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What Is Coolsculpting?

What is Coolsculpting?

Coolsculpting; a noninvasive, nonsurgical procedure to remove excess fat underneath the skin. The procedure is certified as a safe medical treatment, but there are still certain side effects or risk which are rare. The cost varies due to different reasons explained. See the before and after photos.

Also called “cryolipolysis”, it is a medical procedure that helps remove excess fat cells underneath the skin. Coolsculpting is a noninvasive, nonsurgical medical procedure that has been proven to be effective in fat removal. It works by freezing the fat cells in specific parts of the body. Cold does not damage other cells the way it destroys fat cells. For this reason, the skin and other underlying tissues are not damaged during the cooling process. 

Types Of Coolsculpting

Coolsculpting® is the first successful liposuction alternative that can provide body contouring and weight loss, without any surgical procedures. Initially, it was developed for use in the abdomen. Now, the technology is used in all parts of the body; arms, chest, inner and outer thighs, lower and upper back, and many more parts. The body contour is made up of different shapes and sizes; Zeltiq’s Coolsculpting®, after a long appraisal and consideration, has come up with an innovation and applicators that will effectively meet those needs.

There are currently six types of Coolsculpting® applicators, used for different body parts. These innovative applicators include:

  1. CoolFit: For the inner thighs, upper arms, and vertical planes in the abdomen. Used on patients in need of fat reduction, and may be used on any other body part, with a longer cooling plane.
  2. CoolCore: Its shape makes it possible for addressing bulges of fat, and therefore, it is one of the most popular Coolsculpting® applicators on the abdomen. Meant to handle smaller areas at a time.
  3. CoolMax: Unlike CoolCore, it’s able to handle much larger areas, all at once. About 2.5 times the size of some other applicators, it handles higher volumes of fat at once.
  4. CoolCurve+: Has excellent curvature that allows it to fit easily, over rounded and curved skin. CoolCurve Plus is used mainly on flanks and chest.
  5. CoolSmooth Pro: Very comfortable. Used often with body contour in abdomen areas (and other areas of the body) that are difficult to pinch.
  6. CoolMini: The newest addition to the Coolsculpting® applicators recently announced by Zeltiq. However, it is yet to be released into the market. It is small enough to address some areas of smaller fat that were very difficult with other previous applicators.

Reasons For Coolsculpting

  1. Allows you to spot and reduce fat in stubborn areas of your body; abdomen, thighs, chin, and love handles. Nevertheless, it may be impossible with the gym. 
  2. It is noninvasive and not time-consuming. A simple treatment, unlike surgery (for example, liposuction), takes approximately an hour, and you can resume your normal daily activities immediately after treatment.
  3. It enables you to fit in again, into those wares which could’ve been abandoned for new ones.
  4. It targets those areas that diet and exercises can’t touch, thereby removing unwanted fat deposits.
  5. It cuts down your extra fat and puts you back in shape. An end would come to those moments when you avoid looking in the mirror, and you’ll love looking in the mirror to see your new you, each time.
  6. You can reduce fat without building up more muscles and being robust.
  7. It renders freedom to diet restrictions and dieting. You won’t have to I’ve up on your favorite foods, though you’ll still ear health diets to maintain your new look; but you won’t starve to do so.
  8. Averted risks of surgery complications.
  9. Unlike surgical liposuction, it is an easier procedure, in that it does not involve incisions, anesthesia, and needles.

Who Is Eligible For Coolsculpting?

To be a good candidate for Coolsculpting®, you should have a body mass index (BMI) of under 30 and live a fairly healthy lifestyle. You should have a pocket of pinchable fat that is difficult to get rid of with diet or exercise.

Procedures

The Coolsculpting® device has applicators that look like nozzles of a vacuum cleaner. 

  • During the treatment, the gel pad and applicator are applied to the target area, and the applicator drivers controlled cooling to the targeted fat.
  • The device is moved over your skin while offering suction and cooling technology to the target area.
  • The treated area is massaged immediately after the treatment to break up any frozen deep tissue. The massage will help your body begin to absorb the destroyed fat cells.

A feeling of pulling and pinching may occur during the process, which is usually accompanied by minimal pains. Each treatment takes between one to three hours. People oftentimes listen to music, read or even work on the computer during the procedure, to the pains.

Targeted Areas For Coolsculpting

  • Upper and lower abdomen
  • Arms
  • Chin area
  • Flanks (or love handles)
  • Bra and back fat
  • Inner and outer thighs
  • Beneath the buttocks (or banana roll)

Principle Of Coolsculpting

Coolsculpting takes its root from the science of cryolipolysis, which uses the cellular response to break down fatty tissue. It extracts energy from the fat layers and causes the fat cells to die gradually, thereby leaving the surrounding muscles, nerves, and other tissues unaffected. The digested fat cells are channelled to the lymphatic system where they are filtered out as waste.

Recover Time

Fortunately, there is little or no recovery time after undergoing Coolsculpting. Most people resume their normal day-to-day activities immediately after the procedure. However, in some cases, some minor redness or soreness may occur in the treated area, but all minor side effects typically disappear within a few weeks.

Side Effects of Coolsculpting

The US FDA has certified Coolsculpting as a safe medical treatment. However,  Coolsculpting can cause several risks, some of such effects include:

  • Tugging sensation at the treated site.
  • Temporary redness, bruising and swelling at the treatment site.
  • Skin sensation at the treatment site.
  • Pains, stringing or aching at the treatment site.
  • Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia at the treatment site. The fat cells in the treatment site grow larger rather than smaller. Mostly occur in men and the reason is not fully understood.

Cost of Coolsculpting

The Coolsculpting official website says the average cost is between $2000 to $4000 per session. The cost is based on the area of the body treated. Treating multiple areas can also increase costs.

Generally, factors that may affect the total cost of Coolsculpting include:

  • The doctor
  • Where you have the procedure
  • The treatment site
  • The area of the body covered
  • Follow-up appointment.

The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not intended to replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health. Read more