Body Treatments: A Comprehensive Guide to Nourish, Revitalize, and Rejuvenate Your Skin

Body Treatments by Sheperd Integrative Dermatology in Mount pleasant

Body treatments have become a beacon of hope for those seeking to enhance their physical appearance without resorting to invasive surgical procedures. From contouring stubborn pockets of fat to revitalizing the skin’s natural glow, these non-surgical interventions offer a path to a more confident and rejuvenated self. Whether it’s the innovative CoolSculpting® technology or the natural alternative of PDO Threading, the world of body treatments is rich with possibilities, opening doors to a sleeker, more muscular, and more sculpted physique.

CoolSculpting® & CoolTone™

CoolSculpting® and CoolTone™ together provide a comprehensive approach to body contouring. While CoolSculpting® focuses on reducing unwanted fat, CoolTone™ emphasizes muscle toning and strengthening. Both treatments are non-invasive, offering a convenient and effective way to achieve the desired body shape. 

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical fat reduction procedure that targets and eliminates stubborn fat cells beneath the skin. It’s designed for those areas resistant to diet and exercise, offering a sculpted appearance without surgery.

CoolSculpting® uses precisely controlled cooling to crystallize (freeze) the fat cells. Over time, the body naturally processes and eliminates these dead cells, leaving the treated area more contoured.

Benefits:

  • Safety: FDA-cleared and proven effective.
  • Convenience: No downtime, allowing immediate return to work.
  • Targeted Treatment: Precisely targets fat cells without affecting the surrounding tissue.

CoolTone

CoolTone™ is CoolSculpting’s muscle-strengthening counterpart. It’s designed to firm and tone the muscles in areas like the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs, making the body look trimmer, stronger, and sleeker.

CoolTone™ uses magnetic muscle stimulation to penetrate the muscle layers and induce involuntary muscle contractions. These contractions strengthen the muscles, leading to improved muscle conditioning.

Benefits:

  • Enhanced Appearance: Offers a firmer and more toned look.
  • Complementary to CoolSculpting®: Often used in conjunction with CoolSculpting® for a comprehensive body transformation.
  • Non-Invasive: Like CoolSculpting®, CoolTone™ is a non-surgical procedure, making it a preferred choice for many.

Threading

Threading with PDO Threads is a cutting-edge body treatment offering a non-surgical approach to lifting and rejuvenating the skin. Utilizing absorbable sutures it provides immediate lifting effects and stimulates natural collagen production. 

Its minimally invasive nature and the ability to resume normal activities quickly make it an appealing option for those seeking a natural and youthful appearance without undergoing major cosmetic surgery. 

How It Works:

  1. Preparation: A topical anesthetic is applied to make the procedure comfortable.
  2. Insertion: Flexible, durable, and absorbable PDO threads are inserted through a long cannula beneath the skin.
  3. Lifting: The threads are manipulated to achieve the desired lift, providing immediate visible results.
  4. Dissolution: Over time (6-9 months), the threads dissolve, stimulating collagen production and continuing to rejuvenate the skin.

Benefits:

  • Natural Appearance: Offers a natural lift without the need for surgery.
  • Minimal Downtime: Patients can usually resume normal activities after the treatment.
  • Collagen Stimulation: Encourages the body’s natural collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity and appearance.
  • Versatility: Can be used in various areas of the body, not just the face and neck.

Limitations:

  • Not for Severe Laxity: While practical for mild to moderate skin sagging, threading may not fix severe laxity.
  • Temporary Results: The effects are not permanent, as the threads dissolve over time, although collagen stimulation provides ongoing benefits.

The treatment may take up to two hours, depending on the areas treated and the desired results.

Kybella

Kybella® is an FDA-approved injectable treatment for eliminating fat storage under the chin, commonly called a “double chin.” It also targets fat in other body areas, offering a non-surgical solution to contour and shape specific regions. The active ingredient in Kybella® is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat.

How It Works

The active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid, a bile acid that is naturally produced by the liver and plays a crucial role in the digestion of fats. In the digestive system, deoxycholic acid breaks down fat by destroying the cell membranes of fat cells, allowing the body to absorb and process the fat.

Kybella takes this natural process and applies it to cosmetic treatment. When injected into targeted areas of fat beneath the skin, the deoxycholic acid in Kybella works similarly to how it functions in the digestive system. It interacts with the membranes of the fat cells, causing them to break down and rupture. Once the membranes are destroyed, the fat cells release their contents, which are metabolized and eliminated by the body’s natural processes.

Benefits:

  • Versatility: While primarily used for the chin area, Kybella® can also target fat in the jowls, lower buttocks, armpits, inner knees, lower belly, and “bra bulge.”
  • Non-Surgical: As an injectable treatment, Kybella® avoids surgery, anesthesia, and incisions.
  • Minimal Downtime: Most patients experience little downtime, making the treatment convenient and quick.
  • Permanent Results: Once the fat cells are destroyed, they cannot store fat again, leading to permanent results in the treated area.

Procedure Details:

  • Duration: A typical Kybella® session lasts around 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Number of Sessions: Multiple sessions may be required, spaced at least a month apart, to achieve the desired results.
  • Sensation: Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the injections, which can be managed with topical anesthetics or ice.

Considerations:

  • Not for Everyone: Kybella® is suitable for adults over 18 but may not be appropriate for everyone. A detailed consultation with a medical professional is essential.
  • Potential Side Effects: Temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, or redness may occur in the treated area but usually resolve within a few days or weeks.

Takeaway

Ready to embrace a more confident and rejuvenated you? At Sheperd Integrative Dermatology, we believe in personalized care and innovative solutions to help you achieve your desired body. Whether it’s sculpting away stubborn fat with CoolSculpting®, toning muscles with CoolTone™, or revitalizing your skin with our threading techniques, our expert team guides you through every step.

Don’t let anything hold you back from feeling and looking your best. Schedule your consultation with Sheperd Integrative Dermatology today and discover the transformative treatments tailored just for you. Your journey to a more radiant and sculpted self starts with a simple call. Contact us or request an appointment today to experience our medical or cosmetic services! 

You might also like

Dana Aman

PA-C

Board Certified Physician Assistant

Dana is a board-certified Physician Assistant with Sheperd Integrative Dermatology.  Originally from Florida, Dana obtained her undergraduate degree from Florida State University and then went on to earn a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from North Greenville University in Greenville, South Carolina.  After obtaining her advanced degree, Dana completed a rigorous 6-month dermatology training program in California as well as a Diplomate Fellowship with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.  After three years of specialized clinical dermatology practice in California, Dana moved to Charleston in 2023.  Dana’s patient care philosophy centers around active listening and shared decision-making. She believes that every patient should be an active participant in their healthcare journey and looks forward to establishing positive patient relationships at Sheperd Integrative Dermatology. 

Margaret Gierhart

LE

Margaret, a South Carolina native, is a Licensed Esthetician and makeup artist with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. She earned a BA in Psychology from the University of South Carolina. She began her career in beauty as the resident makeup artist for Bobbie Brown cosmetics at Saks Fifth Avenue in Charleston. In order to expand her knowledge, she earned her degree in esthetics from Trident Technical College, graduating with honors. She joined the Sheperd Integrative Dermatology staff in 2014 and is certified in a wide array of cosmetic procedures and skin care products. Her offerings include laser skin resurfacing, IPL, micro-needling, chemical peels, radio frequency, laser hair removal, and body contouring. Her background in both psychology and artistry gives her a deep capacity to care for patients and understand what makes them feel beautiful. A mother of two daughters, Margaret understands beauty as not only external appearance, but also as a manifestation of the inner qualities of kindness, generosity, and well-being.

Amy Jetter

BSN, RN

Amy brings her whole heart to her role on the Sheperd cosmetic team.  A graduate of Elon College and the Medical College of Virginia, Amy has been a board-certified nurse for over 30 years.  Bringing her skills as an ICU nurse into her role in cosmetic patient care, Amy provides a warm, reassuring presence to all her clients, listening to their concerns and collaborating with them in a plan to bring forth and enhance their natural beauty.  A standing member of the American Association of Plastic Surgery Nurses and a past RN trainer in cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, Amy offers all types of laser treatments, botox and dermal filler injections, and chemical peels.

Amy Jetter

BSN, RN

Amy brings her whole heart to her role on the Sheperd cosmetic team.  A graduate of Elon College and the Medical College of Virginia, Amy has been a board-certified nurse for over 30 years.  Bringing her skills as an ICU nurse into her role in cosmetic patient care, Amy provides a warm, reassuring presence to all her clients, listening to their concerns and collaborating with them in a plan to bring forth and enhance their natural beauty.  A standing member of the American Association of Plastic Surgery Nurses and a past RN trainer in cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, Amy offers all types of laser treatments, botox and dermal filler injections, and chemical peels.

Melissa Mancuso

Body Contouring Specialist

Melissa has six years of experience in body contouring, beginning with her role as the CoolSculpting representative for Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Since joining the Sheperd team, she has received additional training and now offers chemical peels, Vivace micro-needling, and Diamond Glow dermal infusion. She loves helping patients feel good about their bodies and teaching them about how the various cosmetic procedures can help them achieve the results they are seeking.

Margaret Gierhart

LE

Margaret, a South Carolina native, is a Licensed Esthetician and makeup artist with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. She earned a BA in Psychology from the University of South Carolina. She began her career in beauty as the resident makeup artist for Bobbie Brown cosmetics at Saks Fifth Avenue in Charleston. In order to expand her knowledge, she earned her degree in esthetics from Trident Technical College, graduating with honors. She joined the Sheperd Integrative Dermatology staff in 2014 and is certified in a wide array of cosmetic procedures and skin care products. Her offerings include laser skin resurfacing, IPL, micro-needling, chemical peels, radio frequency, laser hair removal, and body contouring. Her background in both psychology and artistry gives her a deep capacity to care for patients and understand what makes them feel beautiful. A mother of two daughters, Margaret understands beauty as not only external appearance, but also as a manifestation of the inner qualities of kindness, generosity, and well-being.

Margaret Gierhart

LE

Margaret, a South Carolina native, is a Licensed Esthetician and makeup artist with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. She earned a BA in Psychology from the University of South Carolina. She began her career in beauty as the resident makeup artist for Bobbie Brown cosmetics at Saks Fifth Avenue in Charleston. In order to expand her knowledge, she earned her degree in esthetics from Trident Technical College, graduating with honors. She joined the Sheperd Integrative Dermatology staff in 2014 and is certified in a wide array of cosmetic procedures and skin care products. Her offerings include laser skin resurfacing, IPL, micro-needling, chemical peels, radio frequency, laser hair removal, and body contouring. Her background in both psychology and artistry gives her a deep capacity to care for patients and understand what makes them feel beautiful. A mother of two daughters, Margaret understands beauty as not only external appearance, but also as a manifestation of the inner qualities of kindness, generosity, and well-being.

Madeline Anderson

PA-C

Maddie is a board-certified Physician Assistant and a Lowcountry native. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Clemson University and then went on to earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Medical University of South Carolina, graduating with highest honors. While in PA school, Maddie served as a Student Representative for the SC Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. After graduation, she completed a six-month advanced dermatology internship here at Sheperd Integrative Dermatology. She also completed the Diplomate Fellowship with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. Maddie has a heart for medical missions and is passionate about patient education. Her free time is shared with her family, her friends, and her two fur babies!

Madeline Anderson

PA-C

Maddie is a board-certified Physician Assistant and a Lowcountry native. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Clemson University and then went on to earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Medical University of South Carolina, graduating with highest honors. While in PA school, Maddie served as a Student Representative for the SC Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. After graduation, she completed a six-month advanced dermatology internship here at Sheperd Integrative Dermatology. She also completed the Diplomate Fellowship with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. Maddie has a heart for medical missions and is passionate about patient education. Her free time is shared with her family, her friends, and her two fur babies!

AnnaKathryn Keiper

DNP, FNP-C

AnnaKathryn completed her Doctorate degree at the Medical University of South Carolina and has seven years of experience in dermatology. She has completed additional training in medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and functional medicine. She provides skin cancer screenings, surgical removal of skin cancers, treatment of precancerous lesions, extractions of cysts, and the treatment of acne. In the cosmetic domain, she provides laser, filler, and neurotoxin treatments. Certified through the Institute of Functional Medicine, AnnaKathryn has a special focus on wellness, including weight loss and diet consulting. She uses her expertise in this field to create an individualized program to help each of her patients achieve optimal wellness supporting them in maintaining vibrancy and vitality throughout their lifespan.

AnnaKathryn Keiper

DNP, FNP-C

AnnaKathryn completed her Doctorate degree at the Medical University of South Carolina and has seven years of experience in dermatology. She has completed additional training in medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and functional medicine. She provides skin cancer screenings, surgical removal of skin cancers, treatment of precancerous lesions, extractions of cysts, and the treatment of acne. In the cosmetic domain, she provides laser, filler, and neurotoxin treatments. Certified through the Institute of Functional Medicine, AnnaKathryn has a special focus on wellness, including weight loss and diet consulting. She uses her expertise in this field to create an individualized program to help each of her patients achieve optimal wellness supporting them in maintaining vibrancy and vitality throughout their lifespan.

Allyson Harrell Garrison

PA-C

Ally is a board-certified Physician Assistant and a Diplomate of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, their highest rating. She is a graduate of Clemson University and earned her Master’s degree in Physicians Assistant studies at the University of South Alabama; additionally, she completed a dermatology fellowship at Charlotte Dermatology in North Carolina. For more than ten years, her focus on both medical and surgical dermatology has included identifying and treating skin cancers as well as managing biologic medications for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Ally has a strong love of surgical dermatology and she performs surgeries every day in the clinic, including excisions of cysts and skin cancers. She also loves the challenge of a difficult case! On the cosmetic side, Ally is a skilled injector of both Botox and Dysport. She sees compassion and empathy as vital qualities that she brings to all her patient interactions. She is mindful that skin cancer screenings can be frightening or overwhelming; her warm, calm manner and her focus on patient education throughout each appointment make her an outstanding clinician.

Allyson Harrell-Garrison

PA-C

Ally is a board-certified Physician Assistant and a Diplomate of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, their highest rating. She is a graduate of Clemson University and earned her Master’s degree in Physicians Assistant studies at the University of Alabama; additionally, she completed a dermatology fellowship at Charlotte Dermatology in North Carolina. For more than ten years, her focus on both medical and surgical dermatology has included identifying and treating skin cancers as well as managing biologic medications for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Ally has a strong love of surgical dermatology and she performs surgeries every day in the clinic, including excisions of cysts and skin cancers. She also loves the challenge of a difficult case! On the cosmetic side, Ally is a skilled injector of both Botox and Dysport. She sees compassion and empathy as vital qualities that she brings to all her patient interactions. She is mindful that skin cancer screenings can be frightening or overwhelming; her warm, calm manner and her focus on patient education throughout each appointment make her an outstanding clinician.
Call Now Button