*Disclaimer: Results vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.
Freezing your fat to reduce weight and shape your body is quickly becoming popular. Normally, we think of toiling in hot, stuffy conditions as the best ways for removing stubborn fat. But if you’re looking for a unique yet effective and permanent alternative, you should consider CoolSculpting by Zeltiq.
Hailed as a liposuction alternative, this non-invasive fat removal procedure has transformed body contouring for many people. At world-acclaimed Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, your San Diego cosmetic dermatology specialists, we are proud to offer this innovative, non-invasive fat reduction therapy.
What is CoolSculpting?
Simply put, CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat freezing procedure designed to remove those stubborn areas of fat that just won’t go away no matter how much you diet or exercise. It is FDA-approved for permanently destroying fat cells and contouring your body without surgery.
Although patients seeking non-invasive fat reduction have been undergoing CoolSculpting treatment since 2010, the unique process of “freezing the fat” is not well known by everyone, so here are 10 things that you might not know about it. Learn more about CoolSculpting technology at healthline.com
#1 – It Is NOT a Weight Loss Tool
This might be the biggest surprise if you’re not familiar with CoolSculpting. You are an ideal candidate if you are in relatively good health and not too far away from your ideal weight. However, if you don’t have enough malleable fat, then you may not need this fat freezing procedure.
The bottom line is that it’s a supplement to a proper diet and exercise routine, not a substitute for it. It puts the finishing touches on the fat loss and body shape you desire.
#2 – It Is NOT Intended for Sagging Skin
As Coolsculpting is a procedure for removing stubborn fat, it is not effective if you’re hoping to rid your body of excess or loose skin. In fact, the amount of fat loss caused by CoolSculpting is not enough to cause sagging, excess skin. If you have loose skin, you might consider a skin tightening procedure such as Ultherapy or ThermiTight.
#3 – The Number of Treatments Varies from Patient to Patient
Because your body shaping goals and overall health are unique, the number of sessions you undergo depends on several factors, but your desired contouring goals are at the top of the list. For example, if you’re trying to reduce a small pocket of troublesome fat, one non-invasive fat reduction treatment could be enough for you, as just a single session can give you 20-25% reduction in fat. On the other hand, if you have several pockets on your body that are particularly resistant, you may need three to five treatments at our San Diego office administered every six weeks.
Other factors include your budget, skin condition, and doctor’s recommendation.
#4 – Minimal to No Discomfort During Treatment
Many patients report experiencing very little discomfort, if any, during a session. Patients usually experience minimal to no discomfort, and typically only when the applicator is first placed.
#5 – A Stick of Butter Beneath Your Skin
After those cooling panels are taken off your skin, the fat under the skin of the treated area resembles a stick of butter. Seriously, the treated fat is commonly shaped like a rectangle. Don’t fret, though, because after some massaging, it vanishes. At CLDerm in San Diego, we use the Zimmer Zwave in place of manual massage, which has been shown to enhance results!
#6 – You May Feel Very Few Post-Procedure Side Effects
Fewer than one in 10 patients report significant pain following a CoolSculpting session, and it can usually be alleviated with 600-800mg of ibuprofen. Wearing compression garments can also help minimize it.
Otherwise, expected side effects include minimal soreness, itching, swelling, and numbness. These usually subside within a week.
#7 – There’s Also the CoolMini
In addition to CoolSculpting for the body, the CoolMini device can be used to target fatty areas around your armpits and knees, as well as the double chin!
#8 – You Could See Obvious Effects in Only a Few Weeks
Be patient. Although you should begin to notice results within a month, the more dramatic changes come after about two months, once your system has had enough time to eliminate the treated fat cells. As your body continues to flush out the shattered fat cells, you could continue improving for up to six months.
#9 – You Might Get Bored During Your Treatment Session
Bring something to keep you occupied during your visit to the office. Although one CoolSculpting body contouring session lasts about an hour, you could be at the office for a couple of hours. Therefore, we recommend bringing a book to read or a video to watch on your phone or tablet. Some body shaping patients even get work done or refresh themselves with a short nap.
#10 – Ultimately, Final Results Are Up to You
The final results of this unique fat freezing procedure are up to you. If you maintain a proper diet and exercise regimen following your body contouring treatment, the results will last. If you revert to bad habits, you’ll regain weight and fat (though maybe not in the treated areas).
However, by keeping yourself in shape with good diet and regular exercise, your body contouring results will be permanent.
Enjoy the Benefits of Coolsculpting
Removing stubborn fat can be frustrating, especially when the fat is resistant to various reduction methods. Invasive surgical procedures can fix this, but not everyone has the time needed to recover. That’s why non-surgical fat removal is a fantastic alternative. To learn more, fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation in San Diego today.
Next, get beach body ready with this non-invasive form of Body Sculpting.
