CoolSculpting®
Completely non-invasive, CoolSculpting is FDA-approved to reduce body fat using a technology called Cryolipolysis™, which freezes fat cells, ultimately destroying them. If you desire a slimmer, more contoured figure but don’t want to undergo a surgical procedure and extensive downtime, CoolSculpting may be right for you. Patients usually report little discomfort, and typically there will be no downtime following the procedure. In most cases, you should be able to return to normal activity immediately. If you’re interested in CoolSculpting, our experienced plastic surgeons can determine if this treatment can help you achieve your cosmetic goals during your initial consultation.
For more information about CoolSculpting and how this method can reduce stubborn pockets of fat, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. W. Tracy Hankins or Dr. Samuel Sohn, please contact us today.
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How Does CoolSculpting® Work?
CoolSculpting is designed to address the areas where your body typically stores stubborn, diet and exercise resistant fat, including your stomach, love handles, back, thighs, and hips. The device features two cooling plates that send energy into your areas of concern, freezing the fatty tissue. The broken down cells then will be eliminated through your body’s natural metabolic processes over the course of two to four months. The results will occur gradually, with benefits visible after approximately one to two months. One treatment may be sufficient to achieve your aesthetic goals, and many patients see up to 20 percent reduction in body fat in the treated area. However, additional sessions can provide more comprehensive fat reduction. The CoolSculpting procedure takes approximately one hour per treated area, and you are welcome to relax, read, watch TV, or work during the treatment.
What to Expect During CoolSculpting® Treatment
When you arrive for your consultation we will have you sit or lie down on a comfortable reclining chair where you will remain for the duration of the treatment. We will then place the CoolSculpting device on your area of concern, and vacuum suction will hold the fatty tissue between the cooling plates of the equipment. You will likely feel some pulling, tugging, or mild pinching as this occurs, though discomfort typically will be minimal. Once applied, you will feel a sensation of intense cold followed by numbness after approximately 5-10 minutes. In some cases, you may feel some mild tingling, aching, stinging, or cramping, which will fade with time.
What Is CoolSculpting® Recovery Like?
Most patients can return to normal activity immediately following the procedure. In a few instances, there may be some side effects present directly after treatment in the affected area, though these usually will fade within days, though sometimes that can continue for several weeks. Some potential concerns may include stiffness, firmness, redness, swelling, bruising, temporarily lightened skin, numbness, tenderness, muscle spasms, and aching. Sometimes these symptoms may have a delayed onset, beginning a few days or even weeks after the procedure, and the intensity of the effects will vary by person.
It’s important to note there are no known lasting complications, and these symptoms will subside with time if they happen at all.
When Will CoolSculpting® Results Be Visible?
One of the many benefits of CoolSculpting is the natural-looking outcome, which develops gradually as the body disposes of the damaged fat cells through normal metabolic processes. Patients typically begin to see changes in body contour after a few weeks, with the full effect taking place after a few months. Multiple treatments can be performed to achieve more comprehensive fat reduction, either in the same location or in additional spots, for the desired outcome.
How Many CoolSculpting® Treatments Are Typically Needed?
Some individuals are content with a single treatment while others choose to have several for the greatest reduction in fatty tissue. The number of treatment sessions you will need to achieve your goals will depend on the volume of fatty tissue, the number of areas you would like addressed, and your own unique response to the procedure. Most patients receive between two and four treatments, and we will discuss the ideal number for you at your initial consultation.
How Much Does CoolSculpting® Cost?
The price of CoolSculpting will depend on how many areas you would like to improve, how many sessions are needed to obtain the desired contour, and a few other personal factors. We want you to be well-informed, and we will provide a cost breakdown at your initial consultation. If you would like to consider plastic surgery financing, we work with a number of highly regarded lending agencies that offer eligible applicants appealing terms. We can give you more information if you’re interested at your first visit.
Your safety and comfort are our primary concerns, and we want you to be well informed about all aspects of the CoolSculpting® experience. If you have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians, please contact us today.
This content has either been authored or reviewed and approved by the doctors at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates.