CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved procedure from Zeltiq that delivers controlled cooling energy to freeze fat cells via a process called cryolipolysis. A suction-based applicator draws both the skin and underlying subcutaneous (fat) tissue into the handpiece, delivering cooling energy which over the course of the treatment freezes and crystallizes the fat cells. Since suction is used to draw the adipose tissue into the applicator, you must have pinchable fat in order to benefit from the treatment. Someone with a very small problem area may not be a candidate for this procedure.

Following treatment, which takes approximately 1 hour per area, the applicator is removed, leaving what is often referred to as a  “stick of butter” as the area has taken the shape of the applicator. The area is then massaged to break and fragment the crystallized fat cells. The damaged fat cells are filtered and eliminated from the body over the course of the following few months. Many people ask us how CoolSculpting is able to freeze the fat cells and without damaging the skin? This is because fat is more sensitive to temperature than skin, so the fat cells freeze before the skin freezes. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that offers permanent results.
There is some mild discomfort associated with this procedure. Patients have reported discomfort with the suction applicator and during the freezing process, but most report that the area becomes numb a few minutes into the treatment. After the procedure has been completed, it is common to have soreness and bruising. You may also experience tingling or a burning sensation in the area once the nerves in the treated area awaken. Recovery really depends on the person, but it is marketed as a no down-time procedure. The need for several treatments is common with most non-invasive fat reduction procedures, including CoolSculpting. It is important to remember that results are not instant and it can take weeks or even months to see any change.
Cynosure’s SculpSure is an FDA-approved non-invasive, laser lipolysis treatment to reduce fat. It is the latest and most advanced non-invasive fat reduction method available in the United States. This technology uses precise hyperthermic energy, or in layman’s terms- heat-  to target and eliminate fat cells using a 1060nm Diode laser. Once heated, the injured fat cells are ejected from the adipose tissue. These ejected and damaged fat cells are filtered out by the body over the course of several weeks and months. During treatment, the skin is cooled for protection and comfort.
The fact that fat heats up faster than it freezes allows the SculpSure treatment to take a fraction of the time than that of CoolSculpting. The SculpSure device has four laser applicators that lay flat on the skin, so there is no uncomfortable suction involved.

Additionally, because the applicators lay flat on the skin, SculpSure can treat smaller problem areas (you don’t have to have pinchable fat to be treated). These applicators can also treat a larger surface area. It takes twenty-five minutes, versus 45 minutes to an hour, to utilize the four applicators. The number of applicators needed will depend on the areas you are having treated. Patients have reported feeling sensations of warmth, tingling or mild cramping during treatment. Overall, the SculpSure procedure is well tolerated by patients and the abbreviated treatment time is significant.
Following SculpSure treatment you may have some mild tenderness in the area, but no pain or bruising has been reported. You are able to return to normal activity immediately. Several treatments may be necessary to achieve the best results. Similar to CoolSculpting, results with SculpSure are not instant and it does take weeks or even months to see a reduction in the treated area. The results are permanent. Cynosure’s SculpSure reports up to a 24% fat reduction in the treatment area per treatment. In addition, a benefit of SculpSure is that it boasts skin tightening as an added bonus, which is unique to laser therapies and cannot be achieved via cryolipolysis or CoolSculpting.
Both treatments are considered to be viable options for non-invasive fat reduction, offering significant, long-term effects. It is always recommended for you to research the available treatment option in order to choose which procedure is right for you. If you’re truly interested in a non-invasive procedure to help reduce fat, choose Paragon Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Mansfield, TX as a partner in reaching your body contouring goals.
To request a personal consultation with Dr. Mark Bishara, call us at Paragon Plastic Surgery & Medspa at (817) 473-2120 or complete our online contact form today.

Ultherapy
Do you need a lift? Are you looking in to doing something for the loose skin on your neck or jowls but are not ready to go under the knife? Ultherapy might be the treatment for you! Ultherapy is the only non-invasive treatment that is FDA-cleared to lift the skin on the neck and under the chin and the eyebrow. It is also newly approved to treat the lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. Here at Paragon Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, Dr. Mark A. Bishara and his staff along with Ultherapy can give you a more youthful, natural looking you!
How does it work?
Ultherapy uses safe, time-tested ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production. The energy is specifically delivered to the same layer treated during a face lift without cutting or harming the surface of the skin. The ultrasound energy heats the layer between 60-70 degrees centigrade that triggers Neo-collagenesis.
What to expect?
Depending on the area being treated, the treatment may take 60-90 minutes to perform. Your skin will be cleansed and marked appropriately for the area to be treated. As the ultrasound energy is delivered you may feel some mild to moderate discomfort. It is recommended to take some over the counter pain relievers before your treatment and comfort levels vary from patient to patient but the sensation only lasts while the energy is being delivered. You may have some slight redness and swelling that dissipates within a few hours. Some patients may experience  tenderness and bruising that may last a few days.
How many treatments do I need?
Most patients only need one treatment. However, depending on the degree of laxity and collagen-building process, some may benefit from additional treatments. Since the aging process never stops annual touch up treatments can prolong their results.
Is there any downtime?
There is no downtime with Ultherapy. You are able to resume all your normal activities and skin care regimen at home.
When will I see results?
You may see some initial effects from the treatment right away but generally the ultimate results will take place over 2-3 months and up to 6-9 months.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR Ultherapy , PLEASE CONTACT US (817) 473-2120 OR EMAIL APPOINTMENTS@MARKBISHARAMD.COM TO SCHEDULE AN  APPOINTMENT.
   


 

 
We all know that botox works for wrinkles but did you know it can work for breasts? Botulinum toxin type A can now play a role in inhibiting one of the most serious breast surgery complications-  capsular contracture.
Capsular contracture is an immune system response to foreign materials in the body. It mostly occurs from complications from breast implants and artificial joint prosthetics. It is followed by the formation of capsules of tightly woven collagen fibers tightening and compressing to the implant. It can occur in different grades and become very discomforting and painful to the touch.
Now researchers have found that botox can reduce the capsule thickness by injecting 0.5 mL into implant pockets and found it had also decreased inflammatory cells. Once validated in a clinical setting, this may be another use for the neurotoxin. In a published article in 2015 in the Archives of Plastic Surgery authors wrote about botox’s role and suggesting it may be effective in reducing keloid scarring, which is similar to implant capsules.
Current uses for Botox include treating facial wrinkles, hyperhydrosis, blepharospasm and migraines. This could be just another beneficial use for the neurotoxin after performing more patient research.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BREAST SURGERY AND BOTOX SERVICES, PLEASE CONTACT US (817) 473-2120 OR EMAIL APPOINTMENTS@MARKBISHARAMD.COM TO SCHEDULE AN  APPOINTMENT.
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Have you ever looked at your tattoo and wondered “What was I thinking?” Well there is help with laser tattoo removal. The technology of laser tattoo removal has evolved over the years to be safe and effective for all skin types with little side effects compared to how it was done in the past. Here at Paragon Plastic Surgery and Med Spa Dr. Mark A. Bishara and his staff can help you get rid of that tattoo with our state of the art technology.
 
How does it work?
Tattoo removal lasers, also called Q-switch lasers, use very short and fast pulses to help break the ink into much smaller particles to be carried away by the body’s white blood cells and transfer it to the liver. The ink is recognized as a toxin in the body and will flush it out through the lymphatic system like all other toxins. Black ink typically responds the best because of the 1064 wavelength that is absorbed by darker colors. Other wavelengths such as the 532 KTP or the 694 Ruby laser are absorbed by colors like red, blue and green. There are many other factors that play a role in laser tattoo removal such as, size, location, the individual’s ability to heal, how the tattoo was done and how long has it been in place.
 
How many sessions will I need?
Typically with laser tattoo removal it is hard to guarantee how many treatments it will take with so many factors that play a role in laser tattoo removal. Tattoo removal can usually take anywhere between 6 to 15 sessions spaced out every 6 to 8 weeks.
 
Does it hurt?
Most patients describe the treatment as equally uncomfortable as getting the tattoo. The plus side of that is that it can be done extremely fast compared to getting it done. To help alleviate some discomfort an anesthetic topical cream and some ice may be applied 30 minutes before the treatment.
What can I expect after my treatment?
Following the treatment your technician will apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the tattoo with a bandage or gauze. You will experience a sunburn like sensation and mild to moderate swelling. You must keep the area clean and covered with ointment for 3 days. It is also very important to keep your tattoo out of the sun while receiving your treatments to avoid increased sensitivity from the laser. The area might also form a scab, which should be handled gently. After healing, the ink will gradually fade.
 
What are the side effects?
Side effects are typically few but may include hypo- or hyperpigmentation, lack of complete pigment removal and a small percentage of permanent scarring.
If you are considering laser tattoo removal, Dr. Mark A. Bishara and his staff can help you get on your way to removing your unwanted tattoo.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LASER TATTOO REMOVAL, PLEASE CONTACT US (817) 473-2120 OR EMAIL APPOINTMENTS@MARKBISHARAMD.COM TO SCHEDULE AN  APPOINTMENT.
   
 
 

Have you ever considered treatments for loose skin? There are many non-surgical options out there for mild skin laxity. Here at Paragon Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, Dr. Mark A. Bishara and his staff stand behind the technology of Near Infrared Skin Tightening.

What is Near Infrared Skin Tightening?

Near Infrared is a wavelength that emits light in the 780-1000nm where the optical window is necessary for direct sub-dermal heating of the connective tissue. The light helps to heat up the water content of your skin which stimulates collagen to contract and tighten. Your body’s natural healing process will start to produce new collagen to firm and tighten the appearance of your skin.
Who is Near Infrared Skin Tightening for?
Here at Paragon Plastic Surgery and Med Spa we believe the best candidate for skin tightening are typically younger patients who are not candidates for surgery. Or, they may be older and experience mild to moderate skin laxity and do not want to undergo surgery. Another reason one might choose Near Infrared Skin Tightening over surgery is cost.
How long does it take?
The treatment can take 20-45 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.
How many treatments does it take?
Here at Paragon Plastic Surgery and Med Spa for best results a series of 6 treatments done every 2-3 weeks is recommended for smoother, tighter skin.
Is there downtime?
There is no downtime after Near Infrared Skin Tightening. You will experience some warmth and redness that will fade within a few hours. Generally you may resume all regular activities after your treatment.
When will I see results?
You may see some immediate results with gradual improvement over a period of 4-8 weeks as new collagen is formed. Results can be maintained with one or two treatments a year.
If you are considering Near Infrared Skin Tightening or are curious if it is right for you, come see us at Paragon Plastic Surgery and Med Spa and let Dr. Mark A. Bishara and his staff recommend the treatment that is best for you and your needs.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NON SURGICAL SKIN TIGHTENING TREATMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT US (817) 473-2120 OR EMAIL APPOINTMENTS@MARKBISHARAMD.COM TO SCHEDULE AN  APPOINTMENT.