What is CoolSculpting and is it Right for Me?
We’ve all been there- we’re unhappy with a certain part of our body, so we push ourselves extra hard at the gym, only to be left disappointed when that particular area fails to change.
The sad truth is, there are sometimes just certain stubborn areas on our bodies that don’t want to cooperate. While you can’t target weight loss to specific parts of your body, there IS something you can do to achieve the results you desire.
CoolSculpting 101
CoolSculpting is a treatment that nonsurgically removes stubborn fat cells by freezing them. It is a noninvasive way to permanently remove fat from certain areas, giving patients the specific look they desire. Some of the most commonly treated areas for CoolSculpting include under the neck, inner thighs, arms, and the stomach area, all of which tend to be more difficult to lose weight from.
CoolSculpting is safe and FDA-cleared, and patients are able to return to their normal activities immediately following the procedure. Patients may experience redness at the treated site, minor bruising, or numbness, but should be able to perform daily tasks as usual. The results from CoolSculpting will begin to show up in as quickly as three weeks. However, more dramatic results will start to appear one to three months after the procedure. This is because the body is still flushing out fat cells and will continue to for several months after treatment.
The Procedure
While CoolSculpting is a noninvasive procedure, there are still a few things you should be prepared for before you go to your session. When you arrive to your appointment, your doctor will go over the procedure and the area(s) that will be targeted. During the procedure, your doctor will apply a gel pad to the targeted area. They will then use a handheld device to apply suction and cooling technology to the area. During this process, you may experience some pulling or pinching, but pain should be minimal.
One CoolSculpting treatment can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the area that is being treated. During the procedure, many patients opt to listen to music, read a book, or even take a nap to pass the time.
Following Your Procedure
After your CoolSculpting session, you should be able to return to normal life immediately. There is little to no recovery time involved! In some cases, patients may experience very minor redness or soreness in the area that was treated. This typically passes within a few weeks. Many patients choose to return to work or school right after their procedure. This makes CoolSculpting ideal for people on the go who don’t want to take any time off to recover.
Is CoolSculpting Right for Me?
While CoolSculpting is a safe and effective way to get rid of stubborn fat, it is not a miracle solution. If you’re thinking about going in for a CoolSculpting procedure, make sure you have realistic expectations. Also, know that you will still have to maintain a healthy diet following your procedure.
People who are considered obese or have a body mass index of 34 or higher are typically not good candidates for CoolSculpting. As well as women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. An ideal CoolSculpting candidate should be near their target weight, as just CoolSculpting alone won’t help you lose a significant amount of weight. One way to measure this is by pinching the part of your body that you want to treat. If you are able to pull the fat away from your body, you may be a good candidate for CoolSculpting. A good rule of thumb when thinking about getting a CoolSculpting procedure, is to try to maintain a weight within 10-20 pounds of your ideal weight. This will set yourself up for better, more realistic results.
How to Get Started
Once you have assessed all of these factors and decided on an area of your body that you want to treat, it’s time to set up a consultation! First, find a doctor that performs CoolSculpting procedures near you. It can help to ask around and get referrals from people you trust. They will be able to point you in the right direction. For example, if you’re looking for CoolSculpting in Scottsdale, it can be helpful to ask around and get referrals for highly-praised doctors in that area. Once you’ve selected a doctor, schedule a consultation and be sure to ask any questions you may have. Your doctor will then work with you to develop a treatment plan and you can go from there!
