What is CoolSculpting/ cryolypolisis
CoolSculpting is a noninvasive fat reduction procedure that does not involve any surgery. CoolSculpting is a cosmetic treatment that freezes excess fat to remove it from stubborn areas. It is a fat reduction method that targets fat in body areas that are more challenging to remove through diet and exercise. It carries fewer risks than traditional fat reduction methods such as liposuction. It’s based on the principle of cooling subcutaneous fat to a low temperature which destroys the fat cells which are then absorbed by the body. Subcutaneous fat is the layer of fat just under the skin. It is FDA approved.
How does CoolSculpting work?
CoolSculpting uses the science of cryolipolysis, which uses the cellular response to cold to break down fatty tissue. By extracting energy from fat layers, the process causes the fat cells to die gradually while leaving surrounding nerves, muscle, and other tissues unaffected. During the months after treatment, the digested fat cells are sent to the lymphatic system to be filtered out as waste.
Procedure for CoolSculpting
A doctor or trained healthcare provider will perform the procedure using a handheld device. The device has applicators that look similar to the nozzles of a vacuum cleaner.
During the treatment, the healthcare provider will apply a gel pad and applicator to the targeted area. The applicator delivers controlled cooling to the targeted fat and at the same time vaccuming the skin in the target area. Our clinic has machines that allow to treat multiple target areas in one visit.
It’s common to experience some feelings of pulling and pinching during the process, but overall, the procedure involves minimal pain. The provider typically will massage the treated areas immediately after treatment to breakup any frozen deep tissue. This will help your body begin to absorb the destroyed fat cells.
Each treatment can take anywhere between one and three hours. People frequently listen to music, read, or even work on the computer during the procedure.
Targeted areas for CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting may be used to reduce fat in the following areas:
- upper and lower abdomen
- inner and outer thighs
- flanks (or love handles)
- arms
- chin area (or double chin)
- bra and back fat
- underneath the buttocks (or banana roll)
What to expect after CoolSculpting
There is little to no recovery time after a CoolSculpting procedure. Most people are approved to resume normal day-to-day activity immediately after. In some cases, some minor redness or soreness may occur in the area treated, but all minor side effects typically subside within a few weeks.
Results in the treated areas may be noticeable within three weeks of the procedure. Typical results are reached after two or three months, and the fat-flushing process continues for up to six months after the initial treatment. Certain people and areas of the body may require more than one treatment. According to CoolSculpting market research, 79 percent of people reported a positive difference in the way their clothes fit after CoolSculpting.
CoolSculpting doesn’t treat obesity and shouldn’t replace a healthy lifestyle. Continuing to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly is crucial to maintaining results.
