If you have stubborn pockets of fat that you can’t seem to get rid of, a procedure called CoolSculpting® can help. It works by freezing your fat cells in a targeted area of your body. Even better, this procedure doesn’t require any downtime, so you won’t have to face a long recovery.
But it’s important to know what to expect from the procedure before signing up to have it done, including the possible results. The providers at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center explain more about CoolSculpting and what you can expect from the procedure.
What CoolSculpting can treat
CoolSculpting is effective in treating some of your most stubborn pockets of fat. These areas include the following:
- Under your chin or along your jawline
- Thighs
- Flanks (also known as love handles)
- Abdomen
- Back fat, such as underneath your bra strap
- Underneath the buttocks
- Upper arms
It’s important to note that CoolSculpting is not intended to work as a substitute for weight loss. You should be near a healthy weight before getting CoolSculpting.
What CoolSculpting feels like
CoolSculpting is unique in that, unlike other body contouring procedures for fat loss, it’s non-invasive and doesn’t require surgical incisions. It freezes your fat cells, which causes the fat cells to die off after the procedure gradually. And it works: it’s even FDA-approved.
It also works to freeze your fat cells without damaging nearby nerves or tissues.
Before you get CoolSculpting, you’ll have a consultation with our providers about the areas that will be treated. When it’s time to get the procedure, we’ll first apply a clear gel pad to protect your skin from the cooling panel.
When we place the cooling panel on your skin, you may feel a slight sucking sensation. You may also feel sensations that can include the following:
- Pulling
- Tugging
- Cramping
- Tingling
- Stinging
- Mild pinching
- Numbness or a cold sensation
It’s very common to feel a sense of numbness; this shows that the treatment is working to freeze the fat cells. Most of these sensations only last for the first 5-10 minutes of your treatment session.
Following the procedure, it’s common for your skin to experience temporary side effects, including redness, blanching, bruising, and swelling.
When you should see results
While you don’t have any downtime after your body contouring session, don’t expect to see results immediately. The results of your fat cells dying off take some time, most often in about three weeks. However, it can take up to 6 months to see the full effects of the procedure.
As the fat cells die off, you can expect to see a gradually slimmer profile. The areas with stubborn pockets of fat will look smaller.
CoolSculpting can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with other body contouring procedures like liposuction. It all depends on the results you want to see, which our providers will be happy to discuss with you.
If you would like to get rid of your stubborn pockets of fat and don’t want to have to deal with the downtime after a surgical procedure, CoolSculpting could provide the answer. Contact the providers at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center today or schedule an appointment online for a consultation.
