Post-treatment: What Happens After CoolSculpting?
Contents
Having explained CoolSculpting, how it works, and how it can benefit you, let’s understand what happens post-treatment. Once the CoolSculpting procedure is completed, the frozen and crystallised fat cells begin to die, but this is just the start. Your body requires time to naturally process these cells and eliminate them from your system.
The process starts with the immune system recognizing the fat cells as dead and responding by sending enzymes to break them down. Over the course of 1-3 months, these cells are digested, and the remnants are sent through the lymphatic system to the liver where they are processed out of the body. There’s no evidence to suggest that this efflux of fatty acids leads to any harmful systemic effects or increase in fat levels in the blood.
Bear in mind that results from CoolSculpting do not appear overnight. Your body needs time to remove the dead fat cells naturally. The most visible results usually show within 2-6 months of the treatment. Also, individual outcomes can vary, and multiple treatment sessions might be required depending on the area size and the desired outcome.
Maintaining the Results of CoolSculpting
One of the great things about CoolSculpting is that the fat cells treated and removed during the process are gone for good. They can’t regenerate. That said, to maintain the sculpted bodily result you have obtained, it’s advisable to continue leading a healthy lifestyle.
This is because while treated fat cells are permanently removed, existing fat cells can still enlarge with weight gain. Remaining fat cells in the treatment area, and those in other parts of your body, can still accumulate more fat deposits if you gain weight. So, while CoolSculpting can certainly help give you that extra edge, it works best when combined with proper nutrition and regular physical activity.
Answering Commonly Asked Questions about CoolSculpting
Even after understanding the basics, many people still have questions about CoolSculpting. Here, we’ll address some of the most common.
-
Is CoolSculpting Painful?
Most patients describe the procedure as a bit uncomfortable rather than painful. At the beginning of the treatment, you might feel intense cold and pressure in the targeted area. However, this sensation typically subsides after the first few minutes as the area becomes numb.
-
What Happens If You Gain Weight after CoolSculpting?
If you gain weight after CoolSculpting, remaining fat cells throughout your body and in the treated area can enlarge, potentially altering the results you achieved. Although the treated fat cells are permanently removed and can’t regenerate, the results aren’t immune to future weight gain. That’s why living a balanced, healthy lifestyle is crucial to maintaining the results.
-
Can CoolSculpting Replace a Healthy Lifestyle?
Absolutely not! It’s essential to remember that CoolSculpting is a fat reduction treatment, not a weight loss solution. It can sculpt and contour your body by reducing stubborn pockets of fat, but it doesn’t replace the need for a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Understanding the realities and limits of CoolSculpting can help you set realistic expectations and make an informed decision about your body contouring journey. And remember, the choice to change your body is deeply personal – only you can decide what is right for you. So, ensure you’re doing it for the person who matters the most – you.
The CoolSculpting Procedure: What to Expect
If you’re considering CoolSculpting, understanding what to expect during the procedure can be helpful in easing any anxieties or doubts. Remember, prior preparation and having clear expectations can significantly enhance your overall experience and satisfaction with the treatment.
The procedure begins with a consultation with a medically trained CoolSculpting clinician who assesses your physical health, discusses your aesthetic goals, and formulates a treatment plan based on your unique needs.
On the day of the treatment, the clinician marks the area to be treated and places a protective gel pad on your skin which serves a dual purpose: it helps better conduct the cold and shields the skin from any potential harm. The CoolSculpting device is then applied to your skin. It works by vacuuming the fat bulge between two cooling panels.
The cooling panels deliver targeted cooling to the fat under the skin, with the sensation described as a tugging or mild pinching sensation. This process usually takes about 35-60 minutes per treatment area. During this time, you can relax, read, or even nap.
Post CoolSculpting Care
After the procedure, the clinician will briefly massage the treated area to help break down the frozen fat cells and improve the fat reduction. Although you might feel slightly sore, similar to how you feel after a rigorous exercise session, most people generally return to their regular activities immediately after the procedure, making Coolsculpting an appealing ‘lunchtime’ treatment for many.
Though immediate side effects are rare, you might experience slight redness, bruising, swelling, tingling, or skin sensitivity at the treatment site, but these effects are usually mild and temporary.
After the treatment, it’s recommended to hydrate well and maintain a balanced diet and exercise routine while waiting for the body to naturally process and eliminate the frozen fat cells.
Costs Associated with CoolSculpting
As CoolSculpting is generally classified as a cosmetic treatment, it’s usually not covered by medical insurance. The cost of CoolSculpting can vary significantly depending on the area and the amount of ‘fat’ you want to get rid of, your geographical location, and the clinician’s experience.
Typically, each treatment can range from $100 to $2000 per session, depending on the destination. Since multiple sessions might be required to achieve your desired results, the total cost could increase. Consultation with your clinician will provide a customised treatment plan that accommodates your budget and your body sculpting goals.
While CoolSculpting offers a science-backed, non-invasive remedy to stubborn fats, it does not replace the foundation of a healthy lifestyle – balanced nutrition and regular physical activity. Like many aesthetic treatments, it’s essential to maintain realistic expectations and understand that individual results may vary. As always consult a medical professional before deciding if CoolSculpting is the right procedure for you.
We hope that now you have a better understanding of the question: “Explaining CoolSculpting: How it works, What it does, and is it for you?” Here’s wishing you a confident and informed journey to realising your body sculpting goals.