CoolSculpting© is a popular noninvasive method to permanently eliminate stubborn areas of fat that resist diet and exercise. In this post, we answer some questions about CoolSculpting, so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Every year in the United States, more than 350,000 Americans utilize noninvasive fat reduction treatments, permanently eliminating stubborn fat in areas that don’t respond to diet and exercise. As an alternative to liposuction, noninvasive fat removal offers several benefits, including no incisions, anesthesia, recovery time, and far fewer risks.
CoolSculpting© is one of the most popular noninvasive procedures for patients at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology of Forest Hills, relying on cold “energy” to freeze and destroy fat cells. In this post, Michael Paltiel, MD, John A. Perrotti, MD, Zina Goldvekht, PA-C, and Aleksey Babakhanov, FNP, answer the most common questions about this innovative outpatient treatment.
How does CoolSculpting work?
CoolSculpting uses a special applicator to administer cold energy through your skin, targeting fat cells in your treatment zone. Cold energy weakens fat cell walls, breaking them down. Over the next several weeks, your body disposes of the fatty debris via your “built-in” waste system.
While you can achieve your goals in just a single session, many people opt for a follow-up session to refine and fine-tune their results. Follow-up sessions are also often recommended for larger areas of fat that aren’t completely eliminated during the first treatment.
What happens during a CoolSculpting treatment?
At the start of your session, we’ll mark the treatment area before applying a gel pad to protect your skin. Next, we place the CoolSculpting applicator over the treatment site.
As your treatment begins, you may feel a light suctioning sensation followed by intense cold. While the suctioning may feel a little odd (some people describe it as squeezing, tugging, or pulling), most people don’t find it uncomfortable or painful. In fact, many use the time to read, relax, or surf the internet. About 10 minutes into the treatment, the cold energy numbs your skin, an effect that resolves immediately after treatment.
Treatments take about 35-75 minutes. At the end of your session, the applicator and gel pad are removed, and we massage the area briefly to help break up the fat cells in the area.
What areas can CoolSculpting treat?
CoolSculpting is designed to treat a variety of “trouble spots,” including fat pockets located:
- Under your chin
- On your thighs
- On your back
- Along the bra area
- On your belly or waist
- On your flanks
- On your upper arm
- Under your buttocks (banana roll)
You may be able to have more than one area treated during the same office visit.
How will I feel after my CoolSculpting treatment?
There’s no downtime after CoolSculpting, and you can go right back to your regular routine. You may experience some temporary redness, tingling, or minor swelling in the area, along with bruising. But these will resolve quickly after treatment.
How long will it be before I see the results?
Because CoolSculpting relies on your body to eliminate the fatty debris following your treatment session, it can take several weeks before you notice results. Most people see the first stage of their results within about 1-3 months, with final results becoming visible by six months.
How long do CoolSculpting results last?
CoolSculpting destroys fat cells for permanent results. However, even though those cells are gone for good, neighboring areas can still gain weight. After CoolSculpting, it’s essential to follow a healthy eating plan and get regular exercise to keep your body fit (and to reap the health benefits, too).
How do I know if CoolSculpting is right for me?
CoolSculpting can be a great treatment for most people with isolated areas of fat that just won’t budge, but it’s not meant to remove large amounts of fat. You should be at or near your ideal body weight with a desire to target specific areas or pockets of fat.
CoolSculpting isn’t ideal for people with bleeding disorders or those who’ve recently had surgery in or near the treatment area. Before we recommend CoolSculpting, we’ll perform an exam and review your medical history. During your consultation visit, let us know about any medical conditions you have and the medications you take.
Have more questions?
We have the answers. To learn more about CoolSculpting and how it can help you achieve your goals, call 718-896-3376 or book an appointment online with the team at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, New York.
