Does CoolSculpting Work?

How Fat Freezing Technology Reduces Fat. 

Are you unhappy with your appearance because of unwanted fat in places like your back or thighs? Do you have a double chin that just won't go away no matter what you do? Stubborn fat deposits like these are ideal for treatment with a body contouring method called CoolSculpting. But before undergoing any type of procedure, you will need some solid information to help you make an informed decision. Our team at Contour Medspa, the top med spa across Chicago, put together this guide to provide you with all of the information that you will need regarding this remarkable fat reduction technique.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is an innovative fat reduction technology that was developed as a result of an interesting discovery by two Harvard doctors.  R. Rox Anderson and Dieter Manstein made the observation that the cheeks of children developed dimples after they ate popsicles.

The two doctors quickly realized that this fat reduction occurred because the frozen treat lowered the temperature of local fat cells, but left surrounding skin undamaged and intact. This revelation led to the development of CoolSculpting technology.

CoolSculpting Benefits:

  • Permanently destroys fat cells in notoriously difficult areas

  • Treatment is noninvasive

  • No downtime required

How does CoolSculpting work?

CoolSculpting is normally used to remove small, localized fat deposits like love handles and double chins. The technology utilizes oval paddles that are available in different sizes. These paddles create suction on the skin, causing a small area to have a lower temperature to almost -11°C. This destroys any fat cells in the area, leaving surrounding skin tissue completely unaffected.

Med spa patients love the fact that this treatment is completely noninvasive. You can have the procedure conveniently performed in a relaxing setting while you read a book, watch TV, or even take a brief nap.

In the following weeks after your CoolSculpting treatment, your own body will remove the destroyed fat cells and dispose of them safely. Another great thing about CoolSculpting is that it destroys fat cells permanently. Once destroyed, they are gone forever.

What parts of my body can CoolSculpting treat?

There are certain areas that CoolSculpting can treat, due to the way that the device works. The areas of fat to be eliminated must be able to be drawn into the vacuum suction and held between the cooling paddles. CoolSculpting works for treating stubborn fat deposits, including:

  • Double chin

  • Back fat

  • Upper arm area (“the wave”)

  • Bra line fat

  • Abdominal area

  • Fat beneath the buttocks

  • Hips and thighs

  • Love handles

Certain parts of the body are unable to be treated with CoolSculpting because they cannot be drawn into the device. This includes large and flatter areas like the shoulders. However, since technology is always advancing, these areas may also be able to be treated in the future.

Can I use CoolSculpting to treat cellulite or tighten loose skin?

 It is shown to tighten skin under the jawline/double chin area (FDA cleared). Other areas, it was not shown to have statistically significant skin tightening . CoolSculpting is not appropriate for the treatment of cellulite either. But other types of procedures can help to stimulate the production of collagen and improve cellulite. As an example, radio-frequency procedures can be combined with a CoolSculpting treatment to help you achieve your goals.

Good Candidates for CoolSculpting

Although CoolSculpting is a highly effective treatment, it is not for everyone. This technology was developed for those seeking to rid themselves of stubborn fat pockets. It should not be considered as an alternative to normal weight loss.

The best candidates for CoolSculpting:

  • Are in good overall health

  • Are already close to their target body weight

  • Have areas of "pinchable" fat that can be drawn into the CoolSculpting suction device

  • Have healthy skin with sufficient elasticity

  • Have discrete fat pockets with well-defined borders

The CoolSculpting Treatment Process

When you're ready, a gel will be placed over the treatment area. Then the CoolSculpting device will be placed right onto this gel, the treatment process uses a vacuum to draw the fat tissue into the cooling cup for freezing. At this point, the cooling process starts. 

Using advanced technology and precise, controlled cooling, the CoolSculpting device will lower the temperature of the tissue to near freezing. This will selectively target and destroy fat cells, leaving surrounding skin unaffected. Once the cooling part of the procedure is done, the treatment area will be massaged briefly, at which point your treatment is complete.

How long does a CoolSculpting session take?

Each treatment area should take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to complete. The treatment time depends upon the size of the treatment area. If you are having more than one area treated, it may take longer.

Recovering From Your CoolSculpting Treatment

CoolSculpting is completely noninvasive. Does CoolSculpting hurt? Since no incisions are necessary, there are no stitches, you should experience no downtime at all without any pain. You can resume eating and drinking normally, after your treatment and return immediately home or to work after your CoolSculpting treatment.

Where Should I Go For Treatment

CoolSculpting is a treatment that requires experience and medical knowhow. At Contour Medspa, the top medspa in Chicago, our staff led by Dr. Warren has the experience, medical expertise, and bedside manner to make you feel right at home and get great results. Our team will ensure you have a safe and affordable body contouring procedure that requires no downtime whatsoever so you can get right back to your daily life and look great!

Final Word

Given its numerous benefits, it is easy to see why this body contouring procedure has exploded in popularity recently. CoolSculpting is a remarkably safe and effective med spa treatment for reducing stubborn fat deposits that are notoriously unresponsive to changes in diet and exercise. This treatment is ideal for anyone looking for a safe and affordable body contouring procedure that requires no downtime whatsoever.  For more information on CoolSculpting and how Contour Medspa can help, click here.

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Caroline Warren