CoolSculpting: How It Works and Who Should Consider It
Plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction are highly effective for reshaping your body. However, some people may prefer a noninvasive alternative to traditional plastic surgery.
If this describes you, consider talking to a plastic surgeon about CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting is a revolutionary technique that reduces stubborn pockets of fat.
Technology: The CoolSculpting technology is unlike similar techniques that use sonic waves or laser beams; these techniques can damage nearby cells while addressing the fat cells. Instead, CoolSculpting offers a safe, effective, FDA-approved alternative. It uses a targeted cooling technique developed by Harvard scientists to freeze only the fat cells, leaving all other cells unaffected. As the fat cells become crystallized, cell death is induced. Your body naturally eliminates the fat cells over the next four to six months.
Procedure: Unlike traditional plastic surgery procedures, very little preparation is required for the CoolSculpting treatment. All you need to do is meet with the plastic surgeon to discuss whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure and ask any questions you may have. You’ll need to discuss your goals for your treatment and explain your target areas. During the treatment, skin and fat tissue from a target area are drawn up to lie between two cooling panels. You’ll feel some slight pressure as the treatment is administered. The entire procedure only takes about an hour, depending on how many target areas you have.
Candidates: Discuss your medical history and your goals for treatment with your plastic surgeon to determine whether you’re a good candidate for CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting is ideal for those who are within a range of their ideal body weight; it isn’t intended as a primary weight loss method. If you have stubborn areas of fat that do not go away despite dieting and exercising, then CoolSculpting can help you.
To learn whether CoolSculpting is right for you, schedule a consultation at Plastic Surgery Specialists. Our plastic surgery practice in Annapolis, Maryland is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. You can reach us at 410-841-5355 or via the contact form on our website.