Also known as cryolipolysis, CoolSculpting is a cosmetic procedure done to remove areas of stubborn fat in the body. It works by freezing the fat cells and destroying them in the process. Similar to liposuction, cosmetic surgeons use CoolSculpting to target stubborn fat in specific areas of the body, where diet and exercise regimen has not worked. However, it differs from liposuction in that it is a noninvasive procedure, that is, it does not involve anesthetic, cuts or surgery, and it, therefore, carries fewer risks. Dr. E. Martin Maida internist coolsculpting specialist is a competent physician who can perform the procedure for you.
The Procedure
CoolSculpting is a branded and FDA-approved fat reduction technique. CoolSculpting among other forms of cryolipolysis uses freezing temperatures to break down fat cells. The cold temperatures leave the surrounding cells unharmed, thus there should be no damage to the skin after the procedure.
During the treatment, the physician sucks the skin of the area to be treated into an applicator, which freezes the fat cells. Patients report feeling a cooling sensation. A normal CoolSculpting procedure takes about an hour, and no recovery time is needed since there’ll be no damage to the tissue or skin. Other patients report minor soreness on the treated site but this goes away after a few days. The frozen fat cells will be gradually eliminated from the body through the lymphatic system. It may take anywhere from three to four months for the fat cells to leave the body. The treated area will decrease by about twenty percent.
CoolSculpting has very high rates of success. The fat removal is effective and the procedure has minimal to no side effects, especially when compared to other fat reduction procedures such as liposuction. However, people should not expect a complete removal of fat as some would remain. Additionally, the procedure may not work for everybody, and some patients may experience worse side effects than others may. Many other factors play a role in how effective the procedure will be. A person who continues to eat unhealthy foods, and lead a sedentary lifestyle should not expect any effective fat reduction. Furthermore, the procedure will leave some loose skin, especially if the skin around the fat buildup was tight. That person will see excess skin after undergoing the fat removal procedure.
Side Effects of CoolSculpting
As CoolSculpting is a noninvasive procedure, no cuts, medications or incisions are required, which lessens the chance of infections or allergic reactions. Thus, the rate of complications is significantly low, especially when compared to its invasive counterpart, liposuction. The most common side effect is experiencing reduced sensation in the treated area following the procedure. This goes away after some time. Other common side effects include swelling, redness of the skin, localized pain, and bruising. There are no serious complications such as scarring, bleeding or skin pigmentation changes.
Does it Last?
CoolSculpting works by destroying fat cells, and once destroyed they will not return. However, since the procedure is relatively new, science cannot predict what the long-term effects of the procedure are. If you wish to preserve your results, a healthy lifestyle is still important. Destroying the fat cells will not stop new fat cells from regenerating. If you continue to eat an unhealthy diet or lead a sedentary life without any exercise, you will soon see the fat return.
