Men and women of all ages, shapes, and sizes struggle with areas of unwanted fat on both their bodies and faces. In the past, surgical procedures such as facelifts or tummy tucks were the only ways to solve this issue. With time, technology has become more advanced and options become more alternative. 10 years from now, Radio-Frequency technology will likely replace many of the surgical procedures that our Plastic Surgeons are performing with a knife today.

Let’s take a look at one of the more popular body contouring options in the market today: CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting uses an older technology, Cryolipolysis, to remove areas of stubborn body fat by freezing the fat cells from specific parts of the body. While CoolSculpting is non-invasive and has ultimately no downtime, it is less customizable, and does not actually tighten the skin like some of the newer technologies offered. CoolSculpting can take up to 8-12 months to see optimal results, and candidates will typically need 2 or more 35+ minute sessions to achieve 20-25% fat reduction.

While there are other body contouring technologies out there, the new AccuTite, BodyTite and FaceTite devices are the future within minimally-invasive body contouring for patients that need precision fat reduction, skin contraction, and tissue remodeling. The AccuTite is the smallest minimally-invasive radio-frequency contraction device on the market today and can be used to shape multiple areas on the face (FaceTite) and body (BodyTite).

BodyTite & FaceTite use minimally-invasive Radio-Frequency Assisted Lypolysis (RFAL) to produce skin-tightening results while stimulating the body’s own collagen production. During these procedures, fat and tissue are heated and extracted using light vacuum pressure through minimally-invasive incision sites. The skin is then tightened and remodeled to create a smoother look using the Radio-Frequency energy that is 100% concentrated at the treatment zone. 

BodyTite & FaceTite are great solutions for individuals who are looking to reduce fat and tighten skin without the downtime or visible scarring associated with other fat-reduction surgeries. The results from both BodyTite & FaceTite can be visible instantly and only require one treatment at the desired area to achieve up to 40% skin contraction, as shown in peer-reviewed clinical studies. While these procedures can be less affordable than other cosmetic options, this new technology can essentially save money in the sense that individuals can go back to work as soon as the next day. 

Dr. Mark Bishara, who completed a fellowship appointment at the world-renowned Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard Medical school affiliate, gained state-of-the-art skills in body contouring after massive weight loss. Here at Paragon Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, Dr. Bishara offers minimally-invasive face and body contouring with the new BodyTite & FaceTite technologies in both of his Mansfield, Texas and Southlake, Texas locations.  

CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved procedure from Zeltiq that delivers controlled cooling energy to freeze fat cells via a process called cryolipolysis. A suction-based applicator draws both the skin and underlying subcutaneous (fat) tissue into the handpiece, delivering cooling energy which over the course of the treatment freezes and crystallizes the fat cells. Since suction is used to draw the adipose tissue into the applicator, you must have pinchable fat in order to benefit from the treatment. Someone with a very small problem area may not be a candidate for this procedure.

Following treatment, which takes approximately 1 hour per area, the applicator is removed, leaving what is often referred to as a  “stick of butter” as the area has taken the shape of the applicator. The area is then massaged to break and fragment the crystallized fat cells. The damaged fat cells are filtered and eliminated from the body over the course of the following few months. Many people ask us how CoolSculpting is able to freeze the fat cells and without damaging the skin? This is because fat is more sensitive to temperature than skin, so the fat cells freeze before the skin freezes. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that offers permanent results.
There is some mild discomfort associated with this procedure. Patients have reported discomfort with the suction applicator and during the freezing process, but most report that the area becomes numb a few minutes into the treatment. After the procedure has been completed, it is common to have soreness and bruising. You may also experience tingling or a burning sensation in the area once the nerves in the treated area awaken. Recovery really depends on the person, but it is marketed as a no down-time procedure. The need for several treatments is common with most non-invasive fat reduction procedures, including CoolSculpting. It is important to remember that results are not instant and it can take weeks or even months to see any change.
Cynosure’s SculpSure is an FDA-approved non-invasive, laser lipolysis treatment to reduce fat. It is the latest and most advanced non-invasive fat reduction method available in the United States. This technology uses precise hyperthermic energy, or in layman’s terms- heat-  to target and eliminate fat cells using a 1060nm Diode laser. Once heated, the injured fat cells are ejected from the adipose tissue. These ejected and damaged fat cells are filtered out by the body over the course of several weeks and months. During treatment, the skin is cooled for protection and comfort.
The fact that fat heats up faster than it freezes allows the SculpSure treatment to take a fraction of the time than that of CoolSculpting. The SculpSure device has four laser applicators that lay flat on the skin, so there is no uncomfortable suction involved.

Additionally, because the applicators lay flat on the skin, SculpSure can treat smaller problem areas (you don’t have to have pinchable fat to be treated). These applicators can also treat a larger surface area. It takes twenty-five minutes, versus 45 minutes to an hour, to utilize the four applicators. The number of applicators needed will depend on the areas you are having treated. Patients have reported feeling sensations of warmth, tingling or mild cramping during treatment. Overall, the SculpSure procedure is well tolerated by patients and the abbreviated treatment time is significant.
Following SculpSure treatment you may have some mild tenderness in the area, but no pain or bruising has been reported. You are able to return to normal activity immediately. Several treatments may be necessary to achieve the best results. Similar to CoolSculpting, results with SculpSure are not instant and it does take weeks or even months to see a reduction in the treated area. The results are permanent. Cynosure’s SculpSure reports up to a 24% fat reduction in the treatment area per treatment. In addition, a benefit of SculpSure is that it boasts skin tightening as an added bonus, which is unique to laser therapies and cannot be achieved via cryolipolysis or CoolSculpting.
Both treatments are considered to be viable options for non-invasive fat reduction, offering significant, long-term effects. It is always recommended for you to research the available treatment option in order to choose which procedure is right for you. If you’re truly interested in a non-invasive procedure to help reduce fat, choose Paragon Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Mansfield, TX as a partner in reaching your body contouring goals.
To request a personal consultation with Dr. Mark Bishara, call us at Paragon Plastic Surgery & Medspa at (817) 473-2120 or complete our online contact form today.

 
 
 

Freezing fat off has never sounded so exciting, or better yet no one ever thought it would ever exist! Well let me tell you, it does. Cool sculpting is the new treatment where you can freeze your fat off. It is FDA cleared and the best part is that its not a surgical treatment. Cool sculpting gets rid of that stubborn fat we all hate! Here comes the best part of all……… Its coming to The Paragon Plastic Surgery and Med Spa!!!!!!!

What to expect before/during treatment:

Depending on the number of areas to be treated, treatment can take between 1-2 hours, we advice you do not use any lotions or creams in the area to be treated. During treatment you may experience mild pinching with the vacuum applicator cup,also may feel pulling, cold, tingling, and mild cramping as the area becomes numb during treatment which subside within 5 minutes.

What to expect after treatment:

Immediately after the procedure, the treated area may feel stiff or look firm, this is normal and will resolve. After the applicator is removed, the treated area may be reddened for approximately 20 minutes. Bruising, tingling or tenderness to the touch can be cause from the vacuum cup, which typically resolves within a few weeks. You may continue to feel a temporary of numbness or dulling of sensation in the treated area for a few days and possible few weeks after your procedure which is normal. Another common sensation is cramping, typically resolving in a few days to a few weeks.  Immediately following your procedure you may resume normal activities, maintaining a normal exercise program and a healthy diet for optimal results.
 

 
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COOLSCULPTING SERVICES, PLEASE CONTACT US (817) 473-2120 OR EMAIL APPOINTMENTS@MARKBISHARAMD.COM TO SCHEDULE AN  APPOINTMENT.
 
   


 

Am I a good candidate for the cool sculpting treatments?

CoolSculpting is a fat reduction procedure specially designed for unwanted fat and hard to lose target areas that stubborn fat that dieting and exercising won’t get rid of. CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss solution but it is a great non-surgical alternative to liposuction.

How many Treatments will I need and how long are treatments?

To meet your specific goals, the Paragon Plastic Surgery staff will help you create an individualized
treatment plan. The length of treatment during one visit vary depends on the number of
areas being treated that day. Having more than one treatment during the same visit
determines the length of time, generally treatments last about 1 hour.

Can I have fat reduce anywhere on my body?

CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared to target stubborn fat bulges in specific areas:

  • abdomen
  • Flanks
  • inner & outer thigh
  • double chin
  • arms

Are the results permanent and where does the fat go?

Treated fat cells are crystallized (become frozen), they die and are naturally processed and eliminated from the body. Treated fat cells are gone and gone for good!

When will I see results?

After your treatment you will start to see changes as quickly as 3 weeks, experiencing the most dramatic results after 2 months. Your body will continue to flush out fat cells for up to 4 to 6 months after treatment.

 
 
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ZELTIC COOLSCULPTING SERVICES, PLEASE CONTACT US (817) 473-2120 OR EMAIL APPOINTMENTS@MARKBISHARAMD.COM TO SCHEDULE AN  APPOINTMENT.