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CoolSculpting is a treatment that non-invasively targets and eliminates localized fat using cryolipolysis, a type of cooling technology. Clinicians simply need to apply the handheld device to an area of excess fat, giving patients a non-invasive, minimal-downtime alternative to liposuction. Upon destroying subdermal fat cells, the lymphatic system removes and metabolizes them, resulting in a leaner physique and slimmer contours in areas of “pinchable” fat. The procedure works best with those who are close to their ideal body weight and need a relatively easy solution to sculpt away stubborn fat bulges that do not respond to diet changes or exercise. Every year, thousands of patients choose CoolSculpting as a means to avoid the discomfort, incisions, and scars associated with other body sculpting procedures.
If you are interested in getting to know more about the benefits of this revolutionary procedure, reach out to Rotemberg Plastic Surgery in Miami. We work to foster a welcoming and professional establishment where patients can speak freely about their aesthetic desires. Our leading specialist is board-certified cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Siliva Rotemberg, who has comprehensive knowledge of the safety and efficacy of CoolSculpting and various other minimally and non-invasive procedures.
Finding a solution that will boost your body confidence has never been easier- to get in touch with our practice, call (305) 274-5170 or fill out our contact form to let us know more about you.
Contents
About CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting first earned FDA approval in 2010 and was only officially indicated for the fat reduction of the love handles (flanks). As it skyrocketed in popularity, researchers began to find that it provided incredible results for other areas where fat commonly develops, including the:
- “Bra rolls”/Upper Back
- Chin
- Armpit rolls
- Flanks
- Abdomen
- Calves
- Male chest
- Under the buttocks
- Thighs
- Beneath the Chin
Though the device destroys fat deposits, it leaves the skin and other subcutaneous tissues unharmed by the cryolipolysis. After the final results settle in, studies show that patients are able to achieve a 20 to 25% fat thickness reduction in the treatment area. The dramatic results will not just leave patients feeling more comfortable and free in their bodies, but it may even inspire them to follow a healthier lifestyle.
Candidates
CoolSculpting is an excellent choice for most healthy patients with realistic expectations, but some may not be suitable candidates. Individuals who get the best results have good skin elasticity and enough pinchable fat to benefit from the procedure. Since it is not meant to provide significant weight loss, Dr. Rotemberg only recommends CoolSculpting for those who are under 30 lbs overweight. She will also avoid performing the procedure for those with blood circulation conditions, neuropathy, certain blood disorders, and cold-sensitive disorders. (1) Patients should be willing to maintain their results with diet and exercise and have overall realistic expectations.
Personal Consultation
During your consultation with Dr. Rotemberg, she will evaluate the treatment areas that you would like to slim down and determine if you are a suitable candidate. She will explain the procedure in detail, answer any questions or concerns you may have, and create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique goals. As a non-surgical form of fat reduction, patients experience minimal side effects, but you will have the opportunity to discuss these aspects and weigh out the pros and cons with Dr. Rotemberg.
To schedule your consultation at our practice in Miami, please call us at (305) 274-5170 or fill out our contact form, and a staff member will get back to you as soon as possible.
CoolSculpting Procedure Steps
CoolSculpting applicators can easily adjust to any part of the body with excess fat, such as the thighs, love handles, muffin tops, and even the “double chin” area. With cryolipolysis, no incisions or even anesthesia are required. To begin the procedure, Dr. Rotemberg will place a gel-like material over the treatment area to properly protect the skin. Next, she will place the applicator over this gel pad and secure it to the tissue with a velcro strap. The device will enact suction onto the area to apply cryolipolysis to the fat deposit. The skin will reach a temperature of 14 degrees Fahrenheit, but the subcutaneous fat will only experience a drop in temperature to about 48 degrees Fahrenheit. (2) For the next 35 minutes to an hour, you will lie still as the CoolSculpting takes effect, creating tingling and numbing sensations. On a cellular level, cryolipolysis will cause fat cell death, providing dramatic body-sculpting results that will slowly become more noticeable over the next few weeks. After removing the applicator, Dr. Rotember will massage the area to promote the quality blood flow needed to heal from the procedure.
Recovery and Results
After your treatment, you can immediately return to work and/or resume other daily activities, though you will have some limitations. For at least the first day of recovery, you should refrain from strenuous exercise or lifting heavy objects, since this can amplify any swelling or soreness in the area. Dr. Rotemberg will provide you with a compression garment to wear for a few days to control the swelling and keep discomfort to a minimum. As you continue to feel better, you may experience minor cramping, tingling, numbness, and itching sensations that are completely expected reactions to the cryolipolysis. Depending on your unique body’s reaction to the treatment, it will take some time for the nerves to heal and return to normal. By eating healthily and drinking plenty of water, you can speed up your recovery rate.
About 3 to 14 days after your initial treatment, your body will undergo an inflammatory response in which immune cells will engulf and remove dead fat cells via the lymphatic system. Within 1 month, any residual inflammation will decrease noticeably alongside the volume of the fat within the tissue. You can enjoy your final natural-looking, smooth results in 2 to 3 months. (3)
How Many Sessions of CoolSculpting Will I Need?
Since the results settle in gradually, it can be difficult for Dr. Rotemberg to determine how many sessions you will need. You may be able to attain your desired contours after just 1 session, but you may require more. Areas such as the back and thighs can have more fat deposits, but it depends on your expectations for the procedure. If you decide to undergo multiple sessions, you should wait at least 2 months between each. (3)
Corresponding Procedures
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
This FDA-cleared approach utilizes an intense, focused ultrasound to administer focused acoustic energy at specific depths within the subcutaneous tissue. The mechanics and thermal mechanism disrupt the cell membranes and cause coagulative necrosis (accidental cell death) in the small, targeted fat deposits, leaving the surrounding tissue mostly unharmed. In essence, the ultrasound creates tears in the fat cells, prompting the body to eliminate them. Studies showed reductions of up to 2 cm in waist size over 12 weeks after only one treatment. Just like CoolSculpting, it is a non-invasive method that will not require downtime from your daily routine.
Unipolar Radiofrequency
In general, radiofrequency devices were indicated for the treatment of lax skin, but recent research has found that this technology can be applied to destroy targeted areas of subcutaneous fat. Thermal exposures between 109.4 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit over several minutes cause a breakdown and fat cell death. After this procedure, patients can expect a decrease in fat volume over the next 3 to 8 weeks.
Acoustic Wave Therapy
Another non-invasive fat reduction technique is acoustic wave therapy. This process involves the application of short-pulsed pressure waves that stimulate new collagen growth, reduce fat thickness in the treatment area, and minimize the dimpled appearance of cellulite.
Cost of CoolSculpting in Miami
The costs associated with your CoolSculpting treatment will depend on the treatment area size and the number of sessions you wish to undergo. As a surgeon who prides herself in transparency, Dr. Rotemberg will provide you with a detailed quote at the time of your consultation, helping you make a well-informed decision. If interested, please visit our financing page to get familiar with our options at Rotemberg Plastic Surgery. We offer CareCredit, the nation’s most popular medical lending institution.
To begin your CoolSculpting journey today, we invite you to contact our Miami location at (305) 274-5170 or use our contact form to inquire about our services. You can also visit our blog to learn more about Dr. Rotemberg’s approaches outside of CoolSculpting. We cannot wait to help you feel like the most confident, attractive version of yourself.
FAQ
Does CoolSculpting hurt?
CoolSculpting does not hurt, so your technician will not have to apply any form of anesthesia. You may feel tingling sensations followed by numbness for the duration of the procedure.
Is CoolSculpting a good alternative to liposuction?
CoolSculpting triggers the immune system to remove fat cells and slim down pockets of stubborn fat, but the results will not be as dramatic as liposuction. Liposuction is a great alternative for those with a higher BMI, but the procedure involves tiny incisions and direct removal of fat with a suction device called a cannula.
What are the side effects of CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting can cause swelling and minor redness in the treatment area. You may continue to experience numbness and prickling sensations, but these will go away as the body metabolizes the fat and regenerates nerves.
References
- Few, Julius, et al. “Cryolipolysis: Clinical Best Practices and Other Nonclinical Considerations.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, vol. 2, no. 2, 17 Mar. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojaa010.
- Savacini, Marília Bueno, et al. “Effectiveness and Safety of Contrast Cryolipolysis for Subcutaneous-Fat Reduction.” Dermatology Research and Practice, vol. 2018, 29 Nov. 2018, pp. 1–9, https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5276528.
- Sadick, Neil, et al. “Cryolipolysis for Noninvasive Body Contouring: Clinical Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, vol. 7, June 2014, p. 201, https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s44371.