Warmer temperatures may seem like a (very) distant memory right about now, but plastic surgeons say it’s high time to prep for sunnier days.
“To be summer ready, now is the time to start [in-office tightening] procedures,” says Richmond, VA plastic surgeon Ruth L. Hillelson, MD. The reason: Many require multiple treatments, and all require time to allow for collagen contraction and proper fat-busting, says Dr. Hillelson. “Generally, I would say working about four months ahead would make the summers happier!”
Before deciding on which body-contouring treatment is right for you, your board-certified physician will do their homework during your consult. “When a patient comes in for firming and tightening, I evaluate skin, muscle and fat,” adds Dr. Hillelson, noting that “tightening and firming” might mean fat reduction, skin tightening and/or cellulite reduction.
To treat slight abdominal laxity, energy devices—ultrasound, radio frequency and infrared—can noninvasively penetrate the skin to encourage the formation of new collagen, resulting in a tighter appearance. However, Dr. Hillelson notes that for some patients with greater sagging—usually from drastic weight loss or a recent pregnancy—a tummy tuck is the only option. Whether on or off the abdomen, if fat reduction is necessary, fat-melting or fat-freezing treatments, such as CoolSculpting or SculpSure, may also be used.
If boosting muscle and reducing fat is your goal, Vero Beach, FL plastic surgeon Alan Durkin, MD relies on the brand-new Emsculpt Neo, calling it the next revolution in nonsurgical body contouring. “We have been using this platform for over three months now and the results are simply fabulous. By increasing muscle mass while simultaneously reducing fat burden, Emsculpt Neo has redefined nonsurgical approaches to body contouring.”
