Fat is stubborn to get rid of. The typical means of professional fat removal is by liposuction, but there have been advances in the body contouring field. The popular new method of fat removal is CoolSculpting. Developed by Harvard Scientists and approved by the FDA in 2010, CoolSculpting is a safe and effective treatment for fat cell treatment on the flanks (love handles) and the abdomen.
How It Works
CoolSculpting is a cooling process that kills fat cells under the skin by freezing them. It is important to note that the treatment targets and freezes only fat cells. Healthy skin cells remain unscathed during each treatment session. The fat cells are crystallized during the cooling process. They die and are naturally eliminated by the body over time.
CoolSculpting is a good treatment choice for many reasons, including:
- The treatment is non-invasive
- There are no incisions
- No suction is used
- No needles are used
- There are no scars
How It Is Done
CoolSculpting uses a device that is positioned on the area to be treated. It draws the fatty bulge, belly or love handle, up between two cooling panels. This creates a firm tugging sensation and a significant amount of pressure. As the cooling process begins, patients report that there is a feeling of pressure and intense cold.
Each treatment takes one to three hours. Once the tissue is sufficiently cooled, the treatment is complete and the skin is released from between the cooling panels.
Some patients are satisfied with the improved visual results after one CoolSculpting treatment while others undergo repeated treatments to get the look they desire.
It is important to note that CoolSculpting is not a weight loss solution for obesity. It is also not a substitute for weight loss surgery.
Side Effects of CoolSculpting
Patients who undergo CoolSculpting report that they do feel some discomfort during and after each treatment. Common side effects include a variety of sensations at the treatment site including:
- Redness
- Minor bruising
- Swelling
- Tender to touch
- Itching
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Cramping
These side effects are temporary and resolve in a short period of time. There is no documentation of peripheral nerve damage being caused by CoolSculpting.
Results of the Treatment
Recent studies and supporting ultrasound verification report that after a single CoolSculpting treatment, patients have a 20 percent reduction in the fat layer and after six months, they have a 25 percent reduction.
Patients report seeing noticeable fat reduction after one appointment but the change is especially visible after about three weeks. It can take up to two to four months to see the full effect of a treatment because the body needs time to eliminate the destroyed fat cells. Each subsequent CoolSculpting treatment delivers more noticeable results.
Seeking a qualified CoolSculpting trained professional or facility is important to ensure that the desired results are achieved.
