Many people who diet eventually learn the frustrating truth that cutting calories tends to, in fact, lead to weight gain. This is especially aggravating when you have already cut down on carbs and sweets but still can’t fit into those jeans.
Now, what do you do when dieting just does not work for fat loss? One of the most popular methods today to eliminate stubborn fat bulges is a fat freezing method called CoolSculpting.
What Is CoolSculpting?
This FDA-cleared procedure to fat freeze is comfortable for most patients, doesn’t require surgery which means zero to minimal downtime, and it is done in a clinic by an aesthetic doctor under close supervision.
CoolSculpting taps into controlled cooling to freeze visceral belly fat, fat on the flanks (also called “muffin tops” or “love handles”), inner and outer thighs (sometimes referred to as “saddlebags”), and the upper arms. CoolSculpting can also minimize the size of double chins.
How Does CoolSculpting Work
Each treatment lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes, although your actual time in the aesthetic clinic may be longer than an hour because your attendant will need to prep your body for the procedure. Specific fat bulges will then be identified and targeted by your aesthetic doctor. The fat will then be gently pulled into cooling panels and heat is then removed from the cells. This causes the fat cells to shrivel and die over a period of a few weeks. Most patients begin to see results in three weeks, but it may take up to two months to see the complete effects of the procedure.
Side Effects of CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is non-invasive so it is not painful, but some patients have reported minor discomfort from the fat freezing sensation. There are some rare side effects that your doctor will discuss with you before beginning treatment. After the treatment is done, you can resume your normal activities, including work or exercise. You may experience some bruising or soreness in the area, but it generally resolves within a week or two.
Cost of CoolSculpting
The cost of CoolSculpting depends on the number of area(s) that need to be treated, the size of each area, and the number of treatments required. A single treatment for a single area may cost $500 to $800. But multiple treatments are generally required. And if you are treating the arms or the legs, each arm or leg may be charged separately.
Effectiveness of CoolSculpting
So, are these fat freezing procedures worth it? Part of the answer depends on your expectations. CoolSculpting is not an effective weight-loss solution and isn’t ideal for people who are obese. But clinical studies have shown the method is effective at reducing fat in trouble spots that are resistant to diet and exercise.
While CoolSculpting can be effective for permanently reducing fat in certain targeted areas, the results will not be as dramatic as fat loss from a surgical procedure such as liposuction. To know if CoolSculpting is right for you, consult with your aesthetic doctor.
What to Expect After Coolsculpting
Because the body requires some time to eliminate the dead fat cells, results from CoolSculpting are not seen immediately. Rather, a lot of patients will notice results in as little as one month. Usually, the final results are seen about three months after the procedure.
Patients can expect up to 25 per cent fat loss in the treated area. To reach your sculpting goals, you may choose to have multiple treatments in different areas on your body to eliminate the frustrating stubborn fat you have been dealing with. Moreover, bear in mind that the number of procedures needed to meet your goals varies due to your metabolic rate and initial physique.