Chances are if you recognize the lyrics, you could probably benefit from the treatment. After two babies and many midnight feedings, mostly chocolate cake and cold pizza, I'm stuck with the perpetual tummy pooch. And like a bad marriage, no matter how much I try to make it better, it just won't go away. So over brunch my best friend and I decide to fight back with the help of beauty boot camp guru, Dr. Gervaise Gerstner.
Thanks to Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, who has become more of a "lifestyle and beauty therapist" rather than just my dermatologist. She is a beauty ambassador who always dazzles with her smile. After all, there is nothing wrong with getting your glow on with a healthy dose of Park Avenue style. After measuring the area, we decide it is the perfect time to test the Zeltiq coolsculpting treatment, the appeal being that it's totally non-invasive with virtually no downtime in recovery. It targets fatty areas that seem resistant to exercise (pooch bellies, back fat and persevering love handles don't stand a chance) and given my allergy to exercise, I am the perfect candidate.
The treatment was developed by Harvard University scientists and based on the idea that cold can selectively affect fat cells. During a one-hour coolsculpting session, a molded cup is placed over the desired area. In my case, the love handles and lower belly. The intense suction pulls the fat into the cup where it's sucked up like a vacuum and frozen solid. After the first five minutes, I am able to relax and get some work done on my ipad. After about an hour, Dr. Gerstner returns and removes the suction cup and the area now resembles something like a frozen bar of butter. After an uncomfortable massage to the area, it recedes back to its original state and for the next few hours I feel nothing but a little soreness. She explains some of the fat cells have been destroyed and will be gradually removed by the immune system over the course of the next four months. I can hardly wait!
As far as procedures go, it's non-invasive but not inexpensive. However, a big plus, I was able to get the skinny in just under an hour. After several months, I can now see a difference. Although the bulge is better, the overall look isn't as smooth as I would have liked. For me, it was worth it since I did achieve the one percent reduction around my middle and although I would have to hit the gym to be bikini-ready, I got a much needed jump back into my skinny jeans.
Dr. Gerstner has recently created The Bar by the SKINny Experts. The first edible beauty bar, which is a vegan, gluten-free energy bar packed with protein, fiber and complexion-enhancing ingredients.
And the best part--it's totally delicious!