Dr. Michele S. Green M.D., FAAD., is a Board-Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist, Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and has been an international leader in cosmetic dermatology for over 25 years. Upper East Side patients and those from the surrounding areas of New York City flock to her practice for a variety of cosmetic dermatology treatments. A graduate from Yale University, with an MD from Mount Sinai Medical School in NYC, Dr. Green treats some of the most discerning, demanding women and men in the world, with issues ranging from premature skin aging to hyperpigmentation, rosacea, acne, skin laxity, hair loss, and sun damage.

Haute Beauty Expert Dr. Michele S. Green explains what body contouring entails and offers non-invasive treatments when you don’t want to go under the knife.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. GreenWhat is Body Contouring?

Body contouring refers to a set of procedures that can remove excess skin or fat from any part of the body such as the abdomen, chin, arms, thighs, flanks, etc. Body contouring procedures are used to remove an excess area of stubborn fat or sagging skin, which cannot be reduced through diet and exercise.

Body contouring procedures and techniques have evolved significantly over the years. In the past, body contouring procedures were surgical and performed solely by plastic surgeons to tighten the skin after massive weight loss, most often seen in bariatric surgery patients. In the past, body contouring was classified as plastic surgery, since liposuction, tummy tucks, and arm lifts, were all that was offered. Today, there are many more non-invasive body contouring procedures that are performed by an expert dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green. A body contouring procedure means much more now than surgery as there are so many effective non-surgical alternatives.

Who is a good candidate for body contouring?

A good candidate for body contouring is a patient who is within 10 pounds of their ideal weight. If you are fluctuating in your weight, it is best to get it under control. You should be in generally good health and have a localized area of fat that is not responding to diet and exercise. It is best to consult with an expert like Dr. Michele Green to see if you are a good candidate for body contouring in her NYC office.

The second part of the consultation is a physical exam to determine the degree of fat that you would like decreased along with your skin quality. Weight and measurements are taken, followed by photographs that are for your private medical records. These photographs can be examined later during your follow-up visit to help assess the cosmetic results from your body contouring procedure. At the end of the consultation, Dr. Green will help you determine which body contouring procedures may be right for you.

What non-surgical fat reduction treatments do you offer?

• Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting®)
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that uses a process known as cryolipolysis to freeze fat cells in the treated area. The applicator is positioned over the treatment area and a light suction gently pulls the area into the applicator as it freezes the fat cells. The fat cells in the treated area crystalize and are then broken down by the body and eliminated through the lymphatic system as waste. This non-invasive treatment is FDA approved to treat nine different areas on the body such as the submental area (under the chin), bra fat, upper arms, abdomen, love handles, inner and outer thighs, “banana roll” under the buttocks, and the fat above the knees.

• Injectable Deoxycholic Acid (Kybella®) or Injection Lipolysis
Deoxycholic acid is currently the only FDA-approved injection that can be used to reduce excess fat from the chin area, effectively eliminating a double chin. Deoxycholic acid occurs naturally in the body and is found in the gut. It can disturb cell membranes in adipocytes destroying the fat cells. Kybella is injected into the submental area and the fat which causes your “double chin” is dissolved. The result is a chiseled jawline with no more “double chin”.

• Thermage FLX®
Thermage FLX® is a non-invasive FDA-approved face and body skin tightening treatment that utilizes radio-frequency energy to stimulate collagen formation to tighten, smooth, and contour the skin to create an overall younger appearance. Thermage FLX® is approved to treat most body parts including the face, neck, upper arms, buttocks, under eyes, hands, knees, and thighs. Thermage FLX® targets the collagen-rich dermis as well as the fiber septae in the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer by bulk-heating and uniformly distributing heat energy to denature and then remodel collagen. The result is an immediate collagen contraction from the heat as well as a progressive collagen remodeling from the body’s natural immune response to addressing the controlled trauma that the heat from Thermage FLX® creates.

• VelaShape III® or Radiofrequency Lipolysis
VelaShape III® is a non-invasive body contouring treatment. The treatment is a combination of multiple technologies used to achieve a reduction in cellulite and circumferential reduction. VelaShape technology includes mechanical massage, radiofrequency, infrared light, and vacuum suction. The infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency energy warm the dermal and underlying tissues which cause the fat cells to metabolize and break up. The body then naturally eliminates the fat cells and other toxins. Mechanical massage gently massages the skin. This mechanical massage increases circulation causing lymphatic drainage eliminating toxins and fat cells from the treated area. The vacuum suction smooths out cellulite by manipulating the fibrous bands in the epidermis. This results in a reduction in the appearance of dimpling in the skin (cellulite).

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. GreenFor many patients, despite diet and exercise, they cannot have the shape and contours that they want. While none of these body contouring weight loss devices are weight-loss devices, with a healthy lifestyle and continued exercise, both the surgical body contouring and non-surgical treatments can help give you the cosmetic results you deserve.

In all cases, it is important to consult an expert in body contouring to have the best cosmetic results. Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and an innovator in non-surgical body contouring in NYC. Dr. Green was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to introduce CoolSculpting into her private boutique practice. With over two decades of experience with Botox, Juvederm, Fraxel, Thermage, and the best skincare, Dr. Green will help you achieve the cosmetic results you are looking for. To learn more about which non-surgical body contouring option is best suited for you please contact us online today or call 212-535-3088.

For more information, visit Dr. Green’s Facebook!