Month: April 2019

What to Expect from CoolSculpting

Posted on by riverviewface

CoolSculpting is a great way to get rid of unwanted body fat in problem areas that exercise and diet can’t address. But before beginning any sort of cosmetic treatment, it’s important to manage your expectations and understand what the procedure you’re having is capable of. In this article, we are going to talk about what to expect from a CoolSculpting session.

Before Your Appointment

Before your CoolSculpting appointment, the first thing you should do is consult with a CoolSculpting specialist about your options. Not everyone is a good candidate for CoolSculpting so it’s important to determine the best treatment options for your situation. This is also a good time for you to talk with your doctor about what type of results you can expect from the procedure.

During Your Appointment

Depending on the patient and the specific area being treated, CoolSculpting sessions can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes on average per area. It is often possible to have multiple areas treated in one session. The procedure itself is completely painless and requires no anesthetic whatsoever.

After Your Appointment

Patients typically begin to see results in 1-3 months following their procedure. It’s important for patients to remember that CoolSculpting is not a weight loss method that can replace diet and exercise. It is a supplemental treatment that can eliminate stubborn fat from problem areas that diet and exercise aren’t able to handle.

Twin Cities CoolSculpting Clinic

If you are searching for a CoolSculpting Clinic in the Twin Cities area, look no further than Riverview Facial Plastic & Total Body Aesthetic! We offer a wide range of cosmetic services – both surgical and non-invasive. Dr. Daniel Schneider is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience treating patients in the state of Minnesota. Contact us today at our St. Paul clinic to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Jessica’s Journey with Clean Start Weight Loss, Part 4

Posted on by riverviewface

Note: this is part 4 of an ongoing guest blog series by Jessica Joyce, documenting her preparations on the road to the 2019 Mrs. MN America Pageant. Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Hi! I’m back for more Clean Start and weight loss talk! I have learned so much throughout the past six weeks and have regained skills to live my healthiest life. By manipulating carbohydrate and caloric intake, I have now entered into a state of ketosis.  I no longer crave sugar and my body performs at an optimal level using protein as its fuel source. I have better mental focus and clarity, improved sleep and experience fewer headaches! I find my energy levels are consistent throughout the day, never hitting that mid-afternoon wall. What I have also enjoyed throughout this process is having so much endurance in my weight training and cardio workouts! As my body fat and weight have decreased, I have been able to maintain my strength and feel energized while exercising. A total win!

Clean Start Maintenance Phase

I have successfully hit my target body fat and weight goals! Over the course of 6 weeks I have reduced my body fat by 5 percent and created a new baseline weight by resetting my metabolism. I am now in the maintenance phase of Clean Start! I am excited to implement what I have learned in the past six weeks into this phase of my diet. Sometimes transitioning from a rigid diet to a lifestyle diet can be difficult. Listed below are tips and strategies I have found most effective throughout my weight loss journey and that I will continue to follow to keep my current state.

Food journal

Keeping track of all nutrition consumed is a must. Journaling your food intake can show patterns to eating and help identify where areas of improvement need to be made. Journaling emotions along with nutrition is also helpful to show any correlation between nutrition and emotional state.

Meal Prep

Prepare meals for 3-4 days and store in Tupperware containers with calories and macros (fat, protein, carbs) labeled.  This takes out the guess work and will save time and money.

Daily Weight Check

Weighing yourself daily is an effective weight loss tool. This can create self-awareness and lead to better weight control behaviors. By monitoring body weight closely, modifications to diet can be made accordingly.

Consume Caffeine

Iced coffee is my favorite treat. A little jolt of caffeine can help push through a craving and is great before a workout. Caffeine may also help boost your metabolic rate and burn more fat.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water (around 60-70 oz. per day) can help with satiety and prevent dehydration.

Sleep 7-8 Hours

The body repairs, both physically and mentally, when at rest. Getting enough rest will also keep your cortisol levels in check which helps to regulate metabolism.

Dietary Supplements

A health/nutrition specialist can determine what supplements your body needs. I take Magnesium L-Threonate, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, CLA, Omega 3 Fish Oil and Collagen Protein Hydrolysate. I take Magnesium L-Threonate because it is the only magnesium that passes through the blood brain barrier. This helps to regulate anxious tendencies and balance cortisol.

Fasted Cardio

Perform cardiovascular exercise in a fasted state 1 or 2 times per week. Fasted cardio is a controversial issue in the fitness industry. I have always performed fasted cardio when prepping for fitness competitions and have seen great results. I will continue to do this to give me an edge.

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Incorporating HIIT into your workout routine has many benefits. They include: A boost in metabolism, higher calorie burn, higher EPOC (Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption), preserves muscle while burning more fat and can be performed anywhere without equipment.

Committed Mind Set

Being committed to your maintenance phase is just as important as during a weight loss phase! Be passionate about your health and continue on with the same great habits you worked so hard to form!

I am amazed at how fast my body adapted with The Clean Start Weight Loss Program and how quickly I reached my target goal! This is the fastest my body has ever leaned up. I am committed to stay on track to maintain my current fitness level. I want to make sure to bring my best, both mentally and physically, to the stage when I compete for Mrs. Minnesota America this June! I will be back to give updates on my maintenance phase and pageant preparation fun!

If you are interested in starting your health journey contact Riverview Facial Plastic Surgery and Total Body Aesthetic. You can also follow Riverview Facial Plastic Surgery on Facebook and leave a comment under this post. Dr. Schneider and his staff are dedicated to helping you look and feel your best!

6 FAQs About Botox

Posted on by riverviewface

Here are a few commonly asked questions about Botox answered by Riverview Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Schneider!

Who is a good candidate for Botox?

Nearly everyone is a candidate for Botox as long as there is no history of allergy to onabotulinum or current pregnancy.

When is the best time to start getting Botox?

The ideal time to start Botox would be before lines emerge on the face in areas I commonly treat which include around the eyes, between the eyebrows and the mid forehead.

Why is preventive Botox important?

Preventive medicine is always easier and better than therapeutic medicine as we can now prevent the problem, mainly wrinkles on the face at rest.  The goal is not a “frozen” look, but rather a more relaxed and refreshed appearance.

When will you see the results of Botox?

Most patient see the results within 5-7 days.  Unlike facial fillers which take effect immediately, Botox has to be absorbed at the cellular level before it works.

How long does Botox last?

Botox generally works for 3-4 months. Some patients get injections on this schedule whereas some prefer injections 1-2 times a year.

How many units will I need and where are the most common places to have Botox injected?

It depends on your area of concern and budget.  If it is only the Crow’s feet at the corners of the eye that bother you it may only be 9-15 units a side whereas if it is the mid forehead lines that bother you that may only need 12-15 units.  The area between the eyes, also called the vertical 11’s that develop from expressions of anger and frustration, are usually treated with 20-25 units. Patients need to remember that Botox and facial fillers like Juvederm or Restylane work to complement one another when used to treat the vertical 11 area.

Common Plastic Surgery Procedures by Patient Age

Posted on by riverviewface

Plastic surgery can benefit patients of all backgrounds and of most ages. But the types of procedures patients get is highly dependent on their age. In this article, we are going to talk about some common plastic surgery procedures by age range.

Patients in their Teens (13 – 19)

Teenagers are typically not good candidates for plastic surgery procedures as their bodies are still changing while they go through puberty. However, one notable exception is the rhinoplasty procedure. Rhinoplasty is the most common plastic surgery procedure in patients aged 13-19. This is because the nose is already fully formed at this age and won’t change as a result of puberty.

Patients in their 20s-30s

While many patients still are not seeing any significant signs of aging in their 20s-30s, the body typically begins to slow down – making it harder to keep weight off. This makes CoolSculpting and other non-invasive techniques a popular choice for patients this age.

Patients in their 40s-50s

This is the age at which many patients begin to see noticeable signs of aging that can decrease self-confidence. Blepharoplasty is the most common procedure among patients in their 40s-50s. This procedure lifts the eyelids and prevents the patient from appearing tired or worn out.

Patients Over 55

At this age, the body has naturally worn down significantly due to natural wear-and-tear. Patients often have deep facial wrinkles, sagging and drooping, and jowls. As a result, a full facelift is one of the most common procedures among patients of this age.

St. Paul Aesthetic Clinic

At Riverview Facial Plastic & Total Body Aesthetic, we offer a full range of cosmetic services aimed at meeting your goals. From non-invasive facial fillers to face lift surgery – we’ve got everything you need to help you look as good as you feel! As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Daniel Schneider has years of experience treating patients throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Contact us today at our St. Paul cosmetic clinic to learn more about our services and to set up your appointment.

Jessica’s Journey with Clean Start Weight Loss, Part 3

Posted on by riverviewface

Note: this is part 3 of an ongoing guest blog series by Jessica Joyce, documenting her preparations on the road to the 2019 Mrs. MN America Pageant. Read Part 1 and Part 2.

I am now a month into my Mrs. Minnesota America prep! One month of Clean Start, carb cycling and intense workouts! Having a focused mind and being 100% committed to my goal is keeping me on track. I am feeling healthier than ever since I have eliminated sugar from my diet. Not only am I seeing more definition, I am noticing clearer skin, less allergies and increased energy! My body fat percentage is now at 14.2%, for a total body fat loss of 4.5% in one month. I am loving these results and plan to keep pushing hard!

Since this is a blog about all things pageant preparation related I’m going to talk about another service I have been getting at Riverview Facial Plastic Surgery – Botox! Yes, Botox! Botox is very popular for aesthetic purposes. This injectable is used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing the muscle. While Botox is becoming very mainstream, there are still people who feel it is taboo to talk about. I am not one of those people and plan on being transparent. I have been getting Botox mainly for preventive purposes and have loved my experience so far! It makes me happy and I feel more confident! I am excited to share my experience and fill you in on some of the details of what to expect.

My Botox Story                                                                                                                             

I got Botox for the first time four months ago, at age 36, after hearing amazing things about it at an event I had recently attended. What really inspired me to give it a try was when I heard it being described as “putting life into your soul”. Who doesn’t want that! So, I went home and did research on the best place to go. I’m very particular. Finding an experienced, skilled surgeon was very important to me.  After reading great reviews, I scheduled a consultation with Dr. Schneider.

My Consultation and First Injection

Upon arriving at Riverview Facial Plastic Surgery, I was instantly put at ease with a warm and friendly welcome. After taking a tour of Riverview’s beautiful office we took “before” pictures then discussed my areas of concern and expectations.

After my consultation with Dr. Schneider, I knew I was in the right place and was ready to get my first Botox injection. I am generally terrified of needles and I can honestly say, the injections did not hurt at all. Dr. Schneider started conservatively with my crow’s feet. I had 9 units injected on each side for a total of 18 units. Two months after that I had Botox on my forehead and above my eyebrows which consisted of around 30 units. I had no injection marks, redness, swelling, bruising or headaches. The entire procedure took around 5 minutes, was pain free, and there was no down time.

My Botox Results

I noticed results starting to take effect after about four days for crow’s feet and I would say it took around a week to see the full effect on my forehead and above my eyebrows. I am very impressed with the results!! My forehead now looks smoother and shinier. And my overall appearance is more refreshed – like I had a really good night sleep! Nothing better than looking well rested and fresh! The effects of Botox last around 3-4 months and the average cost is $11-$14/unit. I’m so glad I decided to take the plunge into the world of Botox!