We live in a world where we want to see immediate results. The same goes for our bodies. When we diet, we want to see a slimmer figure in the mirror from day one. Although many diets/exercise regimens aren’t going to deliver results immediately, Coolsculpting is a non-surgical solution that can help remove fat deposits permanently, and you’ll see the results almost instantaneously. In fact, it has become so popular in the US, and around the world, that to date, over 6 million procedures have been safely completed. And, the numbers are growing given the great results most people see, and the permanency of the coolsculpting procedure, as long as individuals follow through with their diet and healthy lifestyle after they have the procedure performed.
Here we’ll highlight some of the primary benefits of Coolsculpting, why it’s so popular, the results you can expect, and how quickly you’ll see them. We’ll also include information regarding who should (and shouldn’t) do coolsculpting if they want to see the best results.
What is Coolsculpting and Which Body Parts can be Treated?
Coolsculpting is simply a trademark name for “fat freezing.” It’s a non-invasive (non-surgical) procedure that freezes the fat cells in your body. It’s a body contouring procedure that targets stubborn fat in the body, which diet and exercise alone aren’t getting rid of. By freezing the fat, it permanently removes it from the body.
How it Works
The procedure revolves utilizing freezing temperatures to target fat cells, break them down, and preserve the surrounding tissue in the areas being treated. The process involves
- Marking the area of excess fat to be treated and applying a cooling gel over the area
- Applicator to treat the area with freezing temperatures
- The temperatures are above freezing, however, they’re significantly lower than the individual’s actual body temperature
- The process will last about one hour
During the process, subcutaneous fat is frozen, without affecting the surrounding skin and tissue. The inflammatory response by your body leads to the fat melting (or freezing) off as time passes. Depending on the amount of fat being removed, more than one area may be targeted at the same time. The crystallized fat continues to eliminate itself from the body over time.
Many people who do coolsculpting notice results within a couple of weeks. However, the final results are typically seen up to 120 days (or four months) after the treatment sessions are completed.
What Areas can be Treated?
Coolsculpting is intended to treat areas that the applicator can easily latch onto and remove fat. Some of the areas which are most often treated for patients in the office include
- The stomach/lower abdomen
- Chins
- Chest and arms
- Flanks and lower back
- Outer and inner thighs
It’s important to note that coolsculpting is non-surgical. The results are permanent, as long as you don’t gain an excess amount of weight back and are within the 20-pound mark of the body weight you’d ultimately like to be. So, as long as you are persistent with your diet and exercise, and maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle after the coolsculpting procedure, you shouldn’t see that fat reappear on your body after the procedure.
Who’s it for?
For individuals who want to try coolsculpting and think it’s a miracle solution for weight loss, it isn’t! In fact, the target group of people who should consider coolsculpting are those who are within 20 pounds of their ideal body weight (so not those with a significant amount of weight to lose). Individuals should be
- Healthy (no serious medical conditions)
- Physically fit and active
- Have a small percentage of excess body fat they want to remove
In a single treatment, it’s estimated that about 20 to 30% of unwanted body fat can be removed during a coolsculpting session. So, the results are not only permanent, but the amount of excess fat which can be frozen away is also quite significant. It’s important to note, that in some cases, more than one treatment is required to achieve the best results with coolsculpting for some patients. However, the results are going to be visible, even if only one treatment is done.
What are the Primary Benefits of Coolsculpting?
The primary benefits of coolsculpting are the fact that they remove fat cells/deposits from the body permanently. After fat cells are destroyed, it can take up to three weeks for some patients to really start seeing the results, but the fat deposits are gone, and won’t grow back as long as individuals don’t put weight back on or gain a significant amount of weight.
Some additional benefits of coolsculpting include
- The results are permanent (adults don’t grow new fat cells)
- The procedure is non-surgical and non-invasive, you can get back to your normal routine the same or next day
- There’s no downtime; with most cosmetic surgery, you’re typically sidelined for at least a couple of weeks, not with
- There are no serious side effects or life-threatening concerns
- The procedure is quick and takes about one hour in total
- Coolsculpting is more affordable than other cosmetic procedures, plus it doesn’t require going under the knife (which is inherently risky even with the best surgeons)
The primary benefit for those considering coolsculpting is the fact that you’ll see quick results, the fat is gone forever, and as long as you maintain your weight, you’re going to maintain the great results you’ll see shortly after having the procedure completed.
Is Coolsculpting Safe?
Yes, since 2010, Coolsculpting has been an FDA approved procedure for fat removal. Several studies suggest that cryolipolysis (fat freezing) is a safe procedure and that there are no life-threatening side effects that individuals have to be afraid of if they’re considering this procedure. No serious side effects have occurred in cases where coolsculpting procedures have been performed either.
Although no life-threatening or extremely serious side effects are noted with coolsculpting, it is important to note that some people do experience adverse reactions and side effects. For most, the procedure is painless. Some people do complain of the pinching/grasping being a bit painful, but this is because the applicator is grasping onto the body fat which it is going to freeze away. Additionally, the temperatures are cold, so patients will feel cold during the hour-long procedure.
So, what are the primary side effects? Every individual will react differently, but some common side effects which people might notice following a coolsculpting session include
- Redness or irritation where the applicator is placed (this typically goes away a few hours after the session is complete)
- Tenderness or soreness from the applicator grasping onto the fat on their body
- Minor swelling and tingling
- Itchiness
- Muscle cramping
- Bruising and skin sensitivity
The procedure is non-invasive and non-surgical. So, these side effects are typically mild, and for most people, you can resume your normal activities the same day. It might be advisable to stop exercising for a day or a few days after the procedure, but only if you feel pain or irritation. Otherwise, you can continue your normal, daily activities as normal, the same day or the following day after visiting the office for your coolsculpting session.
How Quickly Will I See Results and are they permanent?
This question is a little difficult to answer since everybody reacts differently. However, for the most part, those who have done coolsculpting will start to see results the same week they have the procedure completed. Over the next two to three weeks, the fat will continue to flush out of the body, and the results will become more prominent. In some people, it can take up to 120 days (four months) for them to see the final results. However, significant differences are seen in many body parts, within two to three weeks after the procedure is performed.
How about the permanency? As detailed above, adults do not produce new fat cells. This means that whatever is frozen off during coolsculpting is gone forever. It also means that you won’t grow new fat, over the areas which are being treated. So, the results should be permanent. With this in mind, for the best results, individuals should maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle and diet.
It’s also important to note that fat cells can expand. Remember, not all fat cells are removed. Therefore, if you continue to gain weight or make poor diet choices after coolsculpting, you can expand the fat cells which are still present in your body. As mentioned above, coolsculpting is not a miracle solution, but, if you maintain a healthy lifestyle, the results are permanent.
Regardless of what you’ve tried in the past, if you’re at a healthy weight, follow a balanced diet, and exercise, coolsculpting might be the solution you’ve been looking for to permanently get rid of the excess fat around your belly. If you’re considering a surgical procedure, step back and think about this freezing alternative instead. It’s safe, non-surgical, non-invasive, and it delivers permanent (quick) results you’re after!