Few things can make you look more critically at yourself in the mirror than the thought of an impending big event. Whether it’s a wedding, a high school reunion or a milestone birthday, odds are you want to look great at it, and great in any and all photos that will show up on social media.
The good news is that you don’t have to go under the knife to take a few years off or to get rid of annoying, stubborn fat. A few well-timed and well-planned non-surgical treatments can be all you need to get ready for your next big event.
Coolsculpting
What it Does
Coolsculpting gets rid of up to 25 percent of unwanted, extra fat in a number of different areas of the body. Think that’s great news? Here’s even better news: it does it without surgery. The treatment works by freezing your fat away. When fat cells are exposed to sub-zero temperatures, they die. Over the course of a few weeks or months, your body naturally flushes the destroyed cells out and you end up looking slimmer.
How many treatments you need depends on a number of factors. For one thing, it depends on how many areas you want treated. Coolsculpting works on one area at a time, although it’s possible to treat two areas at once (such as both sides of the love handles or both thighs) if the practice has two Coolsculpting machines.
Some people need just a single treatment, which takes an hour per area, to get the results they want. A few do need two treatment sessions for optimal fat removal.
What’s the “Ouch” Factor?
Coolsculpting is generally a lot more comfortable than other fat removal options, namely liposuction. Since it’s not surgery, you don’t have to deal with any incisions or wait for those incisions to heal. You don’t have to receive general anesthesia or spend weeks recovering after Coolsculpting, either.
Some people do feel a bit of tingling or mild discomfort at the start of treatment, before the skin has become numb from cold. But the discomfort usually fades quickly. Many people are able to relax during their hour-long treatment, reading a book, watching Netflix or chatting with friends.
When to Schedule It
It’s worth noting that Coolsculpting isn’t a last-minute treatment. If you’re getting married in a week and are worried you won’t fit into your wedding dress, Coolsculpting won’t be able to help you. The treatment does need some time to work. How much time, exactly, depends on your body. For the most part, people see their final results within 16 weeks of treatment.
It might be best to schedule your first Coolsculpting treatment several months before your big event. That way, if you do need a second treatment, you will still have some time to schedule it before the big day.
Fraxel
What it Does
Fraxel is a laser treatment that can reduce the appearance of damage caused by smoking, sun exposure and the general aging process. You can think of Fraxel as a multi-tasker. It not only minimizes lines and wrinkles, it also reduces hyperpigmentation and spotting, reduces the appearance of scars, and can help improve the skin’s texture.
During a Fraxel treatment, a non-ablative laser sends targeted energy into the dermal layer of the skin. The top layer is left intact, although the skin does start to flake off a few days after treatment. The goal of Fraxel is to stimulate the production of collagen beneath the skin and to encourage cell turnover. Old, dead cells get sloughed off, so that fresh, new ones can emerge.
What’s the “Ouch” Factor?
The good news: Fraxel is a lot less painful than traditional laser treatments, which destroyed the top layer of skin and left patients in recovery for weeks. The not-so-good news: it can still sting a bit. To minimize discomfort, your surgeon will apply a topical anesthetic to the skin to numb it before treatment. After the treatment, you might feel as if you have a mild sunburn for a few hours.
When to Schedule It
The results from Fraxel can last for about a year, and many people typically need a few treatments to get the results they want, so the earlier you schedule treatment before a big event, the better. Scheduling your Fraxel treatment anywhere from three to 12 months before your event should let you get the results you want and be fully healed before the big day.
Ultherapy
What it Does
If you’re starting to notice some sagging in the cheeks or chin or near your eyebrows, or if your chest area is papery and wrinkled, Ultherapy can be the treatment for you. Also known as Ulthera, the treatment uses ultrasound energy to increase the production of collagen beneath the skin. It’s the first ultrasound treatment approved by the FDA for skin tightening. When used on the chest area, Ultherapy helps smooth away wrinkles.
What’s the “Ouch” Factor?
Ultherapy isn’t usually considered painful, but the bursts of ultrasound energy can create a tingling feeling, which some people find uncomfortable. If you’re concerned about discomfort, you can ask your surgeon about applying a topical anesthetic first to ease any tingling.
Since the treatment is non-surgical, there is no need for incisions, reducing the risk for bleeding and infection to almost zero. Some bruising and swelling might occur after treatment, but this usually resolves quickly.
When to Schedule It
Ultherapy is another treatment that needs time to work, so it’s best to schedule it several months before your big to-do. Usually, final results are visible within four months. The results are long lasting, so you might be able to schedule Ultherapy up to a year in advance of your big event and still look more youthful, with smoother, tighter skin once your party, wedding or other celebration rolls around.
Getting ready for a major life event? Contact Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, Texas, to learn more about the non-surgical treatments that will help you look great. Cal 281-810-9083 to schedule a consultation today.