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!

Are injectables literally getting out of hand?

A recent news article in the ThisIsInsider online magazine stated that some people are now getting an acidic gel injected into their hands for cosmetic purposes. This procedure is becoming popular with people over the age of 40 who have sunspots, wrinkles, and protruding veins.

As we get older, the skin on our hands can be a clear indicator of how old we are. More and more people realize this and Restylane Lyft has created a product that is FDA-approved to restore fullness to the back of the hands.

Emerging New Injectable Trends

Our insatiable appetite to find the fountain of youth has led us to the point where injectables are now being used for all sorts of unorthodox cosmetic procedures. Just a decade or so ago, the only injectable around was Botox, and that was used to remove lines and wrinkles from the facial area.

Some of the more unique trends in injectables are:

Under-Eye Bags – Women in South Korea find bags under the eyes to be very fashionable. Their doctors will inject the under-eye area with a filler to create a baggy, puffy look.

G-spot Fillers – Some doctors in America are injecting fillers under the G-spot area to elevate it physically. This provides a heightened sexual experience and sensation for women who undergo this procedure.

Botox in Shoulders – Another strange trend out of Korea is when women get Botox injections into their shoulder area. It is supposed to help break up the appearance of shoulders that have a bulky look to them.

A Botox injection can help reduce the size and appearance of the trapezius muscles (aka “traps”). The result is the appearance of a much longer and slimmer neck and shoulders.

Traditional Injectables

Traditionally, injectables like Botox and other fillers have been used to lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face. Our faces are the first thing other people see and are a clear indicator as to how old we are.

The most common areas for Botox to be injected are the forehead, sides of the eyes, and corners of the mouth. This is where the most noticeable signs of aging occur.

Botox usually only lasts four to six months before another round of injections is required. Some doctors have begun experimenting with a “cocktail” of Botox and injectables that can last upwards of one year. A typical injectable cocktail might include Botox to relax the frown lines, Radiesse to fill in the wrinkles, and Sculptra to fill in the cheeks.

Why are People Getting Hand Injections?

Botox and fillers have worked so well over the years that people are now looking at fixing other parts of their body that can indicate how old they are. The hands are one of those areas.

Whenever we go outside, our hands are usually exposed to the sun. Once we hit 40 years old, sun spots, wrinkles, and veins start to show up. A face that has Botox and fillers may make a person look ten years younger, but their hands are usually a dead giveaway of how old they are.

Our hands also lose volume as we grow older. The fat will disappear, and the shape of the hand will start to look bony and gaunt. Cosmetic surgeons initially focused on transferring and injecting fat into the hands, but it didn’t last long. It wasn’t until the FDA approved Restylane Lyft did hand injections start becoming more popular.

What other Injectables Are Being Used?

While Restylane Lyft is the only product that is specifically FDA approved for injecting into hands, some plastic surgeons are using such fillers as Radiesse and Voluma to help plump up the hands in a procedure known as “off-label.”

Off-Label usage of injectables means that they were not intended for what they are being used for. Generally speaking, it’s thought that off-label use is relatively safe. It’s best to do your research and ask around for a 2nd opinion before getting an off-label procedure performed.

Voluma is made out of a high-density hyaluronic gel that can “stay put” for long periods of time. Radiesse is a calcium-based filler that is impossible to tell the difference from natural tissue once injected into the body.

Non-Injectable Procedures for Hands

Some people are opting for a combination of injectables and other cosmetic procedures. Lasers and chemical peels are also gaining in popularity. Over the years, chemical peels have become much milder and safer than they were 20 years ago.

Do Hand Injectables Really Work?

Hand injectables do work, but if you wish to maintain appearances, you will need to get maintenance injections performed at regular intervals. Injectables are not meant to be permanent.

If you’re looking for more permanent results, plastic surgery is the only way to go. At some point, the cost of getting the injections will equal out to the cost of performing a plastic surgery procedure.

Plastic surgeons are usually early adopters of new technologies that deliver better results and less downtime for their patients. Over the past few years, aesthetic lasers have exploded in popularity. You can’t pick up a woman’s magazine at the supermarket checkout without seeing an ad for a cosmetic laser procedure. The advertising claims seem too good to be true.

Is it possible to get facelift-like results with only a laser? Long answer no, short answer yes. We’re going to look at aesthetic lasers, what they can and can’t do, as well as what applications do they work best.

What Are Aesthetic Lasers?

In 1983, a scientific paper was published that claimed lasers could be used for cosmetology purposes as well as treating specific skin conditions. This kicked off a laser revolution in medical science that gave rise to a multitude of new cosmetic procedures.

Aesthetic lasers work by using light and heat to stimulate the growth of new collagen in the skin. As we age, our bodies start to lose the ability to produce collagen naturally. This results in wrinkles, fine lines, spots, and other skin conditions which are indicative of getting older. The more collagen your skin has, the fresher and younger-looking it will be.

Nowadays there are many different types and brands of lasers that are used for all sorts of cosmetic procedures. The laser manufacturers sometimes will make advertising claims that seem too good to be true, such as their laser treatments can give just as good of results as a traditional facelift would. The problem with these claims is that sometimes there is only a kernel of truth in their advertising.

What Procedures Use Aesthetic Lasers?

Lasers are good at surface treatments. They can fix spots on the face, tighten skin, treat pigment issues, and even smooth out wrinkles. Here are just some of the procedures that use aesthetic lasers:

Skin rejuvenation/resurfacing – Back in the old days, if you wanted skin rejuvenation, you had to endure a painful chemical peel. Nowadays, lasers have taken the place of dangerous, caustic chemicals. They can be used to treat acne scars, facial wrinkles, and other skin blemishes. Individual layers of surface skin are removed to reveal a brand-new layer that looks tighter and more youthful.

Hair Removal – Laser hair removal has been around for several decades now. There have been advancements in the technology which provide better results and less downtime than 20 years ago.

Pigmented lesions – Lasers can be used to remove and treat pigmented lesions. Lasers that pulsate work best for this kind of procedure. Depending on the type of lesion, the surgeon may select a different kind of laser to perform the treatment.

Tattoo removals – Lasers can also be used to remove the tattoo you got when you were 18 years old. The heat from the laser light breaks down the ink in the tattoo. Your immune system absorbs the small ink particles and breaks them down into harmless by-products.

How Effective Are Lasers?

Lasers are great at surface treatments, but they can only go skin-deep. If a person has poor quality skin (decades of age spots, deep wrinkles, and sun damage), a traditional facelift is the only way results are going to be noticed. Some non-invasive treatments have replaced surgery in younger patients who might not yet be good candidates for surgery. With most people there comes a point in their lives when lasers will simply not be able to provide the results they’re looking for.

You should always consult with a plastic surgeon who has an excellent reputation – as they’ll give you the straight truth. Some doctors and med spas will buy lasers thinking that they are a cure-all. This is where they get into trouble. They didn’t take the time to understand exactly what a laser can and can’t do. Manufacturers will also promise great results that can’t be delivered and may even go as far as paying a celebrity to post pictures on their social media account.

Aesthetic Lasers Versus Traditional Surgeries

When it comes to a patient wanting serious skin-tightening, even sub-cutaneous lasers can’t deliver the same results as a surgical procedure such as a tummy tuck or facelift. Lasers can help prolong the time before a person would need to undergo a surgical procedure to get the results they want.

As time goes by, medical science is making leaps and bounds in the fields of aesthetic lasers. There may come a day when lasers will completely replace facelifts, tummy tucks, and other cosmetic procedures. At this point, lasers can only do so much before the surgeon recommends a facelift or other surgical procedure.

Aesthetic Laser Treatment in Dallas

If you’re interested in learning more about cosmetic lasers or what they can do for you, call us or schedule an appointment. Our offices are continently located within a 15-minute drive of Dallas Love Airport, and we accept new patients from anywhere in the country.

Botox is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles of the face. Millions of people have gotten Botox injections over the years – with the only side effect being a more youthful looking appearance. What’s not to like about Botox, right?

Well, many online news and beauty articles have been cropping up over the past few years that are touting “all-natural Botox alternatives.” A quick look at your social media feeds might reveal a friend who’s into the “natural living” lifestyle and claiming that Botox isn’t safe. The reality is that Botox is 100% safe to use – provided that it’s done in a safe medical setting such as the office of a plastic surgeon.

Simply put: there is no such thing as an all-natural alternative to Botox. We’re going to look at what Botox is, what it does, and the so-called “alternatives” that people claim are better. We’re then going to give you two tips on how to naturally avoid getting wrinkles.

What is Botox?

Botox is created from the botulinum bacteria – the same kind of bacteria that is responsible for food poisoning. This is why some people might say it’s not safe – because of where it comes from. Current toxins are actually medically produced with a genetic engineering process not using the bacteria at all in a laboratory.

The only time Botox isn’t safe is when it’s done in a fly-by-night medical clinic. There are several “weekend seminars” that the average person can attend. Many beauty clinics will send their technicians there for a weekend course on how to give Botox injections, then start selling the product to their customers. This is where things can go very wrong. It takes a skilled doctor to know exactly where on the face to give the injections – something only years of medical school can teach you.

Facial exercising

There are many “holistic healers” out there who are selling a product or service that purports to lessen and even completely get rid of facial wrinkles by simply exercising the muscles in your face. Sometimes they will add on a “facial massage” in order to help speed up the process.

Wrinkles on the face are caused by decades of facial movement. By laughing, smiling, and having an expressive face you’re actively stretching the skin. As most women who have had a baby can attest: once the skin starts to stretch, stretchmarks (aka “wrinkles”) will start to appear.

Simply put, “facial exercising” is bunk science – something that should be relegated to a comic book or sci-fi movie. If you want to remove wrinkles, look at the various non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments that are offered by a qualified plastic surgery office.

Natural facial masks

It seems like every week a woman’s health magazine comes out with a new “all-natural wrinkle removing” recipe that you can cook up in your kitchen.

Most recipes go something like this: Take a few bananas, some mangos, a pinch of Cayenne pepper, and a cucumber that’s exactly 10 days old (no more, no less) and blend in a blender. Smear the resulting paste all over your face and leave on for exactly 350 seconds (no more, no less). Viola! Beautiful looking skin! Don’t forget to purchase our magazine next month when we teach you another wrinkle-removing recipe!

While “facial masks” may have some benefit, they are not going to remove wrinkles and they will not take the place of Botox. It would be nice if it worked like this – but it simply doesn’t.

Cosmetic acupuncture

“Cosmetic acupuncture” is when they stick a bunch of needles in your face in an attempt to remove wrinkles. This allegedly stimulates your chi flow and after just one hour your face is not only wrinkle-free, but you are now a black-belt in Karate!

Of course, that’s a joke and so is facial acupuncture. When you read up on “far East” healing practices, you’ll notice the writers of the articles tend to use a lot of medical-sounding buzzwords. Stuff like “improve collagen flow” and “lymphatic drainage” and so on. Acupuncturists are not real doctors (unless they went to medical school in America).

So, take what you read with a huge grain of salt. If you want the 411 on how to rejuvenate your facial features, speak to a plastic surgeon. They’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on 10+ years of medical school and training. It’s safe to say they know a thing or two about beauty and how to get rid of wrinkles.

Non-Botox Alternatives that Really Work!

So, you want to lessen the appearance of wrinkles on your face – but you don’t want to get Botox. The only real all-natural solutions that work 100% of the time are as follows:

1. Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow to your skin and as a result it doesn’t get as much oxygen as it normally would. After years of smoking, your skin will begin to sag and wrinkle.
2. Use non-toxic sunscreens. The UV rays from the sun will cause 10x more damage to your skin than aging alone. By using sunscreen, you’re actively lengthening the time before wrinkles start to appear on your face due to aging factors.

Botox Treatments in Dallas

If getting a face lift is a bit beyond your means at this point in time, you’re in luck. There are many different non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments on the market that really work! You will, however, have to make an appointment with a qualified plastic surgeon as they’re the only ones who can administer these treatments in a safe and effective mannerism.

If you’d like to learn more about the treatments available or speak to a doctor regarding your beauty concerns, schedule an appointment. Dr. Adams is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience. He can not only answer any questions you may have, but suggest various treatments that will have you looking and feeling great!

It’s no secret. As women age and/or have children, their vaginal muscles can stretch out of shape. This affects both the look and feel of the vagina and can lead to diminished sexual satisfaction for both the female and her male partner.

Vaginal tightening systems such as ThermiVa can literally rejuvenate both the look and feel of the vagina. Kim Kardashian recently gave an interview to Hollywood Life in which she described the ThermiVa as a “transformative technology for treating a multitude of vaginal issues.”

Kim Kardashian’s dermatologist, Dr. Harold Lancer, stated that around 50% of his patients get the procedure done for aesthetic reasons while about 35% get it done for sexual reasons.

What is ThermiVa?

Non-surgical vaginal tightening has been growing in popularity over the past few years. The ThermiVa vaginal tightening system is an FDA-approved medical device that is designed to be inserted into the vagina with the intentions of causing it to shrink in size and elasticity. Many women have compared it to having their virginity restored.

How Does ThermiVa work?

The ThermiVa system works by delivering radiofrequency to the external labia and the internal vaginal canal. The tissue is gently heated, which in turn encourages the growth of new collagen, increase the blood flow, and improve the nerve supply. Patients who have undergone the treatment report that they have experienced increased sensation, moisture, and improvement of stress urinary incontinence.

The ThermiVa procedure usually requires three treatments that are spaced out approximately four weeks apart. Most women notice an immediate improvement after the first treatment, but it can take upwards of 3 months or the third treatment to see the full benefit.

How Long Does It Last?

Most women enjoy the benefits of ThermiVa for 1 year before retreatment is necessary. There are a few outlying factors that could significantly shorten this time period, such as weight gain, hormones, or even smoking. These factors can contribute to aging of the vaginal tissue. Your doctor can give you a better idea of how long it might last based upon your body and medical history.

Will it Help a Leaky Bladder?

ThermiVa was not intended to be a treatment for incontinence. However, many women who have mild stress incontinence have reported that they have seen a dramatic improvement in symptoms. Stress incontinence is a medical condition that requires separate treatment by a doctor, but the possibility does exist for the symptoms to noticeably improve with ThermiVa.

Benefits of ThermiVa?

ThermiVa has exploded in popularity thanks to several benefits that it can provide. It should be noted that individual results may vary based on genetics and lifestyle.

Sexual or Orgasmic – Many women have reported that the treatments have increased nerve sensitivity, which allows for stronger pelvic muscular contractions. This enables the patient to have stronger orgasms in a shorter period of time. Since it is not a laser treatment, ThermiVa is completely safe for the clitoris and g-spot areas.

Better Labial Appearance – As the labial tissues tighten, they help reduce sagging, camel toe, and increased comfort in tight fitting clothes such as bathing suits or jeans.

Increased Moisture – It can help increase vaginal moisture which leads to less sexual pain and more satisfaction. It can also help thicken and soften the vaginal and vulva skin.

Prolapse – ThermiVa can pull in or tighten the prolapse organs. Many women experience at least a one grade reduction after the ThermiVa procedure.

Does ThermiVa Hurt?

Because ThermiVa uses radiofrequency, there is no pain or discomfort. The ThermiVa wand is moved over the labia and inside the vagina. Many women report a warming sensation, not unlike a warm massage. ThermiVa is non-surgical and minimally invasive so you can return to your regular daily schedule after each treatment.

Who is a Good Candidate for ThermiVa?

ThermiVa is safe for most women to undergo. There are no harmful drugs or invasive surgeries required, so the entire procedure can be done in an out-patient setting. It is intended for women who want to have their vaginas look and feel like they did when they were younger. If tampons don’t stay in like they used to, or there is decreased sensation when having sex, the ThermiVa treatment can help.

Women who are currently menstruating, or those who have severe vaginal pain or suffer from other vaginal-related issues should check with their doctor prior to undergoing the ThermiVa treatment. If a woman is pregnant, or is intended to become pregnant, she is also not an ideal candidate for the ThermiVa treatment. Women should also wait 2 – 3 months after having a baby before they undergo the treatment process.

ThermiVa in Dallas

If you’d like to learn more about the ThermiVa procedure or have any questions that weren’t addressed in this article, give us a call at (214) 965-9885. Dr. Adams and his team can help you regain the youthful look and feel of your vagina which will lead to an increased quality of life and sexual satisfaction.