We all have those “problem areas” where our bodies retain fat that just doesn’t budge as much as we would like despite a consistent diet and exercise.
If you are like many people, one or more of these trouble spots interferes with your ability to live your best life. If you feel overly self-conscious of any area of your body, like your arms, thighs, belly, or chin, then CoolSculpting 360 may help.
You can reach your goal weight and still have a disproportionate amount of fat in one area. If you are happy with your shape and proportions, this is fine—however, some look for targeted fat loss.
You may have heard you can’t spot-reduce fat. We in the aesthetics field disagree! Yes, most people have pockets of fat that are slow to change no matter which workout or diet fad you follow. This varies by body type; for one person, it may be the hips and thighs, while another may retain extra fat on their belly and arms.
The good news is you can spot reduce by using one of several cosmetic procedures that reduce fat from specific targeted areas.
CoolSculpting 360 is a fat reduction method that isn’t a substitute for managing weight through diet and exercise. It is a great option to improve the appearance of specific areas of the body.
How CoolSculpting 360 Works
CoolSculpting® 360 is a procedure for targeted fat loss using Cryolipolysis, which freezes fat cells to destroy them. It is non-invasive and FDA-approved to reduce fat on multiple common trouble spots, including the belly or abdomen, love handles, back fat or bra rolls, arms, legs, and even chins!
During “cryolipolysis,” your CoolSculpting® 360 provider uses a specialized applicator to strategically apply cold that breaks down specific fat cells. It creates ice crystals inside the fat cells and ruptures them. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, fat cells are especially susceptible to cold temperatures, so your skin and other tissues are fine while some of the fat cells are eliminated.
The body naturally eliminates these fat cells by reabsorbing them into the body as fast as possible. According to CoolSculpting, during the next few weeks following a CoolSculpting® treatment session, you may experience a 20-25% fat reduction in the targeted area.
Is it Safe, and Is it Right for You?
While every elective procedure carries some risk, especially for people with pre-existing conditions that increase their risk of side effects, overall, CoolSculpting® is nonsurgical; and less risky than an invasive operation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has certified CoolSculpting® as a safe and effective treatment to remove fat in nine areas.
Like every procedure, CoolSculpting® is perfect for some but not right for everybody. You may be a good candidate for CoolSculpting® if:
- You are within 20 pounds of your health weight
- You don’t have any medical metal, electrical, or electronic implants in the area you wish to target. This includes hearing devices, cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators, or drug pumps
- If you have any medical conditions that may interfere with your ability to heal or respond to the treatment, please talk with your provider about any known medical issues you have and which treatment options you use
- Like any elective treatment, you will have the best chance of good results if you are a non-smoker in reasonably good overall health
- The area you wish to treat is not swollen, infected, or inflamed
The best way to decide whether CoolSculpting® is right for you is by scheduling a consultation with a certified CoolSculpting provider. During this appointment, discuss your aesthetic goals, hopes, concerns, and medical history.
Your provider may show you CoolSculpting before and after pictures of patients, they have treated to help you get a sense of the results that are achievable from CoolSculpting®. If there are other cosmetic treatment options that may suit your needs, your provider may talk you through your options.
What to Expect During CoolSculpting® Treatment
Most people don’t experience significant pain or downtime from a CoolSculpting treatment. In fact, patients read, stream a show, listen to music, or even nap during the treatment. Some do experience mild discomfort, like a tugging or pulling sensation. Some feel the area cooling, numbing, tingling, or even mild soreness. It varies from person to person.
When Will You See Results from CoolSculpting® 360?
Fat reduction treatment results from CoolSculpting® are not instantaneous, as it takes time for the body to release the frozen fat cells. You may start to notice fat loss in the first few weeks, but the results may be most dramatic two months after your treatment. Some see results continue as much as four months after the treatment.
Depending on your goals, you may need two or more treatments, so your total results may be four to eight months from your first treatment session. Overall, CoolSculpting® enjoys a high patient satisfaction rate as the treatment will eliminate stubborn fat from problem areas.
How to Prepare for Your CoolSculpting 360 Treatment?
Since CoolSculpting is non-invasive, it is easier to prepare for it. Although the treatment doesn’t require downtime like an operation would, you may still be more comfortable if you give yourself a few days to rest and plan to avoid stressful situations and vigorous activity for a few days.
Also, stop any elective medications or supplements that thin your blood, like aspirin or fish oil. This is to minimize the risk of bruising in the areas. Please talk with your doctor before quitting any prescription blood thinners.
Choose comfortable, loose-fitting sweatpants, leggings, and workout clothes to wear during the treatment. Consider wearing inexpensive undergarments since your provider will apply gel pads to the area.
Download a playlist, podcast, audiobook, or movie to enjoy during your treatment.
Maintain your results by keeping your weight stable. While the fat loss is permanent, you can still gain weight if you don’t watch your weight.
Schedule Your Consultation
The Skin Center by CPS is proud to offer CoolSculpting 360 to Charlotte-area residents who want a sleeker appearance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Let us know if you liked this post!
