5 Lip Filler Myths | Lip Fillers Cincinnati

You may be thinking about getting lip fillers, but the myths circulating social media make you second-guess whether it’s the right decision. Every day, Mona Dermatology’s well-trained providers help people achieve natural looking lips using lip fillers in the Cincinnati Area. We are here to address what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to lip augmentation procedures. 

Fiction: Lip fillers are always noticeable.

Fact: When done correctly, lip filler treatments can achieve natural-looking results.

Strategic filler placement, volume control, and customized treatments are all components of natural-looking lip results. It is important to schedule a consultation (if you’re in Cincinnati, start here!) before receiving lip fillers so your provider knows exactly what you want out of your treatment. Some people want to enhance their natural lips, while others want to create more volume. Sometimes, patients just want to treat the lipstick lines caused by aging. In the right hands, lip filler can achieve beautiful results.

Provider at Mona Dermatology does a lip filler consult in Cincinnati

Fiction: Lip fillers are artificial.

Fact: Hyaluronic acid — used in popular fillers like Juvederm — occurs naturally in the skin. 

Mona Dermatology carries a variety of hyaluronic acid-based fillers, including Juvederm Collection, RHA Collection, Restylane and Belatero. Hyaluronic acid is a gooey component of the extracellular matrix and it is found in human tissue, including skin, eyes, and the fluid and connective tissue between your joints. When you undergo a lip augmentation, your dermatologist is injecting a small amount of hyaluronic-acid-based gel into your lips. Since this substance is naturally occurring, it has a very low risk of causing an allergic reaction.

Fiction: I don’t need a professional. I can do lip fillers at home. 

Fact: Lip injections can only be safely performed by a licensed professional. 

Lip augmentation is a medical procedure, so medical professionals should perform it. Any time you use a needle, you risk infection. Make sure that the medical setting is and clean and takes precautions to decrease your risk of infection. Pay attention to whether your skin is being cleaned with an antiseptic prior to any procedure. In addition, unsterilized needles can lead to needle born illnesses like HIV and  hepatitis, and your health care provider should use disposable needles to avoid cross contamination. Medical offices have rigorous sterilization procedures to ensure providers throughly clean sharp objects between patients. These are difficult to reproduce at home.

Additionally, poor injection technique invites the risk of occlusion, or fillers injected into blood vessels or arteries and blocking blood flow. This can be a serious adverse event which in the untrained hand can lead to more serious complications including tissue loss. A well-trained provider will know how to manage any complication that may arise, so it is important to choose the right one for your lip filler treatment to avoid risks like infection, scarring, burning, tissue damage, pigmentation disorders and more. Look for an office directed by a board-certified physician with extensive experience performing lip augmentations. Request before-and-after photos from satisfied patients and remember to ask lots of questions!

Even non-invasive at-home options, like Hyaluron pens, are unreliable and imprecise. The filler enters the lips via microscopic holes created by the force of pressurized air, which the Hyaluron pen releases in short bursts. These bursts can be difficult to control, leaving the user with an uneven distribution of product and lumpy-looking lips. 

Fiction: Lip fillers cause cancer.

Fact: There is no clinical evidence that fillers impact the immune system.  

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light causes skin cancer, not dermal fillers. Sunscreen and regular skin exams are your best friend when it comes to lowering your risk of skin cancer. 

Cincinnati Filler Treatments

Fiction: Once you get lip fillers, you’re stuck with them.

Fact: Hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers gradually dissolve over time. If necessary, a provider can easily dissolve them with hyaluronidase.

Lip filler will dissolve naturally over time, so you never have them forever, even if you wish you could. Hyaluronidase is a protein enzyme that breaks the bonds holding hyaluronic acid molecules together and encourages the body to naturally reabsorb those molecules. These highly targeted injections will not  dissolve the hyaluronic acid that your body produces naturally.

Identifying Skin Cancer Spots

May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the team at Mona Dermatology in Kenwood is sharing their top tips to be sun smart and recognize skin cancer spots this summer!  

Dr. Mona’s Sun Smart Tips

  1. Get a complete skin exam with your dermatologist yearly
  2. Do your own skin checks regularly
  3. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen
  4. Avoid mid-day sun 10am-2pm
  5. Wear a broad-brimmed hat
  6. Consider wearing UPF clothing for added protection

Types of Skin Cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma 

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer with over 1 million diagnosed per year.  

When found early, this skin cancer is highly treatable. An early basal cell carcinoma can often be removed during an appointment with your dermatologist.

Photo of a basal cell carcinoma.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer.

Chronic sun exposure is a risk factor for developing a squamous cell carcinoma.

Finding this skin cancer early is important so that we can treat it before it grows deeper into the skin and has a chance to spread.

Photo of a squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanoma

Melanoma arises from the pigment producing cells in your body called melanocytes. These cells give color to your skin and are what make up your moles. Melanoma can arise from a pre-existing mole or can develop on your normal skin as a new growth.

While fewer people get melanoma than the other types of skin cancer, developing melanoma can be more serious because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body. 

Although melanoma is an aggressive cancer, early detection is key because early detection translates into a higher cure rate.  

Photo of a melanoma.

ABCDE’s of Melanoma

A – Asymmetry

Moles should be symmetrical, not asymmetrical. Each half should be like the other.

B – Border

Moles should be round or oval and not have irregular borders.

C – Color

Each mole should be a single color, not multiple colors or darker than the other moles on your body.

D – Diameter or Different

Moles should be smaller than a pencil eraser and should not be growing in size. They also should not be different than your other moles. Look for the “ugly duckling mole” that does not fit with the rest of your moles.

E – Evolving

Moles should not be changing in color, size, or shape.

How Does EmFace Work?

Cincinnati is one of only a few cities in the country to have the newest technology in non-surgical anti-aging. In the fall of 2022, Mona Dermatology in Kenwood premiered the new “EmFace” treatment. It was one of three locations in Ohio–and the only one  in Cincinnati–selected to launch this new technology.

How does EmFace work? 

EmFace is the newest device from BTL, the makers of the popular body-sculpting treatment EmSculpt Neo. EmFace will use a patented technology of muscle contraction and skin tissue heating to tighten, lift and rejuvenate facial skin in a way that no other treatment has before.  

Cincinnati EmFace Treatments

Is this a new method? 

Skin tissue heating has been a pillar of the aesthetics industry for years. Whether through RadioFrequency, Ultrasound, or lasers, heating the tissue in the skin creates injury and results in an increase in collagen and elastin production. Over time, this can make skin look tighter, reduce wrinkles, and give an overall more youthful appearance. Muscle contraction for the face is a new innovation, but it is rooted in equally strong science. EmFace uses High Frequency Electrical Stimulation (HIFES) technology to tighten the muscle layer as well as radiofrequency to build collagen and tighten the skin overlying the muscle.    

Who can benefit from EmFace?

As we get older, we start losing the support structures of our skin, bone, muscle, fat, and collagen. Currently, we replace lost volume with fillers, tighten and lift loose skin with radiofrequency or ultrasound. We also repair sun damaged skin with lasers, lights and chemical peels. Up to this point, we have not had anything that could safely address one of our skin’s basic support structures, the muscle layer. EmFace will be a first-of-its-kind procedure to address this important component in facial aging.

“For years, non-invasive treatments that use RadioFrequency or Ultrasound technology have been some of my favorite options for patients that want to tighten skin, build collagen, and continue to look and feel their best.” shares Dr. Mona Foad. “When I first heard about this technology I knew that this would revolutionize our non-surgical treatment of the aging face. I am so excited to be bringing our patients the EmFace device because it will take this incredible technology a step further as we lift and tighten muscle and skin to reverse the signs of aging in this no downtime and painless procedure.”

As seen in Cincinnati Magazine.

Your Guide to Body Sculpting Treatments

How much fat reduction can you expect from body sculpting treatments?

An EmSculpt Neo treatment combines radio frequency to tighten the skin and destroy fat cells, as well as high intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy to build muscle. During the treatment, you will feel a warm sensation from the heat transmitted from the radio frequency while also feeling muscle contractions (equivalent to 20,000 crunches in one treatment). On average, 30% fat reduction and 25% muscle growth is achieved. The best part: there is no downtime with this treatment option! “Tapping” cycles within the treatment break up the lactic acid within the muscles. This is the cause of soreness after your normal gym workout. 

CoolSculpting Elite treatments are ideal for those that would like to target focused areas of fat reduction. This option provides the opportunity to truly individualize the treatment plan by mapping out the specific placement of each applicator. It is also a fantastic option for targeting specific stubborn areas of fat. CoolSculpting utilizes cryolipolysis to eliminate fat through cold temperatures. On average, 20-25% reduction in fat can be expected to each area. Mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness can occur in the treatment area, resolving after 2 weeks on average. 

– Brooke Stinnette, RN BSN

What is the difference between fat reduction treatments and toning treatments?

Coolsculpting Elite is strictly a fat reduction treatment. It uses cooling technology to target trouble areas like the backs of the arms. Women specifically can struggle with these areas because of their genetics and no matter how much you might workout, they cannot achieve the results they want. CoolSculpting Elite has one main job and that is to get rid of fat and it is very targeted to the treatment area. EmSculpt Neo on the other hand does a few different jobs. It is going to treat major muscle groups such as your abdomen wall to tighten your tummy, or your glutes to plump up your booty. While it is building your muscles, EmSculpt Neo is also using radio frequency for fat loss and skin tightening. By building muscle, you will also more efficiently burn fat. Simply put, Coolsculpting helps to debulk fat and Emsculpt Neo helps you define muscles.

– Amanda Schmidt, LME

What benefits are there to doing a toning treatment?

Doing a toning and tightening procedure, such as EmSculpt Neo, includes many benefits. The procedure itself engages muscle to its full potential allowing it to strengthen, grow, and heal quicker if injured. When treating the abdomen, for example, the core muscles are strengthened. This can improve posture and diastasis recti. Patients may see some of the same benefits of strength training from doing a toning treatment, such as reduced back pain, reduced risk of injury and improved mobility.

Emsculpt Neo is a great  treatment for people young and old, and not just for those who want a more toned body.  As we age, our ability to build muscle declines. We lose about 3-8% of our muscle mass per decade after the age of 30, and even more after the age of 60. Emsculpt Neo is an antiaging secret that can actually help rebuild the muscle mass that we lose with age.

– Chloe Dedden, RN BSN

What do providers love about body sculpting treatments?

  • Amanda says, “EmSculpt Neo treatments helped to strengthen my core and almost completely resolved my back pain and diastasis recti that I experienced postpartum. I also love the skin tightening and improved appearance of stretch marks that my patients have gotten.”
  • Chloe says, “Working out, eating healthy, and living an overall healthy lifestyle is necessary for mental health but to have the option to do a treatment that increases results and/or boost your confidence to get you to your goal is amazing!”
  • Brooke says, “I love that EmSculpt Neo and CoolSculpting Elite treatments can complement each other to meet each person’s unique needs.”

As seen in Cincinnati Magazine

How to Pick a Provider | Botox Provider Near Me

As seen in the January 2024 issue of Cincinnati Magazine.

With the start of a new year, you may also be thinking about new ways you wish to care for yourself. If cosmetic treatments are on your list, choosing the right laser, filler, or Botox provider will be a critical first step. The board-certified team at Mona Dermatology shares their top tips for what to look for when choosing a provider, whether you are looking for a dermatologist in Cincinnati or elsewhere.

The #1 thing to remember is that cosmetic treatments are still medical procedures. Oftentimes, we perceive popular treatments as easy to perform and risk-free. Serious side effects, including infections, compromised veins or arteries, tissue damage, scars, burns, pigmentation disorders, and more can occur. These side effects are always a possibility with any cosmetic treatment, but are much more likely when consumers visit untrained, unqualified practitioners. Just as you would for any other medical procedure, we recommend choosing an experienced and qualified provider to perform your cosmetic treatments.

What To Look For in a Botox Provider, Filler Provider, or Cosmetic Provider:

Credentials

Start by looking for a credentialed provider with extensive experience and training in the cosmetic field. The office you are visiting should be led by a board-certified physician that is trained in facial anatomy, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. This directing physician will ensure that proper safety protocols are being followed within the office, and even if they are not the one performing your treatment, they are on-site in the rare case that something may go wrong. At Mona Dermatology, all providers hold advanced medical degrees: Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), Nurse Practitioner (NP), or Physician Assistant (PA). Not only do they receive months of extensive cosmetic training prior to treating patients, they also receive ongoing education in the medical aesthetics field.

Experience

Look for a provider with experience in the treatment you are seeking. How many treatments of this kind have they given? What kind of training have they received? At Mona Dermatology, our providers see over 7,000 skin exams, 4,000 botox appointments, 1,000 filler appointments and 2,000 laser/light appointments combined in any given year.

Results

As the saying goes, ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ and the same is true for cosmetic treatments. It can be helpful to select a provider who specializes in giving the type of results that you seek to achieve. Some ways to research this would include asking to see before and after photos, following the office or provider on social media, or even seeing what the staff and providers’ results look like. At Mona Dermatology, we specialize in creating natural-looking results. 

Price

If the cost of a treatment seems too good to be true, it probably is! Oftentimes, heavily discounted procedures are being performed by non-medical personnel or less experienced providers. Cosmetic treatments require extensive training and experience to achieve safe and optimal results. Saving money on a treatment in the short-term could end up costing you more if a complication occurs.

Questions to Ask

Before having a procedure, it’s important to get to know your provider and ask them questions to learn more. Consider asking why you are a good candidate for this treatment, what you should expect during the treatment, what results may be, what the risks are, who will perform your treatment, and what will happen if complications arise. On the other hand, your provider should also be asking what you are hoping to achieve to make sure you are both on the same page. Don’t forget that they should also be asking you for your medical history, medications you are on, and allergies you may have.

Adapted from the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS)

Skincare Christmas Gifts for the Women In Your Life

Looking for Christmas gifts for the women you love? Mona Dermatology’s provider team shares what skincare treatments and products they’re adding to their wish lists for this upcoming holiday season.

Dr. Mona S. Foad

“I would love to be gifted a tightening treatment to slow down my aging, like Sofwave, and a facial treatment to give me that immediate glow for the holiday season, such as Diamond Glow.”

Learn more about Mona

Dr. Alexandra Bowles

“If I could give someone a skin gift, it would be the gift of bright and smooth skin! Combining a good skin care regimen of sunscreen, vitamin C, and retinol with regular Botox treatments can do just that.”

Learn more about Alexandra

Taylor Wojniak, CNP

“I would love to be gifted injectable treatments like Botox and filler to get ready for the upcoming holiday season. These treatments have little downtime and help create a more balanced and refreshed look.”

Learn more about Taylor

Jessica Watkins, PA-C

“I would love to be gifted a microneedling session with Botox and skinvive! I can do it all in one day and is the perfect cure for winter blues!”

Learn more about Jessica

Brooke Stinnette, CNP

“I would love to be gifted hydrating treatments such as Skinvive and an oxygen facial to prepare my skin for the cold, dry winter that is to come!” 

Learn more about Brooke

Anna Luning, CNP

“A gift I would love this holiday season would be a Skinvive treatment to keep my skin hydrated and glowing all winter long, especially for the holidays! And don’t forget about skin care stocking stuffers like HA5 or a favorite moisturizer to give an added boost.”

Learn more about Anna

Megan Niese, PA-C

“Skinvive would be my perfect gift around the holidays. It’s a new microdroplet injectable that increases hydration to improve smoothness, providing a lasting glow. Also, winter break is also a great time to do a laser treatment such as Halo, so you can allow for some downtime.”

Learn More About Megan

As seen in Cincinnati Magazine.

Summer Skin Care Tips

As seen in the July 2023 issue of Cincinnati Magazine.

The well-trained team of providers at Mona Dermatology share their favorite summer skin care tips!

Brooke Stinnette, RN

“Don’t neglect your neck; future you will thank you! Be sure to extend the application of any skincare products, SPF included, to your neck daily.” 

Learn more about Brooke

Alexandra Bowles, DO

With summer upon us, my biggest tip is to make sunscreen a part of your daily routine. Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer, reverse signs of aging, and improve dyspigmentation.”

Learn more about Alexandra

Jessica Watkins, PA-C

For summer, go shopping for a new hat you’re excited to wear! Then, stash a small sunscreen in your typical places so that you won’t be stuck without it when you find yourself in unexpected sun exposure! Think your purses, car, gym bag, and office!

Learn more about Jessica

Anna Luning, CNP

Antioxidants are vital for your summer skin care routine to protect your skin from increased UV exposure, which is also the number one cause of aging in the skin.  My favorite is Skinceuticals Silymarin!

Learn more about Anna

Mona S. Foad, MD

With summer comes more sun exposure: my go-to sunscreen for protecting against sun damage is ColoreScience Glow. I also love doing tightening treatments, like Sofwave, EmFace or Thermage, in the summer because sun exposure is not a factor.

Learn more about Mona

Taylor Ford, CNP

“During summer months, the sun and heat can dry our skin out if we don’t hydrate properly. Although you may feel more oily at times in the summer, it’s still important to keep skin hydrated with a good moisturizer and make a point to increase water intake.”

Learn more about Taylor

Megan Niese, PA-C

“Limit sun exposure during the strongest time of day from 10am-4pm. When you are out, a nice option in addition to your sunscreen is to wear UPF clothing that is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays.”

Learn more about Megan

What is Ellacor Micro-coring?

Micro-coring technology reduces loose skin and wrinkles without surgery, but what is it? The board-certified provider team at Mona Dermatology answers all your questions about this revolutionary treatment. 

Who is Ellacor a good treatment for?

Ellacor micro-coring is good for anyone with fine lines and wrinkles in the cheeks or lower face, as well as for people who have moderate lower face and neck laxity. It is also a great treatment for acne scarring because it actually removes some of the scars. This is a great alternative to traditional acne scarring treatments, such as lasers or microneedling, that typically just build collagen.

How is this different from microneedling?

Micro-coring may sound like microneedling but they are very different treatments. Microneedling uses small needles to create a small injury in the skin, whereas micro-coring uses hollow needles to actually “core” out a percentage of skin. This is an innovative and unprecedented alternative to surgery.

 How is this different from a laser treatment?

Ellacor is most similar to a fractional laser resurfacing where a “fraction” of the skin is treated so that the untreated skin helps to heal the treated area faster.  The difference is that Ellacor actually cores out and removes a percentage of skin without delivering heat to the treated area. Laser resurfacing is still a great option for treating sun damage, texture, pore size and general full face rejuvenation but Ellacor will deliver more compelling results for concerns such as loose skin and wrinkles.

When is someone a candidate for surgery vs. Ellacor?

Ellacor micro-coring removes anywhere from 1-8% of loose skin on the lower face and neck without the downtime of surgery. It is a great treatment for mild to moderate skin laxity, but if you have more severe loose skin, surgery may be a better option. It is always best to have a consultation to determine which option is best for you.

What is the downtime?

You will be swollen for 2-3 days and can see stamp marks from the micro-coring for anywhere from 1-3 weeks. Makeup can be applied to the treated area after a week. It is very important to avoid sun exposure and use approved skin care products during your healing process.

When will you see results?

Your skin will become firmer and tighter over the next 3-6 months as collagen builds leaving you with firmer and smoother skin. Some patients may see best results after having a series of 3 treatments.

Quick Facts:

  • Ellacor has been recognized in the Innovation Category for Best Non Surgical Skin-Removal Procedure by NewBeauty.

  • Mona Dermatology is the first office in the Tri-State area to offer Ellacor

  • 90% of patients showed improvements in moderate to severe wrinkles

How It Works:

  1. The internal diameter of each needle is less than 0.5mm, which is below the threshold for scarring.
  2. The device precisely moves these needles across the treatment area, removing micro-cores of skin as it goes.
  3. A 10mm square area can be treated in less than three seconds, which means the entire procedure is typically finished within in less than 30 minutes.
  4. After the procedure, the body’s natural healing response goes into effect as the skin quickly realigns to close the cores, improving skin architecture in the process.

As seen in Cincinnati Magazine.

Spring Skin Tips | No Makeup Skincare

As the Spring weather brings us warmer days, you may be wishing that you could skip (or lighten up) your makeup routine. For many of us, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, or spots may make us feel less than ready to go bare-faced. Mona Dermatology’s provider team shares their favorite treatments and products for revealing a youthful, even complexion before summer is here. 

Mona S. Foad, MD

Other than daily skin care, I love tightening procedures that help to build and lift the support structures of the skin. A yearly treatment with radiofrequency or ultrasound works to build my own collagen and elastin. In addition, EmFace, the newest facial muscle stimulation device, goes deeper to lift and tighten my cheeks and forehead. I call it “putting money in your aging bank”. I love these procedures because they help reverse and prevent the inevitable sagging around the eyes, jawline and neck that we all get as we age. And the best part is there is no down time! 

Learn more about Mona

Jessica Watkins, PA-C

Makeup is most commonly used to give the look of an even skin tone, however in recent years highlighting and contouring using makeup has become increasingly popular. While makeup is one way to define your facial features, I love to use fillers so that my patients don’t even need makeup contouring. By adding filler to the areas of the face where light is reflected such as the cheek, jawline, and under eye, you can create a healthy, rejuvenated look. 

Learn more about Jessica

Anna Luning, CNP

This winter I did a Fraxel laser treatment on my face to help with texture and pigmentation. It is absolutely one of the best things I have done for my skin and plan to repeat this every year to maintain an even skin tone and a youthful appearance. After this treatment I also started the SkinMedica Even & Correct System to limit pigment production and to prolong the results of the Fraxel. My own skin is now my flawless filter!

Learn more about Anna

Megan Niese, PA-C

I like to maintain my skin by doing a laser treatment annually during the winter months. IPL is my go to treatment for redness and brown spots. This year I also tried a Fraxel for the first time and loved my results! I had no idea I had so much sun damage. Not only does it treat pigment, but it helps with anti-aging. My skin has a nice glow and I don’t feel like I need makeup to leave the house.

Learn more about Megan

Taylor Wojniak, CNP

One of my favorite ways to maintain healthy looking skin is by getting Botox injections every 3 months. This is a quick and easy procedure done in the office that helps smooth out wrinkles. Don’t forget to pair this treatment with medical grade skincare to ensure optimal and long lasting results. I suggest SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum and retinol. Both of these products help to address the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and texture on the surface of the skin.

Learn more about Taylor

As seen in Cincinnati Magazine.

CoolSculpting Elite vs. EmSculpt Neo | Weight Loss Treatments

As seen in the March 2024 issue of Cincinnati Magazine.

When stubborn fat doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, you may consider turning to treatment options. Mona Dermatology’s body contouring providers break down the differences between the two top non-surgical weight loss options, CoolSculpting Elite and EmSculpt Neo. The good news: both treatments can deliver results by summer, without downtime. While no treatment is able to guarantee weight loss, both options are able to target fat loss and sculpt the body to help you reach your goals.

A provider at Mona Dermatology administers a CoolSculpting weight loss treatment.How do both treatments work?

Emsculpt Neo stimulates muscle contractions using high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology, and reduces fat using radiofrequency heat. Thanks to the radiofrequency, some skin tightening may also occur. CoolSculpting Elite uses cooling technology to cause apoptosis, killing unwanted fat cells in the treatment area. When a trained provider performs your treatment, both are FDA-approved and very safe when performed by a trained provider.

How many treatments are needed and how long are appointments? 

Most commonly, a CoolSculpting appointment will last around 1-2 hours. The applicators are placed on the treatment area, and the cooling process in each area takes from 35-75 minutes. At our office, thanks to having the Elite technology and multiple devices, you can treat multiple areas of the body at the same time!

Emsculpt Neo treatments, on the other hand, are spaced apart once a week for four weeks. They last 30 minutes each. For both technologies, the number of treatments needed depends on your desired results and how many areas of the body you want to focus on. The best way to get an estimate is by schedule a free consultation, where your provider can help create a plan that’s right for you.

Will both treatments give similar results?

Both treatments are eliminating fat cells through heating or cooling technology. However, each technology offers a slightly different approach that can affect your overall outcome. Emsculpt Neo’s combination of muscle stimulation and fat reduction will help with overall tightening and abdominal toning in addition to targeting stubborn fat. CoolSculpting is excellent for those who want to solely focus on fat reduction. It is also a great choice for targeting a specific, “pinchable” pocket of fat. For example: inner thigh fat or bra fat. If you have a BMI over 35, EmSculpt Neo is not the right choice. This is because the HIFEM technology will not be able to effectively reach the muscle fibers. In that case, CoolSculpting Elite may be best, or a combination of the two.

Is there downtime?

Both treatments allow you to return to normal activities such as work or social commitments the same day as your treatment. After an EmSculpt Neo treatment, you may experience soreness for the next day, similar to after a challenging workout. After a CoolSculpting Elite treatment, you may experience swelling or tenderness. In rarer cases, you may also experience bruising for about a week after treatment. All CoolSculpting treatments result in numbness in the area where you were treated. How long this lasts may vary from person to person.

Which treatment is best?

Ultimately, this depends on your goals! At our Kenwood-based office, we perform hundreds of treatments of both EmSculpt Neo and CoolSculpting Elite each year. The best way to decide which treatment (or combination of treatments) is right for you is by coming in for a free consultation.