Are you excited about your upcoming body contouring treatment but wondering how to prepare for the best possible results? Proper preparation is the foundation of successful body contouring outcomes, and taking the right steps before your appointment can significantly enhance your experience and maximize your investment.
Whether you’re scheduled for CoolSculpting, Emsculpt, or another advanced body contouring treatment, understanding how to prepare your body and mind for the process ensures you’ll achieve the sculpted results you’re seeking. At Lasting Impressions Medical Spa in Fair Lawn, NJ, we’ve guided countless clients through successful body transformation journeys, and we know that preparation makes all the difference.
The key to exceptional results lies in following specific pre-treatment guidelines tailored to your chosen procedure and individual needs.
Understanding Your Body Contouring Treatment
Before diving into preparation specifics, it’s essential to understand what body contouring treatments accomplish and why proper preparation matters. Non-invasive body contouring technologies like CoolSculpting and Emsculpt work by targeting specific areas to reduce unwanted fat and build muscle definition.
Multiple treatments are usually required for optimal results, which makes each session important for your overall transformation journey. For clients to achieve the best results, their skin must be in optimal condition before undergoing the procedure, highlighting why preparation is so crucial.
Your body contouring experience is an investment in yourself, and like any investment, the more you put into preparation, the greater your returns will be in terms of results and satisfaction.
Ready to optimize your body contouring preparation?
Contact Lasting Impressions Medical Spa in Bergen County to receive personalized pre-treatment guidance tailored to your specific procedure and goals.
General Pre-Treatment Guidelines
Regardless of which body contouring treatment you’ve chosen, certain general preparation principles apply to all procedures:
Medical Clearance and Health Assessment
Get blood work or have a physical exam with your primary care provider before your treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications regularly. This ensures you’re in optimal health for your procedure.
Your provider should review:
- Current medications and supplements
- Medical history and any recent changes
- Allergies or sensitivities
- Previous cosmetic treatments or surgeries
Medication and Supplement Adjustments
Stop taking certain medications (for example, aspirin, NSAIDs and herbal supplements) · Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements or other medications that may increase bleeding as directed by your provider, typically 1-2 weeks before treatment.
Common medications to avoid include:
- Blood thinners (unless medically necessary)
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Herbal supplements (ginkgo, garlic, ginseng)
- Vitamin E supplements
- Fish oil supplements
Lifestyle Modifications
Stop smoking at least 2-4 weeks before your treatment. Smoking has been known to hinder the body from healing appropriately, which can negatively impact your results and recovery.
Additional lifestyle adjustments include:
- Maintain stable weight for at least 3 months prior
- Stay well-hydrated in the days leading up to treatment
- Get adequate sleep to support healing
- Limit alcohol consumption
CoolSculpting Preparation Specifics
If you’re preparing for CoolSculpting treatment, follow these specific guidelines for optimal results:
Pre-Treatment Day Preparation
Eat a full meal prior to your appointment. Treating on an empty stomach can lead to nausea and/or light-headedness. This is especially important since CoolSculpting sessions can last 35-75 minutes depending on the areas being treated.
Drink two or more liters of water the day before treatment to ensure proper hydration, which supports your body’s natural elimination processes.
Clothing and Comfort Considerations
Wear comfortable clothing. You’ll be sitting in the same position for the duration of your treatment. Gel pads are used during treatment and gel often transfers to clothing.
Recommended clothing choices:
- Loose, comfortable garments
- Layers you can easily adjust
- Dark colors that won't show gel residue
- Easy access to treatment areas
Skin Preparation
Avoid bruising or damaging the area of the body that is to receive treatment. The condition of a patient’s skin helps treatment if at its best. Also best to be avoided is tanning, excessive sunlight exposure in the weeks leading up to your appointment.
Specific skin care guidelines:
- Avoid aggressive scrubbing or exfoliation
- Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers
- Protect treatment areas from sun exposure
- Avoid self-tanning products
Documentation Preparation
Be prepared to have some photos taken of the targeted area before your session. Take the photos before and after your treatment so that you can easily see the improvement once you return to your follow-up appointment.
Emsculpt Preparation Guidelines
For Emsculpt treatments, which use electromagnetic energy to build muscle and reduce fat, preparation focuses on optimizing muscle health and treatment comfort:
Physical Preparation
Since Emsculpt stimulates intense muscle contractions, prepare your body with:
- Light exercise or stretching in the days before treatment
- Adequate hydration for muscle function
- Proper nutrition to fuel muscle activity
- Avoid intense workouts 24 hours before treatment
Clothing and Positioning
On the day of your procedure, wear comfortable gym clothes that allow access to the treatment areas. This ensures the applicators can be properly positioned and you’ll be comfortable during the 30-minute session.
Ideal clothing includes:
- Athletic wear or workout clothes
- Form-fitting but not restrictive garments
- Easy access to treatment areas (abdomen, buttocks, arms, legs)
- Comfortable shoes for walking afterward
Mental Preparation
Also, bring a book, phone, or iPad to stay occupied during your Emsculpt session. The treatment involves intense muscle contractions that some clients find unusual at first.
Advanced Preparation Strategies
Beyond basic guidelines, advanced preparation techniques can further enhance your results:
Lymphatic System Support
Support your body’s natural detoxification processes:
- Stay well-hydrated (8-10 glasses of water daily)
- Include lymphatic-supporting foods (leafy greens, citrus)
- Consider lymphatic massage before treatment
- Avoid inflammatory foods
Nutritional Optimization
Fuel your body for optimal healing and results:
- Increase antioxidant-rich foods
- Maintain adequate protein intake
- Include healthy fats for hormone support
- Limit processed foods and sugar
Exercise and Movement
Maintain an active lifestyle leading up to treatment:
- Continue regular, moderate exercise
- Focus on cardiovascular health
- Include flexibility and mobility work
- Avoid starting new, intense workout programs
Mental and Emotional Preparation
Body contouring is as much a mental journey as a physical one. Preparing psychologically ensures realistic expectations and satisfaction with results:
Setting Realistic Expectations
Understand your treatment timeline:
- You may begin to see results in as little as three weeks after your initial treatment. You may need three treatments for optimal results
- Results develop gradually over 2-4 months
- Individual responses vary based on multiple factors
Goal Setting and Documentation
Work with your provider to:
- Define specific, measurable goals
- Understand what results are realistic for your body
- Create a timeline for achieving your objectives
- Document starting measurements and photos
Day-of-Treatment Preparation
On the day of your body contouring appointment, follow these final preparation steps:
Morning Routine
- Shower with gentle, fragrance-free soap
- Avoid applying lotions, oils, or perfumes to treatment areas
- Eat a balanced meal (especially important for CoolSculpting)
- Take any approved medications as directed
- Arrive well-hydrated
What to Bring
Come prepared with:
- Comfortable clothing for after treatment
- Entertainment (books, tablets, headphones)
- Snacks and water for longer sessions
- Any required paperwork or consent forms
- Payment method and insurance information
Final Checklist
Before leaving for your appointment:
- Confirm you've followed all pre-treatment instructions
- Remove jewelry from treatment areas
- Use the bathroom (treatments can last 30-75 minutes)
- Bring a list of current medications and supplements
Special Considerations for Different Body Areas
Different treatment areas may require specific preparation considerations:
Abdominal Treatments
- Avoid large meals 2-3 hours before treatment
- Wear low-rise or easily adjustable clothing
- Consider bowel movements timing for comfort
- Discuss any abdominal surgeries or conditions
Thigh and Hip Treatments
- Wear shorts or easily removable pants
- Avoid tight clothing that leaves marks
- Consider hair removal timing if needed
- Discuss any cellulite or skin concerns
Arm and Back Treatments
- Wear tanks or easily adjustable tops
- Avoid bras with underwire for back treatments
- Consider deodorant timing for underarm area access
- Plan for help with clothing if needed
Post-Treatment Preparation Planning
While focusing on pre-treatment preparation, also plan for your recovery period:
Recovery Timeline Planning
Schedule your treatment considering:
- Work and social commitments
- Exercise routine adjustments
- Follow-up appointment availability
- Seasonal factors (sun exposure, clothing)
Support System Preparation
Arrange for:
- Transportation if needed
- Help with daily activities if treating large areas
- Meal planning for optimal nutrition
- Emotional support during the results-waiting period
Working with Your Provider Team
The team at Lasting Impressions Medical Spa in Fair Lawn is here to guide you through every aspect of preparation:
Pre-Treatment Consultation
Your preparation begins with comprehensive consultation including:
- Detailed assessment of treatment areas
- Personalized preparation instructions
- Timeline planning and expectation setting
- Opportunity to ask questions and address concerns
Ongoing Communication
Maintain open communication with your provider team:
- Report any health changes or concerns
- Ask questions about preparation steps
- Discuss any anxiety or concerns
- Confirm all instructions are clear
Maximizing Your Investment
Body contouring treatments represent a significant investment in yourself. Proper preparation ensures you get maximum value by:
Optimizing Treatment Effectiveness
Following preparation guidelines helps:
- Achieve optimal treatment delivery
- Minimize complications or side effects
- Support your body's natural healing processes
- Enhance final results
Reducing Need for Additional Treatments
Proper preparation can:
- Improve first-treatment results
- Reduce total number of sessions needed
- Minimize touch-up requirements
- Accelerate achievement of goals
Your Path to Success Starts with Preparation
The journey to your ideal body contours begins well before you step into the treatment room. By following these comprehensive preparation guidelines and working closely with experienced professionals, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible results from your body contouring investment.
Remember that every detail of preparation matters, from the medications you take to the clothes you wear on treatment day. Your commitment to proper preparation demonstrates your dedication to achieving your goals and maximizing your results.
Ready to begin your body contouring preparation journey? Contact Lasting Impressions Medical Spa at (201) 773-6837 to schedule your consultation and receive personalized preparation instructions. Our experienced team in Fair Lawn, NJ specializes in guiding clients through successful body contouring experiences with comprehensive support from consultation through final results.
Don’t leave your results to chance. Take control of your body contouring success with expert preparation guidance from Bergen County’s trusted body contouring specialists.
