CoolSculpting Procedure at IDI
At IDI, we recognize and appreciate the importance of looking and feeling good in your skin every day. As your biggest organ, your skin is vitally important. If you want to enhance your appearance, a CoolSculpting procedure may help.
We proudly offer this innovative treatment option for patients who want to eliminate stubborn fat pockets and feel more confident in their bodies.
If you still have fat pockets that don’t seem to disappear no matter what you do, CoolSculpting treatment may be an effective cosmetic option for you. In fact, this popular cosmetic procedure works to eliminate fat pockets for good.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting® by Zeltiq is a device that removes unwanted body fat nonsurgically, noninvasively, by using low temperature in localized areas (“Cryolipolysis”). After the cells are dead, they are carried away through the body by scavenger cells of the immune system.
This one-of-a-kind treatment option works to actively eliminate up to 20% of the fat cells in your targeted area in just one session. The best part? Once removed, the fat cells are gone forever.
This Cosmetic Procedure can be used on a variety of areas throughout the body but is most popular for treating:
- Flanks (love handles or muffin top)
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Excess fat underneath the chin (double chin)
- Bra fat
- Gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts)
- Back fat
- Fat underneath the buttocks
- Upper arms
- The submandibular area below the jawline
Ideal for patients with a Healthy BMI, this procedure should not be used as a direct treatment option for substantial weight loss.
What is involved in a CoolSculpting Procedure?
Several steps are involved in a CoolSculpting procedure and are typically completed as follows:
- The targeted area of the skin is wet with a moist gel pad.
- A specialized applicator is placed in contact with the targeted skin area.
- Suction is applied from the applicator which provides a mild feeling of pressure.
- Skin and fat cells are pulled into the applicator for fat freezing.
- The skin is released from the suction, causing you to feel a slight amount of discomfort for 2 to 5 minutes.
- Once the freezing occurs, your skin becomes numb.
Treatment times vary but typically last between 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the area being treated. There is no downtime after treatment. Patients may resume normal activities immediately following the procedure.
Most patients notice an improvement in the appearance of the affected area within 8 to 16 weeks. At IDI, we recommend at least two treatments per area for best results.
Are there any side effects?
You may feel discomfort in the treated area, and your skin may itch or be sensitive to touch for 1 or 2 weeks or longer (rare). Bruising or discoloration may occur. Very rarely, an inflammatory nodule may develop, eventually resolving in months.
Before treatment, all potential risks and side effects will be discussed with you by your medical provider and cosmetic coordinator.
Possible side effects include:
- Pain, swelling, or bruising
- Redness
- A tingly or stinging sensation
- Tenderness
- Mild swelling
- Mild to moderate pain
- Muscle cramping
- Skin sensitivity
- Itchiness
- Diarrhea, as fat cells are being eliminated from the body
How do I know if I need Coolsculpting®?
If you pinch the skin in the area you are interested in treating and can raise 1 to 2 inches of excess skin (fat), then you will benefit from Coolsculpting®. Coolsculpting® is designed to remove isolated pockets of fat that persist, even with diet and exercise.
The Coolsculpting® treatment works best for people whose BMI is normal or under 25. We recommend at least two treatments per area for best results. If your BMI is between 25 and 30, we suggest 2 to 3 treatments. We don’t recommend Coolsculpting® for persons whose BMI exceeds 30 because there will be too much fat in the target area to notice a difference after treatment. You may be a candidate for Liposuction instead. The Coolsculpting® procedure will not reduce your weight or treat obesity.
People with a disease that is made worse by cold or have hernias in the area to be treated should not have Coolsculpting®. People with a large amount of fat in the target area will not notice an improvement after treatment.
How does the procedure feel?
The first step is to wet the skin with a moist gel pad. Then the applicator is placed in contact with the skin. When the suction is turned on, you will feel pressure as the skin and fat are drawn into the applicator for freezing. When the skin is released, you will feel slight discomfort for 2 to 5 minutes until the freezing takes effect and numbs the skin.
What areas can be treated with CoolSculpting®?
CoolSculpting® technology sculpts the upper and lower abdomen, love handles, inner and outer thighs, back fat, “man boobs,” and upper arms.
- Gynecomastia (enlarged men’s breasts, “man boobs”). This is a relatively common condition. It often occurs during puberty, only to disappear in 6 months to 2 years.
It is relatively uncommon in middle-aged men, but in men 50 to 80 years old, it is permanent and relatively common: 25% (one in four men have it.) It is caused by hormonal imbalances. Rarely “man boobs” are caused by certain medications, including drugs taken for treating prostate enlargement and some antihypertensive drugs.
In extreme cases, a surgical procedure under General Anesthesia is the preferred treatment.
In unilateral breast enlargement cases or in cases with suspicious, recent deformities or hardening, a breast biopsy may be necessary before proceeding with CoolSculpting.
- Love Handles (“spare tires”) are fat deposits in your flanks and lower abdomen. They are present in both men and women, more so in overweight persons.
Losing weight through diet, exercise, and massage therapy often does not reduce the love handles to a very satisfactory degree.
The only non-invasive, effective treatment for reducing the love handles is the CoolSculpting method.
What benefits can I expect?
Most patients begin to notice an improvement in 8 to 16 weeks. This is because the treatment only freezes the fat; it does not remove it. It takes time for the body to reabsorb the treated fat. A single treatment reduces the fat in the target area by about 20%.
CoolSculpting is a NewBeauty Winner Again! This is the 5th Year in a Row!
We are Cool Club 1000! Lakeview Dermatology was recognized by CoolSculpting as an outstanding practice that has performed well over 1,000 treatments!
Length of Treatment: Two-Three sessions, second at 2-6 months
Price: Depends on the area treated
Covered By Insurance: no
Pain Factor: Minimal, temporary numbness may occur.