Are you concerned about that muffin top or belly fat that you can’t seem to get rid of with diet and exercise? Since it’s hard to spot-reduce these problem areas, CoolSculpting may be an effective solution for you. CoolSculpting is an innovative treatment that can reduce stubborn fat in specific areas. But how does CoolSculpting work?
What Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a fat reduction treatment designed to reduce isolated pockets of fat. It is FDA approved for use on several areas, including the abdomen, flanks, upper arms, inner thighs, outer thighs, and beneath the chin.
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical treatment, so there are no incisions or needles and little to no downtime.
The Science Behind CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting works based on fat-freezing science known as cryolipolysis.
Cryolipolysis is a cooling technology discovered years ago by Harvard scientists, who noticed that children who ate a lot of popsicles developed dimples in their cheeks.
This simple observation led to the realization that freezing temperature can selectively reduce pockets of fat. This discovery became the basis of the CoolSculpting fat reduction system.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
CoolSculpting is a fat loss treatment that reduces stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Since fat cells are more susceptible to cold temperature, the CoolSculpting system targets fat deposits but leaves the surrounding skin, nerves, and tissue unharmed.
When the CoolSculpting applicator is applied to the targeted area, it selectively freezes the subcutaneous fat beneath the skin. Exposure to the freezing energy causes the fat cells to crystallize and die.
Although the fat cells are destroyed immediately, it can take several weeks for the body to process and expel them. As the fat cells are naturally metabolized by the body and removed, patients will notice some fat reduction in the treatment areas.
A typical CoolSculpting session takes about 35-45 minutes.
Is CoolSculpting Painful?
During CoolSculpting, patients will feel intense cold and experience sensations of pulling and tugging, but the treatment is well tolerated. Most patients have a very comfortable experience with CoolSculpting and take the time to listen to music, read, or sleep.
Is CoolSculpting Safe?
The CoolSculpting system is very safe thanks to built-in safety features such as sensors that trigger an automatic system shut down if it detects that the skin is getting too cold.
Patients may experience some numbness, redness, and tenderness in the treatment site after CoolSculpting, but these side-effects typically resolve within a few days.
What Results Can You Expect?
A single CoolSculpting treatment can reduce fat in the targeted area by up to 25%. Some people see results as soon as 3 weeks after treatment, but the most dramatic results can be seen after 2-3 months. Most people achieve their desired outcomes with just one CoolSculpting treatment.
For best results, CoolSculpting should be performed by a doctor that has done in-depth CoolSculpting training.
Are You A Good Candidate For CoolSculpting?
If you have small to moderate bulges of fat that you have been struggling to reduce despite a healthy diet and regular exercise, CoolSculpting can reduce these problem areas for you. If your goal is to get a flatter tummy or smaller flanks so that your clothes fit better, you may be a good candidate for CoolSculpting.
CoolSculpting is not a solution for obesity. Therefore, ideal candidates should be at or near their goal weight.
If you are looking to reduce some stubborn fat bulges without surgery or downtime, CoolSculpting can reshape your body and help you look your best. However, be sure to choose a skilled and experienced CoolSculpting professional to perform your treatment.