If you think you could benefit from losing a few inches from your waist, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck at Finesse Cosmetic Laser & Lipo Center in Waltham, MA. This procedure, known in the medical community as abdominoplasty, can tone up your tummy by tightening your abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and fat. Here’s what you need to know.
 

How Much Weight Can You Lose With a Tummy Tuck? 

Abdominoplasty Isn’t a Weight Loss Procedure

While a tummy tuck results in weight loss, it is not a weight-loss procedure. It is a body contouring procedure designed to improve the contours of the abdominal region. That said, you can expect to lose up to 10 pounds following this procedure due to the removal of excess skin and fat.

We can advise you on how much weight you should expect to lose post-op during your initial consultation. However, you should be aware that only a small amount of excess abdominal fat is excised during this procedure. Most of the weight loss comes from the removal of excess skin. If you have quite a bit of abdominal fat you would like to eliminate, you may need to combine this procedure with liposuction to achieve your desired aesthetic.

Medical Reasons for Abdominoplasty

Even though abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure rather than a weight loss procedure, there are still a number of medical benefits you can enjoy post-op. While your A1C levels, blood pressure readings, or cholesterol levels won’t benefit from a tummy tuck, your mental health and overall wellbeing will improve once you see your trimmer waistline. You can also expect this procedure to correct the following medical conditions.

Back Pain

Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is often the result of weak abdominal muscles. Since the primary purpose of abdominoplasty is to tighten weak stomach muscles, back pain will fade after receiving this procedure. When your abdominal muscles are strong, your posture is better. Additionally, your back muscles aren’t being overused to keep you upright. Your back and stomach muscles should share the responsibility of keeping you upright equally.

Ventral Hernia

Ventral hernias develop when abdominal tissue or your intestine penetrates your abdominal wall. It is most commonly caused by weak abdominal muscles following childbirth. However, ventral hernias can also occur following a Cesarean section because pregnancy alone is enough to weaken your abdominal muscles.

Other potential causes of ventral hernias include significant weight loss and an appendectomy. Ventral hernias are painful, particularly when you strain or lift objects. At the same time as you get abdominoplasty, your hernia can be corrected. Furthermore, tightening weak abdominal muscles will mitigate the risk that you develop another ventral hernia in the future.

Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence can develop due to pregnancy or excess weight. When too much stress is put on your urethra and bladder, you may leak urine when forceful actions occur. For example, you may find you leak when you work out, laugh, cough or sneeze.

Abdominoplasty treats stress urinary incontinence in a couple of ways. First, some of the weight exerting excess pressure on your urethra and bladder is removed. Second, we can tighten your pelvic floor muscles during this procedure to prevent future leaks.

Posture 

As noted above, poor posture usually leads to back pain. Furthermore, this problem is usually caused by weak abdominal muscles. You may slouch now to minimize the amount of work your weak abdominal muscles have to do. Once they are tightened and strengthened, you will stand up straighter and provide your spine with extra support.

Additionally, you may notice a reduction in knee and ankle pain after this procedure. You will have a much more natural gait and up to 10 pounds will be removed during this procedure. It is unimaginable how much better your leg joints will feel once 10 pounds is removed from your abdominal region.

Other Benefits

There are a number of other benefits you can expect from abdominoplasty besides the medical benefits. For instance, you can expect your self-confidence to increase significantly once you have achieved the well-defined abdomen you worked for years to achieve. You may even find yourself particularly self-confident and proud when you wear revealing clothing such as swimwear.

Additionally, you will find exercise to be far easier and more enjoyable without your excess abdominal skin getting in the way. You will also find all sorts of activities are easier with a stronger core. Furthermore, you will find your clothes fit better and feel more comfortable. Finally, you may find your clothes don’t do your new contours justice and have a fun-filled afternoon buying more flattering clothing.

The Procedure

Before you receive your procedure, you should understand what to expect during the procedure to help you decide whether it will be right for you. We will make a tiny incision between your hips near your pubic region. This provides us with access to the abdominal region. Depending on the scope of the procedure and your personal preferences, we may move your navel to keep your natural appearance.

We will tightly pull any stretched or separated abdominal muscles toward your pelvis. We will also repair any ventral hernias you may have. Once your muscles are taut, we will eliminate excess skin from the region. Furthermore, a bit of excess fat may be excised at this time. Your procedure may take anywhere from one to two hours. That said, your procedure may take up to three hours if you are also receiving liposuction.

What To Expect Immediately After Your Procedure

Immediately after your procedure, you should expect to feel pretty groggy. This is a natural result of receiving either general anesthesia or sedation. We may observe you for a while after your procedure to ensure you are fully awake. Before you leave, we will review your post-op recovery steps with you to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.

Note, this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. This means that you can go home once you’ve woken up fully and reviewed your post-op care instructions. However, you should be aware you cannot drive within 24 hours of being sedated. Make sure you have someone drive you to and from your procedure. It is also advisable to have someone stay with you during this period to help you stay fed and hydrated.

What to Eat After Your Procedure

We strongly recommend preparing reasonably-portioned, healthy meals before your procedure. These healthy meals should be high in soluble fiber and lean protein. It is okay if you don’t have much of an appetite after your procedure. If you don’t feel like eating, we urge you to consider drinking a nutritious, protein-packed smoothie.

Smoothies are great after abdominoplasty because they are hydrating and high in protein when made with yogurt instead of ice cream. Furthermore, it is easy to sneak some fiber into your smoothie by adding a green, leafy vegetable to your fruit and yogurt concoction. You won’t be able to taste the veggies, but you’ll get all of the nutritional value they have to offer. Other great foods to incorporate into your post-operative diet include legumes, nuts, and eggs.

Adding Liposuction

As noted above, you may need liposuction added to your tummy tuck to achieve your desired results. If you need to tighten your abdominal muscles and remove quite a bit of excess fat, combining abdominoplasty with liposuction may be the perfect option for you. If you’re on the fence about liposuction but know you could benefit from abdominoplasty, we encourage you to strongly consider combining the procedures. You’ll only need to prepare and recover for a body contouring procedure once.

If you combine liposuction with abdominoplasty, you can expect to lose a few extra pounds. Depending on your starting weight, we may be able to remove roughly 11 pounds of fat safely with liposuction. That said, it is important to be as close to your goal weight as possible before you get liposuction. If you have too much excess fat, your results won’t be as dramatic.

Results

You can expect your abdominal region to be smoother, tighter, and more contoured after your procedure. You can also expect a reduction in lower back pain and an improvement in posture. You may even find you look taller.

You can expect your results to last as long as you maintain your weight within 10 to 15 pounds. If you gain too much weight, you may need a maintenance procedure one day. Furthermore, you may need a maintenance procedure if you get pregnant in the future regardless of how much weight you gain during pregnancy.

Candidates for This Procedure

The best candidate for this procedure is within 20 pounds of their goal weight and has excess abdominal skin and fat that is unresponsive to diet and exercise. Good candidates for this procedure may also have weak abdominal muscles that are affecting their quality of life. For example, they may be living with back pain, a ventral hernia, or stress urinary incontinence. Often, good candidates for this procedure have given birth and lost a significant amount of weight.

To be considered a good candidate for this procedure, you should be in fairly good overall health and not smoke. If you smoke, you should stop for six weeks before your procedure and six weeks after your procedure. Abstaining from tobacco products ensures your procedure and recovery will go smoothly.

A Note on Family Planning

As mentioned previously, you may need a maintenance procedure if you get pregnant after receiving this procedure. We’d like to note there is nothing wrong with getting pregnant after abdominoplasty. That said, we recommend women hold off on this procedure until they are done having children. This gives the best possible chance for maintaining the results for life.

Additionally, you should know you can’t receive this procedure while you are breastfeeding. In fact, it is advisable to wait several weeks after breastfeeding to consider this procedure. Both breastfeeding and post-operative recovery take a great deal of energy.

Learn More Today

You can lose up to 10 pounds after a tummy tuck, but you should keep in mind that it is not a weight-loss procedure. Most of the weight you lose will be due to the removal of excess skin. That said, tightening up your core can change your life in unimaginable ways. Contact us today at Finesse Cosmetic Laser & Lipo Center in Waltham, MA to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about this life-changing body contouring procedure.

Have you been thinking about changing your look? What about restoring an old one? With SkinPen microneedling treatments at Finesse Cosmetic Laser and Lipo in Waltham, MA, you can restore the smooth, healthy complexion you enjoyed when you were younger. The benefits will begin to emerge after the first session.

How Often Can You Get Microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is an incredibly popular cosmetic treatment. This therapy is the ideal treatment for many cosmetic concerns. The specific concerns you want to treat will affect the number of sessions you will need. They will also affect how frequently you should repeat the treatment sessions. It is very important to space your sessions between four and six weeks apart.

Most of the benefits derived from collagen induction therapy come from the skin healing itself from the punctures made during the session.  Although a lot of at-home derma rollers are marketed for daily use, the needles are so short the effect is negligible. Your skin is fragile and needs to be treated by a professional with care. Trying to use a derma roller at home will probably exacerbate your dermal concerns. The SkinPen is a much gentler, more effective device.

How Many Sessions Should I Receive?

A lot of people only need a few sessions to achieve their desired results but the number of treatments you will need depends on the cosmetic concerns you are addressing, among other factors. If you are treating deep scars, you may need between six and eight sessions to achieve your desired aesthetic. This gives your skin the opportunity to go through multiple rounds of cellular rejuvenation.

At first, you may only see superficial results. However, if you adhere to your recommended schedule, you will get even better, longer-lasting results. It may take up to four months to complete three therapy sessions.

What Are the Benefits of Collagen Induction Therapy?

From promoting hair growth to tightening skin, there are many benefits you can expect from collagen induction therapy. This treatment can even clear up acne breakouts and erase certain types of scars. Collagen induction therapy also compounds the benefits of topical products because it unclogs your pores.

This allows topical products to be absorbed more efficiently. What’s really exciting about this treatment is it can be performed virtually anywhere. It is most commonly used to address facial concerns. However, it can be used to erase stretch marks on your chest or arms and improve the quality of your scalp.

What Can Microneedling Treat?

Scars

Did you know stretch marks are a kind of scar?  When there’s not enough collagen to facilitate healing, pitted or flat scars occur. Put another way, there’s not enough foundational support for the skin to be held up properly. Microneedling results in “micro-injuries” to the fibroblasts in the foundational layer of your skin. In response to the injuries, the fibroblasts in the targeted area produce extra collagen.

This extra collagen gives the skin the support it needs while encouraging cellular turnover. Cellular turnover, in turn, results in an even skin tone, even in treated areas with scars. Collagen induction therapy can also minimize the appearance of other kinds of scars, such as acne scars.

Sagging Skin and Fine Lines

Sagging skin is an incredibly common result of the aging process, particularly on the face and neck. Loose skin occurs since our bodies slowly become less efficient in the production of collagen. This takes away the structure of the skin.

The inadequate skin structure is incredibly apparent when your skin sags. However, it is also the cause of uneven skin texture and wrinkles. By increasing the production of collagen in the foundational skin layer, the superficial layer of the skin smooths like it did when you were in your early 20s.

Skin Discoloration

Collagen induction therapy doesn’t just facilitate extra collagen production. It encourages the growth of new cells. This, like collagen production, is a natural process that your body does; it just does it less frequently with age. When new cell growth and cellular rejuvenation slow, age spots and freckles often begin to develop. If you are experiencing hyperpigmentation, collagen induction therapy may be the perfect treatment method for you.

Acne

Acne is a particularly difficult condition to treat. It can be caused by excess sebum trapped in your pores, hormones, bacteria, or another factor. The tiny needles we use open up clogged pores, simultaneously minimizing the size of your pores and the sebum responsible for the breakout.

There is no risk of developing more acne caused by bacteria because we clean your targeted area carefully before treatment and use sterile instruments. Nonetheless, you should reschedule your session if you have an active breakout or open infection.
 

Hair Growth

A strong support system is required for hair follicles to produce thick, healthy hairs. Collagen provides hair follicles the support they need until your scalp doesn’t produce enough collagen to maintain a healthy head of hair. When your scalp can no longer produce enough collagen to support your hair follicles, you may notice your hair thinning.

You may also notice balding. To combat this, you need collagen induction therapy to get blood flowing to your scalp and stimulate the growth of your new cells and collagen.

How Does Collagen Induction Therapy Work?

Collagen induction therapy is also sometimes called derma rolling. These two synonyms for the original treatment name give a better comprehension of how the treatment works. A dermal roller houses extremely fine needles. The roller is used to pass the needles across your skin at a 45-degree angle numerous times. As the needles traverse your skin, tiny punctures are made.

These holes aren’t large enough to actually injure your skin. However, they are large enough for your body to order the production of extra collagen. What’s great about using the SkinPen device instead of a traditional derma roller is the SkinPen doesn’t pull the skin as it rolls across the skin’s surface.

Why Is Extra Collagen Production Important? 

The extra production of collagen is so important because it is one of the most important building blocks of your skin. It keeps your skin elastic, tight, smooth, and strong. Unfortunately, our bodies produce less of this supportive protein as we age, starting when we reach 30 years old.

Microneedles are such an effective anti-aging treatment because it restores the skin we had when we were younger. It encourages the production of extra collagen, increases the flow of blood to the treated area which transports restorative nutrients to the regions of concern. This extra blood flow also transports other things more efficiently, too, such as restorative serums and acne medication.

Can I Perform This Treatment Myself?

You should not attempt at-home derma rolling. Although there are devices available, they are not approved by the FDA for safety or efficacy. There is a significant risk of developing a bacterial infection and damaging the skin instead of repairing it. If you want to enjoy the benefits of collagen induction therapy, it needs to be performed by a licensed professional.

What Treatment Timeline Should I Expect?

Even though you can expect to see improvements in your appearance after your first session, you should expect to need several sessions before you achieve your ideal results depending on the cosmetic concerns you have. For example, you will only need one session to shrink your pores. On the other hand, many treatment sessions will be necessary to erase deep scars.

How Long Will My Treatment Session Take?

The duration of the treatment session depends primarily on the size of the area you are targeting for treatment. If you are treating forehead wrinkles, your session will be over in 10 to 15 minutes. If you are targeting your entire face for treatment, your session may last between 20 and 30 minutes. Treating large areas, such as the abdomen or back can take around an hour.

If you are worried about time, your best option will be to receive a professional collagen induction therapy session with the FDA-approved SkinPen device. Unlike treatments with other derma rollers, you won’t need a topical numbing cream applied. If you opt for treatment with an alternative device, you will need to wait 30 minutes for the medication to take effect. This can be the difference between getting treated on your lunch break or scheduling time off from work.

Will I Need Regular Treatments?

You wouldn’t work out for two or three weeks, quit, and expect to see lifelong results. You shouldn’t expect the results of collagen induction therapy to last forever, either. Despite this, you can expect the results of your collagen induction therapy sessions to last several months. If you are seeking collagen induction therapy to eliminate scars, you will never need a follow-up treatment.

Most types of scars won’t return. However, you may need follow-up treatments if you are erasing stretch marks. If you lose or gain weight too quickly in the future, you may develop more stretch marks. As a general rule of thumb, you should expect to come in for a touch-up session one to three times annually if you are treating photodamage, wrinkles, folds, or sagging skin.

What Can I Expect Throughout My Collagen Induction Therapy Process?

This Treatment Is Painless

To reiterate, derma rollers require the application of a topical anesthetic before the treatment begins because the rollers pull at the skin. With the SkinPen device, your skin is not tugged and the needles are so fine you won’t feel any pain during your treatment at all.

This Treatment Involves Cleansing

We will cleanse your face thoroughly before your collagen induction therapy session begins. We also sterilize the SkinPen device before we use it. These two preparation steps mitigate the risk of a bacterial infection during your treatment.

The SkinPen Is Customizable

Before your treatment begins, we will customize the length of the very fine needles attached to the SkinPen device to achieve your goals most effectively. The length of the needles will depend on the areas being targeted for treatment and the specific concerns that need to be addressed.

This Treatment Requires No Downtime

The last thing you need to know about the collagen induction therapy process is there is no downtime required afterward. You are free to continue with your typical routine as soon as your session is over and we have reviewed the post-treatment care guidelines with you.

Learn More Today

You should get one microneedling session every four to six weeks until you have achieved your ideal results. To learn more, contact us today at Finesse Cosmetic Laser and Lipo in Waltham, MA to schedule your initial consultation.

Although cellulite is a very common aesthetic condition, it may still cause you to feel unhappy about the texture of your skin. If you would like to regain your confidence and achieve beautiful skin, you should think about receiving a cosmetic treatment from Finesse Cosmetic Laser & Lipo Center in Waltham, MA. We can use an easy, comfortable technique called Cellulaze to decrease the visibility of your cellulite.

Is Cellulaze Permanent?

Cellulaze is a minimally invasive treatment that will use precise laser energy to improve the structure and appearance of your skin. This gentle treatment is very effective at addressing cellulite. After you receive one laser session, you will be able to enjoy smooth, beautiful skin for a very long time. Although this treatment will not create permanent changes in your cellulite, the results of your session may last for more than two years.

If you would like to have smooth, cellulite-free legs for a long time, you should adopt a healthy lifestyle after you get your laser treatment. In particular, you can preserve the benefits of your anti-cellulite treatment by regularly exercising and eating a balanced diet.

What Is Cellulite?

Cellulite is an aesthetic issue that occurs when the texture of the skin on your buttocks, abdomen, thighs, or hips becomes dimpled and uneven. Your skin’s texture may resemble the peel of an orange. If your cellulite is fairly mild, your dimples may become visible when you pinch your skin. Under some circumstances, you might be able to see your dimples when you are sitting or standing.

The behavior of the fat cells and fibrous cords in your skin may cause you to experience this aesthetic challenge. The fibrous cords that connect your skin and muscles will pull your skin downward. If your fat cells begin to push up against the top layer of your skin, the interaction between your cords and fat cells may cause you to develop dimples and lumps.

Why Do I Have Cellulite?

The majority of women will develop cellulite at some point in their lifetimes. In fact, more than 85% of all women have cellulite on their hips, thighs, or buttocks. There are a number of factors that will increase a person’s chance of experiencing this frustrating skin condition.

Your Weight

You can develop cellulite on your thighs and other locations if you are thin and active. That said, gaining weight may increase the visibility of your cellulite.

Your Age

When you become older, the skin on your buttocks, thighs, and other places will become less elastic. This structural change will increase your chance of developing cellulite in these locations.

Your Gender

If you are a woman, you will have a much higher chance of developing dimples and lumps on your skin. In general, you will be likely to have larger amounts of fat in your hips, thighs, and buttocks. Developing extra fat will enhance your risk of experiencing cellulite in these areas.

Your Family History

Your genes will impact the texture of your skin and other aspects of your appearance. If your aunts, mother, or other female relatives developed cellulite, you will be more likely to experience this aesthetic issue.

How Will This Laser Treatment Improve My Cellulite?

Our laser treatment will use a sophisticated method to address the root causes of your cellulite. During your appointment, we will use our Smartlipo Triplex system to change the condition of your skin. The energy from our SideLight 3D laser will disrupt the fibrous cords that are pulling on your skin and causing dimples to appear on your legs. In addition, we will use laser energy to melt pockets of fat in your target area.

Our laser will also stimulate the production of new collagen fibers in your skin. This process will improve the elasticity and thickness of the tissues in your treatment area and give your skin a smoother, more youthful look.

How Many Anti-Cellulite Treatments Will I Receive?

If you have used other cosmetic techniques to correct your wrinkles and enhance your skin, you might have received aesthetic treatments that provided temporary results that only lasted for a few weeks or months. For example, some facials might give you smoother skin for a couple of weeks. After your results wear off, you might have to return to your aesthetic provider for a follow-up treatment.

Fortunately, you won’t need to receive frequent maintenance sessions when you use our powerful laser to smooth away your cellulite. Instead, you will achieve significant, lasting changes in your target location after you get a single laser session. Instead of going to frequent touch-up sessions, you will be able to spend your leisure time on other activities.

What Will Happen During My Laser Session?

The length of your session will depend on the size of your desired treatment area. If you are addressing a larger amount of cellulite, your appointment will usually last for a slightly longer period of time. That said, your laser session will typically take about one to three hours to finish. We will help you relax during your appointment by providing you with oral sedation and local anesthesia. Once your skin has become numb, we will begin to improve your cellulite.

We will start this process by putting a small cannula underneath the surface of your skin. A cannula is a tube that is roughly the same size as a pen’s tip. This tube will contain a SideLight laser fiber that will send beneficial energy into your tissues. This useful energy will break up the fibrous bands that have caused you to develop dimples and lumps in your treatment area. We will also use this laser to decrease your fat and enhance the thickness of your skin.

When Will My Cellulite Begin To Improve?

During the initial weeks after you receive your laser session, the appearance of your skin may begin to improve. As your skin becomes thicker and more elastic, your cellulite will become less noticeable. On average, you will be able to see the final results of your laser session within about three to 12 months.

To track your improvements, you might decide to take periodic images of your target area. Reviewing these images will help you visualize the positive changes in the texture and appearance of your skin.

Will I Have To Spend Many Weeks Recovering From My Laser Session?

Since we will use minimally invasive techniques to enhance your skin, you won’t have a lengthy period of downtime after you finish your laser session. In fact, you will be able to go back to your normal schedule after a couple of days have passed. That said, we will ask you to protect your skin by wearing a compression garment during the next 14 days.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for This Anti-Cellulite Treatment?

If you are bothered by the cellulite on your legs, you may be an ideal candidate for this gentle laser treatment. In general, you will be more likely to achieve optimal results if you are a woman who has mild to moderate cellulite that has developed on your thighs. In addition, you should not be significantly overweight.

Can I Use Creams and Lotions To Fix My Cellulite?

If you have been trying to fix your cellulite for a long time, you might have purchased expensive creams and lotions that promise to correct this aesthetic issue. Unfortunately, you probably won’t be able to create dramatic improvements in the texture of your skin by applying creams or lotions onto your legs.

Achieving Temporary Improvements

These topical treatments will not improve the condition of your deeper tissues. Instead of treating the fat, fibrous bands, and other structural issues that have caused you to develop cellulite, your lotions and creams may create superficial changes in the surface of your skin.

For example, you might use a cream that temporarily tightens the top layer of your skin. Although you might notice minor improvements in your cellulite, you will have to spend your time and energy regularly applying creams or lotions.

A Better Solution

Instead of using creams or lotions to temporarily improve the surface layer of your skin, you should use Cellulaze to improve the deeper tissues in your target area. Since this aesthetic treatment will melt your fat and disrupt your fibrous bands, you will be able to achieve more lasting, noticeable changes in your cellulite.

Can I Use Other Techniques To Enhance the Appearance of My Skin?

After you use our laser treatment to minimize your cellulite, you might be interested in correcting your fine lines, acne, and other aesthetic problems. Fortunately, we can use a wide range of effective, affordable treatments to address your skin conditions.

Receiving a Laser Acne Treatment

Acne is a very common skin condition that can cause you to develop blemishes on your face, neck, chest, and legs. In addition, you may develop acne on your shoulders, back, or upper arms. Blemishes may appear when dead skin cells clog your pores. Over time, this process will cause bacteria and oil to collect in your pores, and your skin will become inflamed.

Fortunately, you don’t have to use harsh skincare products and other uncomfortable methods to fix your acne. We can use a Candela Smoothbeam laser to address this cosmetic condition. During this treatment, we will decrease your oil production by targeting your sebaceous glands. As we use heat to shrink your sebaceous glands, your blemishes will begin to improve.

Getting a FotoFacial RF Treatment

As you get older, you might develop sun damage, fine lines, and pigmentation challenges. In addition, you might suffer from rosacea or have large pores. We can improve all of these skin conditions by providing you with FotoFacial RF treatments. During these comfortable facials, we will use radio-frequency energy and intense pulsed light to improve the appearance of your sun damage and rosacea.

Your facial will also smooth your skin and diminish the prominence of your fine lines. We can use this powerful technique to improve the skin on your face, hands, neck, or other locations.

Achieve Smooth Skin

It’s very difficult to fix cellulite on your legs by using creams and other at-home remedies. If you are interested in decreasing the visibility of your dimples, you should receive a Cellulaze treatment. This gentle anti-cellulite treatment has the ability to give you smooth, sleek skin for a very long time. If you would like to schedule a consultation about this aesthetic technique, you should contact us at Finesse Cosmetic Laser & Lipo Center in Waltham, MA.

It’s true what people say – you won’t look 25 forever, mostly because the natural aging process slowly depletes the plush, supple texture of the skin. After a certain point, the natural aging process reduces facial volume significantly, which can give people hollow or lax areas of the face. Fortunately, the experts at Finesse Cosmetic Laser and Lipo in Waltham, MA know that restoring facial volume is as simple as using the right dermal filler treatment, such as Juvederm Voluma.

How Quickly Does Voluma Work?

Voluma, like many other dermal fillers, works quickly. In fact, most patients will be able to see a significant improvement to their facial volume on the same day as the treatment. Most of the time, the initial results for a volumizer like this one will include reducing the appearance of fine lines, improving skin laxity, and softening the face to restore a youthful visage. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that initial results will be temporary.

The reason initial results are temporary is that dermal fillers contain ultra-moisturizing ingredients that instantly add water to the sub-dermal layers of the skin. However, as these ingredients are absorbed, the initial results of your treatment will also deplete until collagen production within the skin kicks up and your final results appear. Most of the time, patients can expect to see the full results of their treatment within 14 days of a treatment appointment.

What Is a Good Treatment Frequency?

In general, you can have dermal filler treatments as often as you need or want to in order to maintain your aesthetic goals. For a filler like Voluma, this means having treatments every 18 to 24 months based on how long your results last. Most patients can anticipate results that last for about two years, so your ideal treatment frequency will be once every 24 months.

That said, some patients can enjoy the results of this treatment for varying lengths of time. Younger patients, for example, may be able to enjoy results that last for longer than 24 months since their appearance concerns are mild and only require mild correction. Mature patients, however, may require treatment more frequently to maintain results, particularly if their appearance-related concerns are moderate or severe.

How Do Dermal Filler Treatments Work?

Dermal fillers are minimally invasive treatments that are performed by a skilled aesthetician who uses a thin needle to inject fillers into the sub-dermal layers of the skin to increase skin volume. Once inside your skin, the active ingredients in the dermal filler formula will stimulate the production of collagen to restore skin structure and reduce age-related volume loss.

Dermal fillers are used to correct volume-related aging concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, hollowness in the face, bony cheekbones and jawlines, and narrow chins. Fillers like Voluma can also be used for contouring the face, such as enhancing the shape of the cheekbones or altering the shape of the nose tip or bridge. The reason this treatment is so versatile is because of the main active ingredient, hyaluronic acid, which enhances collagen production to rejuvenate your appearance.

Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen Production

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most common ingredients in dermal fillers, including Juvederm Voluma. Recently, many beauty products contain hyaluronic acid, such as serums and night creams. These products are designed to plump the skin, minimize visible signs of aging, and increase moisture retention in the skin, all of which can help you look younger. Found naturally in the skin, hyaluronic acid is responsible for both moisture retention and supporting other molecules in the skin, particularly collagen.

Many dermatology studies have shown the relationship between collagen production and hyaluronic acid, suggesting that hyaluronic acid is essential “food” for collagen. When hyaluronic acid formulas are injected into the sub-dermal layers of the skin, collagen production increases and will continue to be high for several months after hyaluronic acid is metabolized by the body.

What Will Your Treatment Be Like?

The first step of your treatment will be a consultation appointment where we will get to know your skin concerns and your appearance-related goals. In particular, the consultation will go over the aspects of your appearance related to your aging concerns, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Part of the consultation will include asking about your skincare habits, products, and any medications or supplements you are taking.

You should expect dermal filler treatment appointments to last about 20 to 30 minutes. Based on your preferences, your appointment may involve applying a topical numbing cream for your comfort. Many patients also opt to take an OTC pain reliever like Tylenol before their appointment to ensure comfort during the treatment.

Pre-Treatment

Because dermal filler treatments are minimally-invasive half-hour treatments, there isn’t much you will need to do before your appointment. However, we may provide you with a list of Dos and Don’ts so you can ensure you get the best possible results from your treatment.

For instance, you should stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements about three to five days before your appointment. You may also want to start using Arnica supplements about one to three days before your appointment to help your skin recover more quickly from the treatment.

Post-Treatment

There are only a few things you will need to do after your appointment to ensure you get the best results. For one thing, your post-treatment directions will include how you should care for your skin, such as washing with gentle cleansers and tepid water. Your post-treatment instructions will also direct you to avoid excessive heat and sweating.

It’s also important that you avoid direct sunlight since UV rays may disrupt the effectiveness of your filler treatment. After your appointment, you must be careful to not touch your face, which means no rubbing, massaging, scrubbing, rolling, or pinching the skin. You will also need to avoid using harsh chemicals on your skin for at least five to seven days, which includes skincare products like Retinol.

What About Other Juvederm Fillers?

Voluma can reverse the signs of aging, like skin laxity and mid-face hollowness, but there are other dermal fillers in the Juvederm collection you may want to consider. Mixing and matching Juvederm fillers can help you achieve all of your appearance-related goals because each filler is designed for a specific purpose. Some fillers to consider from the Juvederm collection include:

Juvederm Ultra XC

Juvederm Ultra is a better version of the original Juvederm filler from 2006. Juvederm Ultra has a thick texture that settles densely in the skin, which is why this filler is most useful for restoring volume for deep and dynamic wrinkles around the nose, mouth, and chin. This filler is also used for contouring the lips and cheeks.

Juvederm Vollure XC

Juvederm Vollure is one of the more flexible options in the collection since it can be used on all areas of the face to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This filler can be used to smooth nasolabial folds, crow’s feet, laugh lines, and hollowness on the face, such as beneath the eyes. Juvederm Vollure is a good option for patients who have mild to moderate appearance concerns.

Juvederm Volbella XC

Juvederm Volbella XC is a filler that has been designed specifically for the mouth to treat thinning lips, lipstick lines, smile lines, and weak vermillion borders. This thin, silky dermal filler is ideal for both restoration and contouring, particularly for those who are looking for natural-looking results for the lips.

For many people, the best way to get comprehensive anti-aging results can be by mixing and matching fillers from the same collection. You can use one filler to treat cheek hollowness, while another can be used to correct deep wrinkles and fine lines. Mixing and matching fillers can be particularly useful for contouring purposes since using the right combination of dermal fillers can augment your appearance or achieve a liquid facelift.

How Much Filler Is Necessary?

Dermal fillers are measured in syringes and the number of syringes required for your treatment will depend on your treatment goals and your skin condition. For Juvederm Voluma, usually a single syringe for each side of the face is an adequate amount of filler for moderate to severe concerns. If you are using multiple fillers, then you may require a different number of syringes to achieve your goals. We will decide how much filler is necessary to help you achieve all of your appearance goals.

Do Dermal Fillers Hurt?

No, dermal fillers are not painful treatments. All Juvederm fillers are formulated with lidocaine, a local numbing ingredient, that makes the injections painless. The lidocaine in Juvederm fillers will remain active several hours after the treatment, so most patients will feel no discomfort even after their treatment is finished.

What About Allergies?

In general, most people don’t need to worry about having an allergic reaction to dermal fillers. However, if this is your first time using a Juvederm dermal filler or you don’t know about your potential allergies, you may need to complete a short allergy test before your treatment.

Because hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring ingredient, the vast majority of people will have no trouble with this filler. However, it is a common practice to perform allergy tests to ensure that patients are not allergic to active or inactive ingredients in fillers or other injectable treatments. Allergy tests take about 20 minutes to complete and consist of applying a small amount of filler to a patch of skin to assess if any skin irritation occurs.

Who Are Good Candidates?

Most people who are interested in rejuvenating their appearance with dermal fillers are good candidates for Juvederm Voluma. Candidates for this treatment include adults over the age of 21 with no history of allergic reactions to the active ingredients in the filler.

Candidates must not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding. While your consultation will help us determine your eligibility for this treatment, people who are qualified for this treatment typically include those who have:

• Fine lines and wrinkles in the mid-face
• Skin laxity
• Hollowness in the cheeks

Enjoy Fast Results With Juvederm Voluma

The natural aging process depletes your skin volume by reducing the amount of volume in your skin, which makes it easier to develop fine lines and wrinkles. But you don’t have to let the natural aging process steal your youthful visage. With the right dermal filler, such as Juvederm Voluma, you can stop aging in its tracks. If you think this dermal filler is right for your appearance goals, please contact Finesse Cosmetic Laser and Lipo in Waltham, MA to schedule your first appointment today.

Each year, an increasing number of women choose to have labiaplasty, a surgery that reduces the size of the labia minora. This surge may seem that women want to achieve the proverbial “ideal vagina,” but the truth is that for some, surgery is the only way to get relief. Relief from pain, discomfort, and chafing that accompanies excessive tissues. And at Finesse Cosmetic Laser & Lipo Center in Waltham, MA, we’re proud to help these women.

Why Would Someone Get a Labiaplasty?

We’re going to start this conversation by discussing the pain and irritation women experience when vaginal lips protrude. These tissues are soft and sensitive by nature. When enlarged – and by this, we mean those tissues that are large enough to cause discomfort – they can rub together while sitting and standing so that repose is hard to come by.

Such rubbing can irritate the skin, but to compound the situation, adjusting these tissues to a more comfortable position can be both embarrassing and difficult. For working women, they must endure the malaise or repeatedly excuse themselves for the restroom. This can become exhausting after just a few days, not to mention months and years.

Chronic Chafing

When skin is repeatedly rubbed, it leads to chafing in which the tissues gradually break down. Keep in mind the skin is in place for a reason. Yes, it can be aesthetically pleasing, but its biological function is to protect the body from invasive agents like disease and bacteria. When compromised, the skin itself may become infected and also allow bacteria to enter the vagina.

Removing excess tissues from this area eliminates irritation and ensures stronger skin. It also promotes a healthier vagina, which for many women is key. This is a frequent area of concern for females that can impact overall well-being.

Repeated UTIs

This brings us to our next point: enlarged labia contribute to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Although these infections can be attributed to many different causes, a study published in the International Urogynecology Journal confirms that vaginal pH imbalance and labia minor anatomy are among the most common and important causes. And UTIs can be severe enough to require emergency room visits and days missed from work.

Poor Hygiene

When the labia protrude, they make it difficult to properly clean the vagina. Poor hygiene often gives way to odors, itching, and additional irritation. In response, women may turn to feminine products like douches and vaginal deodorants. These, however, can actually increase irritation and cause additional symptoms like burning and discharge.

Uncomfortable Clothing

Protruding labia are responsible for more than medical concerns. They can also create visible bulges when women wear tight clothing, making it difficult to comfortably don tight jeans, swimsuits, and yoga pants. While these effects may seem trivial, they’re restrictive to the women who suffer them. The woman who wants to swim but cannot, may feel like her body has betrayed her.

The same is true of a woman who practices yoga but suddenly feels self-conscious every time she slips into her clothing. And eventually, she’ll stop doing so because she doesn’t want the intimate parts of her body exposed. Even worse, when enlarged lips repeatedly rub clothing, they become chafed and, as we already discussed, vulnerable to infections.

Inability to Engage in Activities

Bike riding is just one activity off the table for women with tender, enlarged labia. Sports may also become problematic, taking you away from team and/or individual competitions that you otherwise consider to be important. Additional activities you may need to stop because they cause unwanted friction include:

• Jogging
• Horseback riding
• Spinning
• Long-distance running

Painful Sex

Feeling self-conscious about your appearance is just the tip of the iceberg when talking about your labia and sexual activity. The truth is that these tissues can make sex downright painful, known medically as dyspareunia. This condition is defined as recurrent or persistent pain in the genitals that occurs only during or immediately after sex.

Some healthcare providers recommend women overcome this by using lubricants. But these don’t treat the underlying issue, and they certainly don’t address the discomfort a woman may feel with the appearance of her labia. Additional symptoms associated with protruding tissues include diminished sensitivity and the inability to reach orgasm. Collectively, these concerns can damage your sex life and impact your personal relationship.

Diminished Confidence

It’s no secret that your physical appearance plays into your self-confidence. For women, this is perhaps truer of the genital area than even the face. Feeling embarrassed by this most intimate of areas may force you to avoid intimacy altogether, wear baggy and ill-fitting clothes, and skip certain physical activities – like that aerobics class you really want to try.

But living like this doesn’t improve your confidence. Just the opposite, it magnifies your fears and can begin to impact other areas of your life. If, for instance, you feel something is wrong with your body, you might start to engage less with friends. Lower self-esteem is also associated with self-defeating behaviors like procrastinating, missing deadlines, and arguing with others.

The Vanity Myth

Many people believe a labiaplasty is nothing more than a vanity pursuit. But this procedure is not a path to a “designer vagina.” Keep in mind the vagina is located within the body and is not visible in any way. The only components that exist outside of the body include the labia and vulva. Second, women generally understand that labia are as diverse as the ladies they belong to. This means there is no such thing as an ideal appearance.

Finally, each woman has her own goals for surgery. Whereas one might want to boost her self-image, another may want to freely wear yoga pants for exercise. It’s true that some women opt for the procedure because they want to resemble models they’ve seen in movies or on magazine covers, but this is a very small number.

What Science Tells Us

To illustrate, a study published in Aesthetic Surgery asked women their motivations for having this surgery. Some mentioned an improved appearance, but sexual well-being and improved physical comfort were more common answers. In addition, the American Society for Plastic Surgery reports that most women choose the procedure for medical reasons.

Ultimately, the choice to have this surgery is about you – the patient. Choosing to reshape the labia is deeply personal, whether you want greater symmetry or more comfort. In turn, our jobs are to listen to your concerns and, once the procedure begins, maintain the integrity of the labia and vulva

What To Expect After Surgery

The procedure itself is pretty straightforward. We simply trim excess tissue so the labia minora (inner lips) are neatly tucked within the labia major (outer lips). We can perform this surgery under local or general anesthesia, and it takes just 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Once you’re home, we recommend you take as directed any medications we prescribe for you.

On the first day of recovery, a spray bottle filled with water can be squirted on incisions when you use the restroom to dilute urine and prevent it from stinging your incisions. This also helps clean your labia after urination so you don’t have to worry about unwanted bacteria. You should additionally wear loose, comfortable clothes and drink plenty of water.

Some Time Away

It’s a good idea to take a week off from work as you recover. You’ll be able to rest with greater ease, and you won’t have to worry about more restrictive work clothes causing friction on your incisions. Even your underwear can rub this area if you perform a job that requires a lot of physical movement. Taking it easy while your home will prevent discomfort and likely help you heal more quickly.

By the second day, you can expect to see a little drainage. Don’t worry – this is completely normal. Some itching may develop around your incisions by days six and seven, and this, too, is normal. You’ll feel more like yourself by this time, although your labia are still healing and thus won’t yet reflect the results of your surgery. These start to develop around the two-week mark, with full and final effects showing after about a month.

Some Considerations

We’ll likely recommend you avoid exercise and training routines for at least a few days. The same is true of sex, which we may advise you abstain from for three to six weeks. This time is crucial, as it’s when your tissues will do the most healing. Without this recovery period, you may compromise your results and need revision/reconstructive surgery. It is, therefore, best you follow our guidelines so you heal effectively the first time.

All the Information You Need

Many women want to know if this procedure causes scars, and we’re happy to report it doesn’t. We carefully place your incisions within the deepest folds of skin, and throughout the healing process, those folds naturally reform and hide any signs of surgery. Most women report their gynecologists can’t even discern when labiaplasty has been performed because it’s such a discreet surgery.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

The first factor we’ll consider is whether you have enough excess tissues to viably remove during surgery. That, in addition to a thorough conversation about your health, will help us determine your candidacy. Specifically, we’ll ensure:

• You’re electing this surgery for your own reasons and not to please a significant other
• You are not pregnant
• You have realistic expectations of what this procedure can achieve
• You are in good overall physical health

What Causes Enlarged Labia?

It’s difficult to pinpoint a specific cause, but most healthcare providers agree it’s a natural fluctuation with the body. Just as people can have two different eyes and one foot that’s slightly larger than the other, different labia sizes are both common and normal. Some women are born with enlarged labia due to genetics, while others develop them over time because of hormonal fluctuations and aging.

Should I Have Surgery After I’ve Finished My Family?

It’s not a requirement that women delay this procedure until they’re finished having children. As long as you wait and get pregnant after you’re completely healed, childbirth should have no lasting effect on your surgery results.

Improve Your Health and Confidence

A labiaplasty can put you on a path to improved health, sexual well-being, and confidence. The procedure is quick, recovery is relatively easy, and you’ll see results in as little as two weeks. Perhaps the most important point, however, is that you don’t need a standardized reason to have this surgery. Simply feeling unhappy with your body is motivation enough. Schedule your consultation today by calling Finesse Cosmetic Laser & Lipo Center in Waltham, MA.

A brow lift can change the way that you see the world and the world sees you. These treatments can improve the shape of your face, shaving years off your appearance and giving you an attractive, wide-eyed look. At Finesse Cosmetic Laser & Lipo Center in Waltham, Massachusetts, we understand the power of this particular treatment. We will work with you to make sure that you’re getting white-glove service from start to finish. As each client is unique, we offer personalized care to help you open up your face and truly see the world through new eyes.

What Does a Brow Lift Do?

This treatment is also known by the name “forehead lift” and can transform the whole upper part of your face by raising your eyebrows. Not only will this open up your face and make your eyes more prominent, but it can also improve your vision.

As we age, our vision starts to get weaker. Sometimes this is due to the natural pull that gravity has on our faces, making us more likely to squint as we get older. This treatment can reduce the need for squinting while minimizing fine forehead lines and giving you a more symmetrical and smooth look.

Safe and Effective

These treatments are both safe and effective, and many people get them every single year. The recovery time is usually minimal, and many people find that the results are both immediate and profound.

Additionally, with a healthy lifestyle and good skincare regimen, the results of this treatment can last for decades, giving patients a youthful look long into their later years of life.

Natural Results

Some people worry that this treatment will make them look like their face is frozen or that the results will be unnatural, but it has come a long way since the early days. Now, you can expect lovely, natural results that give you effortless beauty.

If you have any questions about what to expect before, during, or after your treatment, please talk to our team for a personalized consultation. We are happy to offer any insight and advice.

Quick Turnaround

Getting a brow lift can be done quickly! Many people can get their work done within an hour, making it one of the most popular treatments for people who have busy schedules.

Since each patient is different, it’s important to talk to us to learn specifically what you can expect from your treatment plan. Generally speaking, most people find these treatments to be quick, simple, easy, and, best of all, effective.

Why Do People Get a Lift?

The number one reason why people opt for these treatments is to counterbalance the natural effects of aging. As we age, our skin loses its ability to bounce back due to decreased elasticity. This can cause some of our facial features to shift over time, specifically our eyebrows. As they sag, our face can look a lot different than it used to. This treatment works to move the eyebrows back up into their original position, making the eyes look wider and more alert in the process.

Another reason why people opt for these treatments is to raise hooded or heavy-lidded eyes. In addition to being a cosmetic concern, heavy-lidded eyes can also impact vision. Sometimes wrinkles form on the tops of our eyelids, forming a small but perceptible amount of pressure on our eyes. Over time, this can lead to vision complications or cause us to squint more.

Benefits of This Treatment

There are so many benefits to getting a brow lift. Many people find that they experience immediate satisfaction after treatment and that the perks just keep getting better and better over time. One of the biggest benefits that most people experience is the reduction or disappearance of forehead wrinkles. A smooth forehead makes you look years younger and can totally reshape your entire face.

Additionally, this treatment helps your brows go back into their original starting place, widening your eyes substantially and framing your face with nice arches. This treatment can also target crow’s feet, those small wrinkles around the corner of our eyes that deepen as we smile or laugh. Although some people find that crow’s feet add character, they can also age us well before our time. Finally, this treatment works to remove additional skin around the eyes and eyelids, giving patients renewed vision and lightening up that part of the face.

Other Treatments to Brighten Up Your Eyes

Brow lifts are just one treatment that can open up the face and brighten your eyes. There are plenty of others that our team will be happy to discuss with you. We can combine several treatments together as part of your personalized plan, ensuring that you get exactly the results that you want. Your happiness and satisfaction is our mandate. There are no cookie-cutter solutions, so don’t be afraid to let us know exactly what you are going for. We will help you get there.

In addition to the brow lift, some clients opt for eyelid lifts or blepharoplasties. This treatment specifically targets the eyelids and is used primarily to take away excess skin or wrinkles from the lid itself. Similarly, lower lid blepharoplasties target wrinkles on the bottom lid of the eye, eliminating tiny creases or wrinkles that could form there. Botox or fillers are another way to plump up the skin around the eye, although these need to be maintained from time to time and are not considered to be a totally permanent solution.

Ways to Maintain Your Appearance

There are ways to keep your face looking as good as possible after your brow lift. With careful maintenance and a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy the benefits of a beautifully smooth forehead and lovely wide-open eyes for the long haul. Take these simple steps to show your face some love after your brow lift for maximum results. Many of them will also have other fringe benefits for your looks and health.

Use Sunscreen

Sun exposure causes plenty of wrinkles and fine lines, especially around our eyes and foreheads. We know that too much sun is not good for us, but many people forget to put on sunscreen regularly. Even if you are not lounging on the beach, you need to apply a strong SPF to your face and wear good sunglasses to avoid squinting at the sun. Make daily SPF use part of your facial regimen, and you will benefit from smooth, wrinkle-free skin.

Stop Smoking

Smoking causes premature aging, so if you smoke, try to quit. There are plenty of different ways that you can do this, from nicotine patches to cessation treatments. Talk to your doctor about what the best course of action is for you. Smoking causes wrinkles and damages your skin, and it also can harm your inner organs and put you at risk for serious illnesses, so consider stamping out the smokes for good. Your health and beauty will thank you!

Use Retinols

Face and eye creams have come so far! These days, there are ingredients in your over-the-counter medicines that can transform your face and restore your youth. Retinols are one of the key ingredients in many anti-aging formulas. Make sure that you always apply plenty of sunscreen after using a retinol cream, especially if it is more intense or in an area of your face that is more sensitive, like your eyes. Retinols can cause your skin to be more sensitive in the sun, so be very careful with your application.

Using retinol regularly can help you prolong the effects of your brow lift and even make your skin look brighter. Some people have reactions to retinol, especially if they have never used it before, so make sure that you start slow and let your skin make the determination. It’s okay to use a more diluted form if your skin is more sensitive. Some people prefer to mix retinol products in their existing skin cream rather than putting them directly on their skin.

Healthy Diet

You’ve heard that old phrase, you are what you eat. When it comes to having luminous, young-looking skin, it happens to be true. A bad diet can hurt your complexion and give you dark circles under your eyes, making you look a lot older and causing your eyes to look deep-set.

Even if you don’t have any wrinkles, dark circles can age you well beyond your years. Keep your skin happy and looking its best by eating a rainbow of foods and remembering to stay hydrated.

Facial Exercises

Just like we exercise the muscles in our bodies, our faces benefit from exercise as well. All wrinkles and creases are caused by facial expressions, which, over time, will lead to permanent lines. We can counterbalance those natural lines with exercises that prompt our faces to remain in their original forms. If you want to help raise your brow, touch the middle of your forehead and press down with your fingers. Slowly spread out your fingers and move them towards your hairline.

Although this exercise is not the equivalent of getting a professional brow lift done, it can help you maintain your desired look after your treatment and also help prevent you from forming new wrinkles on your forehead. It’s a simple exercise that you can do right at your desk, and a little bit certainly goes a long way. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so change your lifestyle today to stop new wrinkles and creases from forming. You will feel and look healthier and more vibrant.

Open Your Eyes to a Whole New Look Today

If your forehead is creased, you’re having trouble with your vision, or your eyes look hooded or wrinkled, we can help. Our team has plenty of experience transforming faces and restoring a youthful glow. Let us help you get the face that you have always wanted, free of crow’s feet or deep lines. We offer personalized plans that will help you get to where you need to be, and we are here to walk you through every single step of the way. Our professional, friendly team will put you at ease and help you understand the process from beginning to end.

If you’re ready to open your eyes to a whole new gorgeous look, get in touch with us today. We are ready to help you get started on the important journey that will redefine your face with a professional brow lift. Call Finesse Cosmetic Laser & Lipo Center in Waltham, Massachusetts for a no-pressure consultation today.

Research has shown that an average of one in seven American adults who have gotten a tattoo regret it. When the permanency of tattoos becomes problematic, many people seek out tattoo removal options. With the advent of new technologies that yield faster, better results, what was once an arduous process is now much more effective and efficient. Our experienced doctors at Finesse Cosmetic Laser & Lipo Center in Waltham, MA are proud to offer laser tattoo removal with comprehensive and compassionate care.

Laser Tattoo Removal: How Long Does It Take?

There are many variables involved in answering this question. Since the tattoo is broken into particles by the laser, it can take your body several weeks to flush them out. For this reason, it may take multiple sessions for the tattoo to be completely removed. In addition, the color and size of the tattoo, your age, and the resiliency of your skin can influence how long the process will take. However, take heart that after each session, your tattoo will be considerably lighter.

Age and Health

Skin resiliency depends on a number of factors, including ultraviolet radiation exposure, environmental damage, and of course, age. Younger skin is more resilient than mature skin, which is less supple and elastic. Mature skin doesn’t bounce back as quickly, especially if it is immunocompromised.

That being said, introducing a holistic approach to your skincare can include making choices that support your immunity. It is best to undergo tattoo removal when your immune system is at its strongest.

Tattoo Color

Remember your ninth-grade science class? Your teacher probably discussed how colors absorb different wavelengths of light, and how the color black actually absorbs all wavelengths of light. Believe it or not, this science is what’s behind tattoo removal.

Lasers work by calibration – they have to be set to specific wavelengths in order to recognize and break up those color particles. Since black absorbs all wavelengths, there are no specific laser requirements needed to break up black ink particles. On the other hand, different colors require lasers calibrated to different wavelengths. Therefore, brightly colored tattoos may take longer to remove than all-black tattoos.

Skin Color

Fair-skinned people have an easier time getting tattoos removed than darker-skinned people. The more contrast there is between skin color and tattoo color, the easier it is for the laser to pick up the ink’s pigment. Darker-skinned people may need to take a few extra precautions to avoid any skin discoloration, which may prolong the removal process.

Lifestyle

As with most things, minimizing stress, eating healthy, and keeping your body hydrated increases your skin’s resilience and enhances your healing potential after tattoo removal. Habits such as smoking or using tanning beds can actually accelerate the aging process, making your skin less able to bounce back from treatment. As a consequence, unhealthy habits may mean longer healing time between sessions.

Pre-Existing Health Conditions

Having a pre-existing skin condition such as rosacea, eczema, or herpes may complicate your healing process, but it doesn’t exclude you from receiving tattoo removal. Our talented team can handle just about every unique situation and will offer you individualized advice for any concerns you may have.

However, there is one caveat: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be asked to wait to begin your removal treatments. The skin undergoes many changes as hormones fluctuate and the unpredictable nature of these changes can increase the risk of side effects.

Healing Time

During the tattoo removal process, your body will need to heal in phases. Effective treatment relies on your body’s immune system to rid itself of the particles broken up by the laser. Since your immunity will be activated, the body will need time between sessions to heal.

That being said, over-treatment can occur if you try to schedule sessions too closely together, resulting in unnecessary side effects. Patience is the key to successful tattoo removal. It can be challenging to stick to a treatment plan, but it is important to follow after-care guidelines and give your body what it needs to heal.

The Science Behind Laser Tattoo Removal

In decades past, the only options for tattoo removal were carbon dioxide lasers or excision surgery, both of which were invasive and often left behind significant scarring. Today, new technologies such as removable tattoo inks and shorter pulse-duration lasers are on the horizon. Currently, however, laser tattoo removal is currently the least invasive option on the market.

The tattoo removal process begins when the laser breaks up the tattoo particles that are then eliminated by the body. The body allows the immune system to dispose of these particles while the body heals between sessions. This process is continued, alternating between laser treatment and healing breaks until the particles are no longer visible.

The Biochemistry of Tattoos

The nitty-gritty of anatomy and physiology is beyond the scope of this article, but it is helpful to know the basics of how tattoos adhere permanently to your skin and how the ink gets into your skin’s multiple layers.

Learning about tattoo inks and how they are made will help you understand how they are removed. In addition, understanding how your body’s immune system is involved in both the adherence and removal of tattoos will help you get the most from your sessions.

What’s in Tattoo Ink?

Tattoo ink basically consists of a colorant and a carrier solution typically made from alcohol, water, witch hazel, or glycerin which moves the colorant where it’s supposed to go. Colorants are either dyes or pigments. Pigments tend to be created from metals, and so they do not require a chemical reaction to remain permanent. Dyes, on the other hand, do rely on a chemical reaction with the skin to keep their color.

Understanding the Dermis and Epidermis

The first and outermost layer of skin is the epidermis. It protects the body from harsh environmental conditions, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and microorganisms. This layer tends to take the most damage over time as it is the most exposed.

The dermis is the second layer, and it is designed to act as the body’s shock absorber, cushioning it from stress. The oils produced by the sebaceous glands in this layer plump the skin and support its strength and suppleness. It also contains the receptors that are responsible for your senses of pressure, pain, and touch.

How Tattoos Adhere to Skin

Tattoo ink is delivered via needles that penetrate through the epidermis and deeper into the dermis. This creates a wound that eventually scabs over, trapping the ink underneath that second layer of skin. Recognizing the foreign material, white blood cells then gather around the wound, which ironically holds the ink in place and makes it permanent.

The Immune System’s Role

Interestingly, the reason your tattoos remain in place is the same reason tattoo removal works: your body’s immune response. It is the job of white blood cells to mount an attack on anything in the body they do not recognize. This attack is actually what gives tattoo ink its permanency.

When these macrophages attempt to “eat” the ink particles, the particles are too big for them to ingest. Not knowing what else to do, they relentlessly continue to attempt to consume the particles, creating a cycle of activity where the tattoo is placed. When these macrophages die off, others show up to continue the cycle – which is ironically what keeps the ink in place.

Tattoo Placement: Four Weeks Later

The white blood cells continue to take up particles and promote the healing process. As they concentrate around the wounded area where the dermis and the epidermis meet, the area begins to heal. Some ink particles remain trapped here while others are eliminated through the epidermis.

Tattoo Placement: Two to Three Months Later

At this point, the wound has completely healed and will no longer lose any ink through the skin. The macrophages and other cells called fibroblasts hold the ink in place as they remain near their new home at the tattoo location. The ink is now permanently trapped inside the membranes of the dermis.

What to Expect During Laser Tattoo Removal Sessions

Before Your Session

In the weeks leading up to your session, you’ll want to take special care of your skin. Limit any unnecessary irritants like waxing, tanning, or bleaching. For several days prior to your treatment, you’ll want to avoid taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, Advil, and Motrin. These are blood-thinners and can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.

In addition, remember that smoking challenges your body’s ability to heal, so for the fastest results possible, try to limit your frequency before and after your sessions.

During Your Session

Our medical staff makes your comfort a top priority. You will be offered a topical anesthetic to minimize any discomfort, and our doctors will first test how your skin responds to the laser treatment. It may take some trial and error to ensure the correct pulsation is used.

Laser tattoo removal is considered an outpatient service and should only take a few minutes. Most people are able to return to their normal daily activities immediately after treatment. You may find that wearing loose-fitting clothing around the treatment area can reduce the possibility of irritation, and our doctors will advise you on the best aftercare plan to follow when you leave.

After Your Session

You will want to continue to avoid sun exposure and any activities that could irritate the skin. Try to keep the treated area clean and dry, and wear clothes that do not cling or suffocate the healing skin. Do your best not to pick or scratch at the treated area. You may also be advised to apply an antibiotic cream and keep the area covered with a bandage.

In addition, it is always a good idea to continue following the advice offered in the pre-treatment stage. Avoiding alcohol, over-the-counter blood-thinning medications, and intense heat or exercise will help your body heal between sessions.

Are You a Good Candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?

As with most cosmetic treatments, there are factors that can make some people better candidates for tattoo removal than others. Things like skin color, general health, and age can play a part. However, our experienced team of dermatologists is expert at finding solutions for nearly anyone who desires this treatment.

Get Started Today

You don’t have to live with the embarrassment of an unwanted tattoo. Laser tattoo removal is safe and quick, with proven results. It is currently the best option for nearly anyone who desires to have a tattoo removed. Call our qualified team at  Finesse Cosmetic Laser & Lipo Center in Waltham, MA to schedule your consultation today.

Age plays a lot of mean tricks on our skin, including slowing down the production of important skin-supporting proteins that keep your skin firm and supple. If age has started to leave visible signs on your skin and you aren’t having much luck with over-the-counter products, it’s time to find a solution that works. At Finesse Cosmetic Laser and Lipo in Waltham, MA, we’re confident that FotoFacial RF, a revolutionary skin tightening treatment, can treat age-related skin laxity.

How Often Can You Use FotoFacial RF Skin Tightening?

For FotoFacial RF treatments, you can safely have a treatment appointment once every three to four weeks during your initial round of treatments. Light-based cosmetic treatments are an interesting category of treatments due to the fact that the frequency of the treatment is highly customizable to your skin needs and goals. In a practical sense, this means you can set how many treatments you need and how frequently you need those treatments to improve the firmness of your skin.

What Is the Ideal Treatment Frequency? 

While the general treatment frequency is between three and four weeks, it should be noted that the ideal treatment is up to you and the specific requirements of your skin. For example, those who have mild or moderate skin laxity may benefit from treatment appointments spaced one month apart, while those with severe skin laxity will require treatments that are closer together to get the most impact from the treatment.

How Does FotoFacial RF Work?

FotoFacial is a radiofrequency treatment, a type of energy-based treatment that utilizes a combination of light and thermal energy to heat key tissues beneath the skin surface and incite the body’s natural regenerative abilities. Specifically, the thermal energy used in radiofrequency treatments stimulates the amount of blood flow beneath the surface of the skin, which in turn encourages the sub-dermal layers of skin to increase collagen and elastin production.

Radiofrequency is a non-invasive treatment that is performed with the use of a handheld treatment device. During treatment, the handheld device is moved over the skin while thermal energy sinks into the sub-dermal layers of the skin and kickstart the body’s natural regenerative response. The fact that this treatment is non-surgical and painless is one of many reasons why radiofrequency is a gold standard treatment in cosmetic clinics across the country.

How Many Treatments Do You Need?

The number of treatments you will need depends entirely on the severity of your age-related skin concerns. Generally speaking, most patients will require at least three to five treatment appointments to achieve ideal results. However, if you have mild skin laxity and you respond favorably to the treatment, you may only require two to three appointments; those who have moderate concerns may only need three to four; those who have severe skin laxity may require five or more.

It’s important to note that the number of treatments needed for your initial round of treatments is different than the number of overall treatments you will need to continue seeing the results you want. This is because the effects of this treatment are temporary and need to be topped-up at maintenance appointments – so the number of treatments you will need will increase as you continue to use the treatment.

Will You Need Maintenence Treatments?

Yes, you will require maintenance appointments once every three to four months to maintain the results of your treatment. Patients who have serious skin laxity should have regular treatment appointments every three months, while patients who have mild or moderate skin laxity may benefit from treatments spaced four months apart.

How Else Can You Maintain Results?

Maintaining the results of your treatment comes down to several factors to prevent increasing skin laxity between appointments, which also helps prolong your results. For example, using adequate sun protection will lessen the risk of UV rays causing premature skin aging, so it’s important for patients to wear SPF 30 or greater during the daytime.

Maintaining your results may also depend on the type of skincare products you are using. Collagen-rich serums and moisturizers, for instance, can encourage increased collagen production on the skin surface, which may help maintain a higher rate of collagen production within the sub-dermal layers of skin. Using products such as Retinol, AHA and BHA, and other skin actives may also help prevent skin aging between appointments.

How Does FotoFacial Treatment Work?

Because this is a non-invasive skin tightening therapy, the process for your treatment will be much simpler than surgical treatments or even other minimally invasive skin tightening treatments, such as PDO thread lifts. Your first round of treatments will consist of several steps, including:

Consultation

Before you can begin your treatment appointments, you will need to attend a consultation appointment so that one of our skilled aestheticians can examine the condition of your skin and determine if your amount of skin laxity is ideal for FotoFacial RF.

During your consultation, we will ask you several questions about your skincare habits, skincare products, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to premature skin aging, such as smoking. We may also ask about previous cosmetic treatments you have tried in the past for the treatment of skin laxity.

Pre-Treatment

There are several things you will need to do to prepare your skin for your FotoFacial RF treatment before each appointment. In general, you should follow your pre-treatment instructions for at least two weeks, unless otherwise directed. The pre-treatment directions commonly used for radiofrequency treatments such as this one include:

• Avoid direct sun exposure
• Avoid excessive heat, including tanning beds
• Establish a cleansing and moisturizing routine

We ask that all patients arrive at the appointment with a fresh face clean of make-up, lotion, and perfume. Please reschedule your treatment if you have active skin breakouts, such as a cold sore or eczema.

Treatment Appointment

Your treatment appointments will usually take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. The majority of patients do not feel any discomfort during treatment, aside from a moderate heat sensation on the skin surface that lasts only for the duration of the treatment.

Post-Treatment

Your skin will be somewhat sensitive in the hours and days following your treatment, so it’s important that you follow your post-treatment instructions closely. The post-treatment instructions commonly used for radiofrequency treatments include:

• Avoid direct unprotected sunlight
• Do not use tanning beds, saunas, or hot tubs
• Discontinue using chemical exfoliants
• Always wear sunscreen during the day

We may provide you with specific instructions to follow after your appointments, such as when you can wear make-up and how to schedule other cosmetic treatments, such as facials and injectables, during your recovery period.

Recovery

There is no formal recovery time for this treatment. While skin might be sensitive on the day of your treatment appointment, you are completely able to drive yourself home and return to most normal daily activities. However, we do encourage patients to only engage in light exercise for one to three days following a treatment appointment to minimize potential skin inflammation from sweating.

How Soon Can You See Results?

It will take several weeks for your results to become visible. Many patients require at least two or three treatment appointments to start seeing the results of their treatments. While this may seem like delayed gratification, you should know that results will continue to improve over the next several weeks until you achieve optimal results about one month after your final treatment.

Other FotoFacial RF FAQs

1. What Can You Treat With FotoFacial?

FotoFacial is a unique radiofrequency treatment that can be used to address a wide variety of age-related skin concerns. In addition to being a go-to solution for skin laxity, FotoFacial RF can also be used to treat blemishes, dark spots, uneven skin tone, broken capillaries, uneven skin texture, acne scarring, and much more.

2. Can You Combine This Treatment?

Yes, just like any other radiofrequency treatment, FotoFacial can be combined so that you can achieve all of your aesthetic goals. One of the easiest treatments to combine with this one is injectable treatments like Botox or Juvederm, as well as facials, microneedling, dermabrasion, and others.

However, if you are interested in combing radiofrequency treatments with other cosmetic treatments, you should understand that you will have to carefully time these treatments to get the most out of them. For example, if you are intent on using injectable treatments to fill in or relax deep dynamic wrinkles, it might be better to get those treatments done after your final FotoFacial treatment appointment. We will help you create a treatment timetable to help you achieve all of your aesthetic goals.

3. Is This Treatment Safe for All Skin?

Yes. It’s sometimes the case that energy-based treatments can’t be safely used on medium and dark complexions due to an increased risk of causing pigmentation on the skin. However, because this treatment is calibrated to be compatible with all skin types and uses a patented combination of light and radiofrequency, this treatment can safely be used on all complexion tones with minimal side effect risk.

4. Is There a Best Time to Have This Treatment?

Yes and no. While you can have this treatment during any time of the calendar year, it might be more ideal for your treatment results – and less of a hassle – to seek your initial round of treatment during the fall and winter months. This is because the shorter days during the cold seasons will minimize your exposure to harmful UV rays and make it easier to follow your post-treatment directions.

5. Is It Harder to Treat Skin Laxity Than Other Skin Concerns?

Skin laxity is a perplexing age-related concern that refers to not only new skin looseness from a loss of skin volume, but also to skin dryness and skin thinness. Skin laxity is a multi-pronged skin concern that requires unique treatment approaches. However, that doesn’t mean treating skin laxity is any more difficult than treating deep dynamic wrinkles on the face or troubling skin conditions such as rosacea.

6. Why Is FotoFacial Better Than Surgery?

FotoFacial is a superior treatment to surgery precisely because it is a non-invasive technique that has virtually zero risks of painful recovery, skin damage, or scarring. Radiofrequency treatments are also more affordable than surgeries for skin laxity, such as a facelift.

7. Who Are Ideal Candidates?

Ideal candidates for this treatment include adult men and women who are not satisfied by visible signs of aging on the skin surface, particularly skin laxity. Good candidates for FotoFacial include those who have:

• Loose skin
• Dry and thin skin
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Loss of skin volume
• Broken capillaries
• Skin redness or rosacea
• Blemishes
• Dark spots
• Sun damage
• And more!

Correct Skin Laxity With FotoFacial RF Skin Tightening Treatments

Age may play mean tricks on your skin, but you have more defenses against skin aging than you might think. With the right treatment, age-related skin concerns such as skin laxity can be a worry of the past. To schedule your initial consultation, call Finesse Cosmetic Laser and Lipo in Waltham, MA.

If you have been researching ways to address skin laxity or other signs of aging on your face and neck, you might have come across Ultherapy. You may be wondering if it will be an effective solution for you. Our team at Finesse Cosmetic Laser & Lipo Center of Waltham, MA is here to help you better understand the benefits of this unique treatment and how effective it can be.

Does Ultherapy Really Work? 10 Main Benefits

1. There’s No Downtime

One of the best benefits of Ultherapy treatment is how easy it is to fit it into your busy schedule. With many skin treatments, you can expect at least some downtime. This treatment, however, doesn’t include any injections or incisions. If you’re looking for a partial face treatment to address certain areas of your face, you could be done and out the door in 30 to 45 minutes.

An Ultherapy treatment that allows you to get back to your daily life right after completion is ideal for modern life. This is a treatment that could potentially be fit in before work without messing up your workday. Or, if you receive treatment on the weekend, you’ll know you won’t have to sacrifice your days off to recover. As soon as you’re done, you can get back to whatever you want to do with the rest of your day.

2. It Uses the Body’s Healing Response to Work

Rather than fighting the body, why not put your body’s natural regeneration to work? The therapeutic ultrasound technology reaches through the layers of your skin and stimulates the production of collagen. This will produce a tightening and lifting effect throughout the treated skin.

3. Treatment Is Precise

The ultrasound machine used in treatment is specialized and able to pinpoint the exact locations on your face or neck that you’d like addressed. In some cases, certain injectable wrinkle treatments have been known to migrate slightly from their injection site. This isn’t a problem when the Ulthera System is used, as only the exact treated areas will be affected.

4. The Ulthera System Is FDA Approved

While looking at effective solutions for aging skin, safety is a pressing concern and priority. The Ulthera System used for treatment comes with the peace of mind of being FDA approved. The Ulthera System had to prove itself through clinical safety demonstrations and studies. Since then, it has been used as a treatment all around the world, with copious success stories to its name.

In addition, The Ulthera System boils down to ultrasound technology, which has been used for over 50 years in the medicinal field. Ultrasounds are routinely conducted and known for their safety.

5. It Works Through Multiple Layers of the Skin

This treatment applies to multiple layers of the skin, which means the effects are deeper and stronger than many of its alternatives. It targets the dermal skin layer, but it also reaches through to the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System, also known as the SMAS membrane.

The SMAS membrane is the prime target for Surgical facelifts. This makes an Ulthera treatment even more impressive, as it can offer some of the same benefits and results that a facelift does without putting you through surgery.

6. Results Are Lasting

A quick treatment with lasting results may sound too good to be true, but that’s exactly what this treatment is known for. Immediately following treatment, patients may begin to notice their skin gradually lifting and tightening over time. This will correlate to the timeline of new collagen replacing the old as the multiple layers of your skin are rejuvenated. In about two to three months, the results from your treatment will be at their best.

Your skin may continue to improve for up to six months after treatment. Some patients who have received this treatment have claimed results that last even longer.

What Can Affect How Long the Treatment Lasts?

Several factors can affect how long your treatment will give you the results you want. Skin loses elasticity over time, so more senior patients may find treatment every six months is just about right to keep their face looking and feeling fuller. This may also be true of patients with deeper lines in their skin, or sagging skin in their neck or jawline.

Some patients may find they can go longer between treatments, depending on their age and their skin’s individual reaction to the therapy. Younger patients may seek out treatment to help slow down the signs of aging skin.

7. It Can Address Both the Face and the Neck

The Ulthera System can treat many areas of the face, but it is also specialized for the neck. Many patients find it convenient that the face, jawline, and neck areas can all be covered by one treatment. A full treatment will take between 45 to 60 minutes.

8. One Treatment Is Usually Enough

While some patients may find they want multiple treatments to achieve the results they want, in most cases one treatment is all that is needed. A single treatment that, depending on your needs, only takes 30 to 60 minutes, has no downtime, can address the face and the neck, and lasts for months? It’s no wonder that this makes a very appealing choice for many individuals.

How Will I Know if One Treatment Will Be Enough?

Each patient’s body and skin is unique to them. While one treatment is usually sufficient, this will also depend on your skin laxity, and how your skin responds to the treatment.

To better understand what your individual needs may be, you may want to request a free consultation. Our skilled team of experts can meet with you, and together we can determine what your timeline may be and what you can expect from treatment.

9. Almost Anyone Can Be a Good Candidate

The skin usually begins to lose some of its fullness and elasticity when we’re in our 30s. The first signs of aging skin are often that skin will feel less firm against your face. Your brow line may begin to lower, or the skin of the eyelids may begin to sag slightly.

Some clients will schedule their first treatment when they first begin to experience a loss of skin tone, to help their skin stay firm and age as gracefully as possible.

Clients who already are experiencing more pronounced skin laxity are also excellent candidates. At almost any age, treatment will help to gently correct loose skin, and allow you to enjoy your face at its radiant best.

10. It Can Be a Good Alternative to Surgery, Injections, or Other Laser Treatments

For those who are unsure about injections and unready for surgery, this can be an excellent alternative to either option. In addition to being used in place of surgery or injections, it can also be used in conjunction with other skin treatments. For instance, if you have already undergone cosmetic surgery, you may be hoping to lengthen the outcome of your surgery.

Understanding Ultherapy

Before we compare it to other skin Ultherapy treatments, it can be helpful to understand exactly how it works. We mentioned previously that this treatment utilizes ultrasound technology, and that the positive results are due to the body’s production of new collagen. But you may be wondering why the body produces collagen as a response to this treatment.

Basically, the Ultherapy treatment works by delivering pulses of heat underneath the surface of the skin, to the foundational skin layers. The body reacts to this by assuming these skin layers need healing. This response is known as Neocollagenesis, and it will trigger new collagen growth, strengthening and tightening the affected layers of skin. Thanks to its ultrasound technology, we can actually see under the skin during treatment. This gives us the benefit of knowing exactly what areas to target.

Comparing It to Surgery

There’s no denying the positive effects of cosmetic surgery, such as an Ultherapy face lift. However, for those who aren’t ready for the mental or financial commitment, a surgery requires, having a non-surgical treatment with comparable results can be appealing. It can also help you determine whether or not to consider surgery down the line.

During facelift surgery, excess skin is removed and the tissues underneath the skin are lifted. This can achieve great results, but it does have its downsides. You will need to know that your body can handle surgery, and you’ll need to be able to dedicate time to recover after the surgery. By using ultrasound technology on the skin, the need for cutting into the skin is bypassed.

Comparing It to Injections

The thought of injections can be intimidating. Many patients who are afraid of needles may find the thought of facial injections nearly impossible. For clients who don’t want to use injections, an alternative treatment that doesn’t require any poking can empower them to seek out the facial treatment they’ve previously felt barred from.

To compare timelines, with Botox you can generally expect to see results within seven days, and it is considered effective for 3 to 4 months. With Ultherapy, it may take a little longer to see results, but the treatment can be effective for up to 6 months. Some clients prefer to use both treatments together, with Botox handling some of the deeper wrinkles and forehead lines and Ultherapy naturally firming up the skin of the neck and face.

Comparing It to Laser Skin Treatment

Of all the different treatment options, laser technology is the most similar to ultrasound technology. Laser technology works through radiofrequency. It does offer some similar results to ultrasound technology, but the two treatments still do have their slight differences. Laser skin treatment tends to be used more in the superficial layers of the skin. It can specifically address concerns such as pigment changes, fine lines, or wrinkles.

Both technologies work by triggering Neocollagenesis, but ultrasound technology is considered more capable of reaching deeper into the skin layers than radiofrequency technology does. This can make it a preferable choice, depending on your needs and the recommendation of a specialist.

What to Expect From a Consultation

At Finesse Cosmetic Laser & Lipo Center, we make it our goal to have the process of requesting a consultation as stress-free as possible. On our website, you can easily access our “Contact Us” page, and from there can request a free consultation. You can also call or email us directly.

During your consultation, our highly accredited and specialized team will walk you through all of your questions and concerns.

Are You Ready to Take Your Skin Back?

If you’re ready to learn more about renewing your skin, contact Finesse Cosmetic Laser & Lipo Center of Waltham, MA today. Our team not only has experience you can rely on, but we also have access to the best available technology. We can’t wait to work together with you and help you achieve a new sense of confidence and vitality.

At Finesse Cosmetic Laser and Lipo in Waltham, MA, we are dedicated to helping you sculpt the body of your dreams. We understand that no amount of diet and exercise will remove excess fat from a targeted region of your body. We also understand that you may feel self-conscious due to your body fat percentage or distribution. Today, we’d like to discuss who is a good candidate for EmSculpt, a revolutionary treatment designed to build muscle and burn fat simultaneously.

Signs You May Be a Good Candidate for EmSculpt

You’re Seeking a Non-Invasive Butt Lift

One sign that this revolutionary, non-invasive treatment is right for you is that you are looking for a non-surgical butt lift. When you undergo an invasive procedure, you have to prepare for several weeks in advance of the procedure and spend several weeks in recovery. This is in stark contrast to this treatment. With this non-invasive treatment, your muscles will be contracted at peak power 20,000 times in just a 30-minute session.

To get the same effect without treatment, you would have to do 20,000 squats. To put that into perspective, the average female between the ages of 26 and 35 can do between 19 and 29 squats in a minute. Assuming you can do 24 squats per minute, you would have to do 1,000 squats a day for 20 days and it would take you a total of 13 hours and 48 minutes.

You Want to Tone Your Stomach

Another sign that this revolutionary body sculpting treatment is right for you is that you are looking to tone your abdomen and reveal the sleek, strong abdominal muscles hidden beneath a little excess fat. Much like the treatment provides the equivalent muscle contractions of 20,000 squats when it is used to target the buttocks, it offers the equivalent muscle contractions of 20,000 situps.

The most exciting thing about this treatment for abdominal toning is its dual function. You could do 100,000 situps or crunches and never see your lower abs. This is because there are deposits of excess fat covering your tight, toned abs. With this treatment, you can expect to lose 19% of localized fat cells which is enough of a loss to reveal your strong, sleek, svelte muscles if you are around your ideal weight. Liposuction only removes 20% of fat cells.

You Want to Sculpt the Body of Your Dreams Without Expensive, Extensive Surgery

If you’re wary of scalpels, sutures, and being drugged to the point of unconsciousness with general anesthesia, then surgery is not right for you. This treatment does not require any needles, incisions, or anesthesia whatsoever. You will be awake and alert throughout the entire treatment, and it will be safe for you to drive home afterward. Since there is no anesthesia and treatment is straightforward, it is far more affordable than any form of liposuction.

You’re Looking for the Safest Body Contouring Treatment There Is

Another sign that you may be a good candidate for EmSculpt is seeking the safest body contouring treatment there is. One of the most exciting things about this life-changing treatment is that we are extremely familiar with how safe this treatment is.

In fact, the FDA tested the safety and efficacy of this treatment with seven teams across the country, and Dr. Kruy and Finesse were chosen by BTL Aesthetics, the maker of the device, to test it. Other providers come to us to learn how to use the device most effectively. Believe us when we say that there is no safer body sculpting treatment. We participated in the tests that prove it.

You Are No More Than 30 Pounds From Your Ideal Weight

Another factor we consider when determining who is a good candidate for treatment is BMI, or body mass index. This index indicates whether an individual is underweight, normal, overweight, or at some level of obesity. If you fall into a normal or overweight category on the body mass index, there is a good chance that you are within 30 pounds of an ideal height for your weight.

It is important to be no more than 30 pounds from your ideal weight because the results of the treatment will be the most dramatic if you are within 30 pounds of your ideal weight. If you are over 30 pounds from a healthy weight for your height, then you will notice a reduction in fat in the targeted area. However, the difference made will not be dramatic enough for you to be completely satisfied with the results.

You Don’t Plan on Getting Pregnant

Another sign that you are the ideal candidate for this treatment is that you have no plans to become pregnant in the future. While this treatment poses no health risk to you or your future fetus, you may experience fat gain if you become pregnant in the future. When you consume more calories than your body needs for fuel, the fat cells in your body expand. Since you can’t tell your body where to gain fat, the fat cells in your treated region or regions may expand.

If you’re not sure if you want to become pregnant in the future, we recommend that you strongly consider this treatment. You can always receive a 30-minute maintenance session or two if you need it once you’re done breastfeeding. However, if you are planning to become pregnant in the future, you will have to weigh the 30-minute time investment for months or years of self-confidence with possibly needing a follow-up treatment later.

You Aren’t Pregnant or Nursing

Unfortunately, there is not currently a body contouring treatment or procedure approved by the FDA for use on a woman who is pregnant or nursing. If you are pregnant or nursing, you must wait until after you have stopped breastfeeding to consider this treatment. If you’re not sure if you’re pregnant, see an OBGYN or take an at-home pregnancy test to ensure that you are not pregnant before you consider this treatment.

You Feel Confident That You Can Maintain Your New Level of Body Fat 

While this treatment burns fat more efficiently than any diet or workout routine ever could, once you lose weight, your body needs even fewer calories to maintain its weight. If you have maintained your weight for months or years, you must increase your daily caloric expenditure or decrease your daily caloric intake to maintain your new weight.  

You Feel Confident That You Can Maintain Your Muscle Mass

You must also be confident that you can maintain your newly formed muscle mass to be considered a good candidate for this treatment. If you don’t exercise the newly developed muscles, they will atrophy and you will need a follow-up treatment. To maintain your muscle mass, it is important to work the targeted muscles, such as your buttocks or abdomen, at least twice weekly.

You Have Realistic Expectations About the Results

To be a good candidate for any aesthetic treatment or procedure, it is crucial that you have realistic expectations about the results. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that this treatment is effective, if it won’t produce the right results for you, you are not a good candidate. While results vary from person to person, you can expect to see a 16% increase in the thickness of the targeted muscle within nine months of your final treatment.

Regarding how many treatments you can expect to need, 50% of people who receive this treatment are satisfied with their results after one 30-minute session. An astonishing 84% of people who receive this treatment are satisfied one month after their final treatment and 90% of people see desirable results after three months. After four sessions, 96% of recipients are satisfied with the results of the treatment.

You’re Looking for a Convenient Way to Sculpt Your Body

We’ve already mentioned that you’d have to do squats for over 10 hours to get the same results provided by treatment. To achieve your desired aesthetic, you may only need four 30-minute treatments spaced two to three days apart. This two-hour investment in your future will save you over 57 hours of exercise. There is truly no more convenient way to tone your muscles and burn excess body fat.

You Want to Run or Row Faster or Farther

If you have achieved a personal best in athletic competition and none of the diet and exercise you do can cross you over that line, this treatment can help. For the best athletic performance, we recommend that you receive treatment on your abdomen. Without a solid core, the strength of your other muscles is meaningless.

This is particularly true regarding rowing where your power starts in your calves, quads, and glutes, travels up through your core, and ends in your lats. If your core is weak, you lose most of the energy that came from your legs and butt and are essentially rowing with your lats (or biceps if you’re a bodybuilder). A stronger core is also the secret to faster, farther running and mitigates the risk of injury.

You Want a Treatment With No Recovery

One of the biggest downsides to liposuction, the “gold standard” in body sculpting, is that the recovery process is extensive. In fact, it would be six weeks before you could start strength training to build muscle once the fat was removed. With this body sculpting treatment, there is no recovery period in the sense that there are no restrictions on your daily routine after treatment.

However, we strongly encourage you to not schedule this treatment shortly before an athletic competition. It will take your muscles some time to recover from essentially doing 20,000 squats in 30 minutes. To ensure that your muscles recover quickly, take half of a magnesium supplement every 12 hours for the first three days after treatment or drink plenty of milk. Your muscles will thank you.

You Are Recovering From an Injury

Another sign that you may be a good candidate for treatment is that you are recovering from an injury. If your physical therapy is not helping you heal as quickly as you would like it to, this treatment is an incredibly safe, effective way to rebuild your muscles after certain types of injuries.

Learn More About This Treatment Today

Do you wish you could receive the muscle-toning benefits of 20,000 repetitions of exercise without spending hours in the gym? Do you wish you could burn fat from targeted areas? If so, you may be a good candidate for EmSculpt. To determine if this is the appropriate cosmetic treatment for you, contact our experts now at Finesse Cosmetic Laser and Lipo in Waltham, MA to book an appointment. We can’t wait to meet you and help you sculpt the body of your dreams.