A Look at How CoolSculpting Works to Safely Reduce Stubborn Fat
You’ve done everything right: You’re trying to exercise regularly and eat right. Your body weight is in the normal range. You’re strong, healthy and fit. Yet still, there’s that stubborn area of fat that just won’t go away. Suddenly, you start noticing ads for Coolsculpting, which seem to be appearing everywhere these days, making enticing promises like, “Freeze your Fat Away!” It sounds too good to be true, but is it? What is Coolsculpting? How does Coolsculpting work? Can it really get rid of unwanted fat? Is it safe? How much does Coolsculpting cost? And will it work on me?
Although Coolsculpting may seem new in Ottawa, fat-freezing technology, or cryolipolysis, has been around for over 10 years. In 2005, two perceptive doctors associated with Harvard Medical School noticed that cold was an effective way to selectively target fat cells. Their research into this phenomenon led them to develop the technology behind Coolsculpting. Since that time, Coolsculpting has evolved and improved to become the #1 non-surgical fat-reduction treatment used by doctors worldwide.
Despite its hype, there is still some hesitation when it comes to fat-freezing technology.
To learn everything you need to know about this scientifically-proven fat reduction treatment, here’s a look at the science behind CoolSculpting, its many benefits, and answers to some of our clients’ common FAQs.
What Is Stubborn Fat?
Stubborn fat is made up of fat cells that are difficult to reduce in size, even with diet and exercise.
During childhood and adolescence, our bodies develop a set number of fat cells. And this number doesn’t change in adulthood.
While losing weight will make your fat cells smaller, and gaining weight will make them larger, the actual number of fat cells remains the same—only the size of the fat cells change.
The number of fat cells varies per individual, and everyone carries their fat differently. Some people may also have more stubborn fat cells than others. So even with a healthy diet and regular exercise, you might have fat cells that just don’t seem to respond.
CoolSculpting reduces the actual number of fat cells. And with fewer stubborn fat cells to worry about, you can finally get that body you’ve been working so hard for.
What Is Coolsculpting?
CoolSculpting is a safe, Health Canada-cleared, non-invasive treatment to reduce stubborn fat cells. This treatment is best for healthy, active people who are near their ideal body weight. CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss treatment; it is a fat-reduction treatment.
How Does Coolsculpting Work?
CoolSculpting uses a process called cryolipolysis, which means fat freezing. During this treatment, a roll of fat (about 1 litre) is placed or sucked up between two panels with a gel pad in the CoolSculpting applicator. The applicator will then cool the fat to a precise temperature.
Since fat cells freeze faster than the surrounding skin cells, CoolSculpting can target stubborn fat cells without damaging the surrounding tissue.
When fat cells freeze, they are damaged, and your body will gradually remove the injured fat cells over the course of two to six months. However, the full results of fat loss are often seen after three months.
What Areas Can be Treated?
CoolSculpting is often used to reduce fat (and the appearance of cellulite) in the following spots on the body:
Outer and inner thighs
Above the knees
Lower back
Bra fat
Belly/abdomen
Hips/sides/flanks (love handles)
Upper arms
Underneath the buttocks
Under the chin and jawline
What Can I Expect During A Treatment?
The CoolSculpting treatment takes about one hour to treat each body part. And larger body parts will need more treatments than smaller areas.
During treatment, the gel pad and CoolSculpting applicator will create a slight tingling and cooling sensation, until the skin goes numb.
The treatment itself is virtually painless. You will be comfortable enough to sit back, relax, read, listen to music, work on your laptop, watch a TV show, or take a nap for the 30- to 60-minute treatment.
Once the CoolSculpting is finished, your medical aesthetician will massage the treatment area for two minutes to push around the crystallized fat cells for even distribution.
How Soon Will I See Results?
You may start to see results after three weeks, but it usually takes two to six months to see optimal results.
One treatment with CoolSculpting® reduces up to 20-25% of fat cells in the treated area. And the results are long-term. Once the fat cells are eliminated, they’re gone for good!
How Soon Can I Get Back to Normal?
Since this is a non-invasive treatment with zero downtime, you can get back to your normal life immediately after treatment. There is also no anesthesia, so you can also drive yourself home after your appointment.
Possible Side Effects
Possible side effects following a CoolSculpting treatment include:
A tugging feeling when your doctor places the fat roll between the panels of the CoolSculpting applicator;
Pain, aching or stinging at the treatment site two weeks after treatment, but this tends to go away on its own;
Short-term skin sensitivity, redness, bruising, and swelling at the treatment area;
Reduced sensation in the treated area; and,
Very rarely—affecting less than 0.005% of people—CoolSculpting can cause an increase in the volume of fat cells. While the cause of this side effect is unknown, this side effect is extremely rare and is more common in men than in women.
How Many Treatments Will I Need and How Long Will it Take?
Most people require several treatments to see the best results. And you should wait six to eight weeks between each treatment.
To get the most out of your treatments, you should also maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a healthy balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
Testimonial
This was my first time doing this procedure. Kanata Skin Clinic made me feel at home and very comfortable with the entire process. From the seamless welcome to the clear explanations of what to expect. The Aestheticism made sure my comfort was her utmost priory throughout the entire process. I did the procedure for my double chin. It has always been a part of me i wished to get fixed. I did try the gym but it was very time consuming. I am now 1 chin less and very appreciative of the procedure as it has helped me gain more confidence in my day to day activities. I am happy to know that they exist and they will definitely be my clinic of choice in the future should I need another procedure (Hydrafacial/laser/Botox/Edermastamp).
~S.R.
To find out how much CoolSculpting costs and to finally get rid of that stubborn fat, contact the Kanata Skin Clinic for a consultation. Your hard work can pay off, and you can get the body you’ve been after with the help of CoolSculpting treatments.
Article written by Dr. Erik Hegmann, MD
Dr. Erik Hegmann, MD, is a family physician who has focused on Cosmetic and Laser Medicine at his Kanata office since 2004. Dr. Hegmann has an extensive educational background with a Master of Science, specializing in cancer research, from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Facility in Toronto, and a degree from the Faculty of Medicine at the Unversity of Toronto graduating with Honours.