Curious About CoolSculpting? Here are Some Insider Tips
Since its debut in 2010, CoolSculpting has grown massively in popularity among individuals who want body contouring but aren’t ready or do not want anything invasive. CoolSculpting is a fat treatment that is completely non-invasive and affordable, allowing you to target smaller, stubborn areas of fat that just never respond to exercise and diet.
If you’re curious about all of the hype surrounding this fat-freezing treatment, here are some things you should know that you won’t see advertised.
1. CoolSculpting won’t improve sagging skin
This procedure freezes and kills fat cells. It will not harm other tissue, but this also means it won’t address skin laxity issues. If the skin in the treatment area is starting to sag, it will not be fixed and can actually look worse once the underlying fat is absorbed by your body. In this case, another body contouring procedure like VASER liposuction may be a better option.
2. CoolSculpting is not painless
While it is often advertised as a pain-free procedure, this is not exactly true. There are no incisions made, but the strong suction device that is placed on the treatment area can be uncomfortable at first. Some patients also find that the massaging after treatment is uncomfortable as well. Despite the initial discomfort, patients do not need pain medication and within a few minutes of treatment the sensation will dissipate.
3. The treatment area will look strange immediately after
Many patients are shocked to see the treated area immediately after the procedure. Once the suction device is removed, your skin will look like it has an entire stick of butter underneath as the fat is frozen and compressed. This is only temporary, as the treated area is massaged afterward for a few minutes to warm up the fat and cause further damage to the cells to help them get eliminated by your body.
4. One treatment MAY not be enough
Typically, one session is enough to see up to a 25% reduction in fat in the area, but you may see another 20% to 25% reduction if you opt for another treatment. In some cases, patients do not see visible results after a single treatment, but then find that a second session does the trick.
5. Full results take three months on average
While some patients see their final results within a few weeks, others take up to 6 months to see their final results. Most people see the best results within two or three months.
6. Remaining fat cells will grow if you gain weight
CoolSculpting does permanently freeze and destroy fat cells. This does not mean you can binge and avoid weight gain in the treatment area, though. No procedure will remove all fat cells, which would not be healthy, anyway. Fat cells that remain will grow larger and reduce your results if you do not maintain a healthy diet and exercise to keep your results.
If you want a non-invasive treatment to target stubborn areas like the love handles or a pooch on your stomach, Dr. Dan Shapiro performs CoolSculpting treatments in the Scottsdale area. Schedule a consultation by giving us a call at (480) 451-1700.
