This is the first of a two-part series all about body contouring, broken down into minimally-invasive and non-invasive treatment options. This piece focuses solely on minimally-invasive body contouring options at Art of Skin MD.
A healthy lifestyle, exercise and good dietary choices are staples that we all know can help our bodies achieve and maintain close to the silhouette we desire, but sometimes there are stubborn areas or things about our bodies that need a little extra help. These areas, when shaped by the hands of an expert, can compliment all the hard work we have done, ultimately helping us achieve the silhouette we desire. This is called body contouring. At Art of Skin MD, we have a team of experts who offer a variety of body contouring, skin tightening and fat loss options including both minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments.
Injectable Fat Reduction
Kybella is the first FDA-cleared, non-surgical treatment used to minimize or eliminate unwanted fat under the chin with a series of injections over a period of weeks to months. Dr. Palm is an expert in the use of Kybella, and has served as a speaker, physician trainer and clinical investigator for Kybella.
Although it is FDA approved for only the “submental fat” area under the chin, highlys-skilled expert injectors use Kybella in other small areas of unwanted fat such as the neck, jowls, arms and knees. In addition to this, Kybella can be used to treat small irregularities caused by improperly performed liposuction.
There is some swelling immediately after the injection that can last up to a week, so it’s important to have a plan with your injector prior to treatment. At Art of Skin MD, we offer other treatments and procedures such as Ultherapy skin tightening to compliment the outcomes of Kybella.
Accusculpt Body Sculpting
At Art of Skin MD, we provide minimally-invasive body contouring treatments including Accusculpt, liposculpture and fat transfer by the hands of an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Melanie Palm is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon who is an expert as well as an artist in body minimally-invasive body sculpting.
One of the options we offer our patients is Accusculpt, also known as laser liposuction. During this procedure, heat from a laser warms collagen deep within the skin, helping to tighten and tone the tissue as well as melt the fat deposits making it easier for the liposuction to remove the fat. Accusculpt requires little to no downtime, has little to no post-treatment swelling or discomfort, is performed with local anesthesia and yields beautiful results. It is often combined with traditional liposuction, especially in areas with fibrous “tough” fat, such as flanks, backs and male chest areas.
Liposculpture
Body contouring with liposuction is another minimally-invasive, little downtime procedure that Dr. Palm uses to remove fat in areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. She contours the body by sculpting with micro-cannulas, which are very small instruments that extract the fat with vacuum pressure. Liposculpture is also a great way to harvest fat to be used to replace fat or volume loss in other areas of the body and face.
Liposculpture can treat areas such as:
- Upper abdomen
- Lower abdomen
- Back
- Arms
- Hips/”saddlebags”
- “muffin top”
- Inner thighs
- Outer thighs
- Knees
- Calves
- Ankles
- Neck
- Jowls
Fat Transfer as an Alternate to Fillers
As we age, we lose volume in areas such as the cheeks, temples, eye area, buttocks and hands to name a few. A common treatment to help restore the volume lost is hyaluronic acid fillers. At Art of Skin MD, we also offer autologous fat transfer as an option.
Done in our office completely under local anesthesia, a small amount of fat is harvested from a predetermined area, typically the hip, knee or abdomen, and then injected into areas where volume has been lost. This can be done in conjunction with a complete liposculpture treatment, or Dr. Palm can take very small amounts from areas solely for the purpose of the fat transfer.
Fat transfer can also be used to correct improperly performed or overly aggressive liposuction results, as well as to treat facial deformities and traumatic depression scars. The results can last years, however, as each patient’s needs are unique, we recommend a consultation to determine what treatment will yield the best results for you.
Say Goodbye to Dimple Cellulite with Cellfina
The majority of adult women are affected by cellulite, which is caused by a fibrous connective tissue that tethers the skin to deeper structures in the fat, creating a wavy or dimpled appearance. Dr. Palm is a nationally-recognized expert in the treatment of dimple-like cellulite with Cellfina, the first FDA-cleared, minimally-invasive treatment of cellulite with results lasting at least two years. This procedure severs the fibrous tissue that creates the dimple, releasing the skin that was previously tethered, leaving a smoother appearance.
The results may become evident in as little as three days after the procedure, however, they oftentimes improve for three to six months following the treatment. Bruising can occur, as well as some tenderness and mild swelling in the days after the procedure so it’s good to have a plan and know when the best time is for undergoing Cellfina.
Make The First Step Toward Your Beach-Ready Body!
Whether you are seeking minimally-invasive treatments or are interested in non-invasive treatments, Art of Skin MD is your expert in body contouring – and we are excited to help you achieve the body silhouette you long for! Call us today at 858-792-SKIN (7546) to schedule your consultation!
