CoolSculpting

What is CoolSculpting?

Sometimes, it takes more than healthy eating and regular gym sessions to get rid of stubborn layers of fat. For years, we had very few options to address excess fat. None that didn't require surgery. CoolSculpting changed all that. Today, this fat-freezing technology is one of the most popular nonsurgical body contouring procedures performed. CoolSculpting is a fat-reduction technique that, according to studies, can eliminate up to 23% of fat cells in a targeted area without downtime or special care.

What are the benefits of CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved device that has been shown to be safe and effective. Millions of procedures have been performed worldwide, with results demonstrating a positive success rate. Benefits of CoolSculpting include:

• Quick, convenient treatment sessions
• No downtime, patients can quickly resume normal activities
• None of the risks associated with surgery like liposuction
• Natural-looking results that usually last
• Minimal side effects

Who is a good candidate for CoolSculpting?

Healthy adults who can "pinch an inch" in a trouble-spot on the body are often good candidates for CoolSculpting. This treatment is especially effective on areas where fatty tissue is tricky, such as under the chin or on the sides or hips. The best results are achieved when the patient is at or near their ideal weight.

How does CoolSculpting work?

Cryolipolysis is the science that is behind CoolSculpting. This physiological response to cold temperature involves the crystallization of fat cells. During each treatment session, the cold temperature that is applied penetrates the skin without affecting it. This is because fat cells are more susceptible to freezing than are skin cells. After treatment, the crystallized fat cells are broken down and flushed from the body with the help of the lymphatic system.

What areas can CoolSculpting treat?

Using various applicators, the CoolSculpting device can treat areas commonly affected by stubborn fat, including the:

• Abdomen
• Hips and flanks
• Back
• Underarm/bra area
• Back/bra area
• Submental fullness (double-chin)
• Below the buttocks
• Thighs
• Upper arms
• Chest (gynecomastia)

What is the CoolSculpting procedure?

CoolSculpting treatment is conducted in the office in approximately 45 minutes. Patients may have more than one area treated in a single visit but should know that we will need to schedule 35 or more minutes per area.

Before beginning, the provider places a gel sheet over the skin. This prevents the skin from sticking to the cooling panels. The device applicator is positioned over the targeted area and tissue is gently pulled in. Throughout the remainder of treatment, gentle suction secures tissue between the panels. Patients sit or lie down comfortably until the device alerts us that treatment is finished.

What are the results CoolSculpting can achieve?

Clinical findings published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology suggested that CoolSculpting patients demonstrated 23% reduction in fatty tissue 3 months after treatment. This data was determined by caliper testing. Eighty-six percent of the more than 500 study participants achieved improved contouring in the targeted treatment area, and more than 80% stated they would recommend cryolipolysis to others.

CoolSculpting does not help a person lose weight. It can, however, minimize the circumference of areas like the thighs, abdomen, and more.

Is there a recovery for CoolSulpting?

There is no downtime after CoolSculpting. Patients may begin seeing the initial results of Coolsculpting treatment within about three weeks. Over the next few months, the body flushes destroyed fat cells through the lymph system without any side effects.

What are the risks/ side effects of CoolSculpting?

Multiple studies have indicated that CoolSculpting is very safe with few risks. The most common side effects patients experience include:

• Temporary redness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Skin sensitivity

These side effects are expected to decrease over a few weeks.  A relatively uncommon risk of cryolipolysis is adipose hyperplasia. This condition occurs when fat cells enlarge in response to freezing. While adipose hyperplasia is not a medical concern, it can affect the appearance of the targeted area and would require treatment if it were to occur.

How is CoolSculpting different from Liposuction?

CoolSculpting and liposuction both eliminate unwanted fat. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that requires small incisions. The procedure infuses fat with tumescent fluid to liquefy cells for removal through a small tube. CoolSculpting creates the conditions (cryolipolysis) for the body to eliminated crystallized fat cells naturally. No incisions and no downtime. However, CoolSculpting results do take a bit more time than liposuction results, about 12 weeks as opposed to 6 to 8. Also, multiple sessions are necessary to freeze enough fatty tissue for dramatic results, whereas liposuction removes several liters of fat in a single procedure. One treatment is not better than the other; patients' decisions come down to a matter of preference.

How do I Prepare for my CoolSculpting Procedure?

There is very little to do to prepare for CoolSculpting treatments. If you are losing weight, continue to follow your diet plan to maximize the outcome of your cryolipolysis sessions. Certain medications, such as aspiring and vitamin E, will need to be avoided for approximately one week before treatments. These can increase the risk of bruising. Finally, patients are encouraged to drink plenty of water before and after CoolSculpting session to help flush fat cells as efficiently as possible.

How can I maintain my CoolSculpting results?

The results achieved with CoolSculpting can last many years with healthy habits. Good food choices include fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins. Good exercise is any type of exercise that you look forward to and will commit to. This can be anything from dancing to yoga to strength training. Consistency is more critical than activity choices.

When can I return to work?

There is no downtime after CoolSculpting. You can visit our Austin office for a convenient fat-freezing treatment and return to work right after we're done.

How long does CoolSculpting take?

Each CoolSculpting session can take from 35 minutes to an hour. The length of each appointment depends on how many areas we are treating. Each CoolSculpting session also removed just about 25% of the fatty tissue in the targeted area. Depending on the amount of fat-reduction a patient desires, multiple treatment sessions may be necessary. We estimate the number of treatments that may be needed during your consultation.

Schedule Your Consultation

Discover what CoolSculpting can do for you. Call  512 551 8551 to schedule a consultation in our friendly, professional office.