Category: Blog

Over the years, people have tried to lose weight a vast number of ways. From dieting to exercising, invasive to non-invasive methods, and everything in between, there are countless options for those seeking to achieve the body they have always desired. While there are many solutions you can choose to help you eliminate those final few stubborn pounds, at Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery, we are proud to offer CoolSculpting®.

What is CoolSculpting®?

CoolSculpting® is an easy, non-invasive way to target unwanted fat cells and eliminate them without surgery. The process was developed to safely get rid of stubborn fat in places on the body where healthy eating habits and exercise may not be able to reach. If you have ever felt like your workout or diet simply was not improving the problem areas on your stomach, chest, back, thighs or neck, then CoolSculpting® may be for you.

The CoolSculpting® procedure cools the treatment area to the precise temperature necessary to freeze the fat cells there. These cells crystalize, die, and are then naturally eliminated by the body over the next few weeks or months. Because CoolSculpting® removes these fat cells for good, and does not cause damage to the other body cells, the results are long-term. This means that as long as you continue with a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy your sculpted body for the rest of your life.

What are the benefits of CoolSculpting®?

CoolSculpting® is growing in popularity, and for good reason! This non-invasive, non-surgical procedure requires no anesthesia and no injections, so you do not have to worry about scars, or any downtime. Most clients are able to return to their normal activities immediately after a CoolSculpting® treatment. However, it is often advised to take a break from exercise for just a few days. If minor swelling or soreness develops, rest assured it will resolve quickly on its own.

What should I expect from the CoolSculpting® experience?

During the first few minutes of each treatment, many patients report feeling slight pinching, tugging and a very cool sensation, which soon dissipates as the area naturally becomes numb from the cold. In most cases, patients quickly become accustomed to the sensations of the procedure, and find it easy to keep themselves occupied and relaxed as the treatment does its job. You can enjoy watching television, Netflix, work on your laptop or even take a nap during a CoolSculpting® treatment—it’s that comfortable and hassle-free. There really isn’t a more convenient way to create the body you’ve always wanted.

Let Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery sculpt your ideal body

At Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery, we have had great success helping patients in Glastonbury, CT sculpt their way to a better body. When you are ready, feel free to schedule a personal consultation, so we can help you determine if this procedure is right for you. The process will have you feeling cool and slim in no time, so do not hesitate to contact us.

Men and women looking to utilize cosmetic procedures for weight loss are often intimidated by the many options that exist. What are the differences? What are the benefits? CoolSculpting®, Kybella®, and liposuction are some of the most common methods of slimming down and toning your body.

About CoolSculpting®

CoolSculpting® is an alternative to liposuction for patients who aren’t comfortable with surgical procedures. CoolSculpting® helps to tone the body and remove fat by targeting fat cells and freezing them until they crystallize and die. Your body will then naturally clean out these dead cells, which leaves your body slimmer and healthier.

Because CoolSculpting® is non-invasive it will not leave scars or bruises. Some patients do experience swelling and soreness after treatment, so you may want to hold off on immediately going back into your usual exercise routine if you have one. However, you can resume all other usual activities immediately.

About Kybella®

Standing as an in-between to CoolSculpting® and liposuction, Kybella® is an injection-based procedure that targets fat cells with a serum made of deoxycholic acid, something that already occurs naturally in the body. Kybella® is typically used for patients looking to get rid of a double-chin and helps to strengthen jaw muscles as well as define the neck and chin. Even though it has only been recently released, it has received a staggering amount of popularity among patients.

The maximum amount of treatments recommended to patients is six, but will typically require two to four in order to see the best results. Each treatment takes about 15 to 30 minutes and should only be scheduled once a month. Since Kybella® does not involve an invasive surgery, there is no downtime required.

About Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure for patients looking to slim down and contour their bodies. It also has a number of medical benefits such as improving posture and treating lymphedema. If you are looking for a way to lose weight to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Beam recommends being within 25 pounds of your ideal weight before the procedure.

Dr. Beam uses tumescent liposuction techniques to minimize scarring and downtime post-surgery. We prefer this method because of its safety and effectiveness. A general anesthetic is typically used for the procedure, which involves draining the fat from the body, so you should be prepared to have someone drive you home after surgery.

Liposuction is followed by a typically short recovery period, and most patients can return to work after a few days and resume all usual activities (exercise, driving, etc.) within two weeks. You should always expect some bruising and swelling in the following weeks, but our office uses a lidocaine and epinephrine based solution during the procedure to reduce these side effects.

The Bottom Line

While we encourage educating yourself about the various weight loss procedures available you do not have to make your decision alone. Our team at Harold E. Beam, MD is available to consult and guide you toward the procedure that will best meet your needs and goals. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.

Does the brutal cold weather have your skin feeling down in the dumps? We have a solution for you! The most important step for your everyday skincare regimen is to make sure you exfoliate your skin to remove the dead skin cells. This is crucial, especially for dry winter skin. If you are applying and re-applying moisturizer throughout the day without removing the dead skin cells first, your skin will have a hard time absorbing the moisturizer. Think about it this way… If you are moisturizing over clogged pores and dead skin, the moisturizer is ineffective because it cannot penetrate the deeper layers of your skin. Exfoliating before moisturizing removes the dead skin layers and can help clean clogged pores.  This is the best way to prepare for optimal moisture absorption.

A great way to rejuvenate your skin is to schedule a chemical peel or microdermabrasion treatment with your Aesthetician once every 4-6 weeks during the winter months. Make sure to consult with your Aesthetician on the  best ways to exfoliate for your skin type. This will allow the skin to be refreshed, giving you a bright glow during the gloomy winter season.

Dr. Beam is proud to join Innovative Skincare as a strong supporter in the fight to end breast cancer.

Beginning in October our practice will be offering Youth Serum™, a poly-vitamin formula clinically proven to counteract the effects of aging. Innovative Skincare’s Youth Serum™ penetrates the skin, instantly smoothing and firming upon application. Regular use results in stunning and dramatic long-term wrinkle reduction over time.

As a cosmetic surgeon who has spent years providing breast reconstruction surgery for post-mastectomy patients, the plight of breast cancer is a cause that is very near and dear to Dr. Beam’s heart. For this reason, our office is delighted to partner with Innovative Skincare to help women feel beautiful about themselves inside and out.

Support the fight against breast cancer and look good while doing it? What could be better? Talk to Dr. Beam today to find out how you can turn back the clock with Innovative Skincare’s Youth Serum™.

Breast cancer comes in all shapes and sizes and simply put, a mammogram could save your life. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, Dr. Harold Beam’s practice is proud to let its “inner pink” shine this October. While we’ve made lots of strides against the disease, there’s still a long way to go.

According to the National Cancer Institute:

• 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime

While breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, in many cases no symptoms are reported. This is why it is imperative to get recommended screening tests before any symptoms develop.

If surgery is recommended then you would be referred to a General Surgeon, who will determine what treatment options are available for you. After a consultation with your Surgeon, you may be referred to a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon to discuss options for breast reconstruction.

Dr. Harold Beam is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in Glastonbury, CT.  He has a special interest in breast surgery. He is dedicated to his patients and has a reputation for making them feel at ease.

Breast Reconstruction after Breast Cancer

A cancer diagnosis is emotionally draining and for some women the thought of undergoing surgery for breast reconstruction is daunting.

However, there are several different reconstruction options available for breast cancer patients. Typically breast reconstruction falls into two basic categories:

• Implant-based reconstruction (tissue expander followed by saline or silicone implants)
• Using a woman’s tissue to form a flap or graft

Breast cancer affects you, your family and your friends. While it’s hard to watch a loved one go through breast cancer treatment, many survivors and Dr. Beam’s current patients take solace in knowing they aren’t alone in their fight to find a cure.

Dr. Beam was recently featured on Eyewitness News 3 (WFSB-TV), regarding the tummy tuck procedure. The patient featured in the story, Corey, is a mother to five children, including a set of twins, who had four C-sections. Even though Corey ate healthy and exercised regularly after the birth of all of her children, the fat around her abdomen would not go away.