CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that is done to reduce fat in the body. The procedure does not require needles or incision, and the patient is not even put under anesthesia. The procedure is based on the principle of cooling the subcutaneous fat (a fat layer under the human’s skin) to destroy the fat cells during the cooling process, and the fat is absorbed in the body.
This treatment’s cost is mainly determined by the treatment area, the location, the applicator’s size, and the desired outcome. For multi-area CoolSculpting, the procedure is roughly $2,000 to $4,000. For smaller areas that will require smaller applicators, the cost will be approximately $900. Large sites such as the abdomen requiring a large applicator will cost you at least $1500.
How CoolSculpting Work
CoolSculpting is primarily derived from the science of cryolipolysis that uses a cellular response to break down your fatty tissues by extracting energy from the fat layers. It causes the fat cells to gradually disintegrate and leave the surrounding nerve tissues and muscles perfect. Months after you are done with the CoolSculpting procedure, the digested fat cells are sent to the lymphatic system, and the body will eliminate them as waste products.
The Procedure
A trained healthcare professional or a doctor performs this procedure using a handheld tool. The tool has an applicator that looks like a nozzle similar to the one on vacuum cleaners. During the treatment, the doctor applies a gel pad and the applicator on the areas you want to reduce the fat. The applicator will then deliver controlled cooling to the site. They will then move the tool on the skin to administer a suction and a cooling technology to the area. Some medical spas have more than one machine that will give you treatment on several sites in a single visit.
CoolSculpting is an effective procedure that helps reduce fat in the following areas;
- Arms and underarms
- Flanks
- Thighs
- Upper and lower abdomen
- Under your buttocks
- The double chin
- Bra area/Back Fat
During the treatment, it will be normal to experience some pulling and pinching sensations, although the whole process will have minimal pain. During the procedure, the doctor will continuously massage the treated areas immediately after the treatment to ensure all the frozen deep tissues are broken down. It will help your body absorb and destroy all the fat cells in the targeted areas. This massage is slightly uncomfortable for some people, but others say it soothes the treatment areas.
If you are going for a treatment, it’s important to note that the treatment will take you at most three hours. You can carry a book, your favorite playlist, or your tablet to keep you busy during the procedure.
Expected Risks and Side Effects
The Food and Drug Administration has cleared the CoolSculpting treatments. It also has no severe effects or risk that has been reported so far since the first clinical trial. The procedure does not increase the fat levels in the bloodstream, and it also does not affect your liver in any way.
CoolSculpting is considered a safe procedure, considering it is non-invasive. However, there are minor side effects that you are likely to encounter, as listed below.
- An intense cold sensation
- Tingling
- Aching
- Cramping
- Stinging
- Pulling
However, these side effects subside as soon as the area you are treating gets numb. After the treatment process is complete and the numbness subsides, you will experience some minor side effects, which will go away on your own in a few days. They include:
- Cramping
- Skin Sensitivity
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Aching
It’s crucial to consult with your doctor to learn more about the effects and benefits of this kind of treatment. Your doctor will thoroughly examine you and advise if you can take the CoolSculpting procedure or not. Make sure you discuss with your doctor the risks involved during and after the CoolSculpting process.
How to Prepare For the Procedure
CoolSculpting does not require much preparation, although it’s crucial to ensure your body is healthy and has some realistic weight loss goals. It’s important to note that the procedure is not a weight solution. The process is not recommendable to overweight and obese people. The procedure is ideal for fit, healthy people looking to eliminate slight bulges on their bodies.
It’s also essential to avoid consuming aspirin and avoid getting into contact with any form of anti-inflammatory. The reason being that during the procedure bruising is a common occurrence, and being in touch with the above increases the risk of bruising.
After The CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting does not require any recovery time. After the procedure, you can resume your daily activities immediately. Some people will experience some redness and soreness that might be slightly uncomfortable, but any side effect you experience will subside in only a few days or weeks. After the procedure, the results will be visible after three weeks to a month.
The typical desired results will be achieved two to three months after the procedure. The fat flashing will continue from day one to six months after the process. Depending on your body or area of treatment, you might be required to take more than one treatment to get the desired results. According to the market research done on people who have undergone the procedure, over 79% have had positive results, especially how clothes fit their bodies after the treatment.
The CoolSculpting treatment aims at specific areas of your body, and further treatment may be necessary if you are looking to eliminate fats in different places on your body. It’s also required to note that the treatment will not treat obesity, and you should strive to eat healthily and lead a healthy lifestyle. After the treatment, have a healthy diet and adopt a safe exercise routine to maintain your newly acquired body structure.