Is CoolSculpting the right treatment for you?

CoolSculpting isn’t suitable for everyone. If you’ve decided to explore the route of fat freezing to assist with your body contouring journey, you may be wondering “Is CoolSculpting right for me?” Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your practitioner, but this guide will help you to get a head start.

What is CoolSculpting, and how does it work?

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure which uses patented Cryolipolysis technology to freeze and permanently destroy stubborn fat cells. The FDA has approved it for treating various areas of the body including the abdomen, flanks (love handles), inner and outer thighs, bra bulge, back fat, under the buttocks, double chin and upper arms.

During treatment, the skin and fat are suctioned into the vacuum applicator, and a targeted cooling process will begin, destroying the fat cells beneath. A gel pad protects the skin, and the surrounding tissues remain unharmed. When the treatment time is up, the practitioner will remove the paddle and massage the frozen fat. This kick-starts your body’s natural process of excreting the fat cells which will pass through the liver over the following weeks.

Is the treatment painful?

CoolSculpting is generally a comfortable treatment, and after a few minutes of the cooling process, the area will feel numb. Usually, there is no downtime, but as with any medical treatment, your body will enter a recovery period. Because of this, the area may feel slightly tender and numb for a few days to two weeks afterwards.

Who is the right candidate?

The CoolSculpting procedure is specifically designed for those who have unwanted fat in some stubborn areas of the body. The ideal candidates are those who eat a healthy diet, exercise and are within 20 pounds of their ideal weight. They will have noticeable but modestly sized bulges in certain areas of the body that they’re struggling to get rid of through diet and exercise alone.

If you have a BMI of 34 or more, we would advise that you begin a weight loss routine before considering fat freezing as a treatment option. Although that’s not to say that this treatment can’t help with your journey in the future. The closer you are to a healthier BMI the more effective the CoolSculpting results are going to be, and the fewer treatments will be required.

For those who are within 10 or 20 lbs of their ideal weight, a determining factor is the tightness of the fat. If you can pinch and pull the fat away from your body, this means you are likely a good candidate for the procedure.

You can expect a 20% to 25% fat reduction of the treated area, but it’s worth noting that multiple treatments may be required to achieve your desired result.

How does CoolSculpting compare to surgical Liposuction?

Harvard scientists behind the CoolSculpting device have devised the perfect temperature to destroy fat cells at minus 11 degrees Celsius with an inbuilt patented safety mechanism called Freezedetect. For this reason, CoolSculpting is considered the safest and most effective fat reduction treatment on the market.

However, as previously stated, CoolSculpting isn’t suitable for everyone. While it may be the appropriate treatment for patients seeking a non-surgical method to reduce fat in a localised area, Liposuction may be more suitable for patients looking to treat excess fat over a larger area of the body. After Liposuction, the results are noticeable within days after the procedure. The body will continue to excrete fat cells for approximately 12 weeks after CoolSculpting. The procedure is far less invasive, and no downtime is required.

Ultimately, the most appropriate treatment option is one which aligns with your aesthetic goals and individual preferences. Consulting with a medical practitioner is undoubtedly a great place to start to determine which procedure is right for you.

Click here to read more about CoolSculpting or click here to book a free CoolSculpting consultation.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.