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CoolSculpting®

What Is CoolSculpting®?

CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive treatment designed to reduce stubborn accumulations of fat in various areas of the body through an innovative freezing process known as Cryolipolysis™. This non-surgical alternative to liposuction can help patients enhance the contour of the abdomen, flanks, back, and several other regions for a slimmer, more toned aesthetic. In addition, the procedure can be used to complement the results of other cosmetic treatments for an improved overall appearance.

Our skilled team at the Personal Enhancement Center has completed extensive training in CoolSculpting® and can help you achieve exceptional, natural-looking fat reduction results. For more information about this revolutionary body sculpting treatment, please continue reading the information provided on this page, or contact our practice to schedule a consultation.

CoolSculpting® Before and After Photos

How Does CoolSculpting® Work?

CoolSculpting® utilizes a patented method called Cryolipolysis™, which involves the use of a precisely controlled cooling technique. The method targets fat cells only; other skin and tissues are unharmed. The developers of CoolSculpting® found that cooling fat causes a reaction that mimics the body’s natural fat removal process. This fat cell removal technique reduces the thickness of the fat layer—gradually. The patient’s body then naturally filters out the treated fat cells through metabolic processes, similar to how the body eliminates fat from food.

What Areas of the Body Can CoolSculpting® Treat?

Thanks to a number of different applicators now available, CoolSculpting® can reduce stubborn pockets of fat in the following regions of the body:

CoolSculpting® vs. Liposuction

CoolSculpting® and liposuction both offer excellent options for excess fat reduction, yet they are performed in very different ways. One procedure requires surgery and the other does not. Additionally, one will be recommended over the other depending on the amount of fat present in the targeted areas and how quickly patients wish to begin to see results.

Liposuction is the surgical choice for patients, meaning there will be anesthesia and recovery time required in order for the surgeon to extract the fat through long, thin cannulas inserted into the treatment area. This is typically the better option to remove larger and more severe amounts of excess fat in a certain area. Since this procedure directly removes the fat, the effects are noticeable shortly after surgery and more apparent as recovery progresses.

Alternatively, CoolSculpting® is a less invasive treatment that uses innovative, cold energy technology to target the excess fat cells and break them down without harming surrounding tissues, and then naturally expel those unwanted cells over time. This treatment may be preferable for mild-to-moderate cases of stubborn fat pockets. Generally, there is no recovery period necessary, but patience is key as the results should be more gradually visible over time.

To determine which treatment is best for your goals you can schedule a consultation to review the available options. In some cases, patients may benefit from a combination of both CoolSculpting® and liposuction performed in different body areas.

How Is the CoolSculpting® Procedure Performed?

The CoolSculpting® procedure is scientifically proven to reduce fat through a natural, gradual process. During treatment, a special applicator is used to direct controlled cooling energy into targeted fat build-ups. As the applicator starts to chill, patients can typically expect to experience a cold and/or tingling sensation, but this effect should diminish as the area gradually becomes numb. There is generally no pain associated with the procedure.

Once treatment is complete on a particular region, the process is repeated—sometimes using a different applicator, depending on the location—on any other areas of concern. On average, the procedure takes approximately one hour per area to complete.

The most common side effects of CoolSculpting® include tingling, redness, itching, and/or bruising, but these symptoms are temporary and should resolve with time. As a non-invasive treatment, most patients typically return to everyday activities soon—if not immediately—after the procedure.

When Will My CoolSculpting® Results Be Noticeable?

CoolSculpting® results are generally observable within two to four months for most patients, and they have been observed continuously for at least six months in some cases. The majority of individuals can reach their body contouring goals after just one session, as each treatment can diminish fat by about 20–25 percent. In the event additional treatments are necessary, patients will need to wait three to four months between visits to give all targeted fat tissue ample time to be eliminated from the body. To help maintain one’s final results, we recommend eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising on a routine basis (or as advised by one’s primary physician).

Does CoolSculpting® Hurt?

Although most patients do not feel excessive discomfort, they may experience a sensation of pinching or tingling at the beginning of their session; however, that should fade quickly. As the body adjusts to the CoolSculpting® procedure, the treatment area will likely begin to feel numb within about 10 minutes and the remainder of the treatment should be more comfortable. It is common for patients to resume normal activities fairly soon after the CoolSculpting® treatment.

What Are the Side Effects of CoolSculpting®?

The most common side effects of CoolSculpting® include tingling, redness, itching, numbness, and/or bruising in the area targeted for fat reduction, but these symptoms should be temporary and should resolve with time. As a non-invasive treatment, most patients typically return to everyday activities soon—if not immediately—after the procedure.

Is CoolSculpting® Safe?

When administered by an experienced and qualified CoolSculpting® provider, the safety of this FDA-cleared fat reduction treatment is maximized. Patients often find this non-surgical option quite desirable as it omits the risk of anesthesia and incisions. Although rare, it is possible that scarring, skin sensitivities, frostbite, dizziness, or hyperpigmentation may occur. Choosing a trusted, reputable provider with specialty training is imperative to help reduce the chances of these rare side effects. Patients with skin that is very sensitive to cold temperatures and individuals with certain medical conditions may not be the best candidates for this treatment. Our team will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether CoolSculpting® is an ideal option.

How Much Does CoolSculpting® Cost?

The cost of CoolSculpting® is affected by a number of different factors, including how many areas are treated, the level of training and expertise of the provider, and the geographic location of the practice. At the Personal Enhancement Center, our CoolSculpting® packages start as low as $750 per treatment area. For those who desire financial assistance, we offer several plastic surgery financing options through ALPHAEON™ CREDIT and CareCredit®—two of the most respected healthcare lending institutions in the nation. With a variety of monthly payment plans designed to fit virtually any budget, fat reduction with CoolSculpting® can be an affordable reality for almost anyone.

Contact the Personal Enhancement Center

Because every patient is unique and requires a customized approach to body contouring, our team works with each individual to determine whether the traditional liposuction procedure or the innovative Coolsculpting® treatment is right for their needs. If you have any questions, or if you are interested in scheduling a consultation, please contact our office today. We will discuss the available options and work with you to come up with a plan to achieve your goals.