Dramatic results from Coolmini! (Also Coolmini pricing San Diego area)

Okay, so we all know from watching "Botched" that there are some procedures you don't want to try to cheap out on. No "discount tummy tucks" from an OB/GYN who has never done one before, no "mystery injectibles/implants" in sketchy foreign countries. And you don't let your dentist do a nose job!
That said, for some procedures, like CoolSculpting or CoolMini, you definitely want to shop around! It's the exact same equipment in every office. While some techs may have more experience, they have all had the same basic training (no, odds are very, very high it won't be a physician doing the procedure). And yet, there are HUGE prices differences!
Basically, 99% of the time, you have to go in for a consultation to get a price, even if you know exactly what you want. I went around to several places in San Diego county, and here's my experience:
Most ridiculous price/hardest sell: Nowak Aesthetics, Chula Vista. I thought this place might be more reasonable, as it wasn't in La Jolla...big mistake! I put up a separate review, but let's just say that I will NEVER walk in that door again. Advice was for 2 paddles, overlapping. Was told that I MUST get two sessions of both paddles for results. (Also told I should get the second session at 4 weeks, which EVERY other clinic said would be a bad idea!) Quoted price with "discount": $3600! ($800 per paddle)

Most deceptive pricing: Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, La Jolla. I did get a consult with a physician here. No mention of overlapping paddles, just one paddle, two sessions advised, so $1800 ($900 per paddle). So why deceptive? At the end, the physician casually mentioned that I would probably need "a little Kybella" near the jawline to get best results. That sounds fine....unless you are aware that ONE vial of Kybella is generally $1200 or more in San Diego! So that $1800 just shot up to $3000 or even $4200 or more.

A few more places were in the $800 per paddle range. Some advised just one paddle in the middle, which would probably not get the results I wanted.

For a while, I thought I had a winner with Revive Salon in Mission Valley. I get facials there and it's fairly close to where I live, and I have had good experiences there. A VERY knowledgeable tech advised the overlapping paddles @ $700 each, so $1400, and said I might need one more session in the middle after 12 weeks (pay attention, Nowak!) So a total of $1400 to $2100.

Who was the winner, winner, chicken dinner? A dark horse, indeed! The office of Roy David, MD, in La Jolla, technician Reyna Real. After my experience with Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in La Jolla, I almost didn't check this place out - "omg, La Jolla, again?" But I'm glad I did. Reyna was definitely one of the most knowledgeable techs I spoke with. She advised the two overlapping paddles but said IF I needed an additional treatment it should ONLY be in the middle. (She also advised waiting 12 weeks before deciding if I needed it.) Two paddles at $600 each for $1200, and if I need a last treatment, that one will only be $500. So total price $1200 -$1700!

If you live in a small town, and only one office has the Coolsculpting machine, you may not have a choice. But if you live in a city, and you can get those free consults - shop around! Taking the time was a pain, but to be paying $1200-$1700 instead of $3600 or more...it's worth it! I get the procedure on Tuesday and will post a separate review for that.

So, I did an earlier post about comparison shopping for a CoolMini in the San Diego area. I actually had the procedure done 10 days ago.

My story: I've gained a lot of weight from stressful life events, am taking it off slowly, but even when I was slim and fit, always had a slight double chin. Right now, it looks REALLY bad in photos. So it occured to me - why not have the CoolMini NOW, while I have lots of fat, so I can get maximum results once I lose the weight?

Reyna was very thorough. I got two paddles on my double chin (or triple chins, whatever!), overlapping on the main pooch right under the chin so I would get maximum results there. Quick tip: I took something to read with me, but you're kind of strapped in to stay steady so that didn't work. But they have Netflix, thank God!

I know I have a high pain tolerance, but I had no problems whatsoever. Yes, it's chilly and feels a bit weird, but I would have gone through a LOT more to get rid of this non-invasively! I had one paddle, then the other. I've had some numbness and tingling but it subsides a little every day. Another tip: she has to draw on you with a marker - alcohol pads will get rid of the last of that. I also had a little swelling for a few days but nothing like the "bullfrog" effect I understand you get with Kybella. Yes, if you go back to work the day of the procedure, people may notice. Or may not.

I've read that people usually see results after 8 weeks or so - some as early as 4, some as late as 12. Reyna mentioned one woman had called her and said she saw results after a week. Sure, I thought. But take a look...I know these are crappy photos, they are selfie-types, no makeup. See my super shiny chin? But look - it's been 10 days and I SWEAR I am seeing results! First two photos are befores, one with head held normally, one with chin up. Second two photos are same poses.

Wow! I have lost so much fat under my chin the skin is loose! I will have to look into some skin tightening procedures but what a relief to lose that "balloon face" look. I really did not expect this kind of result so fast. I know this isn't what happens for everyone, but I am thrilled - and I don't even have my check in for another 3 weeks! Can't wait to see the official photos at the doctor's office and will ask if they will post them on here as well, as their photos will be better and more consistent angles than mine. But even with my bad selfies...wow!