Are you struggling to tone stubborn body fat in your stomach or maybe even under your chin? What about that extra arm fat that seems adamant about resisting your diet and exercise regimen? If you are having trouble losing weight in any of these or other areas, CoolSculpting may be the choice for you. But before you make that decision, Valeriu E. Andrei, M.D., Bariatric Associates P.A., takes a closer look at the effectiveness of CoolSculpting for weight loss.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting, also known as cryolipolysis, is a noninvasive, nonsurgical fat loss procedure that occurs in multiple sessions, each about an hour long. During each session, target body areas are placed between two panels that cool your adipose tissue, or fat, to freezing temperatures. This process kills the fat cells, which are then naturally excreted via your liver within several weeks of treatment. One study showed a 25% fat reduction in treated skin layers, signaling the efficacy of this body contouring method.
Is CoolSculpting For Me?
In 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved CoolSculpting for weight loss in patients’ “love handles.” As the years progressed, this procedure has gained FDA approval for use on patients’ arms, stomachs, outer and inner thighs, chins, backs, and other areas of soft, pinchable fat. As its FDA approval attests, CoolSculpting is safe and effective for many people, but it is not meant for everyone.
CoolSculpting is not a treatment for obesity. While it helps to remove small amounts of excess fat, it is not meant to be used for major weight loss. It also should not be used for people with certain health conditions, including:
- Cryoglobulinemia
- Cold agglutinin disease
- Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH)
Like any procedure, CoolSculpting also poses a few side effects. Although it’s a noninvasive and nonsurgical procedure, which conveniently prevents scarring, some patients experience uncomfortable results, including:
- Tugging feeling when the physician places your skin between CoolSculpting panels
- Pain, stinging or aching at the treatment site around two weeks post-treatment
- Short-term redness, swelling, bruising, and skin sensitivity at target body areas
- Increase in fat cell volume at the treatment site (a.k.a. paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, which occurs in <1% cases)
While it’s important to consider all potential side effects, CoolSculpting has proven to be a safe, effective, and relatively painless way to eliminate unwanted body fat. In fact, the number of people who have undergone the procedure since its FDA approval has increased by 823%. With no need for downtime after treatment and quickly visible results, CoolSculpting offers a great way for many individuals to achieve the sleek, toned look they’ve always wanted.
How Long Will My Results Last?
The results of CoolSculpting last indefinitely. Target fat cells are eliminated for eventual expulsion by your body, so there is no risk of them returning. However, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan post-CoolSculpting, as weight gain may cause fat to return to previously treated areas. Some patients opt to receive periodic touch-up sessions to help keep fat off of target body areas.
If you have questions about CoolSculpting or are interested in receiving this procedure, schedule your free consultation with Valeriu E. Andrei, M.D., Bariatric Associates P.A. today. Dr. Andrei will work with you to determine which weight loss methods are most appropriate for your needs, from body contouring to weight loss surgery, to help you feel good and look great. Contact us today to learn more.
