How do I know if CoolSculpting is a good option for me or not?
When referring to the noun, Webster defines fat as “animal tissue consisting chiefly of cells distended with greasy or oily matter”. There is nothing whatsoever appealing in that description, yet, we seem to spend an inordinate amount of time focused on fat.
When it comes to dietary fat, nutritionists appear to be shifting their judgment that fat must be avoided at all costs and currently recognize its importance in our diet. When talking about body fat, however, the popular consensus is that it needs to go.
Both of those opinions need to be treated with a certain amount of personal skepticism and understanding that we are all different and that it’s important to learn what is best for us individually. That said, when we are working on becoming the best versions of ourselves and we find that we do have some areas of extra body fat that won’t go away with just diet and exercise, there may be a non-surgical method to help you reach your goal.
What Is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is the process of cryolipolysis, which is a non-invasive procedure that removes fat with a subcutaneous application of cold. In more simple terms, CoolSculpting reduces unsightly bulges of fat deposits by freezing the fat cells, which causes them to die. Once this happens, the body’s white blood cells are activated to remove them.
CoolSculpting is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on the most common problem areas for excess fat deposits. These include the abdomen, hips, thighs, upper and lower back, buttocks, upper arms, and under the chin.
How Is the CoolSculpting Procedure Done?
The amount of time required for CoolSculpting is approximately 30 minutes, and recovery is minimal. For many people, it can be done during their lunch hour, with there still being time to grab something to eat before returning to work.
Prior to treatment, a gel pad will be placed over the skin to protect it from the cooling device. There may be some mild sensations during the session, such as a tingling or slight pulling or pinching, but this is usually only in the beginning until the area has become numb. Once the cooling device has been removed, the practitioner will massage the treatment area to accelerate the breakdown of the fat cells.
After the massage part, you’re done and free to normally go about the rest of your day. There will be a period of time before the results are noticeable. This is normally a few months.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for CoolSculpting?
While CoolSculpting can be an excellent choice for those looking for a noninvasive method of removing fat from localized areas that have proven resistant to diet and exercise, it is not for everyone. This process is not weight loss: it is fat loss, which is different. To be a good candidate for CoolSculpting, you should already be close to your appropriate body weight.
Besides not being the right choice for those who are significantly overweight, some of the other possible reasons you might not be a good candidate for CoolSculpting include:
- severe varicose veins
- dermatitis, eczema, or other skin lesions or injured skin in the area to be treated
- abnormal cold sensitivity or cold intolerance
- nerve pain, such as diabetic neuropathy
- being pregnant or lactating
- bleeding disorders
- recent surgery or scar tissue in the area to be treated
Dr. Brian D. Cohen is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive training in cosmetic/reconstructive plastic surgery and has had years of experience performing a wide array of cosmetic surgery procedures, specializing in procedures of the face, eyes, nose, breast, and body and is known for his exemplary and compassionate care by his patients. Knowing that Dr. Cohen has been selected by his peers as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and Super Doctors for 9 years in a row in 2021 gives you the confidence that he is highly respected for his performance in his specialty.
Information on locations and office hours for Cohen Plastic Surgery can be found by clicking here.