You may have heard of cool sculpting from friends, TV commercials or magazine articles, but aren’t exactly sure what it is or how it works. This summer we’ve received many calls and requests for information, so I thought it would be good to provide an overview of this fat reduction procedure here.
“CoolSculpting” is the name of a product that was invented to safely freeze off stubborn fat from various areas of the body. This fat freezing method is also known as “cryolipolysis.” The scientists who invented this fat removal method were studying frostbite and its effect on fat. They discovered that fat freezes at a temperature that’s higher than the skin around it. These scientists harnessed this knowledge to create a device that targets fat to freeze it off while leaving your skin and other tissues unharmed.
CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared device and procedure that requires no downtime, making it a realistic treatment option for both busy women and men alike. On the day of your procedure you can expect a highly trained practitioner to place one or more CoolSculpting pads on the target area(s). While you relax in the treatment room, the pads cool down very quickly to the precise fat-freezing temperature. The pads typically remain on the target area(s) for around 30 to 45 minutes, during which time up to 20% of the fat cells in this targeted area will be destroyed. As for the final results, they can take up to a month or two. This is because your body needs time to clear out and eliminate these dead fat cells from your body. But once those fat cells are gone, they are gone for good.
Some of the more popular areas we use Coolsculpting to treat stubborn fat include ‘love handles’, hips, back, butt and below the bra line. The procedure also yields great results under the chin and along the jawline. Because of how non-invasive this treatment is, there is no down time after the procedure and very few risks. All in all, it is a very effective way to eliminate stubborn fat that is otherwise resistant to dieting and/or exercise.
If you are interested in learning more about our CoolSculpting or any of our many surgical and non-surgical procedures, please contact our office at 925-736-5757 to schedule a free virtual or in-person consultation. We look forward to hearing from you… and potentially helping sculpt a new you!
By Dr. Stephen J. Ronan, MD FACS, Blackhawk Plastic Surgery and MedSpa