Coolsculpting is a non-invasive, permanent, fat reduction treatment. The facts surrounding this new technology are so amazing. This treatment is a great alternative to liposuction, with literally no downtime whatsoever. There are few side effects, and the results are permanent! Over the years, scientists have tried to find a way to safely but productively remove fat without using knives and needles and Coolsculpting is just the perfect way. This procedure not only removes fat permanently, but also helps contour the body into the desired shape that you have always wanted! In this article, I will go over with you how it works, what the treatment is like, and cost. At Florida Aesthetics, there is a free consultation for Coolsculpting with no obligation and nothing to lose but inches. The before and afters taken from our very own staff will amaze you and have you ready to jump in the seat of this amazing new technology.
Coolsculpting works by freezing the fat cells, causing them to crystalize and diminish through natural process. Now the first thing someone may think is how does the skin not freeze? The scientist who created Coolsculpting, created a gel that goes between the skin and applicator, protecting the skin from any damage, but we will get to that. When the applicator is applied, it delivers a controlled cooling, slowly freezing the subcutaneous fat lying underneath the skin. After the treatment, the fat crystallizes and dies, then is flushed out of the body through natural processes. This process takes between four to twelve weeks.
A consultation is always required prior to getting a coolsculpting treatment. There are two types of fat that we carry. One is Visceral fat, the fat that lies underneath the muscle, the other is subcutaneous, and that is the squeezable fat that is best for treatment. During the consultation, the provider will assess the area that the patient is concerned about. They will verify that it is in fact treatable. Once you are considered a candidate, the provider will then squeeze the areas that are being considered, marking each one in the direction the fat layer goes. Then using professional tools that were made for the system, they will mark each area by drawing a line around the tool that matches the size of the applicator that would be used for treatment. They will continue this process until each of the areas assessed and applicable are marked. After doing that, they will write up a consultation form for the patient, pricing each marked area based off the size of each applicator that will be being used and the number of applicators over all.
The pricing for each applicator varies depending on size and location. Some areas of the body require longer treatment times, therefore they can cost more than other areas. For instance, the submental, or double chin area, requires an hour. This area is much more delicate and therefore the cooling has to be controlled at a slower pace than other areas. This area uses a very small applicator. There are also petite applicators, cool advantage, which is a medium size and most commonly used applicator, and then a cool advantage plus applicator, the largest applicator that is the same as using two cool advantage. Each area of the body can be customized to these applicators. The price will entirely depend on the patient and is completely different from patient to patient.
When treatment day comes, the process is fairly simple. Upon arrival you will be given disposable garments to change into, allowing for easy application. The provider will then follow the same process as was done in the consultation, carefully marking each area with the professional tools required. After marking the areas, the provider then will cleanse the skin with a special wipe that is used specifically for the pretreatment process.
After cleansing the skin for about 120 seconds the provider applies a gel pad that covers the entire area of where the applicator will be placed. Next, the provider will turn the vacuum suction which ensures the applicator is firmly fixated to the area that is marked underneath the gel pad, ensuring it matches the drawn area on the skin. Once it is applied and appears correctly placed, the provider will then help the patient get into the bed, using pillows and blankets, along with straps that keep the applicator over in the marked area and prevent it from skidding, and help get them comfortable.
After reviewing the rules and procedures, including how to contact the provider during treatment in case help is needed, the provider will start the cooling process. The first thing that the patient usually feels after the cooling starts is something similar to a touch of ice. There can initially be some natural discomfort, but this usually subsides within a few minutes. The area usually goes numb after that and the rest of the treatment can be relaxing. When the procedure is over, the provider turns off the vacuum and removes it from the surface and finally removes the gel pad. The area will be cleaned off using wipes and then comes a two minute massage of the area. This allows the skin to go back to the normal temperature and also breaks up the crystalized fat for easy flushing out of the body. After all these steps are complete, the patient is able to get dressed and resume daily activities. The great thing about Coolsculpting is not only is there no downtime, but there are no restrictions which means you can go right back to everyday life routines. Post treatment does have some side effects, but they vary per patient. Bruising, redness and numbness are a few of the most common ones.
Over the next three months, the body will begin to flush the fat out as a normal bodily function. The patient does not feel or notice that fat is being flushed out. Over this time, the patient will start to notice the fat begins to diminish and flatten. The contouring of the body becomes noticeable by the eye and by the way clothing fits. This truly remarkable technology is changing lives everywhere and is certainly an easier alternative to liposuction.