CoolSculpting is a noninvasive, nonsurgical medical procedure that is purported to remove extra fat cells from beneath the skin. As a noninvasive treatment, it has several benefits over traditional fat removal surgical procedures.
More than 6 million procedures have been carried out worldwide using the revolutionary method of losing stubborn fat known as CoolSculpting. In this blog, we explain how it works and help you evaluate if you’re a good candidate.
What is Stubborn Fat?
A calorie is a unit of energy that your body needs to keep you alive and perform daily activities. This energy comes from three macronutrients found in the food we eat: protein, fats, and carbohydrates. While the latter is our primary fuel source, fats work like a reserve that the body stores in the form of adipose tissue. If you have more in reserve than what is necessary, the result is weight gain.
Although you can burn fat through dieting and exercise, some parts of your body—typically, your belly and upper arms—might not respond to your efforts. We call this “stubborn fat,” but there’s still light at the end of the tunnel.
CoolSculpting: Everything You Need to Know
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
Unlike liposuction and other traditional procedures, CoolSculpting is a non-invasive technique that doesn’t require anesthesia and allows you to resume your normal activities at the end of each session. The treatment uses safe, accurate, and efficient equipment to freeze and destroy fat cells underneath your skin. Within a few weeks, your body will naturally eliminate these dead cells while you get slimmer in the process.
Several scientific studies have proven that CoolSculpting can target specific areas of the body without affecting the surrounding ones. Sensors will constantly monitor the temperature of your skin and shut down the equipment if it gets too cold.
What You Can Expect
Your healthcare provider will take the time to go over a treatment plan that is specialized for you. They want to make sure that they can bring your goals to life. For some, that may mean multiple CoolSculpting sessions. If your goal is to get rid of fat from your inner and outer thighs and then from your lower belly, that would require more than one session. But worry not, your healthcare provider will give you all of the information that you will need.
Thankfully, this is a non-surgical procedure, so you don’t need to worry about things like anesthesia during it! During the procedure, a gel pad and applicator will be placed on the area you have chosen. Doing so delivers controlled cooling to the targetted fat cells.
Are There Side Effects?
The site of treatment may feel pulled, tugged, mildly pinched, intensely cold, tingly, stinging, aching, or cramping during the procedure. As the area becomes numb, these sensations may subside.
Typically, there are a number of side effects that may show up following the procedure, including redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, skin sensitivity, and numbness. It is possible for numbness to persist for several weeks. Submental (under the chin) treatment may cause a feeling of fullness in the back of the throat.
It is also possible to experience paradoxical hyperplasia, late onset pain, freeze burn, vasovagal symptoms, subcutaneous induration, hyperpigmentation, and hernia. These are, however, quite rare.
Check with your healthcare practitioner if CoolSculpting is right for you before undergoing this procedure.
How Much Does CoolSculpting Cost?
According to CoolSculpting, the typical cost of its treatment ranges from $2,000–$4,000. In contrast, small applicators may be required for areas such as the chin and jaw, which are typically between $700 and $900.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2020 statistics report, noninvasive fat reduction procedures cost an average of $1,437.
The price varies according to the number of treatments and the area being treated. The larger the area, the more expensive the treatment.
A person should also consider the number of treatments necessary. There may be a need for more treatments in areas with more fat. Costs may also be influenced by factors such as location and the skill of the provider.
Since CoolSculpting does not treat an underlying health condition, insurance typically doesn’t cover the procedure.
Is CoolSculpting For You?
CoolSculpting was designed to get rid of stubborn fat in specific parts of the body. Good candidates for this treatment are within 30 lbs of their ideal weight, so it’s not recommended for people who are obese. The technique can be used to reshape your abdomen, flank, inner thighs, outer thighs, chin, and upper arms.
Your physician will examine your body and discuss how many treatment sessions you need. Usually, sessions last from 35 to 60 minutes. In the first few minutes, you’ll feel a sensation of intense cold and numbness that disappears quickly. Most patients use this time to read a book or work on their laptop. After three weeks, you’ll start to notice the amazing results.
Is CoolSculpting Worth It?
To maximize results and reduce side effects, CoolSculpting is best done under the guidance of an experienced doctor, with a proper treatment plan and several sessions.
In addition, many of the studies touting its benefits and safety have been funded by companies with a vested interest.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that many of these studies are not true.
When it comes to fat loss procedures, CoolSculpting does have some benefits over traditional liposuction:
- it’s non-surgical.
- it’s noninvasive.
- it requires almost no recovery time.
You can drive yourself home after your treatments and return to your regular activities right away.
At AgeEnvy, we offer CoolSculpting and facial rejuvenation information to help you look your best. We can help you find a provider that has your best interests at heart. Contact us if you have any questions.