Are you looking into CoolSculpting to get rid of your unwanted fat cells? Chances are you have some questions about whether you’re a good candidate, if there are any side effects and how permanent the results of the CoolSculpting procedure are.
If you are hoping CoolSculpting will be the perfect treatment to get your summer body or to correct problem areas that haven’t resolved with diet and exercise, doing your homework about the procedure should be your first step.
Our Gold Coast Cosmos Aesthetics receives a lot of enquiries about the treatment. We’ve compiled some of the top frequently asked questions (FAQs) in one place to give you the knowledge to make the right choice.
Am I a good candidate for the CoolSculpting procedure?
To be a good candidate for the fat freezing treatment, you need to have enough stubborn fat in certain areas that you can grab onto such as around the tummy or love handles. This is because the CoolSculpting applicator needs to suction onto the treated area before it can start to transmit the cool temperatures that will destroy the cells.
Unlike more invasive procedures such as Gastric bypass, CoolSculpting is not a weight loss surgery. If you are obese, you may need to look into surgical options such as Mega or Vaser Liposuction.
Where does the fat go after a CoolSculpting treatment?
The CoolSculpting technology approved by the FDA, uses the process known as cryolipolysis. This involves exposing excess fat cells to freezing cold temperatures which triggers a programmed cellular death. The body’s lymphatic system then naturally processes and eliminates the destroyed cells over the course of several months.
Are the results permanent?
Yes, CoolSculpting permanently destroys the targeted fat cells without damaging the surrounding tissue or long recovery times. Typically, the treatment can reduce the fat layer by 20-40%.
Are the results immediate?
No. As with all body contouring procedures, invasive or non-invasive, you’ll have to wait until you see your final results. CoolSculpting results appear over time as the body eliminates the fat cells. Depending on the treated areas, results can begin to be seen in as little as 3 weeks. However, the final results won’t be noticeable until 4-6 months after the procedure.
What areas of the body can CoolSculpting treat?
One of the advantages of CoolSculpting, beyond the reduced need for a scalpel, is that it can be effective at treating unwanted fat from a variety of areas in the body where there are stubborn fat deposits. Some of the most common areas to treat with the fat freezing procedure include the double chin, lower and upper arms, abdomen, love handles, inner and outer thighs and back.
Will I need more than one treatment?
Often patients will see some improvement in the problem area after one fat reduction session. However, for noticeable results, most patients require up to 2-3 CoolSculpting treatments each taking 35-75 minutes.
Are there any side effects of the Gold Coast treatment?
As a non-surgical treatment, the side effects of CoolSculpting are typically mild. Some patients may experience minimal discomfort in the initial stages of the treatment. After the treatment, some of the common but temporary side effects include redness, mild bruising and some swelling.
Other side effects that can be experienced include tingling or itching around the treated area. Although very rare, there is a risk of reduced sensation in the problem area or enlargement of the area known as Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia.
Can I do fat freezing at home?
Unfortunately, CoolSculpting is not one for the DIY’ers. You may have found techniques and home videos showing you how to freeze the unwanted fat with ice packs, but it simply won’t be successful enough to trigger the cell death. An ice pack won’t transmit the level of controlled cooling required to reach the fat cells under the skin’s surface and as your body temperature is naturally warm, the ice will be melting in your hands way too quickly.
