delineate the lymphoproliferative nature of BIA-ALCL. An estimated 35 million women worldwide have breast implants and the total reported deaths from BIA-ALCL is 12 to date. The term micromort was introduced in 1979 by Ronald Howard as a person’s risk of dying as 1 in a million. Drinking 0.5 L of wine or walking 17 miles all increase your risk of death by 1 micromort. Risk of death from BIA-ALCL is 0.4 micromorts for a woman having bilateral breast implants. This information is important for counseling new patients and those presenting with delayed onset seromas.

For the full article – click here

breast lift vs breast augmentation

Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: Which is Right for Me?

Chest Questions

When it comes to changing the look, shape, or size of their breasts, some women can get a little confused as to what kind of procedure they should get.

Breast lift or breast augmentation – or a combination thereof?

Plastic surgeons often hear the question: “what’s the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation?”

We’re going to look at both procedures, what they entail, possible outcomes, and general cost so that you can get a better idea of what to ask for when you sit down for a consultation.

Breast Augmentation

The purpose of a breast augmentation procedure is to enhance the size of the breasts. Augmentation involves breast implants and several important decisions on both the part of the surgeon and the patient. Some of the things that will need to be decided before undergoing the knife are:

Implant Placement and Incision – The exact spot where the surgeon places the breast implant will play a role in determining the shape of the breast. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will explain the various outcomes that will result from placement in different areas.

The patient and surgeon will also need to agree on where the incision should take place. The most common areas for incision are under the armpit, under the fold of the breast, or around the nipple. Each incision area has advantages and disadvantages that the surgeon will also explain during the consultation.

Implant Shape and Size – There are many options available for changing the shape and size of the breasts. Some of these options will need to be weighed against the body features of the prospective patient.

The chest wall shape, body form, lifestyle, and overall goals will all need to be taken into consideration with regards to choosing the final shape and size of the breasts. A good surgeon will have recommendations and can help guide the patient into making a decision in which she will be pleased with the outcome.

Type of Implant – Patients will also need to figure out if they want saline or silicone implants. Silicone is usually more expensive, requires a much larger incision, and can involve more work for the surgeon.

The trade off is that silicone implants have a more natural look and feel to them which is excellent for women who have little natural breast tissue.

Saline implants can add shape and volume without changing the overall feel of the breasts. They tend to work best for women who have ample natural breast tissue.

Breast Lift

When breasts lose volume, they tend to sag. This happens most often as women get older and their bodies start to change. Childbirth and weight loss or gain can also cause breasts to sag. Breast lifts completely avoid implants and instead focus on the surgical correction and lifting of saggy breasts.

There are three main types of breast lift procedures:

Periareolar – The incision approach from this procedure follows the natural areola shape and works best for women who have large areolas with minimal breast sagging.

Vertical breast reduction – This procedure is similar to the periareolar one, but it also extends downwards from the areola, thereby giving a slightly greater lift for women who have moderate sagging issues.

Inverted-T incisions – This is the most common procedure and produces relatively predictable results. It gives the maximum amount of breast lift possible.

Can You Combine Both?

At the end of the day, the work that will be done will be contingent upon the desires of the patient and the expertise of the surgeon.  Sometimes this means that a surgeon might recommend both a breast augmentation and breast lift. This is done to help restore the breasts to what they looked like when the patient was younger.

Which One is Right for You?

Changing the shape and size of your breasts is a very personal decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly or based solely on a picture you saw in a magazine or on the internet.

This is why it’s so important that you choose a qualified plastic surgeon who has the experience and know-how to help guide your decision and give you the results that you’re looking for.

Dr. Adams is not only an accomplished plastic surgeon and Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center, but he’s also an international authority on breast augmentation and enlargement. Women from all over the country fly into Dallas to have Dr. Adams perform their breast lifts and augmentations.      

Breast Lifts and Augmentations in Dallas

If you’re unhappy with the shape, size, or sagginess of your breasts, give the offices of Dr. Adams a call at (214) 965-9885 or contact us via our website. We’re conveniently located just a short ride from DFW airport.  Dr. Adams and his staff will help you regain lost confidence and a new outlook on life!

too old plastic surgery

Are You Too Old for Plastic Surgery?

Plastic Surgery

Americans in this day and age are healthier and living longer than ever. This is especially true when compared to people from generations past. Back in the Medieval times, if you were lucky enough to reach the ripe old age of “35”, you’d be considered a senior citizen.

As the Baby Boomer generation enters into retirement age, they don’t look nor do they feel their actual age. “60” is now the new “40” and it’s getting harder and harder to tell how old someone is just by looking at them.

However, there are certain conditions that can cause a person to look his or her age:

  • Facial wrinkles
  • Lines on the face
  • Age Spots
  • Saggy breasts

It’s no wonder that plastic surgeons are now reporting a massive surge in adults over the age of 55 who are looking to get work done.

In this article we’re going to explore plastic surgery for older people, what it entails, who might it be best suited for, and answer the ultimate question:

“Should I get work done at my age?”

The Baby Boomer Generation

Baby Boomers make up the largest older adult population in our nation’s history. According to the National Census Bureau, there are 50 million Americans who are now over the age of 65.

Better healthcare, better eating habits, and better exercise routines have contributed to a huge population of over-65 adults that don’t look anywhere near their actual age.

In fact, more and more older people are looking better and more physically fit than people 20 years their junior. They work out, eat healthy, and want their faces and bodies to look as good as they feel.

So why not get a little bit of work done?

Why Do People Consider Plastic Surgery?

There used to be a stigma in the U.S. where getting plastic surgery was not only taboo but something you wanted to keep between you and your surgeon.

Over the past 30 or so years, that has all changed thanks in part to social media, celebrities, and our culture in general.

Many older adults don’t feel anywhere near their actual age and want to look their best regardless of how old their driver’s license says they are.

They don’t feel nor do they look anything like their parents and grandparents. However, many older adults still think that they’re too old to get work done.

This can’t be further from the truth.

Yes, as our bodies age they tend to become more fragile, and certain medical conditions can develop which would make plastic surgery unsafe.

However, for the vast majority of older people, a little bit of plastic surgery can make them look and feel many years younger and will act as a strong psychological morale booster.

In short: You’re not old.

You only want to look better, and there’s nothing wrong with that at all.

You should be celebrated that you’ve made it this far in life and look and feel as good as you currently do.

There are millions of Americans who are over the age of 55 who have undergone the proverbial knife and not only lived to tell about it, but now look better than they ever did.

Am I a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?

While it’s true that the older we get, the frailer our bodies become, and the longer it can take to heal up from surgery. However, all that means is some extra precautions must be taken.

Before a surgeon agrees to perform plastic surgery, they will want to know your medical and surgical history. They will also want to know what medications you’re currently taking.

The reason for this is because certain medical conditions and medications would prevent a surgeon from recommending or agreeing to perform a procedure.

In short, you need to be healthy.

Your surgeon may ask you to go back to your primary care physician and get a medical clearance that states you’re healthy. In some cases, you may be asked to undergo additional testing, such as blood or EKG tests.

Your current lifestyle may factor into the decision as well. If you’re a heavy drinker, smoker, or drug user, your doctor may not feel comfortable giving you the go-ahead.

The same goes for people who have certain medical conditions that could inhibit or prevent healing from plastic surgery.

Once your primary doctor has given you clearance, your surgeon will sit down with you again to discuss results and expectations.

Reasonable expectations

After you’ve been given clearance by your primary care physician and the surgeon has agreed to perform the procedure, you will need to set your expectations properly.

While plastic surgery can do amazing things, you should keep in mind that you’re not going to walk out of the operating room looking like a 20-year-old.

There are, however, alternatives to undergoing the knife.

Such procedures as Botox, dermal fillers and even ThermiVa (a vaginal tightening procedure), can still take years off of your body and face.

Injectables are also safer to get and don’t require long healing times or incisions into your body. They’re also much less expensive than traditional surgery.

Many adults over the age of 65 are now flocking to Botox and dermal fillers to smooth out the wrinkles and lines in their faces, necks, and bodies and they look amazing!

Plastic Surgery for Adults Over 55

If you’re an older adult and would like to see if it’s possible to get some work done, give our offices a call at (214) 965-9885 or contact us via our website to schedule a consultation with Dr. Adams.

Remember, you’re only as old as you feel, and it is possible for many older adults to get plastic surgery or injectables to help them look and feel great!

plastic surgery trends

5 Trends in Plastic Surgery for 2019

Plastic Surgery

Over the past decade, plastic surgery and non-invasive treatments such as Botox have experienced a massive boom in popularity. As time has gone by, advancements in medicine, techniques, and new technologies have enabled people to look better than they could ever have imagined.

Certain plastic surgery trends have become very popular in 2018, and we fully expect demand for these procedures to increase in 2019. While we don’t have a crystal ball, and we can’t read minds, we’ve come up with what we think are the top five plastic surgery trends for 2019.

Some of these trends are pretty obvious (spoiler alert: Injectables, fillers, and Botox are more popular now than ever), and there are a few other trends that are sitting on the cutting edge of medical technology.

Without further ado, here are the top five plastic surgery trends that we think will be popular in 2019:

Injectables

Injectables consist of any non-invasive beauty treatment that is administered via an injection into the skin. Botox and dermal fillers are two of the most popular treatments out there.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPA) has reported that since the year 2000, injectables have grown over 200% in popularity. It’s easy to see why. There is no downtime when getting Botox or fillers. Just walk into the plastic surgeon’s office and once the procedure is done, walk out and continue with your day.

The cost of injectables is also much less than actual surgery. Due to recent advances in the formulation of certain injectables, many patients are now able to put off getting a facelift for another ten years. As time goes by, we fully expect injectables to be further refined and work better than they ever have before.

Skin Tightening

As human beings age, our skin tends to loosen. This is exacerbated in people who have recently lost a lot of weight, including women who were recently pregnant. There are many treatment options to fix loose skin and rejuvenate its overall appearance.

Such treatments as Thermi-Tight use cutting-edge radio frequency energy to treat areas right below the surface of the skin. It can be used on the breasts, tummy, thighs, and neck areas to tighten the skin and give off a more youthful appearance.

ThermiVa is another popular treatment that we think will continue to grow in popularity in 2019. It can restore vaginal tightness to women who are aging or have had children. ThermiVa uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate and heat the internal tissue. This, in turn, stimulates collagen production which can lead to a tightening of the vaginal area. The treatment is usually performed over three months.

Smaller Breasts

Long gone are the days of women looking to get massive, cartoonish-like breasts. Over-inflated lips and buttocks are also decreasing in popularity. Social media and selfies have given rise to an “au natural” look and feel.

The ASPA said that breast reductions increased by almost 11% in 2018 and we will most likely see that trend continue throughout 2019. Many women are now focusing on the actual look of their breasts and resorting to plastic surgery procedures that give them a fuller, perkier look and feel.

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty reshapes the labia by reducing its overall length for comfort or aesthetic purposes. The popularity of this procedure increased by 23% in 2016 and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down.

The most common labiaplasty technique is the trim procedure, which is designed to help remove excess tissue and reshape the remaining labia. While this used to be a very sensitive and hush-hush procedure many years ago, women are now openly embracing labiaplasty as the stigma of getting surgery on their private parts has been completely removed from popular culture.

PRP Injections

PRP injections are on the cutting edge of medical technology. PRP stands for “platelet-rich plasma” and are starting to show promise in recent clinical studies. It’s designed to help with a variety of conditions such as growing more hair, promoting soft tissue healing, and reducing inflammation.

PRP uses the patient’s own blood, which is first extracted, then spun in a medical centrifuge to extract the platelets from within. The platelets are then injected back into the patient’s body where they go to work. The process has relatively few side effects, with mild nausea and dizziness being the two most common.

Conclusion

As 2019 progresses, it will be interesting to see which plastic surgery procedures will experience an increase in popularity. As time goes by, more and more medical advancements will be discovered, and revolutionary new beauty treatments will be created.

If you have any questions about the above procedures or would like to schedule a consultation, give our offices a call at (214) 965-9885 or contact us via our website. Dr. Adams is a world-renowned plastic surgeon who can help transform your look and rejuvenate your appearance!