CoolSculpting: Freeze Your Stubborn Fat!
Summer is upon us, as is evidenced by the “excessive heat warning” we have received in the inland empire this week! With the heat comes the massive flocking to the beautiful beaches here in Southern California. Some of us, no matter how well we eat or how much time we spend in the gym, have stubborn pockets of fat that won’t melt away no matter how much the rest of us is melting. There are surgical options available to treat unwanted fat, but not all of us are willing to go under the knife. Thankfully, we have CoolSculpting!
What is it?
CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive body contouring service designed to target stubborn fat. It is capable of treating 9 different areas, and has been proven to reduce fat cells by 20–25% in the targeted area.
How does it work?
There are no needles or incisions involved. CoolSculpting eliminates fat cells through a method called cryolipolysis. Fat cells freeze at a higher temperature than skin (39–41 degrees Fahrenheit), which is much warmer than what will cause damage to your skin and other tissues. After the fat goes through the cell death process, the body processes them out naturally.
What is treatment like?
Step 1. The provider will meet with you for a consultation to discuss your areas of concern. They will then mark the area to be treated to ensure proper placement and size of the applicator.
Step 2. The provider places a cool gel pad over the treatment area. This is to protect your skin.
Step 3. The provider positions the applicator, and the applicator gently draws the tissue into the cooling panels. The tissue is then cooled to a precise and controlled temperature. The discomfort is minimal. You will initially experience suction and cooling sensations, but these eventually go numb. The procedure is relaxed, and clients often bring a laptop to work on, or a book to read.
Step 5. After about an hour, the provider will remove the applicator. The treated area is gently massaged to break up the fat cells and further reduce the fat layer
Who is a candidate?
Cryolipolysis isn’t a way to lose weight. It isn’t designed for major fat removal such as liposuction. This treatment is ideal for those who have tried diet and exercise and aren’t able to rid themselves of certain pockets of fat. CoolSculpting can be used in the following areas:
- Below the jawline
- Under the chin
- Side (flank)
- Abdomen
- Thigh
- Bra fat
- Upper arm
- Back fat
- Underneath the buttocks (banana roll)
What are the results like?
Optimal results are seen with multiple treatments. Practitioners, on average, recommend 3–4 sessions of CoolSculpting per targeted area, though results can be seen with 1 session. Results will likely not be seen for a few weeks following the treatment. There is a bit of swelling post-treatment, and it takes time for your immune system to process out the dead fat cells.
Are results permanent?
Yes! The dead fat cells have been removed, and cannot come back. However, if you do not take care of your eating and exercise habits, you will gain weight. The fat will come back. Lasting results can only be achieved through diet and exercise.
CoolSculpting is a great option for people that live a healthy lifestyle, but are unable to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat. It is a completely noninvasive treatment with no downtime, and results are seen in as little as one month.
Is CoolSculpting right for you? Schedule a free consultation to find out!
