With the new year right around the corner, it is time to start writing our resolutions for the upcoming year. Most patient’s that set their goals for the new year have “get in better shape,” or something similar, on their list. Although this goal may sound easy over the course of the year, sometimes we carry our fat in areas that are near impossible to lose with diet and exercise alone. Especially if this particular goal has been on your list for the past few years. This is when CoolSculpting may be the perfect solution. With an in-office treatment you can eliminate areas of fat without having to undergo any invasive procedures. Keep reading to learn more about how you can check off your new year’s resolution with CoolSculpting.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is an innovative procedure that uses patented cooling technology to remove fat cells without any invasive surgeries and little to no downtime. The idea was developed by scientists from Harvard University, when they realized a slight fluke in human biology known as “popsicle panniculitis.” This phenomenon was first observed when studying children eating popsicles. They noticed that as they were eating the frozen treats, dimples would appear on their cheeks. The scientists realized that cold was freezing small pockets of fat that were in the child’s cheeks. Although the fat cells were elliminated, the surrounding skin and tissue was undamaged. This was the idea that sparked the innovated technology for CoolSculpting.
How CoolSculpting Works
CoolSculpting uses a precise cooling technology known as Cryolipolysis to freeze and kill fat cells. Surrounding cells and tissues are left unaffected, due to the fact that they require a lower temperature for damage to occur. CoolSculpting directly targets the fat cells under the skin to freeze them and cause them to die. Once dead, these fat cells are crystalized. Over the course of the following days, the fat cells will be naturally metabolized by your body. Each CoolSculpting session can shrink 20-25% of fat cells in the treatment area. This differs from diet and exercise, where fat cells are reduced in size. After fat cells are removed following a CoolSculpting treatment, they are usually gone forever.
How is CoolSculpting is Performed?
Rounded paddles in various sizes are used to create a suction effect on the skin. These panels lower the temperature of your skin to freeze, crystalize, and kill fat cells. Most patients find their CoolSculpting sessions calming and are often able to nap, complete work, or catch up on television programs. It is easy to relax while the machine is being operating during your procedure.
Recovery After CoolSculpting
For most patients, the recovery time following CoolSculpting will last around 4 weeks. After this time, their bodies are usually fully recovered and any discomfort is relieved. A follow up appointment with your doctor is typically scheduled around this time.
Due to the noninvasive nature of the CoolSculpting procedure, the recovery time is rather short. There is little to no downtime after your treatment and you can return to your normal activities almost right away. Some patients even have sessions performed on their lunch break. There are no restrictions during recovery and exercise is encouraged as it can improve and sustain your results.
Will CoolSculpting Help Me Lose Weight?
One thing that is vital to understand, CoolSculpting is not considered a weight loss procedure. When the fat cells are frozen, the contents are released so they can be burned easier. Unfortunately, CoolSculpting will not have a major impact on your weight alone, it must be combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine.
After your CoolSculpting treatment, there will not be a visible difference. Do not be discouraged, this is completely normal. It takes a few weeks to see results from your session. Each CoolSculpting session can treat up to 25% of existing fat cells in the treatment area. This allows the fat to be released from where it has been stored. The fat that is released acts the same as if you have eaten. Meaning it can be used as fuel or can be stored elsewhere. This is why it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet plan following your CoolSculpting procedure.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
CoolSculpting is considered a safe and effective treatment, but some undesirable side effects have been reported. Following CoolSculpting treatments, some patients have noticed temporary side effects that include, redness, discomfort, bruising, swelling, bloating, firmness, tingling, and possible numbness. Potential side effects that have been reported during the recovery process include, itching, numbness, cramping, swelling, bruising, discomfort, and tingling. There are more serious but rare complications that should be discussed with your doctor such as hernias, hyperpigmentation, and freeze burns.
Are You A Good Candidate?
Patients that are the best candidates for CoolSculpting are healthy individuals that are looking to a reduce the appearance of fat pockets in certain areas of their body. Although men and women carry fat differently, this procedure can be performed on either gender. Individuals that are looking to lose between 20-30 pounds are ideal candidates for this procedure. Patients should also have healthy skin that will be able to properly conform to their new smaller shape. The treatment areas should be pockets of fat that can be grabbed and pulled away from the body, with well-defined borders.
Are you ready to start the new year right and cross a resolution off your list right away?
CoolSculpting may be the solution you are looking for to get rid of those stubborn pockets of fat for good without having to undergo any invasive procedures. This innovative treatment can freeze 20-25% of your fat cells in those stubborn areas in just one session.
If you are interested in having this procedure done, give our office a call today and schedule a consultation. This is the year to achieve the body of your dreams.
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