Despite our best efforts to diet, exercise and follow healthy lifestyle habits, many of us still struggle with stubborn areas of body fat. The distribution of fat on your body is largely determined by genetics, making it very difficult for you to lose fat from an area where you are genetically predisposed to accumulate it.
If you are frustrated with visible fat bulges in your thighs, upper arms, abdomen, back or buttocks, but do not want to commit to a surgical procedure, you may want to consider CoolSculpting – a revolutionary technique for permanently removing fat cells from specific areas of the body.
What Is CoolSculpting?
Sometimes, scientific breakthroughs come from the most unexpected places. Such is the case with CoolSculpting, which owes its inspiration to a sweet frozen treat. Years ago, Harvard University scientists noticed some children had dimples in their cheeks after eating popsicles. The scientists figured out these dimples were the result of the intense cold from the popsicles, which was freezing and eliminating small pockets of fat cells in the children’s faces. The realization that carefully directed cold can target and remove fat cells without harming the skin or surrounding tissue was the insight behind Cryolipolysis®, the scientific principle that forms the basis for How CoolSculpting Work.
Key Benefits of CoolSculpting
● CoolSculpting technology uses controlled cooling to precisely target and kill fat cells only in specific areas of your body.
● In the weeks after the treatment, your body naturally processes and eliminates the dead fat cells.
● CoolSculpting results are long-term, because the treated fat cells are gone for good.
● CoolSculpting is a safe and non-invasive way to address areas of body fat, and requires no recovery time.
● More than 5,000,000 CoolSculpting procedures have been performed worldwide.
Here are some of the most common CoolSculpting FAQ patients have asked us about CoolSculpting.
Q: Who is a good candidate for CoolSculpting?
A: The CoolSculpting procedure was developed for patients who want to remove unwanted fat from targeted areas. The CoolSculpting procedure is not to be confused with a weight-loss surgery such as a gastric bypass, which helps obese people lose weight all over their bodies. Good candidates for the CoolSculpting procedure already have a healthy body weight, but are struggling with noticeable flab or bulges of fat in certain key areas. CoolSculpting is also a good procedure for anyone who is seeking a non-surgical alternative to liposuction.
Q: How many treatment sessions will I need?
A: During your patient consultation, we will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. The number of treatment sessions you will need, as well as the length of each session, will vary depending on your goals. Because one CoolSculpting treatment can last between 35 and 60 minutes, some patients choose to have more than one area of their body treated during the same visit.
Q: Is CoolSculpting safe?
In the U.S., the CoolSculpting procedure is FDA-approved for the treatment of visible fat bulges on the thighs, sides, buttocks, abdomen, back, bra line and upper arm. Because CoolSculpting is the No. 1 non-invasive fat reduction procedure in the world, you can feel confident that it is a safe and effective treatment.
Q: Can CoolSculpting be effective for my face or neck?
A: For patients who are dissatisfied with a double chin or fullness in their neck, CoolSculpting can be just as effective as it is on other parts of the body. With CoolSculpting treatment for a double chin, most patients see results after just one or two visits without surgery or downtime.
Q: Is CoolSculpting a permanent solution for my body fat?
A: CoolSculpting freezes cells in the targeted area so they die, after which your body naturally processes and eliminates them. When the treated fat cells are flushed out of your body, they’re gone forever.
Q: Is CoolSculpting painful?
A: During the first few minutes of treatment, most patients report feeling intense cold; however, the area being treated generally goes numb within five to 10 minutes. You’ll also feel some pulling as suction is applied. After the treatment, you may feel two to three minutes of tingling.
Because CoolSculpting is non-invasive, many of our patients read, watch videos, do work or even take a nap while their treatment is taking place. Patients are usually cleared to return to normal activities immediately following their appointment.
Q: Are there any side effects of CoolSculpting?
A: Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness and skin sensitivity. These effects generally resolve within the first week or so afterward. As with any procedure, we will take every precaution to ensure the utmost patient safety and comfort during a CoolSculpting treatment.
Q: How soon can I expect to see results?
A: You may start to see changes as quickly as three weeks after your treatment, and will notice the most remarkable results after two months. Your body will still continue to flush out fat cells for up to six months after treatment.
Q: Does CoolSculpting require any recovery time?
A: The CoolSculpting procedure is completely non-surgical, so most patients can return to their normal activities immediately. Patients often go back to work on the same day a CoolSculpting treatment is completed, and can follow their usual fitness regimen without having to take any time off.
Q: What should I do to maintain a healthy body weight after the procedure?
A: Your CoolSculpting treatment doesn’t require any significant lifestyle changes after undergoing the procedure. However, many patients do feel increased motivation to live a healthy, fit way of life after seeing the results of their CoolSculpting treatments. When you look in the mirror and love the way you look, it often pushes you to take even better care of yourself in the future.
Choose Richmond Surgical Arts for Your CoolSculpting Procedure
Richmond Surgical Arts is a state-of-the-art plastic surgery center located in Richmond, Virginia. We are pleased to be able to offer CoolSculpting as just one of our many cutting-edge techniques for helping our patients live their best life through an improved appearance. Contact us today to schedule your consultation for CoolSculpting treatments.
