Nowadays, with everyone’s busy schedules, achieving body goals can be challenging, especially when stubborn fat persists despite dieting and regular exercise.
CoolSculpting offers a solution to that. This non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment targets and removes unwanted fat with advanced fat-freezing technology. It works for body contouring without surgery recovery time.
CoolSculpting can treat areas like the abdomen, thighs, and arms. This makes it a popular choice for those wanting a safe and easy way to improve their shape.
Vancouver Laser performs individualized CoolSculpting treatments with great care. Our clinic uniquely combines innovative technology with over 27 years of experience, which makes us a trusted location for advanced, non-surgical body contouring.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is the brand name for the fat-reducing technique, known as cryolipolysis, and it is approved by the FDA. This technique uses freezing temperatures to break down fat cells, which are more sensitive to cold than other cells. This means the cold does not harm the skin or underlying tissue.
In the process, the practitioner pulls the skin over the fatty area into a cooling applicator. As the cold numbs the area, some may feel a cooling sensation. Most sessions take about 35 to 60 minutes depending on the area that is going to be handled. No recovery time is needed, since skin and tissue remain unharmed.
Some may observe bruising in the area in which the treatment was performed, similar to one having a strenuous exercise session or minor injury; others will observe stinging, some firmness, mild colouration, swelling, or itchiness.
It will normally take the body 4-6 months to eliminate the fat cells entirely. During this period, the fat in the treated area can be reduced by approximately 20%.
Does CoolSculpting Really Work?
CoolSculpting and other forms of cryolipolysis are very effective treatments and result in high patient satisfaction. However, they affect only a limited region of the body and result in no skin tightening. These procedures may not work for everyone. More specifically, they work best for those who are near their ideal body weight and have stubborn pockets of pinchable fat.
One study published in 2017 reported that it worked particularly well on those with lower body mass. Your lifestyle can also make a big difference. CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss solution or a fix for an unhealthy lifestyle. If a person eats terribly and doesn’t exercise while receiving CoolSculpting, the reduction in fat will not be as prominent or noticeable.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
CoolSculpting is a non-painful aesthetic surgical procedure which does not involve needles, anesthesia, or surgery. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after the treatment.
Preparation
Get ready for CoolSculpting before your first treatment, by doing the following:
- Reach Your Ideal Weight: CoolSculpting is not an alternative solution for weight loss.Â
- Consult Your Doctor: Inform your doctor about the medications or supplements that you should stop before the procedure. Certain medications may increase bruising and need to be avoided.
- Protect Your Skin: Avoid tanning or sunburns, as well as chemical peels or laser treatments on the area treated.
Procedure
A gel pad and applicator are placed on the targeted fat area during the treatment. You may feel a sucking sensation because of the vacuum that draws the fatty area into a cooling chamber. The area will feel cold until it becomes numb.
In fact, the fat will be cooled to a level where it freezes; however, your skin, muscle and nerves will be spared from injury. Up to 25% of the fat cells in the treated area are destroyed and permanently removed by the body.
Since this is a non-surgical treatment, you would be awake during the treatment and have no downtime afterward. Any discomfort you may experience is generally mild, and several areas may be treated at one time.
Recovery
After the procedure, the area can be massaged to help break up fat cells. Generally, side effects are mild and include swelling, numbness, or temporary redness. Very rarely, there may be some increase in the number of fat cells, what’s called paradoxical fat hyperplasia, in less than 1% of patients; it is more frequent among men compared to women.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a safe, non-invasive fat reduction procedure, but it can have side effects. Common immediate side effects during and after the procedure may include:
– Intense cold sensations
– Tingling
– Stinging
– Pulling
– Aching
– Cramping
– Redness
– Swelling
– Bruising
– Tenderness
– Skin sensitivity
– Mild to moderate pain
– Muscle cramping
– Itching (especially a few days later)
– Diarrhea (as dead fat cells are removed)
– A feeling of fullness in the throat (for neck or chin treatments)
Long-term side effects are rare, but it’s important to know the potential risks:
– Motor neuropathy
– Prolonged pain or dysesthesia
– Hyperpigmentation
– Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH)
Who Should NOT Try CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is popular because it is a nonsurgical procedure that requires little recovery time. Most people prefer quick and easy treatments over more complicated ones. However, CoolSculpting may not be right for everyone. It is not suitable if you:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) over 25 or under 18.5
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon
- Suffer from cold-related skin conditions like Raynaud’s syndrome or cold urticaria
- Have an unrepaired hernia
- Have significant scarring in the treatment area
- Have an active infection
- Have loose, hanging skin
If you fall into any of the above categories and a CoolSculpting provider still recommends the procedure, be cautious. There are other ways to remove unwanted fat. A good provider will discuss these alternatives and explain why they may be safer and more effective, even if they involve more procedures.
Conclusion
CoolSculpting has grown in popular demand among people willing to get rid of excess fat through non-surgical means. While the procedure has its benefits, including the effectual spot reduction of fat and shorter resting periods post-procedure, you mustn’t forget the potential side effects it entails, which include redness, swelling, and sometimes even serious adverse effects-paradoxical adipose hyperplasia being the most dangerous.
Choosing a reputable provider is essential to minimize risks and ensure the best possible outcome. With extensive experience, innovative technology, and a commitment to personalized care, Vancouver Laser stands out as a trusted destination for CoolSculpting and other advanced aesthetic treatments. If you’re ready to take the next step toward achieving your body goals, book a consultation with Vancouver Laser today.
FAQs
1. How long do the results of CoolSculpting last?
CoolSculpting gives long-lasting results because it permanently destroys fat cells, which the body then removes. To keep these results, it’s important to live a healthy lifestyle since fat cells in untreated areas can grow if you gain weight. Most people notice changes within 3 to 4 weeks, with the best results showing up in about 2 to 3 months after treatment. If you eat well and exercise, the slimming effects can last a long time, but you might need more sessions for extra shaping or if new fat appears later.
2. Is CoolSculpting expensive?
The cost of CoolSculpting depends on your specific concerns, goals, body shape, and how many follow-up treatments you need. Typically, each session costs between $750 and $4,000, based on the applicators used and the treatment area.
3. How painful is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is generally not painful, with most patients reporting only mild discomfort. Common sensations include a pinching feeling during the initial 15 minutes of treatment, which typically transitions into numbness and a cold sensation.
