1. How is CoolSculpting different from other fat removal procedures?
It is nonsurgical. There is no downtime. There are no needles, there is cutting and no scarring. Anesthesia is unnecessary. It is the only FDA approved process to remove stubborn fatty deposits with cryolipolysis or freezing.
2. How does cryolipolysis work?
Fat cells are highly sensitive to extreme cold. The cold induces fat cell death at temperatures above 32 degrees. The skin is not frozen. The procedure is gentle, involves controlled cooling, and provides smoother, more youthful contours without injections, anesthesia or surgery.
3. Are there side effects?
Yes, and they are short-lived. They include swelling, bruising, numbness and tenderness in the treated areas. If there is pain, which is usually associated with treatment of the abdomen, the pain can begin 3-5 days after the treatment, and can last up to 10 days.
4. How many treatments are needed to achieve the best results?
Generally, each treatment yields about a 25% reduction in the targeted areas. The number of treatments depends on the amount of fat and the patient’s goal. Additional treatments are additive and will optimize results. Most people need 2 or three treatments for optimal results. But, Dr. Cole will determine what will work for each patient.
5. When will I see results?
Initial results will be visible within a few weeks. The results will improve steadily to full benefit in 2-4 months.
6. Will I lose weight with Coolsculpting?
It is not a weight loss procedure. However, you could loose inches and your clothes will look and fit better. It is important to continue eating healthy and exercising. And, doing something good for your body can motivate you to stay in shape.
7. Who is a good candidate?
Both men and women can benefit from CoolSculpting. The best candidates are healthy and close to their target weight. CoolSculpting permanently removes targeted fatty deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise.
8. What is pinchable fat?
Pinchable fat is subcutaneous fat between your skin and muscles; AKA flab, baby fat or fat rolls including muffin tops and love handles. It makes you appear to be soft and out of shape, and hides your muscles despite being fit. It is frustrating, and almost impossible to eliminate with diet and exercise, even with high-intensity interval training. The distribution of pinchable fat is based on genetics and hormones.
9. What areas can be treated?
In men, pinchable fat accumulates around the low back, waist and stomach. In women it accumulates around the thighs and buttocks, and flanks, and often creates a pouch in the lower abdomen.
Any area where there is pinchable fat can be treated with CoolSculpting, including but not limited to:
- Inner and outer thighs
- Love handles
- Muffin tops
- Bra bulge
- Back fat
- Knee fat
- Upper arm fat
10. Will I have loose skin after the fat is removed?
Dr. Cole will evaluate your skin quality and elasticity to determine if the skin will rebound.
If your skin is elastic, there should be no loose skin. However, when your skin is less elastic, Dr. Cole may recommend a skin tightening procedure called Thermage®, to tighten your skin. Thermage is a noninvasive radiofrequency procedure that can tighten the skin and enhance the body sculpting results achieved with CoolSculpting.
11. Are the results permanent?
Medical studies show it is safe and effective for permanent fat loss. However, if you gain weight the fat cells that remain will increase in size.
CoolSculpting will improve your body contours, and you will feel better about yourself. Doing something good for yourself will boost your self-esteem and confidence! Contact Dr. M. David Cole at Horizon Dermatology in Newport Beach, CA, to find out how you can achieve that slim, trim appearance today.
