I met with top Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz over the past year to find out about what could be done to avoid going under the knife in terms of anti-aging and body-sculpting procedures that really work. Besides his great bedside manner and menschy demeanor, Dr. Schwartz has some serious chops. He attended the prestigious Georgetown University School of Medicine and was personally chosen by Dr. Paul Nassif, M.D. (one of the best plastic surgeons in La La land and star of the Bravo show Botched) to join his practice. During my interview with him, he also mentioned that he accepts insurance for patients who have breast cancer and who need reconstructive surgery! Read on to see what Dr. Schwartz has to say about several of the popular non-invasive treatments performed from his office.
The treatments discussed with Dr. Schwartz are described below from realself.com, my favorite resource for researching cosmetic doctors or procedures. Dr. Jaime Schwartz has a five star rating on realself.com.
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure that uses a controlled device to freeze and destroy fat. Fatty areas are gently pinched between the CoolSculpting applicator, which cools the area to a temperature that causes fat cells to crystallize and die. This treatment isn't intended for massive weight loss, but for treating problem areas like love handles, stomach rolls, and arm fat.
SculpSure is a non-invasive laser treatment for the reduction of stubborn fat in areas like the abdomen and flanks. The procedure takes 25 minutes, is minimally painful, and requires no downtime. Clinical trials show an average of 24% reduction in fat volume after a single treatment.
Ultherapy is a non-invasive treatment used to lift and tighten loose skin on areas such as the eyebrows, jawline, and jowls, as well as improve wrinkles on the chest. Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to heat targeted tissue under the surface of the skin, triggering the natural production of collagen. While some people might see an effect immediately after their treatment, most real results appear over two to three months as the collagen gradually improves skin’s tone and elasticity.
ThermiSmooth is a non-invasive procedure for smoothing fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. A hand-held device delivers radiofrequency energy to the surface of the skin, which heats the cells and stimulates the body’s own collagen production. Treatments can be repeated several times to get the desired results.
MM: How many treatments are needed for desired results with each of the following modalities?
For CoolSculpting (fat freezing) and SculpSure (fat melting):
JS: Many people have two treatments to an area, but it is very much dependent on the individual’s clinical presentation.
I tried CoolSculpting on my inner thighs a few weeks ago. It was uncomfortable when the applicator was removed and feels bruised and numb for several weeks following treatment. I will be reporting on the results in two months.
I also tried SculpSure and posted the results below from my flanks after one month. This was a painless treatment for me but I did feel a lot of heat during the procedure.
SculpSure before
SculpSure after one treatment
Ultherapy:
JS: This is a non-invasive treatment to lift and tighten loose skin with the use of ultrasound energy to heat targeted tissue. One to two treatments are typical. We evaluate at six months to see if patients need a second treatment.
Chelsea Hagopian, MSN, AGACNP-BC is Dr. Jaime Schwartz's Nurse Practitioner. Here, she is performing Ultherapy on me around and under the eye area. Yes it is painful but applying anesthetic cream one hour before makes is bearable.
ThemiSmooth:
JS: This is a painless tightening treatment that uses radio frequency. I recommend three to five treatments spaced two weeks apart (initially) and then one treatment every six months for maintenance. Many patients also love to get a radio frequency treatment right before an event because it offers a really nice immediate result.
I had instant results with the ThermiSmooth treatment on my neck and around my eyes. And, it was painless!
MM: Are there any side effects from any of these procedures?
JS: Minimal side effect. Some individuals can experience some mild soreness/bruising for a few days to a week and sensation changes for up to a few weeks.
MM: Does the skin sag more after the fat burning procedures? If so, what can be done that is non invasive to remedy that?
JS: It can, but we are seeing (anecdotally) a really nice secondary outcome of some skin tightening with both CoolSculpting and SculpSure! Patients can also have nonsurgical skin tightening treatments as well such as ultherapy and thermi.
MM: Are the results of these treatments permanent?
JS: For CoolSculpting and SculpSure - yes - these are permanent fat reduction treatments. The skin tightening procedures like Ultherapy typically lasts one to two years and we usually recommend a maintenance radio frequency (ThermiSmooth) treatment every six months.
MM: Do you recommend these treatments to patients before undergoing the knife?
JS: If a patient can improve their aesthetic concerns by maybe 40-50%, non-surgically, and be happy with that, then there is no reason to pursue surgical option. On the other hand, if someone is seeking a faster and more dramatic outcome, then surgery will likely be best option. We like to make sure our patients are well-educated about all of their options (both surgical and nonsurgical) prior to undergoing a procedure. Many patients will try some of the non-surgical therapies if they are unsure about surgery.
MM: Is there a point in time (age wise) where surgery is just the best option?
JS: Not necessarily - it often just depends on what bothers a person and by how much.
MM: If you start these therapies in your thirties, does it slow down the aging process and by how much?
JS: Sure! It provides a nice adjunct to a healthy lifestyle and good skin care!
Dr. Schwartz is offering a ThermiSmooth & ThermiVa Family and Friends Special to those of you who follow my blog. Details will be announced in the next post or call Tam at 844-411-2424 for more information. Mention Melissa Meyers to schedule a complimentary consultation and appointment with Chelsea for these discounts. Offer good through 6/30/16.
Check out special deals and offerings from his practice on realself.com here.
Dr. Jaime Schwartz, M.D., F.A.C.S., Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz, M.D., is a board-certified surgeon who graduated from Tulane University before attending the renowned Georgetown University School of Medicine. After Dr. Schwartz scored in the top three-percent in the United States on the medical licensing exam, he was accepted into the integrated plastic surgery training program at Georgetown University Hospital. From there, he went on to complete a fellowship in facial and body aesthetic surgery at the nationally ranked Cleveland Clinic, before Dr. Nassif personally chose him to join the team at Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery.
Jaime S. Schwartz, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
National Expert & Educator in Aesthetic & Restorative Plastic Surgery
Director-Beverly Hills Breast and Body Institute
Adjunct Clinical Professor-Cleveland Clinic
p/f (844) 411-BHBI (2424)
www.BeverlyHillsBodyInstitute.com
www.BeverlyHillsBreastInstitute.com
www.SpaldingPlasticSurgery.com
To book an appointment with Dr. Schwartz, contact Melissa Brannen at 844-411-2424.
Chelsea Hagopian, MSN, AGACNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner for Dr. Schwartz who performs the non-invasive treatments
Chelsea Hagopian is a board certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specializing in aesthetic medicine with a dedicated focus on nonsurgical body contouring, skin tightening and skin rejuvenation procedures. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in nursing from Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in Atlanta, Georgia, where she had the honor of serving as the President of Graduate Nursing Council, Publicity Chair for the Alpha Epsilon chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and other leadership roles. She maintains several professional affiliations, including, American Society of Plastic Surgery Nurses, California Association for Nurse Practitioners, Sigma Theta Tau International and Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association.