What is CoolSculpting? Here is All You Need to Know

What is CoolSculpting?  – Overview

In an era when people care more than ever about how they look, it is common to hear of cosmetic and medical procedures designed to help people achieve the perfect bodies.

One such procedure is CoolSculpting which essentially utilizes cold treatment to destroy fat cells to help achieve a leaner body.

This particular fat-destroying procedure is currently trending mostly because it is non-invasive and comes with fewer side effects.

But just how effective and safe is this treatment? Read on to find out.

What is it?

CoolSculpting is a method of breaking down fat cells using freezing temperatures.

The thinking behind it is that cold damages fat cells in a way that it does not all the other cells. That means there will be no damage to the underlying tissue or the skin where the treatment is applied.

The process is carried out by a professional practitioner who vacuums the skin covering the targeted area. The cold temperatures are supposed to numb the area where fat cells will be destroyed.

Typically, the procedure takes about an hour or so to complete, and there is no recovery time because, as we have previously mentioned, there is no tissue damage.

Results can typically start to be seen in as little as 3 weeks after treatment, with the most dramatic results after 2 months. The body continues to flush out fat cells for up to 4 to 6 months after treatment.

Does It Work?

CoolSculpting has a high success rate and is ideal for effectively eliminating stubborn fat from the body.

It is also preferable because it is noninvasive and has fewer side effects than other fat-elimination procedures, such as liposuction.

Although this method can eliminate fat, it does not deliver miraculous results. As such, you should not expect to experience a complete elimination of fat.

Moreover, the procedure may fail to work for some people, and some may experience more serious side effects.

Lifestyle is also to be considered here because even if the procedure works for you and you go on to lead a sedentary lifestyle and continue with unhealthy eating habits, the fat is likely to come back or worse still, not leave at all.

Side Effects

As we have already mentioned, CoolSculpting is a noninvasive procedure. Therefore, you will not require medication, anesthesia, or incisions.

That reduces the likelihood of experiencing side effects.

Common side effects include temporary numbness, redness, swelling, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, pain, or skin sensitivity in the treated area. These effects are generally mild and resolve within days or weeks.

Other side effects may include localized pain, skin redness, sensitivity, bruising, and swelling.

How long do CoolSculpting Results Last

CoolSculpting destroys fat cells, and those specific cells cannot regrow. Scientific studies and clinical evidence have confirmed the effectiveness of CoolSculpting and examined its long-term effects. It is proven that once the treated fat cells are eliminated, they are gone for good, but this does not prevent new fat cells from appearing if one leads an unhealthy lifestyle.

So far, studies on it have followed up on subjects for just a few weeks after treatment.

You need to remember that destroying fat cells does not stop new cells from forming. That is why people who undergo the procedure are encouraged to adopt a healthy diet and lead active lives.

Who Is It For

Contrary to what most people think, CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss method. Doctors usually suggest it for people who have unsuccessfully tried dieting and working out to eliminate stubborn fat.

People with certain conditions, including cold agglutinin disease, cryoglobulinemia, and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, should not undergo CoolSculpting. All potential candidates need to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss if they are good candidates for the procedure, considering their medical history and condition.

The most common areas where CoolSculpting is applied include upper arms, along the bra line, below the backside, belly, thighs, and under the chin.

Conclusion

CoolSculpting is more of a cosmetic procedure rather than a medical one. As such, you should not rely on it to counter the underlying issue causing unwanted and stubborn fat.

People with metabolic issues and diseases like diabetes, as well as those who lead an unhealthy lifestyle, are likely to regain the fat eliminated through CoolSculpting.

Even as you consider the procedure, you should remember that while stubborn fat in particular areas of the body is common, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Therefore, you may want to consult a doctor before getting the procedure.

See Also

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Current Version
April 1, 2024
Updated By
Daniyal Haider, MD
November 23, 2021
Written By
Shubham Grover

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