1. Which patients are the best candidates?
Ultimately, ideal candidates are active and are at or near their goal weight, but are unable to get rid of stubborn fat with diet and exercise. They should be concerned with specific areas that include stored fat, not concerned with their entire body, but do not consider surgical procedures a solution. The CoolSculpting method is not intended as a weightloss solution.
2. How does the applicator deliver cooling to the fat cells?
The applicator gently holds tissue in the applicator cup grasped between two cooling panels, resembling a vacuum, while extracting body heat from underlying tissue. The skin is monitored through sensors, linked to the control console, built into the machine that control a consistent cooling procedure pattern and provide constant feedback to the physician.
3. How long will my results last?
Patients show full results six months after the CoolSculpting treatment and are expected to last about as long as results from invasive fat cell removal surgeries such as liposuction.
4. Are there any side effects after the treatment?
As a non-invasie procedure, the CoolSculpting treatment allows for immediate return to normal daily activities with no restrictions. Immediately following the treatment, the area may appear red anywhere from the first few minutes to the first few hours, but this is completely along with minimal localized bruising which usually disappears within a few weeks. Some patients may feel a numbing sensation to the treated area lasting up to 8 weeks.
5. What happens during the treatment?
The first step is consulting with a physician and selecting an area(s) to be treated. The applicator available in small, medium, or large, will then be placed on your skin, while the device begins firmly pulling up the skin between the two cooling panels. Once the bulge is obtained in the applicator, the device will continue a sucking motion in a constant rhythm for about an hour or so when the procedure is complete. Immediately following the treatment, your skin may feel stiff and transient blanching (temporary whitening of the skin) may appear.
6. What does the treatment feel like?
The first few minutes can be somewhat uncomfortable as the cooling sensation takes affect, but usually diminishes. Many patients find it beneficial to read, take a nap, or browse their phones during the treatment. Rarely, you may experience tingling, cramping, or aching which usually subsides within a few minutes.
