You Can Treat Two Areas at Once, or Split Up Treatments
One of of the great promises of Coolsculpting is that it destroys unwanted fat after just one hour-long treatment. The real fact of that matter is that Coolsculpting takes one hour per area. That means if you only have unwanted fat in a single area, such as on one side of your abdomen, you only need an hour-long treatment.
But, usually people want to treat multiple areas. Some areas, such as the abdomen and the thighs, need two applicators. That means you can either see a surgeon who will treat two areas at once or you can schedule two treatment sessions back to back. Treating two areas at once is known as Dualsculpting. It can be useful, as it gives you double the results in the half the time.
While some people only need an hour to get the most out of Coolsculpting, many need at least two, if not as many as four, to get the best possible results.
It Removes About 20 Percent of Fat, Per Session
A hour-long Coolsculpting session will destroy about 20 percent of the unwanted fat in an area. Some people might lose up to 25 percent after a single treatment. If you’d like more dramatic results, doubling up on treatment can help you lose more fat.
Your Skin Will Look A Little Weird After Treatment
It’s worth knowing that the treated area is going to look a bit strange right after the Coolsculpting device is removed. Some people describe it as looking as if they have a stick of butter under their skin. The area will be pinkish, somewhat shiny and raised. After treatment, your doctor will massage the area to help it return to normal more quickly. Usually, the swelling and discoloration fade after a few days.
Coolsculpting Won’t Tighten Skin
Coolsculpting only targets fat. That can be fine if your skin is very elastic and will bounce back with ease after the fat is flushed away. But some people might notice a bit of sagging in the treated area, especially if they’ve lost elasticity or they had some sagging to begin with before the treatment.
Depending on your circumstances or your preference, it might make sense to have surgery, such as a tummy tuck or thigh lift, to take care of any loose skin after Coolsculpting. Your surgeon can discuss the various options with you before or after Coolsculpting and help you decide if a lift is right for you.
It Takes Time to See Results
While other methods of fat removal, such as liposuction, physically remove the fat from your body, Coolsculpting needs time to work. The treatment immediately destroys the unwanted fat cells. But your body then needs time to flush them out. Depending on your metabolism and other factors, it can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to four months before you see the final results from a Coolsculpting treatment.
It pays to be patient when having Coolsculpting. It also pays to plan accordingly. For example, if you know you’re going to be hanging out by the pool or on the beach and want to look slimmer in your bikini, schedule your treatment early. To make sure you’ve gotten the full results before your vacation, it’s a good idea to book a Coolsculpting treatment at least four months in advance.
It Doesn’t Work for Everyone
It’s worth noting that Coolsculpting isn’t right for every person. It’s not a weight loss tool, so if you are overweight or obese, your doctor will recommend that you reach your target weight before considering Coolsculpting.
Some people might not have an adequate amount of fat to benefit from Coolsculpting. Typically, you need to be able to pinch at least an inch of fat in the area you’d like to treat to undergo Coolsculpting. The device needs to grab on to and suction up the fat that is being cooled. It won’t work if you don’t have enough fat to grab on to.
Finally, some medical conditions might make Coolsculpting a no-go for you. Ideally, patients who receive the treatment are in good health. If you have a medical condition, make sure to mention it to the surgeon during your consultation so that he can review your options with you or recommend an alternative solution.
You Still Need to Pay Attention to Your Weight After Treatment
Coolsculpting gets rid of unwanted fat. But it won’t keep fat cells from getting bigger or keep you from gaining weight if you don’t also keep an eye on your diet and fitness level. Having Coolsculpting isn’t a license to eat whatever or however much you want. You’ll still want to focus on eating a healthy diet and on exercising to keep your weight down. Having Coolsculpting performed can help you kickstart a new diet and exercise routine. After it’s over, you might commit to eating better and to taking better care of your body.
Dr. Paul Vitenas offers patients Coolsculpting, Dualsculpting, and Coolsculpting Mini at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston. To learn more about the treatment and if it’s right for you, call 281-810-9083 to schedule a consultation today.