Cosmetic procedures are no longer the domain of the wealthy. Many such routines have now gone mainstream, with many thousands of people undergoing the likes of Botox, for example, every day. The reasons for this are numerous. Many cosmetic procedures can be carried out in a short period of time – some in less than an hour – and modern techniques mean lower prices. Furthermore, many of the most popular procedures are non-invasive, meaning there are no incisions or general anesthetics involved.
In this article we are looking at one of the newer non-invasive techniques, CoolSculpting. This is a viable and popular alternative to the fat removal procedure liposuction and aims to achieve the same result. What is CoolSculpting, is it the way forward for you, and how is it performed? These are all questions we will answer for you when you continue reading. We begin by describing CoolSculpting in the simplest possible terms.
What is CoolSculpting?
Firstly, we should explain that CoolSculpting is a trademark for a procedure that is generally known as cryolipolysis. It is registered to a company called Zeltiq Aesthetics who are a major player in the medical procedures field. As with liposuction, CoolSculpting is designed to remove excess fat. This could be for medical reasons, or for cosmetic purposes. Many patients go down this route as it does not involve any surgical procedures. We will talk about the procedure itself a little later.
CoolSculpting is relatively new to the cosmetic routines market and has been investigated and fully approved for use by the FDA. It is becoming increasingly popular and is now found performed in clinics and surgeries from the Woodlands to Houston, TX. You should be able to find a local practitioner by searching for CoolSculpting near me using any of the major search engines.
Why is CoolSculpting making such waves in the fat-removal world? Quite simply, it is because of the non-invasive nature of the method. It does not require the patient to undergo an anesthetic – so the main risk of surgery is eliminated – and it does not involve incisions in the skin. Before we describe the procedure to you in simple terms, let’s have a look at the sort of person who makes an ideal CoolSculpting patient.
Is CoolSculpting Right for Me?
Excess fat can be much more than merely unsightly. For many who suffer excess the problem can extend to a loss of confidence and social anxiety. Quite often depression follows, and that can have serious effects on all aspects of a person’s life. This is why many people who have an excess fat problem turn to liposuction.
However, there are plenty people who do not want to carry the risks involved with a surgical procedure, and although most are slight there are some serious potential risks with any surgical procedure. That’s where non-invasive procedures such as CoolSculpting are helpful.
It is always advised that you seek a doctor’s opinion before agreeing to any procedure, surgical or otherwise. There may be health issues you carry with you that make you an unsuitable candidate for CoolSculpting. This is why any reputable salon or clinic offering the procedure will invite you to an initial consultation. At this juncture the entire procedure will be explained in detail, including what to expect following the routine, and you will be assessed for suitability for CoolSculpting. Let’s have a look at what happens during the CoolSculpting procedure and how this clever method helps remove excess body fat from the right places.
What does the Procedure Involve?
When one looks at the CoolSculpting procedure it is a fascinating one that is extremely innovative. CoolSculpting – like other methods of cryolipolysis – uses a special applicator that freezes the fat cells in the area of the body where they need removing. This breaks them up sufficiently to reduce the fat levels in that part.
However, cold such as this does not damage the cells in the skin and around – our skin survives cold as we experience often – so it is only the localized fat cells that are destroyed. The patient may report a cold sensation, although the procedure itself numbs the area sufficiently for this to be reduced.
The beauty of the CoolSculpting procedure is that it can be carried out in a very short time. Treatment takes around an hour, and there is no recovery time needed. The patient may feel the area to be sore afterwards, but this is for a short time. You could undergo CoolSculpting in a lunch break and be back at work in the afternoon.
It should be known that the results – the fat cells leaving the body – may not be fully seen until as much as 6 months following treatment. Also, it’s important to understand it only removes an average of 20% of body fat, although that should be sufficient for most suitable patients. It is expected that patients undergo the treatment with an understanding that a healthy diet and changes in lifestyle may be required to achieve the desired results.
Are There Risks with CoolSculpting?
While there will be possible after effects explained to you at your consultation the short answer to this question is no: there are no risks as there is no surgical procedure involved, and the minor side-effects that are reported in fewer than 1% of cases are temporary and cannot be classed as risks. These are:
- swelling
- bruising
- sensitivity
- skin redness
- localized pain
Each of the above may or may not be experienced by the patient and will fade in the weeks following the procedure. If, however, a patient who has undergone the CoolSculpting does suspect a problem other than these, the advice is to contact a medical professional immediately.
Conclusion
CoolSculpting is a branded procedure that involves freezing fat cells to reduce excess fat, with no damage to other cells. As a non-invasive procedure there are few – if any – risks and it is fast becoming a popular alternative to liposuction. We advise you to arrange a consultation with a CoolSculpting practitioner to assess your suitability for this procedure.
