Do you get discouraged when you put a lot of work towards a healthy lifestyle, but still see a little bit of tummy and love handle pudge sticking out the jeans you almost fit? Or maybe, you pinch at the underarm fat that just won’t go away no matter how much time you put in the gym? 

Going under the knife can be terrifying and risky! I’m sure we would all love to get rid of stubborn fat within a day– but if there is a sharp object involved? That’s a little much, isn’t it? Luckily, there’s a solution to get rid of stubborn fat that doesn’t have you going under the knife! CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical option that helps you reduce and eliminate stubborn fat! Patients who opt in for it usually only need TWO or MORE sessions to reach their body contouring goals. Not to mention, these sessions last as little as 35-75 minutes. Literally the length of your lunch break kind of duration. (At FountainGrove MedSpa in Santa Rosa, we even put on a little Netflix for you to watch while you sit there and wait for the CoolSculpting® to do its job.)

Gone are the days of muffin tops and squishing all that tummy into your pants! Let CoolSculpting® do the work for you!

Investing in your body can be a big step. So before you make a decision, it’s always good to know all of your options and read up on what’s out there to help you feel more comfortable in your skin. Let’s see what the whole (low-carb) enchilada is all about, and how you could benefit from some CoolSculpting®!

How CoolSculpting® Works:

CoolSculpting® works by utilizing controlled cooling to target and freeze the areas you want to reduce fat in. As time goes by, those frozen fat cells die out and break down and are eventually destroyed leaving you with up to 20-25% fat loss!

Before & After:

What Results Should I Expect after CoolSculpting®?

Because CoolSculpting® isn’t a weight loss procedure, you likely won’t witness as drastic results as a Liposuction would provide, but you will see some improvements. Generally, it takes 1-3 months to see results where your body will naturally eliminate fat cells. Full results can take about 6 months or more. For best results, you should continue to maintain your usual diet and exercise routine. CoolSculpting® is intended to break down fat cells and not meant to be a replacement for a balanced diet and exercise.

How Does CoolSculpting® Feel:

CoolSculpting® uses two applicator types:Vacuum and Non-Vacuum. 

When utilizing the vacuum applicator, you may feel deep pulling, tugging, and mild pinching. With a non-vacuum surface applicator, you may experience sensations of squeezing and pressure. Once the applicator is attached, controlled cooling is delivered to the targeted fat so, you may feel intense cold, stinging, tingling, aching, or cramping as the treatment begins, but these sensations typically subside as the area becomes numb. In some cases, you may feel a pulsating massage.

Upon removal of the applicator, you may see a frozen bulge at the treatment area, also known as a “butterstick”. After the procedure, your physician may apply manual massage to rewarm and smooth out the treated area. 

Where Can it be used:

CoolSculpting® can be done under your jawline and under your chin; as well as love handles, abdomen, thighs (inner, outer, distal), bra fat, upper arm, back fat, and banana roll. 

CoolSculpting® or Liposuction?

Again, CoolSculpting® is NOT for weight loss and it will not provide the results Liposuction does. Liposuction is surgical fat removal that helps with weight loss. CoolSculpting® helps with eliminating stubborn fat for those who already have a healthy lifestyle.  

What CoolSculpting® IS NOT:

CoolSculpting® is not a treatment for weight loss. It’s more geared towards eliminating stubborn fat while maintaining a healthy lifestyle via clean eating and, in the immortal words of Lizzo, working on your fitness. It will NOT provide you the same results a Liposuction procedure would.

gif of woman dancing, happy about coolsculpting®

Its best to have realistic expectations, and to be sure you inform your physician of your entire medical history. 

For full safety information on CoolSculpting® Elite, visit this website here.

Considering CoolSculpting® already? Book your consultation or appointment here.

Uneven pigmentation and textured skin is a normal result of the aging process. No matter your skin care routine, it can still catch up with you. Then all the magic they provided you slowly fades away. Enter SmoothGlo.

As the technology behind aesthetic services advances, so too do the treatments. Now, we are able to provide more options for the many beauty goals you want to achieve

Whether you want to target tone, texture, or volume, SmoothGlo can do it all. Patients are even able to dramatically reverse the visible signs of aging and enjoy a brighter, more youthful glow! 

So, let’s get real, how does SmoothGlo work?

charlie from good luck charlie shrugging like "i don't know???"

How does SmoothGlo work?

SmoothGlo consists of two parts, combining  IPL Skin Rejuvenation and RF Micro-Needling.

The procedure starts with the application of a topical numbing cream to help with any discomfort you may feel from the procedure. Then, the treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed and coated in a cold gel to help better transmit light and keep your skin cool. 

Then, the first half of the procedure begins. The IPL device is used to treat hyperpigmentation via “photothermolysis” which is a special wavelength of light that’s used to coagulate brown and red pigment. Photothermolysis significantly minimizes these pigments and stimulates collagen production to help produce happier healthier skin. Following your procedure, the treatment area is cleansed gently with soap and water and dried completely.

The second half of the SmoothGlo procedure consists of RF Micro-Needling. Micro-Needling treats skin elasticity in addition to wrinkles by breaking the skin with fractionated micro needles and delivering heat energy into the dermal layer. After the treatment, a cooling mist will be applied to the treatment area for comfort and to keep it moisturized.

What are SmoothGlo treatments for?

The SmoothGlo procedure can be used to treat a variety of skin ailments. Because SmoothGlo uses an IPL device, this procedure can be used to treat lesions, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. Meanwhile, the RF Microneedling portion of the procedure helps to tighten and rejuvenate your skin while improving the natural production of hyaluronic acid (the stuff that helps with having moisturized and plump skin.) The end result is youthful and fresh feeling skin with an even glow that everyone will be talking about!

SmoothGlo Before and After Results

How long does it take to see results?

Typically, patients need 3 treatments performed once a week, and an additional 2 treatments spaced 2-3 weeks apart to achieve the desired results. After completing 5 sessions, you should  continue to receive 2 maintenance sessions per year. 

What does SmoothGlo feel like?

Following treatment, your skin will feel warm for a few hours. You may experience redness and mild swelling for up to 4 days. Minor scabbing will develop on treatment areas which will naturally heal and shed in the week following the procedure. Your overall skin texture may feel dry at first, however, these are normal side effects that will subside within 4-7 days.

It is important to avoid sun exposure for at least one week after treatment and discontinue the use of any retinol products. We also recommend using only gentle cleansers after treatment and moisturizing you skin frequently.

How much does a SmoothGlo treatment cost? 

At FountainGrove MedSpa, we work with local and national banks, analyzing the best payment plans and bring you the best in no interest and low-interest financing available. For the full scope of the cost, we suggest you book an aesthetic consultation. Feel free to call us at 707-800-6432 or fill out the consultation form provided on our site!

Over 7 million Americans have had stubborn fat removed by a nonsurgical procedure called CoolSculpting since 2010. But the question of its efficiency is still a debate among many: Can “freezing” your fat off really work? Here’s a quick rundown of CoolSculpting:

What is CoolSculpting?

It is a non-invasive fat reduction procedure that aims to get rid of stubborn fat in certain parts of your body. This is made feasible through cryolipolysis, a scientific method that was approved by the US FDA in 2010. Cryolipolysis was discovered by examining what happens to fat following frostbite.

It was seen that the temperature at which fat freezes is higher than the temperature at which skin freezes. As a result, a cryolipolysis device was invented. It works by freezing subcutaneous fat cells to the point where they are destroyed and then absorbed by the body. As such, CoolSculpting involves cooling your fat to a degree that destroys it while causing no harm to your skin or other tissues.

How does CoolSculpting work? — Procedure for CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting does not require any anesthetic, needles, or incisions. The cryolipolysis device is used to hold the part of your body that contains stubborn fat. Your doctor holds the area between two paddles that apply suction and cool quickly. After that, they’re left in place for 35minutes to 1 and a quarter hours. During that period, the procedure destroys roughly 20% to 25% of the fat cells in the targeted area.

Through this process, all energy in the fat cells is extracted. By extracting energy from the fat layers, the process enables fat cells to die gradually while leaving nearby muscles, nerves, and other tissues intact.

Where Does the Fat Go?

You’re undoubtedly wondering where the fat goes after the fat cells are frozen and killed following a CoolSculpting procedure. Well, the digested fat cells are normally transferred to the lymphatic system to be filtered out as waste in the months following treatment. In layman’s words, they are cleaned up by your body’s immune cells and eventually expelled through urine.

Which Areas of the Body Can I Use This Technique On?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for treating:

• Abdomen
• Submental fat (commonly known as a double chin)
• Inner and outer thighs
• Flanks (aka love handles)
• Back fat
• Bra fat
• Upper arms
• Buttock rolls (also called banana rolls)
• Doctors also commonly use it to tone hips, knees, and other stubborn fat bulges that fit into the applicator.

Is CoolSculpting Safe?
CoolSclupting For Men
How Much Does CoolSculpting Cost?

Is CoolSculpting Safe?

CoolSculpting is a reasonably safe non-invasive technique. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in 2010. So far, about 4,000,000 procedures have been performed all over the world.

Are There Any Side Effects?

During the clinical studies by the FDA, no major adverse effects were reported. Nonetheless, typical side effects during treatment include extreme cold, cramping, hurting, pulling, stinging, and tingling. These should all subside once the treatment area is numb. After treatment, you may also experience temporary side effects that usually go away within the next few days. These include pain and discomfort, redness, swelling, bruising, and sensitivity in the treatment area.

Does it hurt?

The technique is relatively painless and takes a short time. More so, incisions, anesthesia, and pain relief drugs are not required.

How long does it take? How many sessions will I need?

Depending on the region to be treated, the procedure should take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Plan on getting at least two treatments for the best results. In principle, you can observe a fat loss in regions like your stomach, sides, and chin after just one session. However, two sessions are recommended for more long-term results. For larger areas like your abdomen, you might want to schedule 3 treatments.

How long will the results last?

The effects of CoolSculpting should continue indefinitely. This is because once fat cells are killed, they do not return. However, if you gain weight following your CoolSculpting procedure, the fat in the treated area or areas may return.

How much does it cost?

The cost depends on the size of the treatment area, the desired output, the applicator size, and your location. A multi-area operation costs between $2,000 and $4,000 on average. Smaller areas, such as the upper belly or chin, require a smaller applicator and can be less expensive (about $900). Larger areas, such as the lower abdomen, necessitate a larger applicator, which can cost up to $1,500.

Is it right for me?

CoolSculpting is best for those who are typically healthy, have a stable, healthy weight, and have excess fat in their thighs, arms, hips, chest, stomach, neck, or chin. It’s not a weight-loss treatment, and it shouldn’t be utilized to get rid of a lot of fat. It is merely a fat removal technique for people who don’t want to undergo invasive surgery.

It’s important to note that it’s not suggested for people who have cold-related diseases like cold urticaria or Raynaud’s disease. It should also be avoided in infected areas like those with skin issues, cutaneous lesions, dermatitis, and severe varicose veins.

Final Verdict

CoolSculpting gives your body the final push it needs to look the way you feel! It is a safe non-invasive procedure that helps people reach their body goals. That said, schedule an appointment today to know whether it is ideal for you!

How Does Your Daily Diet Affect Your Skin

If you’re like most people, you probably spend a lot of time worrying about your skin and how to keep it looking healthy. While there are many ways to do this, the best way is by eating healthy foods that promote good skin health. The key to having beautiful skin is in what you eat!

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Protecting it from outside pollutants and chemicals can be a challenge, but what you eat each day makes an even bigger difference. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can lead to inflammation, acne breakouts, and premature aging of the skin. So how does what you eat affect your skin? 

This blog post will talk about how your diet affects your skin and what foods should be consumed on a regular basis for optimum beauty benefits.

Eating healthy foods reflect in your body inside out. You stay not only fit and energetic but also have smooth and glowing skin. Those who have a habit of eating oily food regularly often notice fine lines, acne breakouts, and various other skin problems. Let’s look at some of these problems caused by the various types of foods you consume

• Acne breakouts

Although acne breakouts are common in youngsters due to hormonal changes, frequent breakouts are a sign of bad food habits. According to doctors, foods like pizzas, French fries, and burgers cause pimples. Regularly consuming these foods lead to frequent acne breakouts, both in adolescents and adults. Diets with high quantities of refined carbohydrates promote mild to chronic inflammation that results in acne and pimples.

• Wrinkles and fine lines

It may seem that wrinkles and fine lines are for old people, but you may also get them if you don’t change your diet. Collagen, elastin, and protein are three essential things that your skin needs to stay smooth, supple, and wrinkle-free. Oily and deep-fried foods don’t have enough proteins to supply to your skin. Additionally, your skin’s exposure to the sun’s UV rays also doesn’t help. These rays create free radicals that damage your skin’s elastin and collagen, thus making it wrinkle.

Why your diet is important

The best way to fight free radicals and eliminate refined carbohydrates is to have foods that contain high amounts of antioxidants. And fresh vegetables and fruits are abundant in antioxidants, and hence, can fight free radical formation. Doctors unanimously agree that there is a direct connection between the skin and antioxidants. Those who have a high level of antioxidants have smooth and soft skin as opposed to those who don’t. But what diet should you follow to maintain a high level of antioxidants? Here are a few that you can eat.

1. Fresh fruits and vegetables

Colorful fruits and vegetables contain carotenoids and Vitamin A that allow your skin to reproduce cells. Your body sheds approximately 30,000 to 40,000 cells every day, thus leading to a stage where it cannot produce new cells anymore. Once your skin stops producing new cells, it will start looking old. Fruits and vegetables also contain Vitamin C that replenishes your skin’s collagen content. That means keeping fruits and vegetables in your diet will result in soft and smooth skin for years.

2. Fish

Fish contains a high percentage of proteins that can help your skin build collagen and elastin. In addition to proteins, some fishes also contain omega-3 fatty acids. They reduce skin inflammation significantly. Doctors often recommend eating trout or salmon every day because they both contain omega-3 fatty acids and high protein content. 

3. Nuts and seeds

Various types of nuts, such as walnuts, peanuts, and almonds, keep your skin smooth. Add a handful of chia and flax seeds in your daily diet, and you will notice a change in your skin’s texture within a few months. You can eat these whenever you feel like munching onto something. Instead of fries or burgers, try eating nuts and seeds. You will soon have smooth, glowing, wrinkle-free skin.

It’s not that you have to make a lot of changes to your daily diet. Just try to substitute deep-fried and oily food with the foods mentioned above to have toned and soft skin within a few months.

In addition to eating a healthy diet, if you are someone who is experiencing skin issues like redness, dryness or acne breakouts then you will want to schedule an appointment with a professional as soon as possible.