This post is one that I’ve been hoping to write for awhile. I’ve had 3 pregnancies, 3 larger than average babies and a stomach that doesn’t look like it used to. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen me post photos in bikinis or workout gear and could potentially be rolling your eyes. I work hard in the gym and am proud of that hard work and the results I’ve gotten. What you don’t see, though, is that I’m very picky about what I post and the lighting has to be just so to not notice the loose skin my big boys left me with. I don’t wear a bikini often, if I know I’m going to be sitting and feeling uncomfortable. I have some stretch marks, but those don’t really bother me like the loose skin does.
I decided that I really wanted to look into things I could do to tighten it up. The first option I looked at, is a tummy tuck. I even had a Doctor tell me that was my best bet to get the results I wanted. What I’m not willing to do, is have major surgery and spend tons of time away from my family for something that really is a vanity issue for me.
I looked into CoolSculpting, as some things I read said it melts fat, while tightening the skin. But I also read some things that said it can actually make loose skin worse, as the fat melts. Um, not thanks.
Then I started researching laser skin treatments. There was one I was serious about that was minimally invasive, but still caused bruising, a couple recovery days and days away from exercising.
Then, I found Venus Legacy and decided it was the perfect solution for me. It combines radio frequency, magnetic pulse therapy and VariPulse™ technology, to achieve skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, fat reduction and the temporary reduction of cellulite. So, last week, I had my first Venus Legacy treatment at Charlotte Skin and Laser! I want to be brutally honest with you all about the whole process, so I will be updating instastories when I have the treatments, as well as during and after, so you can see the results for yourself.
Here are some of the questions I’ve already been asked. If you have any other questions, please let me know!
Does it hurt?
No. Uncomfortable? For a minute. The machine is hot, so the only uncomfortable part is the temperature. The rest feels like a nice sucking massage. I got a bit too hot in the first few minutes, so the tech stopped, added some more jelly and restarted. She was very aware of how I felt and willing to adjust for me.
What does it cost?
At Charlotte Skin and Laser, it’s $250/treatment per area. The whole abdomen counts as one area. When you compare to the cost of an actual plastic surgery, this ends up being much less.
What is the down time?
NONE. That’s the best thing about this versus “mommy makeovers” and other invasive treatments. I went wake surfing after my first treatment! I had redness for about 2 hours afterwards, but not uncomfortable at all.
How many treatments do I need?
6-8 are recommended for areas on the body.
How long does it take?
Each treatment is 30 minutes long.
Is it effective?
I have had 1 treatment so far, but from the before and after photos I’ve seen online, plus the small changes I’ve already noticed on myself, I can say yes!
My goal is to not be the queen of high waist shorts, strategically placed giant floats and side pictures! This isn’t something that I feel like is completely necessary in any way, but it’s something that I know will make me feel better in my own skin. If I can do something that can do that, without down time, risks or being away from my babies, I’m going to give it a shot!
If you’d like to read more about Venus Legacy, you can here!