COOLSCULPTING™

How does CoolSculpting work?

When cells are cooled down to certain temperatures (fat freezing / freeze fat), they can be triggered to undergo a highly regulated process of cell death called apoptosis (i.e fat loss). This is a normal process which occurs in the body when it is time to clear out a damaged or old cell. Each cell type in the body has unique properties which determine at which temperatures they will die. Compared to other cell types, fat cells are more sensitive to the cold (fat freezing / freeze fat). CoolSculpting takes advantage of this unique property and uses temperatures ranging from -1 to 4°C, which are are low enough to kill fat cells (freeze fat / fat freezing / fat loss), but elevated enough to not damage other important cell types, such as nerve and muscle cells. By applying these temperatures to the body’s surface, it is possible to eliminate up to 25% of the fat cells (causing fat loss) which lay beneath your skin. This fat, called subcutaneous fat, is the one responsible for things like muffin tops and love handles (improving body contour).

Dead fat cells (fat loss) will then be processed and eliminated naturally by the liver.  It can take up to 12 weeks for the body to clear all of the dead cells (fat loss) and for definitive results to show, however it is possible you may notice a difference in your body’s appearance as early as 2 weeks following the procedure!

Coolsculpting results will vary from person to person. It is possible you may need to undergo multiple coolsculpting sessions in order to achieve your desired results of body contour. You will have an opportunity to discuss your expectations with your doctor prior to undergoing any treatment in order to ensure your satisfaction with your body contour.

What can I expect during the procedure?

Before the coolsculpting procedure begins, your doctor will place a gel pad over the area being targeted during the session. This is to protect your skin, as it would otherwise come into direct contact with the cold. The CoolSculpting™ applicator will then be placed over this pad. Using a small vacuum, it will use suction to bring the bulge of fat into contact with cooling plates (freezing fat). You may feel a slight discomfort from the cold, but this should subside within the first few minutes. The CoolScultping applicator will remain over the area during the entirety of the procedure, which will last between 35 minutes to an hour. During your session, you will be able to do activities such as read or listen to music. Be careful to not move too much to avoid displacing the CoolSculpting device! Once the coolsculpting session is over and the applicator is removed, you may go back to your daily activities. Because this is a non-surgical technique, you will not need bedrest or a lengthy recovery time!

Does CoolSculpting cause any side effects?

After the coolsculpting procedure, your skin may be red or slightly bruised, and you may notice a tingling or tenderness. This is normal, and should subside completely within a few hours to a few days. The degree of redness or bruising varies depending on the individual, and it is possible you may not experience any at all. However, if you notice any worsening of the redness, increased bruising, or pain, it is important to contact your doctor.

How long will the results last?

If you maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, coolsculpting results will last for a very long time. This is because in adults’ bodies, fat cells rarely ever multiply (permanent fat loss), so once a few are gotten rid of, they are gone for good! (improving body contour).  However, this does not mean it is impossible to gain back the weight. If the body needs to store excess fat, it will do so in the remaining fat cells, causing them to grow larger and “fill in” for the ones that have been eliminated. If you maintain a healthy weight, this will not happen.

Is CoolSculpting for everyone?

CoolSculpting™ is a procedure meant for individuals who are close to their ideal body weight, but who have specific problems areas of stubborn fat (causing localized fat loss). It is not a technique for major weightloss or for individuals who are very overweight. It is important to inform your doctor of any past medical history so that they can determine if CoolSculpting is safe for you.

If you have been diagnosed with the following conditions, you should not undergo CoolSculpting:

• Cryoglobulinemia
• Cold agglutinin disease
• Paroxysmal cold hemoglobulinuria
• Hernias