CoolSculpting – To Freeze or Not To Freeze?Castellon Plastic Surgery Melbourne, FL

When you look at reviews for any cosmetic treatment, it’s clear that some people leaving feedback do not have realistic expectations of the procedure. CoolSculpting is no exception. Here are some “cool” facts to guide you through the best CoolSculpting experience.

Fact: CoolSculpting does not help you lose weight

As with all nonsurgical fat reduction treatments, CoolSculpting is not meant to show up on the scale. It can shrink down stubborn areas of fat like a muffin top or love handles for patients within 20–30 pounds of a healthy weight. People commonly turn to CoolSculpting after losing weight, to help with the areas resistant to diet and exercise. If you gain weight after your treatment, it will be more evenly distributed, instead of collecting in the stubborn area that was treated with CoolSculpting. The fat cells in the targeted area have been permanently destroyed and do not regenerate. Any remaining fat cells in the treated area will expand if you gain weight. We recommend a lifestyle of healthy diet and exercise after your treatment to maintain your results.

Fact: CoolSculpting is not liposuction!

CoolSculpting and liposuction get rid of stubborn fat. Period. You will see results more quickly with liposuction than with CoolSculpting, which can take up to 3 months for your body to metabolize the dead fat cells and your results to be visible. The majority of patients need 2 rounds of CoolSculpting to get their desired results. Liposuction is surgery and seems like the easier route, but could mean a longer recovery and higher cost.

Fact: The treatment options for CoolSculpting are versatile!

While it’s a popular treatment for muffin tops, CoolSculpting can be done pretty much anywhere you have visible bulges of fat. Different sized applicators are effective on different areas of the body. There’s even a small one called the CoolMini which is used to reduce a double chin!

Fact: CoolSculpting has proven research it does work!

CoolSculpting has a high success rate and has been proven safe and effective for removing stubborn areas of fat. Though this procedure can remove fat, it is not a miracle cure. Lifestyle and other factors may also play a role. A person who eats an unhealthy diet and remains sedentary while undergoing CoolSculpting can expect less fat reduction. Studies have shown that people lost an average of 14.67 to 28.5 percent of the fat in areas treated by CoolSculpting. When fat reduction was measured with ultrasound, people lost 10.3 to 25.5 percent. Whereas heat based fat reduction such as SculpSure has not been around long enough to measure accurate long term risks and results. It also costs, on average, 25% more than CoolSculpting.

Fact: There are effective alternatives to CoolSculpting

For people who want more rapid results in a single treatment, liposuction may be a better option. It also may be combined with another surgical procedure so there is only one recovery time for both procedures. Kybella is also an alternative that is most commonly used under the chin, but may also be used on the body. Kybella is an injection that destroys fat cells. The results are not immediate, and multiple treatments are necessary, but the injection lipolysis is an effective way to destroy fat cells without surgery or long treatment duration.

Fact: CoolSculpting is not for Everyone

CoolSculpting is a cosmetic procedure, so it will not address the underlying cause of unwanted fat. A person who has a metabolic condition or an unhealthy lifestyle may regain fat lost through this procedure. Patients should discuss personalized options for fat removal with Dr. Mauricio J. Castellon, as well as the benefits and risks of these procedures. Prices vary depending on the size of the applicator used and the number of treatments necessary for a particular patient. We welcome you to contact us to develop your personalized treatment plan to achieve the best results!