Fat removal without surgery?
Most people would probably assume that fat removal without a surgical procedure like liposuction sounds too good to be true. But the truth is that such a procedure does exist. It’s is called CoolSculpting®, and the goal is to essentially freeze and shrink unwanted fat cells. Those cells are then drained naturally from the body.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about CoolSculpting®, including how to book your CoolSculpting® consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber.
What Is CoolSculpting®?
CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that has been cleared by the FDA to reduce fat in certain areas of the body. CoolSculpting® is primarily used on the abdomen and flanks, but it is effective on many other areas of the body as well.
How Does CoolSculpting® Work?
CoolSculpting® uses a process called cryolipolysis, which suctions your fat into a cup and applies cold temperatures to the fat cells. These cells in turn become frozen and are thereafter destroyed.
Is CoolSculpting® the Same as Liposuction?
No. There are multiple differences between liposuction and CoolSculpting®. The biggest difference is that liposuction is surgery, and CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive (non-surgical) treatment. Liposuction requires anesthesia and incisions in the skin. The fat cells are physically removed from the body. On the other hand, CoolSculpting® simply applies the cryolipolysis technology to the outside of the skin, and the fat cells are slowly drained from the body through the lymphatic system over time.
What Does CoolSculpting® Feel Like?
CoolSculpting® is performed in office and requires little preparation. No anesthesia is used for this procedure.
Most patients say that CoolSculpting® feels only mildly uncomfortable, and this discomfort lasts for only about the first 10 minutes of the treatment. In actuality, the discomfort isn’t really much different than putting your hand into a bowl of freezing water.
How Long Does a CoolSculpting® Treatment Last?
The entire procedure lasts approximately 35 to 60 minutes when one area is treated. If you are having multiple areas treated, the procedure may last anywhere from 1 to 5 hours.
What Is Recovery From CoolSculpting® Like?
The CoolSculpting® procedure is outpatient, which means you can go home immediately after the treatment is over. Unlike many other cosmetic treatments (especially those that are invasive like liposuction and tummy tucks), CoolSculpting® has relatively mild side effects and symptoms. You will not have any scarring, and, of course, there is no risk for infection.
Still, there are some side effects and symptoms you may experience once you get home. These will usually only last for a few days and may include:
- Some bruising and swelling
- Some soreness and discomfort
- Slight numbness
When Will I See Results?
Patience is essential when it comes to CoolSculpting® as the final results can take a while. This is because you need to give your lymphatic system some time to get rid of the frozen fat cells.
The timing of your results will also depend on how many treatments you require. Select patients may need only one treatment to reach full effectiveness; however, others might require several treatments in order to achieve optimal results for their body type.
Most patients will start to see the ultimate results of their treatments in 8 to 12 weeks.
How Much Fat Can You Lose With CoolSculpting®?
Not every patient will experience the same results from CoolSculpting®. However, many patients can expect each treatment to help eliminate approximately 20% of fat in the affected area. Sometimes, this means losing up to 1/2 an inch with just the first treatment.
Where on My Body Can I Get CoolSculpting®?
CoolSculpting® treats many areas of the body, including:
- Buttocks
- Abdomen (upper and lower)
- Eyes (inner and outer)
- Bra Line
- Neck
- Chin
- Arms
- Flanks
Who Is the Best Candidate for CoolSculpting®?
Keep in mind that not everyone is an ideal candidate for CoolSculpting®, and if the procedure is performed on someone who is not a good candidate, that person will likely not experience any positive results at all.
It’s also important to remember that CoolSculpting® is not a weight loss solution. If you have 20, 50, or more pounds to lose, it’s better to start with a diet and exercise program and first see how much fat you can lose that way.
Still, CoolSculpting® can most likely help you if you simply have trouble areas you’d like to slim down. For example, if you have noticeable excess fat in unwanted areas like the abdomen or thighs, you’re likely a quality candidate. As a rule of thumb, if you can pinch more than an inch of fat, CoolSculpting® can be a good option to treat this area.
Furthermore, it’s important that CoolSculpting® patients be within a healthy weight range and not significantly overweight. Generally, that means being at or near a healthy goal weight for your gender, height, age, and build.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that the patient has to be totally happy with their silhouette. But it does mean that you will have used diet and exercise to lose most of any excess weight. It’s those last few stubborn pounds that won’t go away with diet and exercise that CoolSculpting® is there to help with.
Finally, the best candidates for CoolSculpting® will be physically and mentally healthy, which usually means no active illnesses or infections. Candidates should also have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.
If you have questions about whether or not you’d be a good candidate for CoolSculpting®, simply book a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber. If it turns out you are not a good candidate for this type of procedure, Dr. Sieber can always recommend another treatment that may be more beneficial to you.
Schedule Your CoolSculpting® Consultation with Dr. Sieber
Ready to get rid of that extra stubborn fat? Dr. Sieber can help!
Unlike many other plastic surgeons in the area, Dr. Sieber puts an emphasis on fostering a patient-centered experience at his practice. Each patient receives dedicated time and attention. All of your questions will be answered, and any concerns you may have will be addressed. When you’re looking for visible, natural-looking results from your CoolSculpting® procedure and a great patient experience, Dr. Sieber is the surgeon you’re looking for.
San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sieber, provides specialized plastic surgery and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures to the communities of East Bay, South Bay, Marin County, Mill Valley, and many other locations.
If you are interested in CoolSculpting® or any other surgical or nonsurgical procedure offered by Sieber Plastic Surgery, give us a call today. We can schedule you for a consultation appointment as soon as possible and get you on your way to the body you’ve always dreamed of. Contact us today!
