What is CoolSculpting®?
CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved procedure that safely removes stubborn fat from specific areas of the body like the thighs, chin, abdomen, and waist. Since 2010, this procedure has been an effective non-surgical alternative to liposuction for those wishing to remove fat when diet and exercise aren’t enough. To date, there have been over three million CoolSculpting® treatments performed worldwide.
How does CoolSculpting work?
During the CoolSculpting procedure, precisely controlled cooling is delivered to the area where you want fat to be removed. The temperature of the fat cells under the skin is reduced to just above the freezing point. This causes the lipids in the fat cells to crystallize and die. The dead cells are naturally eliminated by your body over 8 to 12 weeks for a gradual slimming effect that may continue for up to 4 months. The best part is, once the fat cells are gone, they are gone for good.
What is CoolAdvantage Petite?
Arm fat was once hard to target with traditional CoolSculpting because most patients do not have enough fat in their arms to fit the cooling plates. Enter CoolAdvantage Petite.
CoolAdvantage PetiteTM works similar to the traditional CoolSculpting procedure, except it is small enough to effectively target arm fat. As with CoolSculpting, the results of CoolAdvantage Petite become noticeable about 8 to 12 weeks after treatment, with improvements continuing for up to 4 months.
What can I expect during the procedure?
Before your procedure, you’ll meet with your doctor for a consultation. You and your doctor will have a candid discussion about the areas of the body you wish to treat and how to best go about achieving those results.
On the day of the procedure, your doctor will map out the areas to be targeted and a certified medical assistant will massage your skin to loosen up the fat cells. Next, a gel pad and an applicator are applied to the targeted area. The applicator uses a vacuum to suction the tissue into an applicator cup where the cooling actually happens. You may feel some pulling, tugging, and/or pinching during the procedure, but this is usually mild and well-tolerated.
As the name suggests, the CoolSculpting procedure can be a little chilly. Though you may feel intense cold initially, this feeling usually subsides within 5 to 10 minutes as the area being treated becomes numb.
No anesthesia is needed and you’ll be awake during the entire session. Each treatment session lasts 35 to 60 minutes, during which time you are to read, listen to music, catch up on e-mails, or simply relax.
Are there any side effects associated with these procedures?
Both CoolSculpting and CoolAdvantage Petite are clinically proven to be safe and effective, with minimal side effects. Patients who have the treatment can expect to experience temporary redness and bruising around the targeted area, which will gently heal within a few days. Some patients may also experience numbness along the targeted area. This usually subsides within several days, but the numbness may last a few weeks.
Are there any retrictions after having the procedure?
There is no downtime with this procedure, which is one of the biggest advantages of CoolSculpting. You can expect to resume your daily activities immediately after treatment. You can even go to work after treatment if you choose.
No matter what your skin care needs are, Windsor Dermatology will work with you to provide a solution. We have an excellent team of board-certified dermatologists who take pride in their work and strive to offer the highest quality care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about the services we offer.
