What You Need to Know About Cryolipolysis & CoolSculpting
Aesthetics Daily – Diet and exercise are some of the most common ways to lose fat. But often body fat stubbornly remains. If this happens to you then you need to find another option, getting a cryolipolysis treatment.
This cosmetic procedure, also known as CoolSculpting, does not require anesthesia, surgery or drugs that cause allergic reaction. Cryolipolysis is claimed to be effective in removing stubborn fat. Those with lower body mass are suitable for this treatment.
What is Cryolipolysis?
Also known as fat freezing, cryolipolysis is a non-invasive procedure to reduce fat deposits in certain areas of the body using cold temperatures. Cryolipolysis that is not intended for people with obesity is designed to reduce fat deposits that do not respond to exercise and diet.
Fat cells are brought to low temperatures, causing cell death or necrosis. In a certain cold temperature range, cryolipolysis exposes areas of the body to destroy fat cells without damaging other surrounding tissues.
This procedure is based on the finding that fat cells are more susceptible to damage by specific cold temperatures than other cells in the body. Freezing only works on fat found under the skin or subcutaneous fat.
While visceral fat located elsewhere in the body cannot be overcome by cryolipolysis. This is the main reason why fat freezing is more accurately called a cosmetic procedure than a weight loss treatment.
In certain areas, cryolipolysis can reduce stubborn fat deposits if performed properly by experienced professionals. However, there are certain limits to how much fat you want to lose.
Generally, cryolipolysis can reduce fat by an average of about 20 percent. It should be underlined, fat in the body may not be diminished instantly with just one treatment. Depending on the patient’s condition and preference, fat reduction may require a series of cryolipolysis treatments that may take several weeks to months.
How is Cryolipolysis Performed?
A gel pad to protect the skin and a handheld device called an applicator will be placed on the body during the cryolipolysis treatment. Then, the targeted area gets controlled cooling from the applicator. The skin in the treated area will be sucked up by the applicator in a vacuum.
This process crystallizes and breaks down fat cells. When treatment begins, you may feel a numbing sensation. The CoolSculpting treatment approximately takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Depending on the area being treated, the session may take longer. You will notice a marked thinning of fat in the treated area after the treatment.
Tingling, redness, swelling, and temporary numbness are some of the side effects that may occur after the patient receives cryolipolysis treatment. Due to the breakdown of fat cells during treatment, there may be skin discoloration and bruising that will go away in a few days.
The Benefits of Cryolipolysis
You need to know, when you lose weight, body fat does not disappear but decreases in size. On the other hand, body fat increases when you gain weight. With fat freezing, however, body fat is not only reduced but completely eliminated.
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical cryolipolysis treatment that has been cleared by the FDA. This treatment involves targeting and freezing fat cells which are then removed from the body naturally and permanently. Thus, the patient is at less risk of gaining weight in the near future.
However, that does not mean new fat cells will not appear again. That is why every patient needs to balance with healthy lifestyle and habits to preserve the results of cryolipolysis treatment.
Cryolipolysis Vs. CoolSculpting
There is a misconception that CoolSculpting is considered as a mere procedure. In fact, CoolSculpting is actually a patented brand name of the medical procedure cryolipolysis. Basically, the two of them are different but they are closely related to each other.
If you mention cryolipolysis, it technically refers to a cosmetic procedure. On the other hand, CoolSculpting is a brand name that refers to a cryolipolysis treatment to freeze fat. CoolSculpting manufactured by Allergan Aesthetics received its first FDA clearance in 2019.
Summary
Body contouring procedures such as cryolipolysis and weight loss treatment serve different purposes. Cryolipolysis or CoolSculpting is designed to change the appearance of certain body parts if stubborn fat remains even after diet and exercise.
You need to understand, a cosmetic treatment like cryolipolysis is not intended to reduce most excess body fat or treat obesity. To know for sure whether cryolipolysis is the right procedure for you, you need to schedule a consultation with a doctor or medical professional.
Related to Fat Reduction:
- 9 Aesthetic Clinics in Seattle Providing Emsculpt Treatments
- 7 Aesthetic Clinics in Los Angeles Serving Coolsculpting Treatments
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- Skin Rejuvenation Vs. Skin Resurfacing: What’s The Difference?
- Laser Lipolysis Treatments to Remove Excess Body Fat