If you’re struggling with unwanted fat, there are options to slim and reshape your body. The skilled dermatological surgeons at Moy-Fincher-Chipps Facial Plastics/Dermatology in Beverly Hills can help. Body contouring can permanently eliminate pockets of stubborn fat that refuse to surrender to diet and exercise. While there are many different body-sculpting techniques available, the experts at Moy-Fincher-Chipps offer successful results with noninvasive Vanquish treatments and tumescent liposuction. Read the Q&A interview with Board-Certified dermatologist Dr. Lisa Chipps below.

Nonsurgical Vanquish is great if you seek body sculpting without incisions, recovery or any downtime. Liposuction remains a minimally invasive option for those who wish to maximally transform shape. Which is right for you? Talk to the experts and find out.

What is the difference between CoolSculpting and Vanquish?

CoolSculpting is older technology to freeze fat cells. Once frozen into little ice cubes, the fat cells rupture and die. The newer technologies, like Vanquish, are focused on killing the fat cells by heating them up. In addition to destroying the fat cells, the radiofrequency technology of Vanquish causes tightening and smoothing of the overlying skin.

Is Vanquish for spot treatments only?

Vanquish is a targeted treatment, focusing energy and results onto specific problem areas. Multiple areas can be treated in one session. One of our most popular treatments is the “Shrink Wrap” treatment, in which the belly, love handles, and lower back fat are all targeted.

How many Vanquish treatments will I need?

For best results, we recommend weekly treatments for six weeks.

How many inches will I lose with Vanquish?

In the clinical trials, the average reduction in abdominal circumference was 5cm, or about 2 inches. That’s an extra notch or two in your belt. Results do vary, and we note that thinner patients have less fat to lose, and therefore, have less dramatic results.

Is Vanquish an alternative to Liposuction?

Vanquish is an alternative to liposuction for patients with a targeted pocket of unwanted fat. Both treatments yield long-lasting results. Neither is a substitute for exercise and health diet, and neither is a form of weight reduction.

How much time does it take to recovery from liposuction?

Our technique of tumescent liposuction under local anesthesia requires minimal recovery time. Because patients are comfortably awake throughout the procedure, there is no worry about recovery from anesthesia. Patients wear compression garments (like Spanx) for a week or two after the procedure and may resume exercise after the first week.

Can I use Spanx instead of a compression garment after liposuction?

For the first week, we recommend medical-grade compression garments. Starting the second week after liposuction, many patients find Spanx or similar garments as a comfortable alternative.

How long do I have to wear a compression garment?

We recommend that patients wear some form of compression garment for several weeks after liposuction.

How do I prepare for body contouring?

Body contouring works best for patients who, through lifestyle habits, have achieved a steady shape and weight for many months or even years. Body contouring is not a form of weight loss. Think of it as sculpting, or re-shaping, problem areas. For Vanquish treatments, we see the best results when patients come to the sessions well hydrated.

Do I have to be at my ideal weight to be a good candidate?

No, good candidates do not have to be at their ideal weight. They just need to be at a steady, constant weight. If your weight is changing, we recommend you wait until it stabilizes before you begin body contouring.

How much weight can I lose after liposuction?

Liposuction is not a method of weight loss. Do not expect to lose weight from liposuction or from Vanquish. These techniques just re-shape problem areas.

If I gain weight after liposuction will the fat return in a different area?

When we gain weight, we do not gain fat cells. Instead, our existing fat cells swell as they take on more fat content. After liposuction, the treated areas have fewer fat cells, so the treated areas cannot swell with weight gain as untreated areas do. So if you do gain weight, you will see it distributed throughout your body more than in the areas that were treated with liposuction.

Is it true that new fat cells can develop after liposuction?

No. We have a limited number of fat cells. Each cell expands as we gain weight and shrinks as we lose weight. We do not grow new fat cells.