Are you someone who exercises and controls your diet? Even so, sometimes there are some areas on our bodies that we can't seem to reduce no matter what we do, and they look a little bulging. For example, areas like the stomach, the sides of the waist, and the underarms. There are new techniques now to target and reduce fat in these areas. One such method is coolsculpting . So let's learn everything about it today.
What is CoolSculpting (cryolipolysis)?
CoolSculpting is actually a brand name. The medical name for this method is Cryolipolysis . Simply put, it involves destroying fat cells in selected areas of the body by subjecting them to extreme cold without surgery or injections.
Scientists got the idea while studying frostbite. Fat freezes at a temperature higher than our skin. So what this CoolSculpting device does is it cools only the fat layer under the skin to a freezing temperature, destroying those fat cells without damaging the skin. This is a method that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010.
How does this work?
Since this is not a surgical procedure , you do not need to be anesthetized. The doctor places the part of your body that needs to be removed between two paddles on the device. The paddles are then rapidly cooled. This is done for a period of time ranging from 35 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
During this time, between 20% and 25% of the fat cells in the targeted area are destroyed. Our body's immune system then gradually removes these dead fat cells from the body.
It may take several months to see full results after treatment, but you may start to see some changes within a few weeks.
Who is this treatment really suitable for?
If you have stubborn fat that you can't seem to get rid of despite all your exercise and dieting, CoolSculpting may be a good option. But it's not a weight loss treatment . It's body contouring .
| Common areas where fat can be removed with CoolSculpting | |
|---|---|
| Under the chin and jaw area | Thighs |
| Belly | Both sides of the back and waist |
| The area under the buttocks | Along the line where you wear the bra |
| Upper arm | |
Does this only work on fat under the skin?
Yes. There are two types of fat in our bodies. One is subcutaneous fat . This is the fat we can feel on our stomach, waist, and thighs. The other is visceral fat . This is deep inside the body. An increase in this visceral fat increases the risk of diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
CoolSculpting can only remove subcutaneous fat under the skin. It has no effect on visceral fat inside the body.
Who is not good for CoolSculpting?
This method is not suitable for everyone. If you want to lose weight, this is not the solution. You should talk to your doctor and develop an appropriate diet and exercise plan. If you need to lose a lot of weight, a surgery like liposuction may be more beneficial.
This treatment should definitely be avoided if the following conditions exist:
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Cryoglobulinemia | A condition in which abnormal proteins in the blood thicken in cold temperatures. |
| Cold Urticaria | Skin rash (urticaria) when exposed to cold. |
| Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria | A type of anemia in which red blood cells are destroyed when exposed to cold. |
| Raynaud's Phenomenon | A condition that affects blood circulation in the cold. |
| Being a pregnant or breastfeeding mother | This treatment is not recommended in such cases. |
| Having a hernia | If there is a hernia in the area being treated. |
What are the possible side effects after treatment?
This is usually done in a doctor's office or clinic. You can go home and go about your normal activities immediately after the procedure.
During the treatment, you may feel a tingling sensation, numbness, a tingling sensation, and extreme cold. These sensations will disappear after a few minutes as the area becomes numb.
After treatment, you may see things like:
- Redness, swelling, bruising at the treatment site
- Pale skin or a feeling of tightness
- Numbness, tingling, pain
- Itchy or hypersensitivity skin
- A feeling of fullness in the back of the throat if the treatment was done under the chin
A very rare serious side effect: PAH
This is called Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) . This is a very rare condition (less than 1%). In this case, instead of reducing fat in the treated area, the number of fat cells increases, making the area larger . It forms a hard, painless lump.
Although the exact cause of this is not known, it is thought that it may be due to a defect in the equipment or negligence on the part of the person performing the treatment, causing the fat cells to grow rather than being destroyed.
PAH does not heal on its own. It may require surgery such as liposuction or abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) .
How effective is this? How long do the results last?
Studies have shown that this is a safe and effective method. The risks are low. There is no harm to the liver. Typically, the fat in the targeted area is reduced by between 10% and 25% .
But remember, you may still gain weight after CoolSculpting. Therefore, it is extremely important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. If you do gain weight, the fat may be distributed evenly throughout your body.
What are the alternative methods?
There are other ways to remove fat.
- Liposuction: Surgical removal of fat.
- Heat treatments (SculpSure): Fat removal using heat with laser technology.
- Deoxycholic acid injection (Kybella): An injection that dissolves fat cells (chin area only).
- Radiofrequency procedure (truSculpt, Vanquish): Radio waves generate heat and destroy fat cells.
Before undergoing any of these cosmetic treatments, it is wise to talk to your doctor and decide which method is best for you.
Take-Home Message
- CoolSculpting is a treatment that removes stubborn fat that cannot be reduced through exercise and diet, and is not a weight loss method .
- This is not a surgical procedure and is generally considered safe, but side effects such as redness, swelling, and numbness may occur.
- Very rarely, a serious side effect such as increased fat instead of decreased fat (PAH) may occur.
- To maintain results, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle (good diet and exercise).
- Always seek the advice of a qualified physician before deciding whether this treatment is right for you.
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