ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COOLSCULPTING AND FREEZING YOUR FAT
Frustrated with fat pockets that won’t decrease with your gym routine and diet? We understand that it can be distressing, especially if you can’t reach your goal. But there is good news! Thanks to the latest weight-loss solution, you can lose weight by freezing your fat off.
CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared body shaping machine that freezes stubborn fat (cryolipolysis). We use carefully controlled plates to freeze the fat cells at sub-zero temperatures.
The temperature causes irreversible damage to the treated fat cells which are then "flushed" away by the body within few months," says Dr. Kamal Al Hallak, an Aesthetic consultant at Albany cosmetic and laser center. Here's everything to know about freezing your fat.
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How does CoolSculpting work?
CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved procedure that uses cryolipolysis (a controlled cooling process) to freeze excess fat deposits in the body. As the applicator freezes and destroys the fat, nerves, skin, and other tissues remain unharmed.
Why there are different applicators for CoolSculpting?
Different body areas have different anatomical shapes. Some areas are wide and curvy, some areas are narrow and flat. Different applicators are used for different areas of the body. For example, the cool-advantage and cool-advantage plus applicators come with three different contours (cool-fit advantage, cool-core advantage, and cool-Curve +). The ability to have a better fitting applicator cup and cooling procedure means shorter treatment time and better results.
What are the recommended number of treatments?
While most patients see visible results with one treatment, it’s not uncommon to require one to three treatments to achieve the best results. If you want greater fat reduction, you may need more than one treatment. You can repeat the process every three months (if necessary) until you feel you've achieved the best results.
Always speak to your doctor before going in for CoolSculpting to know if you're a good candidate.
How long is a CoolSculpting appointment?
It normally takes an hour to treat each section. However, we are one of the very few clinics in Edmonton that owns the updated machines with the new cool-advantage plus applicator. Therefore, the treatment time for each section is around 35 minutes.
Results and recovery
It takes about three months to experience complete results, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeon. But it depends on your body and how it reacts to the procedure. CoolScupting works by fat freezing (cryolipolysis), therefore it works gradually. You will see the first noticeable results after two weeks, and the max results are expected after two to three months.
CoolSculpting is effective at reducing and removing fat cells, but it doesn’t have any skin tightening results. We recommend to combine it with other laser treatments to attain the best results. We are the only center in Edmonton that owns a full portfolio of different body shaping and skin tightening machines that include Laser, RF, electromagnetic and cryo lipolysis.
You don't need to take time off from your daily activities after your appointment but may want to rest for a day if you feel resuming work might be stressful on your body.
Compared to traditional weight loss procedures, CoolSculpting eradicates fat cells. As stated by the ASPS, the targeted fat cells are lessened by 20%. Some patients will experience a 40% reduction, which is likely in smaller regions like the thighs and upper arms. The procedure offers lasting results, but it’s recommended you maintain an exercise and healthy eating routine.
What are the side effects of CoolSculpting?
You may feel cryolipolysis-induced numbness in the treatment area for a few hours. Bruising may be noticed due to pinching and tugging, which is part of the suction process. Prepare to feel sore for a few weeks after the procedure. Downtime experienced by CoolSculpting patients is minimal.
Other side effects include:
Swelling, redness, tenderness, tingling, stinging, muscle cramping, skin sensitivity, mild pain, and a pinching sensation.
How to care for skin after CoolSculpting
Dr. Kamal advises patients to wear compression garments like Spanx to minimize possible redness and swelling. He also recommends that patients return to normal activities post-treatment. Also, remember to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water – this will help expel the frozen fat cells
What is the average cost of CoolSculpting?
In 2016, the average cost of a non-invasive treatment like CoolSculpting was about $1,500. The cost depends on the area you want to treat, how many areas you want treated and how many appointments you require for each treatment area. Remember, the bigger the target area, the higher the cost. Also, treating several areas can increase the cost. It’s best to consult with a board-certified aesthetician to create a treatment plan for you.
If you experience weight gain in the treated areas, you may need to come in for additional sessions. It is recommended that you continue with a healthy eating and exercise routine after your treatments to maintain the best results.
Final thoughts
This FDA-approved non-invasive treatment isn't a magic bullet. But a 2014 clinical trial advertised in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, proves that CoolSculpting offers impressive results. The procedure reduces about 25% subcutaneous fat in the target area.
However, if you go back to unhealthy habits after treatment, it can conceal the slimming effects. "I always ask my patients to observe a good lifestyle to maintain the results," says Dr. Kamal Alhallak, Ph.D.
To learn more about this procedure or to book an appointment, fill out our online form or call our office. Alongside body shaping services, we offer many other services as such Microneedling, Vaginal treatments and Filler and Botox injection