When thinking of ways to eliminate unwanted body fat, we almost immediately think of liposuction as the number one option, but in the last several years people have been raving about the latest procedure that is said to be an amazing alternative to liposuction. This procedure is known as CoolSculpting. Like liposuction, CoolSculpting is a cosmetic procedure to get rid of body fat. It involves freezing fat cells in the area of the body where it is harder to remove by diet and exercise. Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Khloe Kardashian, Molly Sims, and Mariah Carey are fans of this procedure and they have helped to put it on everyone’s radar. Many people love this procedure and prefer it to liposuction, but is CoolSculpting a good alternative to liposuction?
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure to remove unwanted body fat. The procedure uses cooling technology to freeze and destroy fat cells. Unlike liposuction, it involves no surgery, needles, cuts, stitches, or anesthesia. This means that CoolSculpting carries less risk than liposuction. The procedures only take around 45 minutes to complete. You can expect to lose about 20% to 25% of your excess weight in a single treatment. The reason why many people including celebrities swear by this procedure is that it’s safe, quick, easy, and requires almost no downtime.
Are you curious to learn more about CoolSculpting? Keep reading to get a better understanding of the procedure and why it is a good alternative to liposuction.
What happens during CoolSculpting?
Your doctor begins CoolSculpting by applying a clear gel pad to the area of the fat you want to remove. This gel pad provides a barrier between your skin and the cooling applicator to prevent damage to the skin. Then, your doctor places a vacuum-like applicator above the targeted area. The applicator will cool the fat cells down to a temperature at which they will be permanently damaged. When your doctor finishes freezing the fat cells, the applicator is removed. After that, your doctor performs a brief massage to break up the fat cells and improve fat reduction. CoolSculpting can remove unwanted fat in your abdomen, back bulge, bra area, thighs, arm, under buttocks (banana roll), double chin under the neck, male chest (pseudo gynecomastia), sides, love handles, and flanks.
CoolSculpting can take about 45 minutes to an hour to finish. Since it is a non-invasive procedure, meaning no cuts are involved, keep in mind that no anesthesia is used during the procedure. Most people reported that CoolSculpting is a relaxing and pain-free experience. However, be aware that not everyone experiences the same thing. As the applicator is placed on your skin, you may feel a sucking or cooling sensation. Some people also experience discomfort, such as pinching, soreness, pulling, stinging, tingling, aching, and cramping sensations. However, these sensations are normal and most people can tolerate them very well. In other cases, the cold temperatures numb the affected area so you will not feel anything.
Can everyone undergo CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a relatively simple procedure, but it is not for everyone. Since it is not a weight loss procedure, you need to be within a certain range of your ideal weight (about 30 lbs/13.6kg of your ideal weight). However, this does not mean that you cannot get CoolSculpting if you weigh more than your ideal weight range. You can still freeze away your fat cells at a larger size, but the results will not be as dramatic as in people who are within their ideal range. In addition, you are not a good candidate for CoolSculpting if you have any of the following problems:
- Cold Agglutinin Disease is a very rare condition in which your body’s immune system attack and destroy your red blood cells. It is triggered by cold temperatures and it can cause symptoms that range from faintness to heart failure. So if you have this disease, CoolSculpting is definitely something you need to avoid.
- Cryoglobulinemia is a condition where your blood contains large amounts of an abnormal protein called cryoglobulins. These proteins can clump together at cold temperatures. When they clump, they can slow down your blood circulation, leading to nerve, skin, joint, and organ damage.
- Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria is a rare type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia condition (AIHA), which is triggered by autoantibodies in the blood that react to cold. CoolSculpting can cause pretty serious complications for people with this condition.
It goes without saying that consultation with your doctor is a very important step before you undergo CoolSculpting to ensure you are a good candidate. In addition, do not forget to inform your doctor if you have any medical issues, especially if you have recently had surgery, have sensitive allergies, or have a pre-existing hernia.
Is CoolSculpting safer than liposuction?
CoolSculpting is considered safer than liposuction because it does not involve any incisions or anesthesia. With liposuction, you have a high risk of permanent scarring, blood clots, a negative reaction to the anesthetic, and other complications that can be avoided in CoolSculpting. Also, since cold only destroys fat cells without damaging other cells, there should be no damage to the skin or underlying tissue and the result will look a lot more natural than liposuction.
The side effects and risks of CoolSculpting occur very rarely. According to the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, out of 1,455 people who underwent the procedure, only 12 people reported complications. This is less than 1%! Although the rate of side effects and risk of complications is very rare and a lot lower than liposuction, you still need to make sure you are well informed about the risks before you get the procedure. You may experience skin sensitivity and bruises after CoolSculpting, but these are typically short-term and will resolve within a few weeks. Besides skin sensitivity and bruising, the most common side effect includes having less sensation in the affected area, aches, and redness. The procedure can also cause a visible enlargement around the treated area. When this happens, you need surgical intervention to correct it, but this is very rare.
Since we are talking about the safety of CoolSculpting, it is worth mentioning that the procedure is FDA-approved.
Does CoolSculpting really require no downtime?
When you have liposuction, it takes a few weeks to recover. First, you have to wait until the effects of your anesthesia and sedation have worn off to be able to perform simple tasks. Then, your surgical wounds need to heal and any excess fluids must be drained from the treatment area.
If you undergo CoolSculpting, you do not have to worry about any of those things. Once your session is finished, nothing is stopping you from going about your daily activities. You may experience some numbness and bruising, but you can immediately get back to work, go shopping, hang out with your friends, or in the case of medical travel, you can go on an amazing holiday right away. Also, since there is no incision involved, you do not need any special care or restrictions. This is one of the main reasons why treatment is more appealing than liposuction.
Do I have to wait longer than liposuction to see the results of CoolSculpting?
Well, the results of CoolSculpting are not immediate. You may start to see changes as fast as four weeks following your first session. You will achieve the most dramatic results within two months and your body will continue to flush out fat cells for up to six months and you will be left with a toned, firm body you have always dreamed of. Note that although many people see results after just one session, most people need several treatments spread out over a few weeks to reach their goals.
Does CoolSculpting really work?
CoolSculpting sounds like a very cool procedure. But does it really work? The answer is: absolutely! CoolSculpting has a very high success rate. This procedure is known to be effective in eliminating fat from the body. It can remove up to 25% of fat cells in any given part of your body. Nevertheless, it is not magic or a miracle procedure, so you should never expect to see a complete removal of fat. Although it permanently destroys fat cells, you can still develop fat. Your lifestyle still plays a major role in your body. If you continue to eat an unhealthy diet and remain inactive without having an exercise routine, you can expect less fat reduction and you may even see the fat returns.
To enjoy the results of CoolSculpting, eat a healthy and balanced diet, find regular exercise that works for you, and limit your alcohol intake.
How much does it cost?
The price of CoolSculpting can vary depending on where you want to get it, how much fat you want to eliminate, as well as the skill of your doctor/provider. In general, CoolSculpting costs a lot less than liposuction. You can have CoolSculpting in Thailand for an affordable US$414, and you pay about US$1,789 for liposuction. In the United States, you can expect to pay at least US$1,500 for CoolSculpting, while liposuction costs around US$3,500.
Where can I get it?
A lot of places in many parts of the world offer CoolSculpting. However, just like every treatment, the procedure is a lot safer and more effective if performed by a professional who has the right experience and skills. To make sure your procedure is as safe as possible, do your research and choose an experienced professional. If you are unsure where to start or you have limited time, let MyMediTravel save you from all the stress of researching. The team will gladly help you find the best and most trusted professionals. They will also help you book your appointment and guide you through the whole process!