You’ve worked hard on your diet and your workouts, and the small bulge on your lower stomach and inner thighs still hasn’t changed. Now you’re weighing liposuction against a non-surgical option, and you’d like an honest answer about which one fits you. Body contouring in Washington, DC usually starts with that conversation, and our SculpSure page is a good place to read up first.
Here’s what you can expect when you meet with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marilyn Berzin at our Body Contouring Center on L Street NW.
Am I a Better Candidate for Body Contouring or Liposuction?
That depends on how much you’d like to change. In general, non-surgical fat reduction suits a small, pinchable bulge in someone close to their goal weight. Then again, if you’re hoping for a dramatic change in one visit, Dr. Berzin will tell you honestly that liposuction with a plastic surgeon may serve you better.
What Happens at My Consultation for Body Contouring in Washington, DC?
At the start of your consultation, you and Dr. Berzin will look at each area in a mirror while you stand. Next, she’ll gently pinch the bulge to see how much is soft fat and how firm your skin feels around it. Be sure to tell her how quickly you’d like to see a change and how much downtime you can take. It’s OK to be honest about your budget, too! If you’ve had liposuction quotes elsewhere, feel free to bring them along. Based on your conversation, she’ll recommend a plan for each area, or let you know that surgery is the better route.
How Much Fat Can Body Contouring Remove Compared With Liposuction?
Less in a single visit, but often enough for a small bulge. With SculpSure, you’ll lie comfortably for about 25 minutes per area while you feel waves of warmth followed by cooling, and each treatment can reduce up to 25% of the fat in that area. Since SculpSure can treat more than one area at a time, your stomach and inner thighs can often be done at the same visit. In contrast, liposuction removes more in one procedure, with anesthesia, small scars and a longer recovery. If you’d like to tone the muscle underneath at the same time, Dr. Berzin may suggest Emsculpt.
How Quickly Will I See My Body Contouring Results?
Typically, your body clears the treated fat over about 12 weeks, so you’ll notice the change gradually. Following each session, you can return to work or the gym that same day. Keep in mind that the area may feel tender or a little firm for a few days. Many patients book one to three sessions per area, spaced several weeks apart. Afterward, you’ll come back for a check-in, and the two of you will compare photos side by side. Our front desk can walk you through our flexible payment options when you schedule.
Can I Still Have Liposuction Later If Body Contouring Isn’t Enough?
Yes. In fact, many patients try a non-surgical plan first and decide later. Rest assured, choosing one path now doesn’t close the door on the other. In the event your skin has lost some elasticity, Dr. Berzin will mention it at your consultation, since it affects either choice. For more background, read our posts on the best body contouring in Washington, DC and how non-surgical body contouring is priced in DC.
Dr. Berzin is a consultant and instructor for Exilis, and Washingtonian magazine has named her one of the region’s Top Doctors. Together with Dr. Anju Pabby, she’ll help you decide whether body contouring in Washington, DC is the right fit for the change you have in mind.
See DC’s Most Trusted Dermatologists
You’ll leave your consultation with Marilyn Berzin, MD, knowing whether non-surgical fat reduction fits your goals, how many sessions to plan, and when surgery would make more sense.
Call DC Derm Docs at 202-822-9591 to book your appointment.
