Is CoolSculpting right for Me???

Jeff Swetnam, MD

So…first of all what is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a way to eliminate fat in a non-invasive way using cold, AKA, cryo (cold) lipolysis (rupture of fat cells). The idea came about as a lot of good ideas do; by accident, when some kids were eating popsicles and had changes in their facial fat as a result. It was found that fat cells die at a warmer temperature than skin, muscle, and nerve cells. As a result, you can get rid of fat, in a treated area, without creating damage to any other tissue. Non-invasive fat reduction is born!!
There are no incisions, no medications, no anesthesia. You can drive in for your treatment then drive home. There is minor discomfort involved while the area is cooling, then warming up, nothing major at all. And, most importantly, it works. I have to admit my skepticism when it was first introduced. The system has been around for several years and it has taken me some time to admit, it can replace liposuction for many people.

What’s the difference between CoolSculpting and Liposuction?

Liposuction is usually a one and done procedure. We can remove fat through small incisions using cannulas (thin hollow tubes) and suction. We also use a laser to help the skin retract. This requires sedation, either by mouth or vein, and tumescent solution, a mixture to numb the area. There are a few days of downtime and possible bruising and swelling. The end result takes a few months as the skin will take time to retract after removing the fat and lasering.
On the other hand, CoolSculpting requires more than one treatment in most cases. There is commonly about 20-30% of the fat removed with each treatment and sometimes, but not always, the skin will contract. The fat is eliminated through lymphatic channels. Treatments are spaced about four weeks apart. Again, no drugs, no downtime, no incisions and the worst that can happen is a bruise. The only contraindications are for diseases that make you susceptible to cold.

Where on the body can you use CoolSculpting?

Just about anywhere you can liposuction. The most common areas are the upper and lower abdomen, hips/love handles, inner thighs, saddlebags, arms, chest and neck. It works on men and women and the fat eliminated will not come back. However, If you have fat removal by any means, if you gain a lot of weight, you will get big in other areas.

At Swetnam Cosmetic Surgery we have two machines and we have the newest cupped attachments. This means we can treat two areas at once and in half the time of most other facilities. Our entire staff attended CoolSculpting University for advanced training.
Come see us, you still have time to get your summer on!!