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Dr. Carson | Radiance Atlanta, GA

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CoolSculpting: Non Surgical Fat Reduction

Overview

About coolsculpting

  • CoolSculpting is a patented nonsurgical freezing method utilized to reduce fat in targeted areas.
  • CoolScultping works because of the science of cryolipolysis. The cryolipolysis process uses cold temperatures to freeze and destroy fat cells.
  • This treatment targets fat cells in the inner thigh, abdomen, sides, upper arms, and chin.

Safety

  • CoolSculpting is widely considered safe and was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012.
  • Cool Sculpting is non-invasive and doesn’t demand anesthesia.
    Almost 4,000,000 procedures have been performed around the world to date.
  • You may experience momentary side effects, which should go away within a few days following the treatment. You may experience side effects such as swelling, bruising and sensitivity.
  • If you have a history of Raynaud’s disease or severe sensitivity to cold temperatures, CoolSculpting may not be right for you.

Convenience

  • CoolSculpting procedures last 1 to 3 hours.
  • You can expect a quick recovery. You can resume your day-to-day activities almost immediately after the procedure.
  • Plastic surgeons or physicians trained in CoolSculpting can provide this treatment.

Cost

  • The cost of treatment ranges between $2,000 and $4,000 depending on the treatment area and size of the area to be treated.

Efficacy

  • Average results are a 20 to 80 percent fat reduction following a single cryolipolysis procedure in treated areas.
  • Approximately 82% of people who received this treatment were likely to recommend it to a friend.

What is CoolSculpting?

A CoolSculpting treatment is a noninvasive fat reduction procedure that does not require anesthesia, needles, or incisions. Based on the principle of cooling subcutaneous fat, fat cells are destroyed and absorbed by the body during the cooling process. Subcutaneous fat is the layer of fat just beneath the skin.

Before-and-after results of CoolSculpting

Before and after female abdomen coolsculpting front view
Before and after female abdomen coolsculpting left angle

How much does CoolSculpting cost?

Treatment costs are determined by the size of the treatment area, desired outcome, the size of the applicator, as well as your location. As of 2020, the average cost of a multi-area procedure was between $2,000 and $4,000.

The treatment cost for smaller areas, such as the upper abdomen and the chin, is approximately $900. Larger areas, such as the lower abdominal area, require a larger applicator and can cost up to $1,500.

How does CoolSculpting work?

Cryolipolysis is the science that uses the cell response to cold to break down fatty tissue, which is the basis for CoolSculpting.

Throughout the extraction process, the surrounding tissues, nerves, muscle, and other tissues are not affected while fat cells gradually die. During the months following treatment, the broken down fat cells are sent to the lymphatic system as waste to be removed.

Procedure for CoolSculpting

The procedure will be performed using a handheld device by a doctor or trained healthcare provider. There are applicators on the device that look like vacuum-cleaner nozzles.

During the procedure, the healthcare provider uses a gel pad and applicator to treat the targeted area. The applicator provides controlled cooling to the targeted fat.

The device will be moved over the skin as suction and cooling technologies are applied to the target area. In certain practices, treatment of multiple target areas can be done in one visit using multiple machines.

Occasionally, the procedure involves some feelings of pulling or pinching, but overall it is relatively painless. It is common practice for the provider to massage the areas treated immediately after the treatment in order to break up any frozen deep tissue.

This will support your body start to assimilate the destroyed fat cells. Some people complain that this massage is mildly uncomfortable.

An average treatment lasts one to three hours. During the procedure, patients often listen to music, read, or even work on the computer.

Targeted areas for CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting may be applied to reduce fat in the following regions:

  • flanks (or love handles)
  • arms
  • bra and back fat
  • underneath the buttocks (or banana roll)
  • chin area (or double chin)
  • upper and lower abdomen
  • inner and outer thighs

Are there any risks or side effects?

A FDA clearance for CoolSculpting was announced in 2012, originally intended for cold-assisted lipolysis of the abdomen and flanks. Since then, the FDA has approved the procedure for use in a variety of body parts. Clinical trials conducted by the FDA confirmed the efficacy and safety of this treatment. There were no serious adverse events reported during the clinical trials.

Cryolipolysis does not increase levels of fat in the bloodstream or harm the liver, according to a 2009 study.

As a non-invasive procedure, CoolSculpting is considered relatively safe. Frequent side effects during the operation include:

  • pulling
  • aching
  • tingling
  • sensations of intense cold
  • stinging
  • cramping

All of these should go away once the treatment area is numb. Following treatment, you may experience temporary side effects that usually disappear within a few days. These side effects include:

  • skin sensitivity
  • bruising
  • tenderness
  • aching
  • redness
  • swelling
  • cramping

Just as with any medical procedure, you should discuss CoolSculpting with your primary care doctor to see if it’s right for you. If you have Raynaud’s disease or severe sensitivity to cold temperatures, you should also get advice from a doctor about the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

What to expect after CoolSculpting

A CoolSculpting procedure requires little to no recovery time. The vast majority of people are allowed to resume daily activities immediately afterward. Some individuals are affected by minor redness or soreness in the area treated, but all minor side effects usually subside within a few weeks.

The results of the procedure may be visible within three weeks after the procedure. Most people see results after two or three months with the fat-flushing process continuing for up to six months afterwards. Different individuals and body regions may require multiple treatments. According to CoolSculpting market research, average reduction ranged from 10.3 percent to 25.5 percent.

CoolSculpting targets specific areas on the body, so another treatment is usually only necessary if you want to treat another area. It is not a treatment for obesity, nor should it replace a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining results requires maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Before-and-after results of CoolSculpting

before and after coolsculpting abdomen male patient left angle

Preparing for CoolSculpting

The CoolSculpting procedure requires little preparation. However, it is important to look after your body so that it is healthy and close to your ideal weight. CoolSculpting isn’t a weight-loss solution, so people who are very overweight or obese aren’t ideal candidates. Optimal candidates are healthy, fit, and desire a tool to eliminate body bulges.

Although CoolSculpting can cause bruising from its suction, it’s recommended to avoid anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin before the procedure. This will help reduce any bruising that may occur.

Before and after the procedure, your doctor or provider will probably take photos to demonstrate how much the treated area has improved.

Schedule your appointment with us now if you’re looking to achieve the best results for CoolSculpting near Sandy Springs GA, Dunwoody GA, Buckhead GA, Alpharetta GA, Johns Creek GA, or Roswell GA

 

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