When it comes to having your questions answered regarding non-surgical body contouring procedures, there is no better person to turn to than an expert. Whether you are looking to achieve firmer skin, toned muscles, or a reduction in excess fat, Dr. Nkem Ugonabo, M.D., M.P.H., at UnionDerm is here to help you achieve the results you are seeking with a customized, and effective, treatment plan.
Nkem Ugonabo, M.D., M.P.H., is a board-certified dermatologist who received her Bachelor of Arts and Human Sciences from Stanford University. She later went on to receive her Master of Public Health from Harvard and her M.D. degree from the University of Michigan. She was appointed chief resident during her final year of dermatology residency at NYU Medical Center. She underwent advanced fellowship training in cosmetic dermatology and lasers, making her an expert when it comes to cosmetic devices.
Dr. Ugonabo has also led, and participated in, several clinical trials focused on the advancement of body procedures, including: a study with Sofwave that helped secure FDA clearance for improvement in the appearance of cellulite; and an Accufit study that demonstrated the effectiveness of the device to treat the arms.
We collected questions regarding non-surgical body procedures offered at UnionDerm for Dr. Ugonabo to answer. Below are her insightful and informed answers.
What different types of body contouring treatments are available at UnionDerm?
Body contouring is a non-invasive intervention that can help you sculpt your ideal body. At UnionDerm we offer a wide variety of body contouring treatments that span all categories of patient needs. If you are looking for a way to achieve fat reduction, we offer CoolSculpting, truSculpt and Kybella. For muscle toning and strengthening, we offer Accufit treatments. And for cellulite treatment, we offer radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, Sofwave, and Velashape. For skin tightening, we offer Sofwave, Ultherapy, Thermage and RF microneedling.
How do I know which body contouring procedure is right for me?
A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is the best first step to knowing which procedure is right for you. At your consultation, we can discuss not only your specific body concerns but also go through all the treatment options we have available. We will consider what results you are looking to achieve, how much downtime you are comfortable with, how many treatment sessions you will need, and the cost of treatment before we ultimately come up with a customized plan that works best for you.
How does temperature play a role in reducing fat with treatments like CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting utilizes a process called cryoliposis, which means freezing fat cells in the treated area. These fat cells are then eliminated by the body naturally, resulting in up to 20% fat reduction in the treated area. The procedure is quick, comfortable, and non-invasive. An applicator is placed on the treatment area, which suctions up the skin, cooling the fat cells, and numbing the treatment area. UnionDerm now offers CoolSculpting Elite treatments, with larger paddles and a curved applicator designed to better hug the body’s contours.
How do the results from muscle building treatments, like Accufit, differ from those achieved with exercise alone?
Accufit is a muscle stimulation device that builds muscle via attachable electrodes on your desired treatment area (e.g., abdomen, glutes, arms, hamstrings). Similar to exercise, it builds and tones muscle via muscle contractions and uses waveforms to simulate exercises as it goes through several motions such as twists, holds, grips, and taps. Combing Accufit treatments with regular exercise produces the best results, with most patients reporting that they feel stronger and can lift more weight.
What are your favorite tightening and toning devices to combine to achieve the most comprehensive results? What are the benefits of combining these treatments?
Depending on your specific concern, we may recommend a combination of treatments to achieve the best results. For example, many patients want to tone an area of the body that might have both unwanted fat as well as skin laxity. In this case, a combination of fat reduction treatment in addition a skin tightening treatment would be ideal to best address their concerns most effectively and lead to better outcomes. Ultimately, the consultation appointment will include a discussion of these combination treatments, when indicated.
What treatment options do you recommend specifically for neck contouring and tightening?
Treatment options for the neck vary depending on the specific concern that bothers you in that area. For skin laxity on the neck, I love ultrasound based treatments such as Ultherapy or Sofwave to help tighten loose or sagging skin. For horizontal neck lines, I often use a combination of filler and neurotoxin (e.g. Botox). This results in a smoother neck appearance without the disruption of lateral neck lines. For textured or “crepey” skin on the neck, we may opt for collagen-stimulating fillers such as Radiesse. Over time these fillers will encourage the production of collagen and elastin, contributing to a firmer and more youthful appearance.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about non-surgical body procedures offered at UnionDerm, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ugonabo by filling out an online contact form. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have, as well as discuss your aesthetic goals and desires.