If you’re interested in sculpting your body for a more svelte shape, you may have heard of “Coolsculpting.” But what is Coolsculpting, exactly? And is it right for you?
What Is Coolsculpting?
Coolsculpting, or cryolipolysis, is a body sculpting procedure that uses very cold temperatures – around -11º to +5º Celsius/12º to 41º Fahrenheit – to kill fat cells permanently and shape the body. It works because fat cells are more sensitive to cold than other types of cells. Coolsculpting can be done on the trunk, arms, inner thighs, outer thighs, bra fat, and back fat. CoolSculpting has become the “Gold Standard” for non-surgical fat reduction.
During a Coolsculpting session, controlled application of cooling leads to cell destruction of the subcutaneous fat tissue of a specific spot in the body. The device used is highly sensitive and precise, meaning that the extreme temperatures won’t harm the skin or surrounding tissue. It can be a little uncomfortable at first, but after a few minutes, the skin goes numb from the cold.
A session at our office typically lasts around 35 minutes and requires no anesthesia or sedation, so patients can drive themselves home right after. Depending on the patient’s goals, more than one session may be required. Results are often visible about a month after the procedure, with full results apparent at around three to six months.
Is Coolsculpting Right for Me?
Coolsculpting is generally considered a great alternative to liposuction that’s non-invasive It also doesn’t carry the same risks as liposuction such as infection, bleeding, and scarring. I’d estimate about 99% of patients who come to me for body sculpting request Coolsculpting over liposuction.
There are many benefits to Coolsculpting:
- It’s non-invasive
- It’s very safe
- It’s generally very effective
- It’s relatively pain-free
- There’s no downtime
There are a few things to know before opting for Coolsculpting, though. First, it’s not a treatment for weight loss or to treat obesity. Like liposuction, it’s a procedure that addresses stubborn fat deposits that haven’t responded to diet or exercise. Also, while we’ve found that the majority of patients over the years are extremely happy with their results, there is a small minority of people who don’t respond to the treatment. Since we offer both tumescent liposuction and CoolSculpting we can discuss the relative benefits of each. You should consider these points when deciding whether Coolsculpting is right for you.
Choosing Coolsculpting
Overall, Coolsculpting is a great option for men and women who have some stubborn fat they want to zap. Just remember that it’s still a cosmetic procedure and it takes skill to do it right. Ideally, you should have it done at a dermatology office or plastic surgery office. Ask to see pictures of people the provider has treated so you can see the results of their experience for yourself. You may also want to find a location with more than one machine so you can have more than one area treated at once. This can reduce your treatment time. We are one of the few offices that offer so called “dual sculpting”.
If you take the time to find the right person to do the procedure, you’re more likely to be thrilled with your results.
To learn more about Coolsculping at Potozkin MD Skincare Center or to make an appointment, please visit our website.