Cryolipolysis, sometimes referred to as “cool sculpting,” is quickly becoming the most popular nonsurgical fat reduction treatments around. Almost half a million people worldwide have already undergone this procedure, which can be performed out-patient without anesthesia. Read on to find out what beauty-conscious Americans need to know about cryolipolysis, how it works, and whether it’s really worth the money.
What Is It?
Cryolipolysis is a non-surgical technique for reducing fat. It uses very cold temperatures to break down fat cells while sparing other cells from injury or damage. Cool sculpting is only available at specialized medical spas such as Cool Med Spa Miami and must be performed by a licensed technician.
What’s great about cryolipolysis is that it provides permanent results since destroying the actual subcutaneous fat cells makes them unable to continue to store fat. Those damaged cells will be removed from the body by its lymphatic system over the course of several weeks and will eventually be expelled as waste.
Why Is Cool Sculpting So Popular?
To put it simply, it offers a perfect solution for consumers who are having trouble getting rid of stubborn fat deposits even with a healthy diet and exercise routine. It’s great for targeting stubborn fat deposits and doesn’t require surgical intervention, or even going under anesthesia. That means consumers who opt to undergo cryolipolysis don’t need to undergo prolonged recovery periods.
How Long Does It Take?
The actual cool sculpting process can be completed very quickly. It can take between several weeks and several months for the body to fully eliminate the affected fat cells, though. Expect the fat deposits to continue getting noticeably smaller for up to six months before they stabilize. The average fat reduction for healthy patients is around 20%.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Not everyone is a good candidate for cryolipolysis. This procedure is most effective at reducing fat in isolated areas. It won’t do much good for consumers who are extremely overweight, and those who have fat deposits in multiple areas will need more than one treatment. Patients with known cold-related conditions such as cryoglobulinemia, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, or cold urticaria should also avoid cool sculpting, as should anyone with loose skin or poor skin tone.
What Does It Feel Like?
Although cool sculpting destroys fat cells by freezing them, the process isn’t unpleasant or painful. When the doctor or technician places the device on a patient’s skin, it will feel cool for several minutes. After that, the patient shouldn’t feel anything for the duration of the session.
After the machine has finished its work, the practitioner will massage the treated area. This helps to break up the frozen fat cells and should also be painless. The whole process typically takes less than an hour, so patients can even schedule appointments during lunch breaks at work without worrying about disrupting their schedules.
Are There Any Risks?
Overall, the complication rate for cryolipolysis is very low and the patient satisfaction rate is quite high. Less than one percent of patients who undergo the procedure experience a complication known as paradoxical fat hyperplasia, which creates more fat cells instead of destroying the old ones. Men are more likely to experience this complication than women, and the condition is seen more frequently in Hispanic patients. Some patients who undergo cool sculpting may experience surface irregularities or asymmetry, as well, but these results are also rare.
What Is the Recovery Like?
Unlike liposuction, cryolipolysis is not a surgical procedure. That means no unpleasant recovery period and no activity restrictions. Some who undergo the procedure feel sore afterward, but it’s very rare to experience actual pain following cool sculpting. Patients who do experience pain during their recovery periods can speak with their doctors about medications that might help.
How Should Patients Prepare?
The fact that cryolipolysis does not require anesthesia means there’s no need to abstain from eating or drinking or to make other major changes preceding the cool sculpting appointment. Some providers recommend that patients avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs before their procedures to reduce bruising. Others suggest limiting caffeine before the procedure, but the verdict is out on whether it makes a significant difference.
How Expensive Is Cool Sculpting?
Cool sculpting is less expensive than liposuction. It costs around the same as other FDA-approved non-invasive treatments such as Kybella but has been proven to be much more effective and safer. Kybella can cause temporary or permanent nerve damage since it will destroy whatever cells it comes into contact with while cryolipolysis specifically targets fat cells. Given that it’s also one of the most affordable ways to get rid of stubborn fat, there’s really no downside of choosing cool sculpting compared to other alternatives.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
There are many areas of the body that can be treated using the cool sculpting technique. They include the chin and jawline, thighs, belly, back, sides, upper legs, upper arms, and along women’s bra lines. What’s great about cryolipolysis is that most providers can treat multiple areas at the same time, which can reduce associated costs and ensure that patients don’t have to spend any more time than necessary in the clinic.
How Many Sessions Will Be Required?
Since cryolipolysis reduces fat deposits by an average of 20%, most patients will have to undergo multiple sessions. These sessions can be scheduled as close together as eight weeks. It’s rare for anyone to need more than three rounds off treatment, so don’t worry about the costs adding up too much.
The Bottom Line Cryolipolysis is a state-of-the-art procedure designed to help otherwise healthy people with stubborn fat deposits get the bodies they want and deserve. It’s a safe, non-invasive procedure that has high success rates and patient satisfaction ratings. Those interested in cool sculpting should find a reputable clinic or medical spa that provides this service. The next step is to schedule a consultation to determine whether the procedure will be a good fit given the patient’s body type, medical history, and personal goals. Get in touch with a med spa today to get the process started.
