An unfortunate fact of life is that body fat doesn’t always care about how much you exercise and make healthy decisions. Sometimes it won’t go away no matter what you try. For healthy individuals who are struggling to excise those last stubborn fat deposits on their way to their ideal figure, CoolSculpting offers a non-surgical, non-invasive alternative to liposuction.
CoolSculpting is a highly safe and effective method of eliminating fat cells from stubborn areas and problem spots, whether due to age, diet, habits, or hormones. At the Larrabee Center for Plastic Surgery, our mission is to help our patients reach their goals safely and effectively without surgery and with little to no downtime.
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
CoolSculpting is the world’s leading non-invasive fat reduction technology. The procedure uses a revolutionary fat-reduction technique known as cryolipolysis. Once these fat cells are frozen, they become crystallized and are naturally eliminated from your body over time, resulting in a smooth and gradual reduction of problem fat from specified regions of the body.
Your CoolSculpting procedure with one of our licensed estheticians will take only a few hours to complete and does not require anesthesia. You can even read a book, watch television, stay on top of work, or take a nap during your procedure.
In order to target your problem fat with the cryolipolysis process, one of our licensed estheticians will use the handheld CoolSculpting device to apply a deep cooling energy to the underlying layer of fat in the treatment area.
The treatment area will become numb from the cooling process, minimizing any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Most patients experience no more than a strong sensation of suction or pinching for the first five to ten minutes as one of our licensed estheticians treats the area with the cooling handpiece. This cooling effect is designed to freeze the problem fat cells without harming the skin or surrounding tissues.
Depending on your situation, we may recommend undergoing a series of CoolSculpting treatments in order to address all of the stubborn fat. Sessions can be spread about a week or two apart or “stacked” on the same day to maximize your CoolSculpting benefits.
If you have any questions about the CoolSculpting process or would like to discuss your own personal options, give our office a call to speak with our providers. Our Aesthetic Center team will discuss the CoolSculpting procedure in detail and carefully listen to your goals in order to develop a unique treatment plan, designed to work for your body and lifestyle.
CoolSculpting Questions and answers
Does CoolSculpting Have a Recovery Period?
There is no recovery associated with CoolSculpting. Most patients resume their regular daily routine immediately after their procedure. You may experience some mild redness and soreness, but it should dissipate within a few days.
Your results will become apparent within three weeks of your procedure, and they’ll continue to improve up to six months after your treatment. It takes time for your body to break down the dead fat cells and expunge them.
Once fat cells are removed, they never come back. However, you can still gain weight in other areas of your body, which could lead to a disproportionate figure. Because of that, maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly will help you maximize your CoolSculpting results.
What’s the Difference Between CoolSculpting and Liposuction?
Unlike CoolSculpting, liposuction is a surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. During liposuction, your surgeon will make incisions near the areas of fat you want to be removed, then insert a thin tube called a cannula to suck the fat out.
Liposuction is usually an outpatient procedure that lasts one to two hours. You will need to take a few days off work to recover and wait about two to four weeks before you resume exercise or other strenuous activities. You’ll also experience post-operative swelling that may persist for several months. Your results will become apparent as your swelling decreases.
Is the CoolSculpting treatment painful?
CoolSculpting is a safe and relatively pain-free method of eliminating problem fat without surgery. Some patients may experience some minor discomfort during the beginning of their treatment, although it should be no more than an intense pressure or suction sensation. CoolSculpting is designed to kill underlying fat cells without harming the surrounding skin or tissue. After the treatment, there can be mild swelling and bruising for one to two weeks.
Will the fat come back after my CoolSculpting treatment?
While it will help you to lose stubborn fat, CoolSculpting is not meant to replace a healthy lifestyle or for the treatment of obesity. CoolSculpting will help eliminate the problem fat, but it is up to you to keep it from coming back afterward. A single CoolSculpting treatment can reduce up to 25 percent of fat cells in a given area. To achieve your goal body shape, one of our licensed estheticians may recommend undergoing a series of two or more CoolSculpting sessions. Once the fat is lost with CoolSculpting, it is gone for good. However, it is important to remember that you can still gain weight if you do not maintain a healthy lifestyle moving forward. CoolSculpting is intended to supplement good habits of diet and exercise, not replace them.
What to Expect After Treatment
Once your CoolSculpting treatment is complete, you are free to return to your normal routine without any downtime— a perk for individuals with busy lifestyles considering a fat reduction procedure.
At first, you may not notice too much of a difference in the shape or size of your body. Don’t worry! This is because the cryolipolysis process takes time to eliminate the crystallized fat cells. After just one month, you will start to notice a slimming of your treatment area and can expect to see your full results after about three months. Patients often love this natural adjustment to their slimmer size rather than experiencing an obvious, overnight change as with other procedures. If you are wanting to slim down for a big event or vacation, it is important to plan ahead of time so you can enjoy your full results and your newly improved body!
Our CoolSculpting patients are often thrilled with their results, and find the treatment to be a strong motivator to kick-start a healthy lifestyle. Our team of experts will work with you to customize your treatment plan so you enjoy optimal results from your body contouring procedure.
Schedule Your Seattle CoolSculpt Consultation Today
We serve Seattle and surrounding areas of Washington. Call (206) 386-3550 to schedule a consultation.