Body Contouring

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Marin, San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa

Body Contouring Marin, San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa, CA

Body contouring is a method of enhancing patients’ shape through surgical or non-surgical means. Many choose non-surgical body contouring to reap the cosmetic benefits without the worry of the recovery and downtime associated with a surgical procedure. With medspa treatments, patients can achieve similar, though less dramatic, youthful contours. These treatments need more regular maintenance than surgical solutions. Simple non-surgical procedures can help tighten areas and give patients a sense of renewed confidence. Everyone deserves to look and feel their very best, and minimally invasive technologies help achieve that goal.

If you want to explore your options for contouring and rejuvenation, contact Plastic Surgery Specialists (PSS) in Marin County, CA. Our medspa specialists will help evaluate your problem areas and create a treatment plan for you. Our practice consists of board-certified surgeons Dr. Stanley Poulos and Dr. Yngvar Hvistendahl and a team of over 20 talented and attentive professionals. 

To get started, call our office today at (415) 925-2880, request an in-person consultation, or ask about our virtual consultations. We strive to accommodate patients’ needs and will schedule your appointment at a time most convenient for you.  

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options 

Body contouring does not have to involve a significant commitment or a long recovery. Researchers have found that using minimally invasive treatments helps change both the tightness, elasticity, and health of the skin. In terms of targeted fat reduction, PSS offers medspa treatments like Coolsculpting to reduce the underlying fat without harming the skin, sculpting more balanced contours and shape. Finding the right treatment for your specific needs to combat aging, environmental, and lifestyle effects on the body can offer satisfying outcomes.

CoolSculpting 

The CoolSculpting device freezes targeted fat cells without harm to surrounding tissue, effectively reducing fat deposits in areas like the stomach, flanks, thighs, and chin. When using cryolipolysis– fat cell reduction through freezing- PSS medspa specialists take extra precautions by applying a protective gel to the treatment area, preventing skin damage. Our specialists have many years of experience and advanced degrees in CoolSculpting to ensure our patients receive the most effective treatment for the area. Though the surface of the skin will experience temperatures of around 14 degrees Fahrenheit, the subcutaneous tissue will experience temperatures closer to 16 degrees- cold enough to damage the targeted fat cells. (1) Patients do not require anesthesia since the CoolSculpting device will numb the tissues for the duration of the one-hour procedure. 

As an FDA-approved technology, CoolSculpting is safe and effective for all of the common areas where bulging fat may develop, such as the midsection, thighs, hips, calves, upper back, male chest, and even the chin. CoolSculpting is most effective for those who are within 30 lbs of their ideal body weight, since it serves as a contouring tool, not a weight-loss device. About three days after the procedure, the treatment area begins to undergo an inflammatory process in which the immune system removes the destroyed fat cells through the lymph system. However, full results will not be seen for three to four months. Most patients need at least two sessions to see significant improvements. It is important to treat the area properly to realize the potential of this revolutionary device and technology. It is the most common treatment worldwide for targeted fat reduction.  

Emsculpt 

Emsculpt is a device that delivers electromagnetic energy called high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) and radiofrequency to induce muscle contractions and burn fat. (2) When applied to the abdominal area, Emsculpt triggers over 20,000 contractions in just a 20 to 30-minute timespan. Although it may sound intense, patients typically only experience twitching and tingling sensations and a slight soreness similar to a post-workout burn. Clinicians usually prescribe a series of at least 4 treatment sessions to provide long-lasting results. 

Vein Treatments 

Visible veins can interfere with the look of healthy skin and make it appear more aged and worn. These minor veins typically develop as a result of sun exposure, age, sedentary lifestyle, stress, and even obesity. Though they are harmless, they form due to increased pressure within the veins, causing smaller vessels called capillaries to “pool” near the surface of the skin. Sclerotherapy can eliminate vascular lesions like spider veins and varicose veins through the injection of a sclerosing solution, a saltwater-based substance designed to destroy unwanted superficial blood vessels. After injection, providers must apply some form of compression to allow the solution to evenly spread throughout the treatment area. Research finds that patients see a 90% reduction in the appearance of their vascular malformations after treatment with sclerotherapy. (3) 

After treatment, patients should take extra care to avoid hot showers, blood thinners, tanning, and strenuous exercise for a few days to prevent bruises from developing. Many attain optimal results after just one treatment, whereas others may benefit from two sessions with sclerotherapy; it is highly dependent on the severity of the vascular malformations and the size of the treatment area. 

Personal Consultation 

During your consultation at PSS, your medspa specialist will discuss further details of these minimally and non-invasive body contouring procedures, helping you decide which of these you may benefit from most. You will have the opportunity to express your desired cosmetic and health goals and explain what you have tried so far. They will closely evaluate the state of your condition and provide you with a practical treatment plan to resolve your issues at the source. Our specialists are knowledgeable in the specifics of these procedures and will provide you with in-depth answers to any questions you may have. Aside from explaining the procedure itself, they will outline any necessary steps for preparation and any aftercare instructions you should follow. 

To begin your rejuvenation journey today, call our office at (415) 925-2880 or use our contact form to get in touch for an in-person or virtual consultation.  

Cost of Body Contouring in Marin County 

The cost of your medspa body contouring treatment will depend on your level of commitment to your chosen treatment, how many sessions you will require to attain the results you are looking for, and any follow-up appointments with your medspa specialist. At PSS, your providers will take these various factors and other procedural fees into consideration when determining the cost estimate at the time of your free consultation. We also offer financing options to make your treatment more accessible and cost-effective. 

To explore our other options and for further information regarding our services, feel free to browse through our blog

FAQ

Does CoolSculpting require anesthesia? 

CoolSculpting treatments do not require anesthesia because the procedure itself numbs the targeted tissues, making it highly tolerable. It offers patients an effective, yet non-invasive alternative to other procedures, like liposuction. 

What parts of the body can Emsculpt treat?

Emsculpt is most commonly used in the abdominal area, but many choose to apply the treatment to the upper arms, calves, buttocks, and thighs as well. 

Why is sclerotherapy effective? 

Sclerotherapy works because the saline solution irritates the lining of superficial blood vessels, causing them to scar and break down. 

What is recovery like for sclerotherapy? 

Sclerotherapy is a relatively minor treatment that does not require an extensive recovery. Patients should avoid intense exercise for about 1 week, and they should wear their compression garment for a few days, as prescribed. Other than these aftercare instructions, patients can resume their daily life as usual.

References

  1. Savacini MB, Bueno DT, Molina ACS, et al. Effectiveness and Safety of Contrast Cryolipolysis for Subcutaneous-Fat Reduction. Dermatology Research and Practice. 2018;2018:1-9. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5276528 
  2. Samuels JB, Katz B, Weiss RA, Samuels JB. Radiofrequency Heating and High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Treatment Delivered Simultaneously: The First Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 2022;Publish Ahead of Print(149). doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000009030  
  3. Rabe E, Breu FX, Flessenkämper I, et al. Sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins. Der Hautarzt. 2020;72(S2):23-36. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00105-020-04705-0