CoolSculpting uses freezing temperatures to destroy unwanted fat cells. Once these cells die, they are eliminated through your lymphatic system and will not grow back.
It is important to note that this is a fat loss procedure, not a weight loss method. Getting rid of persistent fat deposits is possible, but you must maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen to prevent fat cells from regrowing in those areas.
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What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting uses a non-surgical, FDA-cleared procedure called cryolipolysis. This process freezes fat cells until they die and are naturally eliminated from the body. This process can aid in decreasing persistent fat deposits in various areas, such as the abdomen, sides, arms, thighs, and under the chin.
During your treatment, you will lie on the table as a gel pad, and the CoolSculpting applicator will be placed on your skin in the targeted area. After the applicator is secure, the cooling begins and will continue for 30 to 60 minutes. Some patients choose to nap or read while this happens.
The good news is that this process does not cause any significant side effects. CoolSculpting is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done quickly during your lunch break, allowing you to return to work right away. CoolSculpting is not intended as a weight loss solution and should not replace a nutritious diet and consistent physical activity.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved procedure that utilizes a scientifically proven technique called cryolipolysis. It targets fat cells below the skin that can resist diet and exercise. An applicator adheres to the fat pockets during a treatment session and freezes them. The frozen cells die, and the lymphatic system naturally processes them out of the body over three to four months (via Vogue). After undergoing a treatment cycle, patients can anticipate a decrease of up to 25% in body fat. If desired, the effects can be further improved by scheduling additional sessions.
The treatment is a non-invasive, no-downtime procedure that can easily fit into your schedule. Many people book appointments during lunch and return to work afterward.
Though the procedure is safe, there are some negative side effects to be aware of. One such side effect is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, which occurs in a small percentage of patients. In rare cases, a patient’s thigh tissue may develop a concave depression or dent.
What Are the Side Effects of CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a completely non-invasive procedure. Most patients can resume their daily activities right away. Patients can expect to lose fat fast, between 20 and 80% of their fat cells in the treated area after one to three sessions.
The most common side effect is a tugging sensation in the treatment area, which occurs as the skin is pulled between the applicators. A tingling or aching feeling in the area can also occur, but both are temporary and usually go away within a few days or weeks.
If you have concerns about the possible side effects of CoolSculpting, it’s best to consult with your doctor before booking a session. It’s also important to ensure that the device used is a genuine CoolSculpting device, not a counterfeit. This will help ensure that the treatment is administered safely and evenly. Although rare, cryolipolysis can sometimes result in paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, which causes fat cells to enlarge instead of shrink. While this is a cosmetic issue, it can be corrected through liposuction or other surgical procedures.
Is CoolSculpting Right for Me?
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive, painless procedure performed right in your doctor’s office. Each treatment can take up to 30-60 minutes, depending on the area of your target body.
While it’s not a substitute for a nutritious diet and regular exercise, it can support you in achieving your desired physique. This alternative is particularly beneficial for individuals who adhere to a healthy lifestyle but struggle with stubborn areas of fat.
Unlike liposuction or other surgical procedures, this FDA-cleared method of reducing fat cells is completely safe. It uses a patented technology that eliminates unwanted fat cells without the trauma or invasiveness of other surgeries and treatments. While the treatment results are long-lasting, gaining weight in the area is possible if you don’t maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. So, talk to your physician before deciding whether CoolSculpting is right for you.
