CoolSculpting is the newest trend on the block at the moment. Everyone seems to be talking about it! It may be something you’ve never heard of before, so let go through exactly what it is.
CoolSculpting is the removal of fat by using cold. The technical name for it is ‘Cryolipolysis’. CoolSculpting literally ‘sculpts’ the body by removing unwanted areas of fat. It’s becoming more widely available, across the country at clinics such as the NJ Center for CoolSculpting.
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How Does CoolSculpting Work?
CoolSculpting works by freezing fat. The practitioner holds either a specially designed tool over the area, or the area is pressed between two metal plates, depending on the area being targeted.
The area is then cooled down to near freezing and kept at that temperature for a period of time.
The cold freezes the fat cells, which the body then breaks down and removes them naturally.
The cold does not seem to affect other layers of cells in the area being treated and focuses only on the fat cells.
How Long Does CoolSculpting Take?
An appointment for a CoolSculpting treatment lasts around 45 minutes to an hour. It doesn’t require you to be anesthetized or sedated, and you can resume your normal life immediately after leaving the clinic.
Sometimes several appointments are needed to achieve the results that you want, and CoolSculpting can reduce fat in the area being worked on by up to 25%. This can be more or less depending on the person being treated, as with everything, everyone reacts differently.
Results of CoolSculpting are not instant, as the body needs time to remove the dead cells. Results are usually seen around four months post-treatment.
Is CoolSculpting Permanent?
Well, yes and no. A treatment of CoolSculpting literally causes cell death to the fat cells being targeted, and the body removes them. So, these exact cells can not return.
However, if you were to gain weight, fatty deposits would be put back into that area. As long as you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, your weight should not increase and the fat won’t be put back into the place it has been removed from.
Will CoolSculpting Help Me Lose Weight?
No, CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss treatment. CoolSculpting helps to remove stubborn fat from specific areas, but it will not help you lose overall body fat.
The best way to lose body fat is with a healthy diet and exercise. There are other cosmetic procedures that will remove more fat, such as liposuction, but these are much more invasive and have a longer recovery time, along with more possible complications.
Is CoolSculpting Painful?
CoolSculpting should not be painful, there are no needles or scalpels involved. However, it can be an uncomfortable procedure.
The treatment time is around an hour on average, and the fat will be chilled for that amount of time, and the instrument used to apply the cold temperatures will either be sucking on the tissue, or holding it between two metal plates, so this can be an uncomfortable sensation.
There is often some pain and aching after the procedure, but this usually goes away on its own in a few days.
Are There Any Other Side Effects?
CoolSculpting is considered to be a very safe treatment. But, as with everything, there are always some side effects to be aware of, although these are quite rare with CoolSculpting.
Some of the side effects to be aware of are redness, swelling, bruising, extra sensitivity at the site, or loss of sensations.
These effects tend to resolve on their own and not cause any further problems.
Is CoolSculpting Expensive?
CoolSculpting varies in cost depending on the clinic that you visit, the area of your body you would like treated, and if you will need more than one session to get the best results.
Prices of a CoolSculpting treatment can be anywhere from $800 to $1600.
Do you research before you commit to a particular clinic, and it’s always a good idea to have a consultation to get to know the technician carrying out the procedure and see if you feel comfortable in the clinic.
Can Anyone Have CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is suitable for most people, but it is not suitable for everyone. There are some medical conditions that mean CoolSculpting would be dangerous, or unadvisable.
If you are considering CoolSculpting, then talk to your doctor first, regardless of if you have any pre-existing conditions or not.
Always ensure that your CoolSculpting technician is licensed and registered with the relevant regulatory bodies.
