A lot of people would love to refresh their look, but don’t want to commit to having plastic surgery. Good thing some of the best med spa treatments available don’t involve scalpels, stitches or downtime! If you’re thinking about having a little treatment that offers a big payoff, look around for plastic surgery practices that offer medical spa services. Even though these procedures are non-surgical, they should only be done by properly trained and credentialed aesthetic professionals. Whether you’re looking to slim down or freshen up, there might be a med spa treatment with your name on it.
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CoolSculpting®
If you have ever thought about having liposuction but weren’t so sure about the whole having surgery part, you should definitely know about CoolSculpting. A process called cryolipolysis is key to the science behind CoolSculpting, which works by using precisely administered cold temperatures that signal unwanted fat cells to die. A CoolSculpting session takes only an hour or two, and you can go right back to work afterward.
For many people, CoolSculpting is the perfect non-invasive alternative to liposuction.The results of CoolSculpting take time to develop, as the dead fat cells are eliminated naturally by the body. For some people, results are evident after several weeks, but seeing your final outcome could take up to 6 months.
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DualSculpting®
DualSculpting is a technique that involves “stacking”multiple CoolSculpting treatments in a single session. DualSculpting can be a more effective and efficient way to eliminate unwanted fat, requiring fewer treatments to get the same results.People who may benefit most from DualSculpting are those who have more than one area in need of treatment. Not every practice offers this accelerated form of CoolSculpting, so be sure to ask as you research plastic surgeons.
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BOTOX® and Dysport®
BOTOX and Dysport are the rejuvenating treatment of choice for millions of people. Administered correctly, these injectables can help promote a more youthful appearance without surgery. BOTOX and Dysport both work using the active ingredient botulinum toxin to temporarily stop certain muscles from contracting. This improves the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by repeated movement of these muscles. Examples of dynamic wrinkles include crow’s feet around the eyes and frown lines above the nose.
While they are similar, there are differences between BOTOX and Dysport. Dysport may provide quicker results, but tends to spread out from the injection site more quickly as well. BOTOX generally stays concentrated in one area for a longer period. BOTOX and Dysport can both provide significant results, and can even be used in a preventative application to prevent dynamic wrinkles from forming in the first place.
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Viveve®
Vaginal laxity is a problem for many women. A loss of tightness can occur as a woman ages or experiences hormonal shifts, as a result of childbirth and even due to weight fluctuations. Whatever the reason, not being as tight as you’d like can create some frustrating issues. A loss in sexual sensation can affect intimate relationships and even self-confidence. Another common problem for women with vaginal laxity is stress urinary incontinence, which causes embarrassing involuntary leakage.
Viveve offers a solution without the need for surgery. During an easy, in-office procedure, a qualified practitioner can use the Viveve treatment to tighten your vaginal tissues. Viveve can also help treat stress urinary incontinence. Viveve works by using CMRF, which stands for cryogen-cooled monopolar radiofrequency. While you don’t have to remember the name, just know that it’s effective and is not painful. There’s no downtime or recovery period after Viveve, so you can get a lot of benefit out of this low-key procedure.
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota. Harrington Plastic Surgery is pleased to offer the most advanced cosmetic and reconstructive techniques performed by a highly specialized all-female team of board-certified plastic surgeons and professional staff.