CoolSculpting®
What is CoolSculpting®?
CoolSculpting®, also known by the more technical term cryolipolysis, is an FDA-approved non-invasive cosmetic procedure that targets specific deposits in the body and freezes them. This process destroys the targeted fat cells without causing any damage to their surrounding skin or tissue.
How to Know If It’s the Right Choice for You
Before determining whether that’s the case for you, let’s take a closer look at what this procedure entails, some of its alternatives, and what you can expect.
Assisting Exercise and Fat Loss
Exercise is instrumental to a healthy lifestyle; its benefits far extend appearances. Exercising regularly has been linked to lower rates of improved circulation, mental health, sleep levels, bone health, and much more. No cosmetic procedure can ever replace the health benefits of exercise. With that said, while exercise can lead to fat loss, it can’t always guarantee that specific fat deposits in your body will be reduced. CoolSculpting®, on the other hand, does exactly that.
CoolSculpting® and Weight Loss
The objective of CoolSculpting® is to reduce fat, not to be a weight loss solution. This is an important distinction because although weight loss and fat loss can occur at the same time, one does not automatically lend itself to the other. It’s recommended that patients be at a stable, healthy weight before undergoing CoolSculpting®. With that said, the procedure can be a great way to supplement your already healthy lifestyle by giving you the results you’ve been wanting.
CoolSculpting® and Your Safety
CoolSculpting® is the most popular non-surgical procedure in the world for fat removal, and it is fully approved by the FDA. Because it is a non-invasive procedure, CoolSculpting® can carry a much lower risk of complications and injury than surgical alternatives like liposuction. With that said, no cosmetic procedure is entirely risk-free, so it’s a good idea to consult with a trusted physician to assess whether this procedure is a good fit for you.
Comparing the Results: CoolSculpting® vs. Liposuction
If you’re considering getting CoolSculpting®, chances are that you may also be considering liposuction. These two procedures are commonly compared to one another, and it can be tricky for patients to determine which one is the right choice for them. Generally, there are a few things to consider if you’re stuck between the two:
The amount of fat you want to remove.
What your “problem” areas are.
- Lower back
- Submental
- Bra Line
- Banana Rolls
- Upper Arms
- Flanks
- Abdomen
- Inner and Outer Thighs
Liposuction, on the other hand, can cover all of the areas above in addition to:
- Glutes
- Neck
- Chest
- Arms
- Face
- Any part of the leg, including knees, thighs, and calves
How much time you have to recover.
The Benefits of CoolSculpting®
CoolSculpting® allows patients to target fat deposits in key areas of their bodies, minimizing the presence of fat and delivering the aesthetic results that patients might not be able to reach with exercise alone. Other benefits of CoolSculpting® include:
- High success rates
- Great satisfaction rates among patients
- Fast recovery times compared to surgical alternatives
- Permanent results
Who Can Benefit from CoolSculpting®?
With all of that said, it’s important to remember that CoolSculpting® is a fat-removal procedure, and it can’t replace the benefits that come with a healthy, active lifestyle. It’s also not a procedure that should be used for any purpose besides fat removal, including wrinkle removal, skin tightening, hyperpigmentation, or any other cosmetic or reconstructive goal.
CoolSculpting® for Women
CoolSculpting® offers multiple benefits to patients regardless of gender or age, and it is especially popular among women for fat removal in various parts of the body, including: chin area, hips, thighs, stomach, and more
CoolSculpting® for Men
Though some may stereotypically associate procedures like CoolSculpting® with female patients, the truth is that it’s quite popular among men, as well. This is largely due to the procedure’s effectiveness when it comes to removing fat in the stomach and lower back, leading to a more athletic-looking physique in men.
A Closer Look at How CoolSculpting® is Done
CoolSculpting® is relatively easy and painless, and patients typically make a full recovery within three to five days of getting the procedure. Here’s a quick look at what it entails:
- The treatment area is marked off, and a C-shaped applicator is placed on it.
- A section of excess fat is drawn into the C-shaped applicators by suction.
- These applicators cool the section of skin to freezing temperatures. This step numbs the skin and does not cause any damage to the area.
- The coldness of the applicators destroy the fat cells in the area being treated while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed.
- Overall, the procedure takes about an hour. Depending on the size of the treatment area, your doctor may recommend more than one session.
What to Expect After Your CoolSculpting® Procedure
Because it is a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure, CoolSculpting® is typically accompanied by pretty mild side effects, like redness, swelling, soreness, and tingling. Typically, these symptoms subside within a couple of days and patients can return to their regular activities within three to five days.
Is CoolSculpting® Permanent?
Once the fat cells in your body have been destroyed through freezing, they can’t regenerate. Because CoolSculpting® destroys fat cells instead of simply shrinking them, its results are permanent.
With that said, it is very important to continue living a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise and a balanced diet following your CoolSculpting® procedure. This is because the leftover fat cells in your body can still grow as your body weight and body composition change, so your best bet for maintaining your CoolSculpting® results is to continue prioritizing health and wellness in the long term.
Is CoolSculpting® the Right Choice For You?
We’ve given you a great deal to consider above, but the most important thing to remember is that, regardless of its benefits or drawbacks, CoolSculpting® is only the right choice for you if you feel comfortable and confident in your decision to pursue it. Every individual is unique, and their course of treatment must reflect that. If you’re interested in CoolSculpting®, or any other fat reduction or removal procedures, the best thing you can do is talk through your options in detail with a trusted and highly qualified provider.
Schedule Your Consultation
At Gayoso Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, we believe that investing in your self-image is courageous and worthwhile. We’re here to make sure that your cosmetic procedures–and their results–are everything you want them to be. If you’re ready to further explore whether CoolSculpting® is the right fit for you, schedule your consultation.