Many people complain about stubborn pockets of fat in their midsection. Fortunately, there are cosmetic procedures available that can help in this situation. One of the best is CoolSculpting, which aims to remove these areas of fat that you’ve been unsuccessful at shedding through traditional means. It’s a non-invasive treatment that can give you the results you want and the peace of mind of not having to undergo an invasive surgical procedure.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
CoolSculpting is performed using a procedure known as cryolipolysis, which uses freezing cold temperatures to kill fat cells in a problem area of the body. The procedure has been shown to be effective at reducing stubborn fat by as much as 25%. Results of the treatment can still be present six months after the procedure. Once the fat cells are frozen, they are killed and then eliminated from the a few weeks after treatment. Around the three-month mark, you can see the full results of fat loss from CoolSculpting.
There are different areas of the body that can be treated with CoolSculpting. The following are the most commonly addressed:
- Abdomen
- Flanks or sides
- Lower back
- Thighs
CoolSculpting treatment can also be effective in reducing fat on the arms, buttocks, and legs. Some people even opt to have treatment on their double chin to remove stubborn fat in that area.
The treatment usually takes around an hour for each bodily area being treated. If you wish to have more than one body part addressed, you can get additional treatments. As a general rule, the larger the body part, the more treatments are required.
What are the Side Effects of CoolSculpting?
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are certain potential side effects. They include the following:
- A tugging sensation at the treated site
- Aching, pain, or stinging in the area treated. This typically subsides around two weeks after treatment
- Short-term bruising, redness, swelling, and sensitivity in the treated site
There are also very rare instances when the treatment can result in an increase in the volume of fat cells in the treated site. This is more common in men than in women but is seen in less than 1% of all CoolSculpting cases. Liposuction can help to remove the excess fat if this occurs.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for CoolSculpting?
It’s important to know that CoolSculpting is not a treatment for everyone. It cannot address the problem of obesity as it merely allows for the removal of a small amount of excess fat to be removed. Individuals who have been unsuccessful at eliminating this stubborn fat with dieting and exercise but who are at their ideal weight or very close to it are the best candidates.
Additionally, while CoolSculpting is safe and effective for many, certain people should avoid it. Those with the following medical conditions should not get CoolSculpting due to potentially dangerous complications. Those conditions include the following:
- Cold agglutinin disease
- Cryoglobulinemia
- Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria or PCH
Regardless of whether you have any of these medical conditions, you should always speak with your doctor before getting any type of cosmetic procedure.
How Long Do the Results Last?
The results of CoolSculpting treatment should be permanent. Once the fat cells in the problem area are treated, they are killed off, which means they never return. However, you are responsible for maintaining a healthy weight to ensure that your results remain. Gaining weight after CoolSculpting can result in fat returning.
CoolSculpting in Scottsdale, AZ
If you live in Arizona and are interested in getting CoolSculpting, contact Gawley Plastic Surgery by calling 480-696-6361 or filling out an online contact form to schedule a consultation.