CoolSculpting is a method of fat removal that targets stubborn fat deposits that sit across various parts of the body. Scientists crafted the process of cryolipolysis after studying what happens to the skin during frostbite. Cryolipolysis cools fat to a temperature that destroys it, leaving skin and other surrounding tissues unaffected.
About the procedure
CoolSculpting is not a surgical procedure; it doesn’t require the use of anesthesia or needles. A CoolSculpting device is placed on the body with fatty deposits positioned between two paddles; these paddles are held in place for 35 minutes to 1 hour, during which time almost 25 percent of fat cells in the area are destroyed.
The final results of a CoolSculpting treatment might not show up for a few months, but small changes will be evident within a few weeks. Your immune system goes to work clearing out dead fat cells at a rate that your body finds manageable.
Who the procedure is designed for
CoolSculpting treatments are not a means of losing weight. Your doctor may suggest cryolipolysis, however, if you have been dieting and exercising without seeing significant changes. Patients with the following conditions should avoid this treatment if:
- They have loose or sagging skin
- They have poor skin tone
- They have a condition known as cryoglobulinemia–a condition where blood proteins thicken in colder temperatures
- They have a condition called cold urticaria–a skin condition where hives break out on the skin when it gets cold
- They have paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria–a type of anemia–a type of anemia that destroys red blood cells when you’re in cold temperatures
Check with your doctor to see if you are a good candidate for this procedure, and educate yourself regarding the process and risks involved with treatment.
Risks associated with CoolSculpting procedures
Most patients who undergo CoolSculpting treatments note minimal discomfort and very few side effects; most are able to resume a normal work/duty day as scheduled after an outpatient treatment at their doctor’s office. However, some people experience mild to moderate pain afterward, and some people are at risk for developing nerve pain. Skin can also take on a lumpy or bumpy appearance as well, known as paradoxical fat hyperplasia. This rare condition causes fatty deposits to multiply, rather than shrink, after treatment. Disclosing any pre-existing conditions prior to treatment will help you and your doctor rule out any of these risks and give you a smoother procedure as well as an easier recovery.
What areas of the body can be treated with CoolSculpting?
There are a number of areas of the body that can be treated effectively with CoolSculpting techniques. While some yield more dramatic results than others, the process of cryolipolysis is a safe and effective means of fat removal.
Flanks
Unsightly fat deposits can bulge on either side of your waist; these love handles do respond well to fat freezing, even when your diet and exercise efforts are not so effective. When your waistline is reigned in, you have the luxury of wearing more form-fitting, comfortable clothing. You’ll regain your sense of confidence as a more svelte figure is revealed.
Abdomen
Most people are self-conscious about their abdomen—the stomach is a common problem area for men and women alike; we are genetically predisposed to storing fat there as we age. It is one of the most highly targeted areas for this type of procedure.
Thighs
CoolSculpting is very effective in yielding great results for both outer and inner thighs. With just a few convenient treatments, patients can eliminate saddlebags, cellulite, and other tough spots for men and women.
Chin and neck area
Excess fat under your chin can make your face appear older than your actual age. A specialized applicator of the CoolSculpting process allows patients to uncover more elegant, slender necklines that frame the face and take years off your appearance.
Upper arms
With summer seasons and warmer temperatures, it can be difficult to bear it all in the heat; sagging skin and fat of the upper arms can make one resistant to wearing sleeveless shirts and dresses. The CoolSculpting technique can eliminate embarrassing excess baggage and give you the freedom to choose other wardrobe options with confidence.
Buttocks
Cryolipolysis very efficiently removes fatty deposits under the buttocks, which results in a more contoured rear shape that displays clothing and other wardrobe pieces more beautifully.
Upper back
Eliminating excess fat on the upper back helps to make bra-wearing more comfortable, and it opens up additional clothing options as well. Men have also enjoyed results as a result of targeting this area.
Things to consider after your treatments
As the body continues to release fatty deposits in the weeks following a treatment, it is important to eat well and hydrate properly to encourage proper elimination via your digestive system. As these deposits are broken down, they are released into your system to be passed through your digestive system; making sure you are eating well, drinking enough water, and getting exercise will help to facilitate faster results.
Am I a good candidate for CoolSculpting?
If you are getting excited at the prospect of uncovering a sleek and slender new figure, consider these criteria for optimal results. Candidates should:
- Be close to their target weight
- Have isolated fat pockets that don’t respond to diet and exercise efforts
- Be committed to maintaining their new figure with lifestyle and diet changes that promote health