For many people, the new year is a time for resolutions and goals. For some, those goals include finally getting rid of that last bit of stubborn fat or taking step to improve the look of their body. Coolsculpting, a non-surgical procedure that helps to get rid of up to 25 percent of fat in a treated area, can seem like the perfect solutions for many.
But before you schedule a Cooslculpting treatment, there are a few things you need to know about the procedure.
1. Not Everyone is a Good Candidate for Coolsculpting
It’s possible too have either too much fat or too little for Coolsculpting. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s usually recommended that you wait to schedule the treatment until you’ve reached or are pretty close to your target weight. The procedure isn’t designed for weight loss. It won’t help you drop 10, 20 or 30 pounds. Instead, it’s usually considered the last step to take on a weight loss journey.
On the flip side of the coin, if you’re relatively slim and don’t have a large enough deposit of fat in the area you want treated, the applicator may not be able to grab hold of the fat and freeze it.
One last thing to consider is the type of fat you have. Coolsculpting is designed to freeze and destroy subcutaneous fat, which is located just beneath the surface of your skin. It’s not meant for deeper fat, known as visceral fat. If you have visceral fat, your best bet is to try diet and exercise to burn it off.
2. Different Types of Applicators Are Available
Coolsculpting isn’t a one-size-treats-all procedure. There are actually several different shapes and sizes of applicator available, each designed to treat a different area. For example, the Cool Mini is small and meant to fit under the chin, where it can help minimize the appearance of a double chin.
Other applicators include the CoolSmooth for the outer thighs, the CoolFit for the inner thighs and the CoolCurve for the flanks and love handles. Not every practice that performs Coolsculpting offers each type of applicator, so it’s a good idea to confirm that the provider you’re working with has an applicator that’s right for the area you want to treat.
3. It’s Important to Choose a Trained and Listed Practitioner
Speaking of choosing a provider, it’s important to make sure you work with someone who’s got plenty of training and experience when it comes to performing Coolsculpting. Your best bet is to find a provider who’s attended Coolsculpting University, the training program set up by the maker of the device.
It’s also a good idea to verify that the provider you’re considering is listed on Coolsculpting’s website. Being listed on the brand’s website lets you know that the practitioner is verified and that the provider is going to be using a genuine Coolsculpting machine, rather than a knock-off.
4. You’ll Be Awake During Treatment
Each Coolsculpting session takes less than an hour and you will be awake and alert during it. It’s important to know that from the start, so that you can plan accordingly. Many patients bring along a book, laptop or other device to keep themselves entertained and distracted during their treatment.
Many people describe the treatment as being comfortable, so you will be able to relax and read a book or watch a TV show while you freeze away your fat.
5. Knowledge is Power
It helps to know what to expect from your Coolsculpting treatment and what you can expect in terms of results before you schedule the procedure. For example, it might take up to 16 weeks before you see final results. And many people need a couple of treatments before they get the results they wanted. If you’re prepared to wait for results and realize that you might need a few treatment sessions, you’ll be better prepared for Coolsculpting than someone who isn’t aware of the process.
Several graduates of Coolsculpting University work at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique, under the supervision of Dr. Paul Vitenas. To learn more about the treatment, call 281-810-9083 to schedule a consultation today.