CoolSculpting uses a process called cryolipolysis to work its body contouring magic. Because fat-based cells are especially sensitive to cold, they freeze at a higher temperature than other water-based cells in the body. This allows the CoolSculpting device to target and freeze excess fat cells while leaving the surrounding skin, nerves and muscles healthy and unharmed.
During your CoolSculpting procedure, precisely controlled cooling is delivered gently and effectively to fat cells beneath the skin. The treated cells are crystallized (frozen) and die, and your body will flush out the dead cells through its natural elimination process in the weeks that follow. Once the treated fat is gone, it’s gone for good. Your remaining fat cells continue to function normally and will respond accordingly to future weight gain or loss.
Today, the innovation of CoolSculpting technology has made it into the most popular non-invasive body-contouring procedure for fat reduction, with over seven million CoolSculpting treatments performed worldwide. During a CoolSculpting procedure, your unwanted fat cells are crystallized, or frozen, using precise and controlled-cooling to break down fat. Fat cells freeze and are irreversibly damaged at much lower temperatures than other tissues in the body, so the procedure can easily target your desired areas without damaging the surrounding skin or tissues.
When considering the procedure, it is important to understand the difference between CoolSculpting and other methods of achieving a thinner or more toned physique. When you gain or lose weight via diet and exercise, the number of fat cells in your body do not increase or decrease. Instead, weight fluctuations change the size of the existing fat cells.
CoolSculpting actually reduces the number of fat cells in the treated areas by 20 to 25 percent, permanently removing them from your body. That being said, it is essential to note that CoolSculpting is not intended for use as a method for weight loss. It is most effective as a complement to a healthy diet and regular exercise by working to reduce stubborn pockets of excess fat that other methods have failed to address.
Both CoolSculpting and liposuction permanently reduce unwanted fat in targeted areas. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that is performed with either local or general anesthesia, during which a surgeon makes an incision and uses a narrow suction tool called a cannula to remove fat from the treatment area. Liposuction requires a longer recovery time, but the initial results are visible immediately. CoolSculpting does not require incisions or anesthesia, so side effects are typically mild, and no downtime is needed after the procedure. Results develop over a 1-3 month time period and more than one session may be required to achieve your goals.
CoolSculpting actually reduces the number of fat cells in the treated areas by 20 to 25 percent, permanently removing them from your body. That being said, it is essential to note that CoolSculpting is not intended for use as a method for weight loss. It is most effective as a complement to a healthy diet and regular exercise by working to reduce stubborn pockets of excess fat that other methods have failed to address.
Because it is a body sculpting procedure rather than a weight loss procedure, CoolSculpting is best for men who are close to or have achieved a stable goal weight. Optimal candidates have unwanted fat in targeted areas that refuses to respond to diet and exercise, and are looking for a nonsurgical alternative to liposuction. CoolSculpting may not be for you if you are seeking treatment for obesity or if you have certain medical conditions. Your candidacy for CoolSculpting will be evaluated during a consultation with the experienced staff at Sadick Dermatology.
When you arrive for your CoolSculpting session, you will get settled in a treatment room, and a protective gel is applied to the targeted area or areas to provide an additional level of cold protection. The CoolSculpting device will then be applied using a combination of gentle vacuum pressure and deep cooling. You will feel some intense cold at first, but this usually subsides as the area numbs. You may also initially feel a bit of mild pulling, tugging or pinching from the applicator vacuum, but again, this will quickly subside. Most patients feel no discomfort at all and can easily read a magazine, watch a movie or work from a laptop during the treatment. From beginning to end, your CoolSculpting procedure will only take about 45 minutes.
No recovery time is necessary following a CoolSculpting treatment. The procedure is completely nonsurgical and non-invasive, making it possible to return to your normal activities immediately after your session. You may experience some minor side effects, including redness, tingling, temporary numbness or tenderness after CoolSculpting; however, these are generally mild and resolve quickly.
