What is Coolsculpting?
CoolSculpting® or cryolipolisis a non-surgical body contouring procedure that has been approved by Health Canada. CoolSculpting® is the non-invasive cooling of adipose tissue to induce lipolysis – the breaking down of fat cells – to reduce body fat without causing damage to other tissues. The purpose of the procedure is to remove excess deposits of fat using non-surgical methods and is a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. This procedure is commonly used to remove fatty deposits on the abdomen, waist (love handles), buttocks, hips (saddlebags), thighs, calves, ankles, breasts (including male breasts), back, arms and neck. In fact, almost any area of the body that has excess localized fat and good skin elasticity can benefit from body contouring through CoolSculpting®. As a proven effective technique at improving the body shape of clients, CoolSculpting® is often used in combination with other surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures in order to achieve a clients desired aesthetic outcome.
If you’re bothered by stubborn fatty deposits and don’t suffer from cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, you may be a good candidate for CoolSculpting®. Best results are found in individuals who are near to their target weight and maintain a healthy diet and exercise regime.
It is important to note that CoolSculpting® is not a weight management treatment, will not remove cellulite, nor tighten loose skin. If these are issues of concern, your cosmetic or plastic surgeon will be able to recommend other procedures that can help improve these areas.
Methods
Some fatty deposits are highly resistant to diet and exercise. CoolSculpting® cryolipolisis targets and cools fat cells to a temperature that triggers fat cell apoptosis. There is no damage to nerves or other tissue as lipids in fat crystalize at warmer temperatures than water in other cells. Following treatment fat cells enter an apoptotic death sequence and are gradually removed through normal metabolic process over a number of weeks following treatment. The subsequent thinning of the fat layer in the targeted area results in an improved contour and appearance.
DualSculpting
If you have more than one area you would like treated, such as both hips or flanks, your authorized CoolSculpting® technician can utilise what is referred to as DualSculpting, or Dual CoolSculpting®. This option entails using two separate machines to simultaneously treat the target areas, reducing your treatment time to half.
The CoolAdvantage™ Applicator
Patients can now treat larger areas of their body with the CoolSculpting® CoolAdvantage™ applicator. This single applicator accepts three different contouring pieces to address your unique needs. The CoolCore Advantage™ can be used on the abdomen, the CoolCurve+ Advantage™ is designed for the flanks, and the CoolFit Advantage™ can be used on the inner thighs. Treatments with this newly designed applicator offer unique benefits, including enhanced patient comfort and a much shorter treatment time.
The CoolMini™ Applicator
For smaller areas with stubborn fat, there is CoolSculpting® using the CoolMini™ applicator. This is an attachment that allows your technician to reduce unwanted fat that develops under the chin, as armpit bulges, and around the knees. This CoolMini™ tool has proven to be just as effective as other CoolSculpting® applicators but offers new treatment opportunities in hard-to-reach places.
CoolSculpting Procedure
During your first visit you’ll meet with a CoolSculpting® clinician during a one-on-one consultation. This person could be a doctor or another medical professional who has specialized training in the CoolSculpting® procedure. Your CoolSculpting® clinician will take the time to discuss a holistic approach to your goals for reshaping your body. You will also be provided with a list of things to do in preparation for your CoolSculpting® sessions.
During the procedure, and during follow-up sessions, you will be escorted to a treatment area where you will sit or lie down in a chair and a CoolSculpting® clinician will place the appropriate applicator over the target area. Your fatty tissue will then be suctioned between two cooling plates as the treatment begins. It is normal to experience some discomfort in the form of pulling or tugging, but this is typically minimal and should only last about 5 to 10 minutes until the area goes numb from the cold temperature. The entire process takes approximately one hour to complete.
Recovery
The CoolSculpting® procedure is completely non-surgical and requires no downtime following treatment. Patients are encouraged to return to their normal daily activities following their CoolSculpting® session. Some bruising in treated areas can occur. Use of over the counter painkillers and or anti-inflammatory medication can help mitigate any temporary discomfort.
Considerations
During the procedure you may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, and cramping at the treatment site. These sensations subside as the area becomes numb. Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity. Sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after sub-mental area treatment. These effects are temporary and generally resolve within days or weeks. Though rare, some additional side effects may occur. As with any medical procedure, ask your physician if the CoolSculpting® procedure is right for you.
