CoolSculpting remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in North America. However, it continues to be a somewhat misunderstood and mysterious treatment for many- here’s a quick review of all the facts and new info you’ll need to figure out if CoolSculpting is for you.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
This procedure is a non-invasive way to lose fat through cryolipolysis, which means the killing of fat cells through extreme cold. Because skin and connective tissue have a different freezing point than fat, the device freezes fat without damaging the overlying tissue.
What Areas Can CoolSculpting Treat?
- Upper and Lower Abdomen
- Inner and Outer Thighs (e.g. Saddle Bags)
- Knees
- Back
- Banana Roll (Fatty Area Under Buttock)
- Flanks
- Arms
- Upper and Lower Bra Fat
- Male Chest
- Submental (Double Chin)
What Is Involved in a CoolSculpting Procedure?
At the first appointment you will be assessed to determine if CoolSculpting is suitable to treat your area of concern. The area to be treated is cleansed and one or two suction applicators will be applied to the area. The procedure takes approximately 30-6 minutes depending on the area. Treatments are repeated at 4 – 8-week intervals.
Does CoolSculpting Work?
The short answer is yes, but it’s important to understand what to expect. Overall, studies have shown a 10-25% fat reduction in treated areas based on a “skin pinch” measurement with calipers or ultrasound measurements of fat thickness. While this may sound like a modest decrease, it translates into a significant reduction in clothing size, and study after study has found a high rate of satisfaction among patients. Over time, results have improved since recommended treatment protocols have been revised. See below for “What’s New in CoolSculpting.” 2-3 treatments may not be sufficient.
Who Is a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting?
It’s important to remember CoolSculpting is not a weight loss treatment. Rather it is a nonsurgical body contouring treatment, best for people with a small bulge or area of concern. The best candidates are close to their ideal weight and have taught skin. For larger areas of fat, liposuction may be a better choice, and for patients with loose or hanging skin, procedures like tummy tuck, arm, or thigh lift may be necessary.
What Are the Side Effects of CoolSculpting?
Common side effects can include mild discomfort, swelling, itching, and numbness for a period of time after treatment. Bruising can also occur.
More rare side effects can include asymmetry, irregularity and indentation. It is also possible to develop PAH, paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, where fat in the treated area increases. This is rare and may be treated with liposuction.
What’s New In CoolSculpting?
A new range of applicators of varying sizes has made the procedure more flexible, allowing a greater number of areas to be treated, and allowing the procedure to be better tailored to an individual’s body shape. These have also added considerably to the comfort of the procedure. Also, very significantly, with growing experience clinicians have now developed more effective treatment schedules.
The general consensus now among treating physicians is that the older recommendation of 2-3 treatment cycles per area is sometimes insufficient. Impressive results can sometimes be achieved with 4, 5, and sometimes 6 or more treatments for some patients and some body areas.
If you have unwanted fat and are wondering if CoolSculpting is right for you, call our Mississauga location at (905) 273-3045 or our Toronto location at (416) 207-9090 or request a consultation online.
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