Follow Me on My Coolsculpting® Journey

 

After having 2 children, my body has gone through a lot of changes. The way I felt in my body became very uncomfortable for me. I wanted to do something and with summer approaching, it has to be FAST.

 

I have done what I know to do. I watch my food intake. I exercise. I am beginning to feel better. My confidence is improving. I am reaching a point however where I feel I am accomplishing as much as I can through diet and exercise. Fortunately, my position as a Medical Assistant at Clear Lake Dermatology requires me to learn about the various technologies in our office. Through clinical education, I have learned about the benefits of Clear Lake Dermatology’s CoolSculpting® device. I believe that CoolSculpting® is the next path for me to take to further my goal of becoming stronger and healthier.

 

At Clear Lake Dermatology, it’s important for us to understand what our patients are going through. I believe my pregnancy experience with Melasma, weight gain, acne and all of the other physiological changes I went through, allow me to understand and connect with the women I have the privilege of caring to, care for better. I thought I would share my experience with those of you who can relate or for those of you who may be interested in learning more about the CoolSculpting process.

 

The Consultation:

 

I met with Clear Lake Dermatology’s Clinical Aesthetician and CoolSculpting treatment provider, Rachel Bright. Rachel explained to me that the aesthetic examination that takes place prior to your treatment serves two purposes. First, determining candidacy, which is essential. Secondly, due to the medical nature of this procedure, she must gather information regarding your current health and health history.

 

Because this is a procedure that involves cryolypolisis, your medical history is key. Rachel will work closely with Dr. Joe to rule out any contraindication that would preclude me from having the procedure and to confirm that I am a good candidate that I would ultimately get a desirable result.

 

Rachel used specific templates that coincide with the actual applicators, to measure the areas of my body that had the most concern. This will determine how many cycles it will require to get the results I am looking for.

 

Even though I have a strong working relationship with Rachel, it was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn more about her approach with patients. She is incredibly skilled and also has a way of making a woman feel comfortable even in the most delicate of situations. I had a lot of questions and she had a thoughtful answer for each. Above all, Rachel wanted to ensure I was happy with my decision to proceed with the treatment and that we were in full agreement when it came to what could be expected at the conclusion of my treatment plan.

 

Photographic Standards:

The “before” pictures are key to assessing your outcome. Clear Lake Dermatology takes accurate before and after pictures. Rachel will meet with and take my post-procedure photographs at approximately at 10 from my final treatment date. This post CoolSculpting visit is the surest way to track progress and compare your “before” pictures with your sequential “after” shots.

As I was having my baseline pictures taken I was thinking “Yikes! You want me to take my shirt off? Do I really have to weigh myself in front of you?”. I took a deep breath and after taking my blouse off, stepped on the scale. They say change can feel uncomfortable. I must say, I agree but, no pain no gain, right?

 

The Beginning:

 

Now for the procedural preparation. I could feel my heart beating faster. I was beginning to get nervous. Rachel carefully marked the areas to be treated, which I had a chance to view myself before getting situated onto the treatment bed. A gel pad was placed over the first treatment area to protect my skin from the cooling device. The cooling applicator was then placed on the area, and I knew from what she had said, a strong suction was about to begin drawing my tissue into the applicator. Rachel also informed me that this would begin only after she felt the applicator was accurately placed and the placement looked precise. Once the applicator was evenly applied, the cooling would begin.

 

As we progressed in the treatment there was definitely a strong feeling of suction that I felt. I also felt as if I had an ice pack placed on my stomach. I am so glad she suggested I bring warm, fuzzy socks! After a couple of minutes, I didn’t feel anything but the cooling at all. As I was sitting there with Rachel, I felt completely at peace. Now I have some “me time” to catch up on my favorite TV show of all time, “Friends” on Netflix. I even thought I could take a nap right now. Surprisingly, yes. CoolScuplting is that comfortable!

 

Once the hour was over, Rachel massaged the crystallized tissue for a few minutes. She also incorporated a device that is said to enhance the outcome of cryo-lypolysis. This results enhancing device is only available at Clear Lake Dermatology. Dr. Joe is currently the only physician who offers this device in our area of Texas. Will that guy stop at any limits to serve his patients?

 

After a 35 minute session, I was free to return to my normal activity. Which is one of the reasons I was so interested in receiving the procedure. Unlike other devices on the market, there are no restrictions and virtually no down time after a CoolSculpting treatment.

 

After the treatment, I felt pretty good. I felt like I could sit down, rest and warm up a bit. I don’t love being cold. One of the things I love most about Texas! A few hours later I started to feel a little tender in the treated area. But nothing that required any pain medication.

 

Day 1, Post-Treatment:

I definitely felt sore this morning. My abdomen reminded me of what I looked like after having my children. I was a little swollen and the skin was (for lack of a better term) loose. It was suggested to me to wear a body shaper to kind of “hold in” my stomach. I have to say, that made a huge difference in my comfort level.

I’m feeling very excited to see how my body changes in the coming weeks. If you have any questions, e-mail me at [email protected] attention: Michelle.

 

Mention Michelle’s Journey and Receive $150 Off Your Coolsculpting® Treatment

 

Stay tuned for Part 2 and 3 while we follow Michelle’s progress…