What Is CoolSculpting?

Even with a proper diet and regular exercise, stubborn pockets of fat can persist. Thankfully, due to advances in technology, there is a treatment option that can help individuals struggling with pockets of fat. CoolSculpting is an innovative treatment process that eliminates fat cells using cold temperatures.

What Is CoolSculpting?

Fat can be stubborn. Individuals who have proper diets and exercise regularly can still have stubborn pockets of fat. Previously, fat removal treatments meant surgical procedures and extensive recovery times. Today, technological advances have led to an innovative fat-reducing procedure known as CoolSculpting. This non-invasive procedure is an FDA-approved treatment option.

CoolSculpting is scientifically known as cryolipolysis. This scientific name refers to fat cell removal via freezing temperatures. Though this sounds daunting, the procedure is relatively comfortable. An applicator applies suction to certain areas of the skin, bringing fat cells down to freezing temperatures. When fat cells are exposed to these temperatures, they are permanently damaged. The body can then metabolize these cells. Though the fat cells are permanently removed, some results may develop over the course of a few months. In addition, this treatment will also help eliminate unwanted hair.

What Is Stubborn Fat?

There are many reasons someone may experience stubborn pockets of fat. These reasons are not always related to diet and exercise. A healthy individual with a proper diet and exercise routine can still suffer from stubborn fat. Reasons someone may experience stubborn fat include medical conditions, hormones, and genetics. Additionally, men and women store fat in different ways. Women are more prone to storing fat in areas like the hips and legs. However, stubborn fat pockets can appear virtually anywhere on the body.

What Areas Does CoolSculpting Treat?

If you are considering CoolSculpting treatment for a specific area of your body, speak to your medical professional to determine if CoolSculpting is right for you. CoolSculpting can be used on many different areas of the body to help patients see real results. Sessions can also treat several different areas of the body at once. Listed below are some common treatment areas that the FDA approves:

• Abdomen: The abdomen area is arguably the most requested area to be treated with the CoolSculpting process. This area commonly holds fat for both men and women. The abdomen area is difficult to tone, especially when excessive fat has been stored there.
• Flanks: The flanks can also be referred to as the hip area. Pockets of fat that develop around the hip area are generally referred to as “love handles” or a “muffin top.” Stubborn flank fat is one of the most common areas for CoolSculpting treatment and is known to respond well to the treatment process. 
• Back: There are certain areas on the back that CoolSculpting commonly treats. The area underneath the arms commonly stores fat. This is the area beneath the breasts and maybe where a bra typically sits. Another location that commonly stores fat is the lower back. 
• Thighs: The thigh area commonly stores fat. CoolSculpting can treat both the inner and outer thighs. Women often experience stubborn fat pockets in these areas. 
• Buttocks: Many individuals experience stubborn fat in the buttocks region, specifically underneath the buttocks. Patients may also have cellulite in these areas or an uneven appearance. CoolSculpting may be recommended to help eliminate fat in these regions and provide a smoother appearance.
• Chin: Many individuals experience stubborn fat underneath their chin. This can be referred to as a double chin. CoolSculpting can be used to help remove fat in this troublesome area. Visit our blog to learn more about how to get rid of a double chin. 
• Upper Arms: Commonly, fat is stored in the upper arm area. Many individuals express concern about raising or lowering their arms when the excess fat is noticeable. CoolSculpting can help to give arms a more toned appearance. 

Who Is an Ideal Candidate?

CoolSculpting features innovative technology that helps eliminate fat cells and provide patients with real results. The process is useful for men and women alike. Still, the CoolSculpting treatment process may not be right for everyone. If you are considering the CoolSculpting procedure, speak with a medical professional. Your cosmetic surgeon can provide an initial consultation, which includes an overall evaluation. Your surgeon may speak to you about your medical history and goals for the procedure. If CoolSculpting is not right for you, your cosmetic surgeon can guide you toward other potential options.

People at their ideal healthy weight who engage in exercise and maintain overall health are a good fit for CoolSculpting. Those who are physically fit and have an active lifestyle may be recommended CoolSculpting to help eliminate stubborn pockets of fat. CoolSculpting can be used for men and women. While CoolSculpting can permanently get rid of fat, it is not a weight loss solution. If you are looking for a weight loss solution, you should discuss this with your medical provider.

CoolSculpting Procedure Process

The CoolSculpting procedure process begins with an initial consultation. This consultation includes an overall evaluation and a discussion of your medical history and expectations. The medical professional will help manage your expectations and can recommend alternatives for you. During this process, the medical professional will create an individualized plan to help you achieve your desired results.

The CoolSculpting treatment process uses a device specific to the procedure. This device can be fitted with different applicator tips. The device provides suction and is placed on the skin. The suctioned area is exposed to freezing temperatures, which allows the device to freeze fat cells. Patients do not typically describe the procedure as painful, but they may feel slight pinching and pulling of the skin. Once the treatment process is complete, patients may notice temporary swelling, tingling, numbness or bruising at the treatment site.

What to Expect After the Treatment Process

CoolSculpting is a noninvasive and nonsurgical fat removal option designed to target stubborn pockets of fat. There is no recovery time required for the procedure. Patients can typically go back to work the same day and resume their normal day-to-day activities immediately. Your medical professional will provide aftercare instructions and guidelines for the time following the treatment.

When fat cells are exposed to freezing temperatures, they begin to break down and are metabolized by the body. However, this process can take time. Results are not immediate, but patients can begin to see noticeable differences around three weeks after their initial treatment session. Six months after the treatment session, the full results should be visible. Your medical provider may recommend multiple treatment sessions to achieve desired results.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering the CoolSculpting treatment process, you may have some lingering questions. Speaking with a trained medical professional can clear up questions you may have and help you understand the treatment process. Listed below are some commonly asked questions about the CoolSculpting treatment process:

Does CoolSculpting Really Work?

CoolSculpting is FDA-approved for certain areas of the body and is designed to eliminate fat cells, which helps individuals who struggle with stubborn fat pockets. A medical professional can determine whether the treatment is right for you. Individual results vary; full results may not be visible until six months after the initial treatment session. The majority of individuals need multiple treatment sessions to achieve desired results. Though CoolSculpting destroys fat cells, improper diet and exercise can cause fat cells to come back to the targeted areas.

How Many Times Do You Have to Do CoolSculpting?

The number of sessions needed to see results depends on a variety of factors, including the number of treatment areas. Your cosmetic provider will listen to your goals and discuss how many treatment sessions you may need prior to your first treatment session.

Do You Lose Weight When You Do CoolSculpting?

While CoolSculpting is designed to eliminate fat cells, it is important to remember that it is not a weight loss solution. CoolSculpting is ideal for active and healthy individuals who are already at their goal weight. CoolSculpting is designed to target specific areas that experience pockets of fat. These pockets of fat are often resistant to diet and exercise.

What Are the Dangers of CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a noninvasive, nonsurgical option for fat removal. The FDA approves the treatment process. It is regarded as a safe procedure with very minimal or no recovery time. Your cosmetic provider will provide a medical evaluation to determine whether CoolSculpting is right for you and your needs.

Does CoolSculpting Hurt?

The recovery time for the CoolSculpting treatment process is minimal to nonexistent. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during treatment due to cold temperatures. This may cause redness, swelling, or itching. Your medical provider will walk you through the process and help you to feel as comfortable as possible.

Schedule a Consultation

Those considering the CoolSculpting treatment process to treat stubborn fat areas should schedule an initial consultation with a medical professional. These consultations allow you to discuss goals and expectations for the treatment process. A medical professional will provide an evaluation and determine whether you are a candidate for CoolSculpting.

The professional team at Seamist Medspa strives to create individualized treatment plans for their patients. Their dedicated staff takes the time to speak with patients, ensuring they find the best treatment option to help them reach their goals. Schedule an initial consultation today to learn more about CoolSculpting.

If you would like to learn more about an alternative treatment called Emsculpt, click here.