What Is Coolsculpting and How Does It Work?
CoolSculpting is one of the most popular non-surgical body contouring procedures on the market today, and with good reason. Unlike liposuction, which requires surgical intervention and a more extended recovery period, CoolSculpting is minimally invasive and allows patients to achieve similar results without generating significant sacrifices.
In this article, our beauty experts at Skin6 will explore the basics of CoolSculpting in Toronto, from how the procedure works to eliminate fat and what to expect during a treatment session to the safety of CoolSculpting and typical results experienced (and more).
How does CoolSculpting work?
The revolutionary CoolSculpting procedure targets stubborn areas of fat in the body by freezing fat cells via a unique technology called “cryolipolysis.” By extracting energy from the layers of fat, the science of cryolipolysis leads to the gradual death or breaking down of fat cells.
At the same time, no damage occurs to the surrounding skin, muscle, nerve, or other tissues. In the months following a CoolSculpting treatment, the body will deliver the digested fat cells to the lymphatic system to be filtered out as waste.
What to expect during a CoolSculpting procedure
During a typical CoolSculpting procedure, the doctor will use a handheld device along with applicators that closely resemble the nozzles of a vacuum cleaner. They will begin by applying a gel pad and an applicator to the treatment area, delivering a controlled level of cooling and vacuum-like suction to the targeted fat.
This handheld device moves over the skin. At the same time, the technology is administered, commonly resulting in sensations of intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, pulling, and/or pinching (all of which are entirely normal).
Immediately following treatment, the doctor will generally massage the treated areas to break up any frozen deep tissue. This treatment plays a role in helping the body to begin absorbing the eradicated fat cells. The procedure can take anywhere from one to three hours to complete.
What areas of the body can be treated with CoolSculpting?
- Abdomen, both upper and lower
- Flanks (aka “love handles”)
- Inner and outer thighs
- Arms
- Back fat
- Below the buttocks (aka “banana roll”)
- Chin area/double chin
What to expect after a CoolSculpting procedure
Fortunately, little to zero downtime is necessary after a CoolSculpting procedure, and most patients can resume their normal day-to-day activities immediately following treatment.
That said, it is not uncommon to experience some mild soreness or redness in the treated areas. However, any minor side effects will generally subside within a few weeks.
Typical Results of CoolSculpting
A noticeable difference is often seen within three weeks of treatment. Customers typically see results after around two to three months, and a continuous process of fat-flushing will generally be ongoing for up to six months after the initial CoolSculpting procedure.
On average, patients experience a 20 to 80 percent reduction of targeted body fat following a single CoolSculpting treatment. However, multiple treatment sessions may be required for certain patients to achieve their desired results.
Furthermore, as CoolSculpting is not an obesity treatment, it should not replace a healthy and active lifestyle. Eating within one’s daily caloric requirements is critical to maintaining results.
CoolSculpting safety and side effects
Cleared by the FDA in 2012, CoolSculpting is a safe and low-risk procedure used to treat multiple body areas with no serious adverse effects. Several sources have concluded that cryolipolysis technology is a safe and reliable alternative to more invasive procedures such as liposuction.
As mentioned, typical side effects are often relatively mild and usually include some brief sensations of discomfort in the targeted areas during treatment, followed by potential swelling and/or soreness that is comparable to the soreness following an intense workout.
Am I a candidate for CoolSculpting?
Since CoolSculpting is a treatment for targeted fat loss vs. weight loss, the best candidates for this procedure will be at a generally healthy body weight and have a lower percentage of body fat they wish to address.
CoolSculpting patients should also ideally not be pregnant or nursing. They should have normal kidney function, with no history of specific medical issues such as cryoglobulinemia, cold urticaria, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, and/or Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Our team at Skin6 will be happy to consult with you to determine whether a procedure like CoolSculpting suits you and your unique goals. Achieve Your Body Goals this 2023 with CoolSculpting in Toronto.
To learn more about the CoolSculpting procedure we offer in Toronto or to schedule your appointment, call Skin6 at 416-362-6266 or contact us here.