Most people have that frustrating bit of fat that diet and exercise can’t remove. It typically appears under the chin; on the back, hips, and thighs; and around the knees. Liposuction was once the only way to remove this kind of fat, but now there’s CoolSculpting®. It's a non-invasive option that’s fast and simple.
If you have stubborn fat deposits that you want to get rid of, but you’d like to avoid an invasive medical procedure, CoolSculpting could be a good solution. Find out more during a free consultation
What Is CoolSculpting and How Does It Work?
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CoolSculpting targets and destroys fat cells by delivering controlled bursts of cooling. This cooling kills the fat cells. Once the cells are dead, the body processes and absorbs them and eliminates the waste. This natural process reduces the number of fat cells in the targeted area, which contours the body.
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The CoolSculpting technique works so effectively because fat cells freeze at a higher temperature than other kinds of cells. The applicator delivers cooling at a very specific temperature — cold enough to destroy fat cells but not cold enough to harm any tissue. Removing excess fat with CoolSculpting can help you look more youthful by giving you a trimmer, more toned appearance.
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How Does CoolSculpting Compare to Liposuction?
Because the candidates for liposuction and CoolSculpting are often similar, the procedures are sometimes compared to one another. A single session of CoolSculpting can remove approximately 20% of fat cells in the target area. While liposuction can remove 30% to 40% of fat cells in target areas, it’s an invasive procedure with more risks.
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Typically, liposuction requires a general anesthetic and a recovery time of one to two weeks. CoolSculpting requires virtually no recovery time, and it’s a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t require any anesthetic.
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Who Is a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting?
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CoolSculpting reduces body fat, but it’s not suitable for people who want to lose a lot of weight because it eliminates fat in targeted areas. There are some medical conditions that aren’t a good mix with CoolSculpting. These include paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria and cryoglobulinemia.
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If you’re affected by one of these conditions, speak with G&M Medical Center about alternative treatments. In general, you’re a good candidate for CoolSculpting if:
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You’re within 15-30 pounds of your ideal weight, and
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You have noticeable pockets of fat that you can’t diet or exercise away.
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Is CoolSculpting Safe?
CoolSculpting is FDA-approved for spot-reduction of body fat from:
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The abdomen and sides (love handles and muffin top)
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The inner and outer thighs
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Submental fat (double chin)
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What Will Happen During My CoolSculpting Treatment?
Before a CoolSculpting treatment, you will have a consultation with G&M Medical Center. Your specialist will discuss the results you hope the treatment will achieve and where on your body you want to have fat removed. Then your specialist will develop a customized treatment plan that details:
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Where fat will be removed
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How much will be removed
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How many CoolSculpting sessions you’ll have – If you want to remove fat from several areas, it may take multiple sessions
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When it’s time for your CoolSculpting treatment, a gel pad and an applicator are placed on your skin in the area to be treated. The applicator delivers controlled bursts of cooling to the fat cell layer in that area.
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A typical CoolSculpting treatment takes about an hour. At the end of your session, the applicator is removed, and the treated area is massaged. This treatment is completely non-invasive. The applicator applies suction, so you’ll feel some pressure in the treatment area, but most people don’t feel any pain during the treatment. While you’re having the treatment, you can read, check email, or even relax and take a nap.
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How Long Does Recovery Take after CoolSculpting?
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Not long at all! Once their CoolSculpting treatment is over, most people return to work immediately and can resume their normal activity level the next day.
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Common side effects include numbness, tingling, or pain at the treatment site, as well as redness, bruising, and swelling. Most side effects only last a short time, although the treated area could be swollen for up to three weeks. Some people do experience some pain after their CoolSculpting treatments. If you experience pain, it is likely to begin several days after your treatment and could last for one to two weeks.
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When Will I See the Results of My CoolSculpting Treatment?
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After your first CoolSculpting treatment, you’ll start to see results in as little as three weeks, and you will typically see the full effects of the treatment in about two months. This is because it takes time for targeted fat cells to die and be eliminated by the body. It can take up to six months for fat cells to be fully eliminated, so it’s likely you’ll continue to see changes.
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How Long Do CoolSculpting Results Last?
CoolSculpting is a permanent treatment that destroys fat cells. Once those cells are gone, they can’t grow back again. This doesn’t mean you can never gain weight again, as the fat cells that remain can still expand, but if you have CoolSculpting for a double chin, for instance, the fat that is removed will never return.
FREEZE THE FAT AWAY
CoolSculpting targets and destroys fat cells by delivering controlled bursts of cooling. This cooling kills the fat cells. Once the cells are dead, the body processes and absorb them and eliminates the waste. This natural process reduces the number of fat cells in the targeted area, which contours the body.
