CoolSculpting is scientifically referred to as cryolipolysis, which is a procedure that is used to freeze and eventually kill fat cells. CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved treatment that has become a common non-invasive alternative for body contouring.
Although it is backed up by very few clinical research studies, CoolSculpting is said to reduce the number of fat cells by 20 to 25 percent in the treatment area. It has many benefits over traditional liposuction but also comes with its downsides. This article discusses everything you need to know before trying out CoolSculpting.
How Is CoolSculpting Done?
Your technician will position the treatment device to the targeted area. Many CoolSculpting procedures involve the use of rounded paddles to provide suction to the treatment area. As you sit in a reclined chair, the cooling panels are set to work to crystallize your fat cells. It may cause a mild discomfort that many patients find it easy to tolerate. The suction and cooling sensations only occur for a short while before they eventually go numb. Afterward, the technician will massage the treated area to help break up the fat cells.
Your body naturally produces an inflammatory response during the first two days before it starts to break down the damaged fat cells. The dead cells are extracted from your body through the natural process. You may start noticing the effects of the procedure after a few days but the full results may show between 1 to 4 months. However, your technician may recommend getting at least two CoolSculpting treatments to achieve significant results.
What are the Potential Results?
CoolSculpting is an effective non-invasive treatment that works but has its limitations depending on an individual. It often takes a few treatments for you to achieve optimum results since you will notice a very slight change with a single treatment. It does not contribute to significant weight loss but you will experience a mild reduction of fat in the treated area. Some of the results of CoolSculpting may involve less bulging of a particular area or a slightly improved waistline. However, the results are often mild with every single treatment rather than a drastic change people experience with invasive procedures such as bariatric surgery.
Does CoolSculpting Make You Lose Weight?
CoolSculpting devices do not make you shed pounds but only reduce the fat cells in the targeted area of treatment. It is important to know that your muscles weigh more than fat, so shedding 25 percent of fat in a particular area of your body will not make a big difference on the scale. However, CoolSculpting can be a permanent fat reduction technology if you can control your weight. This involves keeping up with new lifestyle changes such as good nutrition and a regular exercise program. If you go for several cycles of CoolSculpting without any change to your diet, eating habits, or workout routine, then nothing will change because your body will bounce back to the usual. The best way to maintain the results of CoolSculpting is to incorporate a healthy lifestyle since any weight gain can eclipse the slimming effects of the procedure.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of CoolSculpting
- Stinging Sensation
Pain, aching, or stinging sensation at the treatment site is one of the common side effects of CoolSculpting. The sensations may begin after treatment and continue for about two weeks following the procedure. It occurs because of the skin and tissue being exposed to intense cold temperatures during CoolSculpting.
- Temporary Redness
You may also experience redness, bruising, skin sensitivity, and swelling where the treatment was done. All these side effects are caused by the suction created by the CoolSculpting device and cold temperatures from the paddles. However, they should fade away on their own after a few weeks.
- Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia
This is a rare but possible side effect of CoolSculpting. It is a condition where the fat cells in the targeted area grow larger instead of breaking down and becoming smaller. This cosmetic side effect does not disappear on its own even though it is not fully understood why it occurs.
CoolSculpting is known to be a safe and effective treatment for body contouring. However, it is important to seek medical advice on whether it is safe for you even if you do not have pre-existing health conditions. Also, keep in mind that CoolSculpting is not a standalone treatment for obesity. If you want to tone down the amount of fat in a given area, you need to combine this treatment with a healthy diet and exercise to achieve the desired results.
CoolSculpting can help you to slim down, reduce fat, and tone target areas which will help to improve your confidence and reduce any insecurities that you have related to body fat in certain areas. If you’re interested in trying CoolSculpting, contact the team at the Weight Loss and Wellness Center today. Fill out a form here or call us at (973) 888-1085.
