CoolSculpting®

What is CoolSculpting®?

CoolSculpting is a breakthrough, non-invasive procedure that uses patented cooling technology to eliminate fat without surgery. This clinically proven technique is designed to selectively reduce the fat in problem areas that has proven resistant to reduction through diet and exercise. CoolSculpting gently cools targeted cells in the body to induce a natural, controlled elimination of these unwanted fat cells.

CoolSculpting is the first and only nonsurgical procedure to selectively reduce fat layers in problem areas that include muffin tops, love handles back fat and thighs, both inner and outer. Developed in 2005 and backed by strong clinical research, CoolSculpting is based on Cryolipolysis (cold lipolysis)-the use of precisely controlled cooling to remove fat.

Based on the scientific principle that fat cells are more sensitive to cold than the overlying skin and surrounding tissues, CoolSculpting reduces the temperature of fat cells in the treated area. This is intended to promote fat cell elimination through a natural biological process known as apoptosis, without causing scar tissue or damage to the skin, nerves or surrounding tissues.

Patients generally start to see results as soon as three weeks following treatment, with the most dramatic results occurring over a period of two to four months.

Our practice offers every CoolSculpting applicator that is available: Cool Max, Cool Fit, Cool Core, Cool Curve, Cool Smooth, Cool Mini. Cool Mini treats submental fat and upper knee fat.

What happens during the treatment?

Prior to treatment, you and your doctor will discuss your goals and determine the precise areas on which to work. When treatment begins, the CoolSculpting device is positioned on the area and it will draw the bulge up between two cooling panels. The sensation is a firm pull and pressure-enough of a pull to ensure the selected tissue will be cooled efficiently. Depending on the extent of your procedure, the treatment is usually complete in about one hour.

Benefits of CoolSculpting include:

• It involves no needles, surgery or downtime. Since the CoolSculpting procedure is non-invasive, patients can resume daily activities including work and exercise immediately following treatment.
• It's comfortable. CoolSculpting patients can sit or lie down and relax during the procedure. The procedure is performed in a medical office, under the supervision of a physician specializing in cosmetic procedures.
• It's convenient. Procedures typically last for about one hour, so treatment can easily be performed at lunchtime or during an opportune time of day.
• The results are dramatic. Patients can expect an average 20% reduction of fat in the treated areas in as little as three weeks after their procedure.

What does it feel like?

During the first few minutes of the cooling, you will feel pressure and intense cold. This soon dissipates and patients experience no pain. Many people read, work on a laptop or take a nap during their treatment.

Who is a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is not intended as a weight-reduction program for obese individuals. The best candidates for the CoolSculpting procedure are people near their ideal body weight who eat well and exercise regularly yet have pockets of fat that are unresponsive. It is appropriate for those who are seeking spot reduction for specific areas of fat but are not interested in a surgical procedure.

Can I return to normal activities after my treatment?

The procedure is completely non-surgical, so most people can resume their regular activities immediately. Patients frequently return to work after the session is finished.

Is CoolSculpting safe?

CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared for the love handles and proven to be a safe and effective treatment. Typically, there is minimal to no downtime after the procedure though some patients may experience temporary pain or discomfort. Side effects can include redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness to the touch, cramping, itching, tingling and numbness. Numbness can persist for several weeks after a procedure. Your doctor can discuss more about what to expect during and after treatment at your consultation.

You can find more information on CoolSculpting here.