Does CoolSculpting®Really Work to Reduce Fat?
CoolSculpting® at our Honolulu practice is a non-invasive body contouring treatment. It can help smooth out bumps and bulges on various areas of the body without the need for surgery. Does this sound too good to be true? This post will help you better understand this revolutionary treatment, so you can decide if it might be right for you.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is one the first nonsurgical fat reduction processes approved by the FDA and uses cooling panels to target and destroy fat cells. This cooling treatment freezes fat cells, which are gradually absorbed and eliminated through the body’s lymphatic system. Fat cells freeze at a higher temperature than other cells, so the treatment leaves surrounding tissues unharmed.
The idea behind CoolSculpting was developed by a pair of Harvard scientists who noticed that a child’s cheeks looked hollower after sucking on a popsicle. They realized that cells begin dying when cooled down, a process now known as Cryolipolysis™.
CoolSculpting provides long-lasting results because once fat cells are eliminated, they don’t return. When we gain or lose weight, we do not gain or lose fat cells. Instead, the existing cells simply enlarge or shrink. The only way to actually remove fat cells from the body is through CoolSculpting or liposuction.
What areas does CoolSculpting treat?
CoolSculpting works well to address specific areas of the body, including:
- Double chin
- Armpit fat “puff”
- Bra fat
- Under-bust roll
- Upper arms “winglet”
- Abdomen
- Flanks
- Suprapubic “pouch”
- Banana roll
- Inner thighs
- Outer thighs
- Knee fat pad
What can I expect from CoolSculpting treatment and results?
A CoolSculpting session takes about an hour depending on the area treated. During the process, patients typically read, check emails, or even nap. There is no downtime required, so after a CoolSculpting session, patients can immediately return to normal daily activities.
Unlike the results of surgical body contouring, CoolSculpting results are not immediate. You will begin to see results several weeks after treatment. Gradual fat reduction will continue, and your final results will show after about 3 to 4 months. Many patients are happy with their results after 1 treatment, but most patients opt for a few sessions to achieve optimal results.
Who is a good candidate for CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a great option for individuals who are close to their goal weight and are committed to a healthy lifestyle. Though CoolSculpting can be an effective solution to remove stubborn fat pockets, it is not a substitute for diet and exercise. It is also not a substitute for surgical procedures like liposuction or tummy tuck, which are effective for treating larger areas of fat.
If you want to learn more about CoolSculpting, request a consultation online or give us a call at (808) 207-7345. We would love to discuss your options and find a treatment plan that works best for you.