Achieving Your Ideal Shape with Body Contouring After Weight Loss

Staying active and eating healthy are key to maintaining your shape and confidence. However, as we age, maintaining the body we desire can become more challenging. This is especially true after working hard to shed extra pounds. Sometimes our body doesn’t “bounce back” from weight loss the way we hope it will. Today, Valley Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center will explore tips for achieving your ideal shape with body contouring after weight loss.

Whether you’re striving to shed those extra pounds or have already reached your target weight, body contouring can help you maximize your efforts and achieve the silhouette you desire.

What is Non-Surgical Body Contouring?

Non-surgical body contouring is a treatment that requires no surgical incisions, no anesthesia, no pain medications and no needles. This also means no recovery time! Today’s body contouring procedures effectively reduce or remove stubborn pockets of fat to shape and contour the body. Instead of surgery, these procedures are done with applicators or handheld devices placed on the skin.

For some individuals, weight loss can cause problems when it comes to looking sculpted and toned because it often leads to the reduction of both fat and muscle mass, which can result in loose or sagging skin and a lack of muscle definition. Additionally, stubborn fat deposits may remain in certain areas, preventing the desired sculpted and toned appearance.

What Is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting offers a revolutionary, non-surgical solution for reducing persistent fat in targeted areas. This innovative treatment utilizes controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate resistant fat cells, providing a permanent reduction in fat.

CoolSculpting is ideal for people after weight loss because it effectively targets and reduces localized fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise, helping to refine and enhance the body’s contours for a more toned and sculpted appearance. Heres everything you need to know before getting CoolSculpting

Top Areas of Concern After Weight Loss

Abdomen

Issue: Stubborn fat deposits can remain, creating a less defined midsection.

CoolSculpting Benefit: Targets and reduces these fat pockets, helping to achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen.

Flanks (Love Handles)

Issue: Fat can persist around the sides of the waist, affecting the overall silhouette.

CoolSculpting Benefit: Reduces fat in the flanks, enhancing the waistline’s contour for a slimmer appearance.

Thighs

Issue: Inner and outer thighs can retain fat, leading to a lack of definition.

CoolSculpting Benefit: Helps to slim down the thighs, improving leg contours and reducing thigh circumference.

Upper Arms

Issue: Fat in the upper arms can result in a “bat wing” appearance.

CoolSculpting Benefit: Reduces upper arm fat, leading to more toned and defined arms.

Back

Issue: Fat can accumulate in the upper and lower back, causing bulges.

CoolSculpting Benefit: Targets back fat, smoothing out the area and improving the overall back contour.

Chin and Neck (Double Chin)

Issue: Excess fat under the chin can create a double chin, affecting facial profile.

CoolSculpting Benefit: Reduces submental fat, enhancing the jawline and creating a more defined chin and neck profile.

How Does CoolSculpting Work?

Once the target areas are identified, a gel pad and applicator are placed on the skin surface.

The applicator delivers controlled cooling to the targeted fat, bringing it to a temperature that induces a natural and controlled elimination of fat cells.

Cryolipolysis, or “cold-induced fat breakdown,” is the core mechanism of CoolSculpting. Fat cells are more sensitive to cold than surrounding tissues, so the controlled cooling process selectively targets and freezes fat cells without damaging the skin or other structures.

Over the following weeks after treatment, the crystallized fat cells undergo apoptosis, a natural cell death process. After apoptosis, the body’s natural metabolic processes gradually eliminate the dead fat cells. As the body begins to eliminate those fat cells, the treated area experiences a reduction in fat volume, leading to a more contoured and sculpted appearance.

Curious how much CoolSculpting costs? Check our our CoolSculpting Cost Guide

Are You A Good Candidate?

Before undergoing CoolSculpting, it’s important to understand if you are the right candidate for this cutting-edge procedure. CoolSculpting is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and determining your candidacy involves considering various factors that we will discuss with you during your initial consultation at Valley Dermatology.

It is important to note that CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss solution for those aiming to shed significant pounds. Instead, it’s designed for body contouring and refining areas that may not respond to traditional weight loss methods. This means candidates should have specific goals and areas of concern that align with the capabilities of CoolSculpting.

• This procedure is most suitable for individuals who are close to their ideal weight but struggle with isolated pockets of fat.
• If you are trying to achieve your ideal shape after weight loss, this body contouring treatment may be an ideal way to supplement your healthy lifestyle (diet & exercise).
• Ideal candidates for CoolSculpting have good skin elasticity, which allows the skin to adapt well to the changes in body contours after fat reduction. This helps ensure a smoother and more natural-looking result.
• Good blood circulation is essential for the success of CoolSculpting. Individuals with circulatory disorders or conditions that may impair blood flow may not be suitable candidates.

FAQs

How Long Should I Wait After Significant Weight Loss Before Considering Body Contouring?

It’s advisable to wait until your weight has stabilized for several months before considering body contouring procedures to ensure optimal results.

What Are The Most Common Target Areas?

Common areas targeted for body contouring after weight loss include the abdomen, flanks (love handles), thighs, buttocks, arms and chin.

Are Body Contouring Procedures Safe, And What Is Recovery Like?

Body contouring procedures are generally safe when performed by qualified professionals. The recovery process varies depending on the specific treatment but typically involves minimal discomfort and downtime, with most patients able to resume normal activities shortly after.

Why Choose Valley Dermatology for Body Contouring?

CoolSculpting is a fantastic option for those looking to reduce or eliminate stubborn fat. It is non-invasive, safe, and comfortable but it is crucial to choose a provider who can provide you the most safe, effective treatment possible. Our CoolSculpting providers are highly trained in performing the procedure and providing the best outcomes for our patients. Additionally, they have a deep understanding of the body anatomy, patient needs, and the art of proper application for the device.

Valley Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, led by Dr. Scott Smith, offers top-tier, trusted dermatological care in the Pacific Northwest. From skin cancer treatments to cosmetic services like non-surgical body contouring, our experts are here to help you achieve your goals. Visit us online to schedule your complimentary consultation!