The CoolSculpting procedure is the only FDA-approved, non-surgical fat reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to permanently eliminate stubborn fat on the belly, back, thighs and even under the chin. If it’s pinchable, it can be treated! The results are proven, and noticeable, so you’ll look great from every angle! This procedure uses a safe cooling technology to freeze fat cells to the point of destruction and elimination without injuring the overlying skin cells. Results can start becoming noticeable after a few weeks. After 3 months, you should expect to see a 20-25% reduction in the thickness of your fat layer! The procedure takes about 1 hour per cycle and multiple cycles are needed to achieve a body transformation. We have DualSculpting technology at Dermatology Partners and can treat 2 areas or perform 2 cycles at the same time in the same hour cutting your treatment time in half! During treatment, you can read, use an iPad, work on a computer, watch TV, or take a nap!
How does Coolsculpting work?
Coolsculpting is based upon the science of cryolipolysis which eliminates fat cells through cold temperature. Scientists observed that some children got dimples due to eating popsicles. What was happening was cryolipolysis- the selective elimination of fat cells without damage to the skin or surrounding tissue. Using a patented cooling technology developed by Harvard scientists, Coolsculpting freezes the targeted fat beneath the skin, imitating a cell destruction process called apoptosis which permanently eliminates the fat cells. Over the course of 4-12 weeks, there is approximately a 20-25% reduction in the fat layer of the treated area. As a non-surgical or non-invasive procedure, Coolsculpting does not require needles or anesthesia and has no downtime after treatment. This means that you can return to your active lifestyle immediately following treatment.
Am I a good candidate for Coolsculpting?
You are an ideal candidate for Coolsculpting if you:
• have areas of fat that are unresponsive to diet and exercise
• have good skin tone
• want to avoid surgery or liposuction
- understand this is not weight loss treatment, but rather a sculpting procedure
- want to return to normal activity immediately
What happens during the initial consultation for Coolsculpting?
Our RN, Gabriela, under the supervision of our dermatologists, will discuss your concerns and identify your problem areas as well as take a thorough history about weight fluctuations, level of exercise, and any medical conditions. She will carefully examine the area in question, paying particular attention to the amount of fat, muscle tone, and skin elasticity. She will create a unique treatment plan for you that will consist of a number of cycles to sculpt and transform your figure.
What is a “cycle?”
The Coolsculpting machine contains varying handpieces to fit trouble areas of fat all over your body. Each handpiece takes over one hour to be fitted, secured, and cooled in order to effectively freeze your fat. This is a cycle. For example, someone may need 4 cycles to sculpt and transform their abdomen. This would normally take 4 hours but at DP, we have 2 machines and can therefore cut your time in half. Some areas of the body, however, may not allow a DualSculpting treatment.
What happens during the Coolsculpting procedure?
During the procedure, the treatment areas are mapped and marked. A gel pad is applied to the skin to protect it, and the applicator is placed over the targeted area. The skin and fat are drawn up into the applicator by a vacuum which feels like a firm pull on the skin and fat. Patients report that this pulling feels “slightly weird” or “mildly uncomfortable” but this sensation resolves after a few minutes as the cooling starts. The cooling process takes one hour. During this hour, you are positioned comfortably and you may take a nap, read a book, work on your laptop, or just relax. At the end of the hour, the vacuum applicator is removed and a gentle massage is performed on the crystallized fat. This also feels “weird” but is not painful and is over after 2 minutes. You may have several areas treated on the same day.
What is the recovery like?
Most patients experience no downtime! There are no restrictions and you can resume your normal activities afterwards.
Immediately after the procedure, you can expect to see pinkness and possibly bruising in the treatment area. You may also feel sore and numb to the touch. The pinkness resolves in hours, soreness and bruising in days and numbness over several weeks. Tylenol and Advil alleviate most discomfort. Some patients experience a more severe “nerve” pain about 5 days after the procedure which may require a prescription nerve pain alleviator that the office can prescribe if necessary.