CoolSculpting is a convenient new alternative to liposuction that locks fat cells into a permanent deep freeze. The technique requires no incisions, no anesthesia and no invasive surgical instruments. Instead, it’s all about pinching, chilling and massaging the fat away.
Below, trusted Montreal plastic surgeon Dr. Arie Benchetrit reviews the profile-enhancing benefits of CoolSculpting, and outlines the timeline for noticeable results.
Quick and Convenient
The procedure itself is simple and convenient, requiring less than an hour. The change in your fat cells takes longer. Once the “pinchable” area of fat is frozen, these newly crystalized cells essentially die. Your body will ultimately identify these dead cells and slowly eliminate them in a process that may take two to four months.
This is actually one of the advantages CoolSculpting has over other procedures, such as liposuction. The gradual reduction of fat in targeted areas allows your skin to progressively shrink to cover your new profile. It also allows time for your body to produce more collagen, a process that is triggered by CoolSculpting’s freezing. It is collagen that will add firmness and flexibility to your skin, providing your new profile with a youthful look and feel.
Course of Treatment
CoolSculpting is ideal for small to moderate amounts of fat under the surface of your skin. Deeper body fat cannot be reached by the CoolSculpting process. Many patients report a fat reduction of approximately 25 percent per treatment in the targeted areas. Although in many cases a single treatment will yield these impressive results, patients often choose one or more follow-up procedures to improve the areas by an additional 20 to 25 percent each session.
The procedure requires no special planning: no need to clear your work schedule or arrange for someone to drive you home. There’s no anesthesia needed, as you will feel only minor tingling or numbness as the CoolSculpting instrument treats one of your pinchable pockets of fat. Patients describe the feeling as similar to the application of an ice pack.
Once the cells have been frozen, the pockets are massaged to slowly bring the treated areas up to body temperature. When you leave the office, the only visible clue that you’ve just had a CoolSculpting procedure will be slightly flushed-looking skin appearance, which will last only an hour.
Preserving Your New Profile
The fat cells that have been chilled away do not grow back, although poor dietary and lifestyle habits are likely to create new ones as your body stores excess calories. Because the CoolSculpting procedure targets inches, not weight, targeted areas should retain their new, slimmed-down shape even when moderate weight gain occurs.
For more information about CoolSculpting, Dr. Benchetrit invites you to schedule a consultation at our practice. Call or email us today to request an appointment.
