CoolSculpting for the Abdomen

What Is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a revolutionary non-invasive fat reduction technology that uses controlled temperatures targeted at problematic underlying fat cells, effectively destroying them. 

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of CoolSculpting your abdomen with Dr. Silvia Rotemberg of Rotemberg Plastic Surgery. 

Contact us online to arrange a consultation, or call us now at (305) 539-7083, and one of her friendly staff members will set you up shortly. Her office is conveniently located to serve the areas of Miami and South Florida. Rotemberg Plastic Surgery is open for all surgical and non-surgical inquiries. 

Be sure to follow Dr. Rotemberg on social media. You can find her on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube. 

We look forward to aiding your transformation.  

About CoolSculpting for the Abdomen

The FDA first approved CoolSculpting for use on the flanks in 2010 and then the stomach in 2012. CoolSculpting is based on cryolipolysis, the science of the body’s cellular response to cold. CoolSculpting takes energy from the layers of fat, destroying the cells while leaving the surrounding muscles, nerves, and other unaffected areas. After a few months, the destroyed fat cells are filtered through the body’s lymphatic system. Science has shown that cryolipolysis does not produce any significant adverse side effects, and any noted effects have been minor and temporary.^[1]

During the CoolSculpting process, a precise temperature is calculated between 12.2 and ⁺41℉ to keep underlying fat cells below body temperature but above freezing to avoid any potential problems. The fatty tissue then goes through cellular death, followed by some inflammation that eventually fades, effectively reducing the problem areas.

CoolSculpting is excellent for people who are not amenable to surgery or want to avoid downtime.^[2] Many studies have confirmed CoolSculpting to be a safe and effective non-invasive procedure for reducing localized subcutaneous fat and has high patient satisfaction.^[3]

CoolSculpting is perfect for people tired of struggling with the dreaded muffin top with a belly hanging over their pants. It was initially approved by the FDA for this specific purpose, further proving its effectiveness in this area. The feelings of self-confidence one gains when one has achieved a flatter belly are priceless. 

Benefits of CoolSculpting

Candidates for CoolSculpting

The ideal candidate for CoolSculpting is anyone at a healthy weight dealing with stubborn pockets of fat that won’t go away even with diet and exercise. If you can physically pinch your fat between your fingers, you may be the right candidate for treatment.

CoolSculpting is not for you if you are primarily concerned with loose skin. For that, we recommend a tummy tuck. Candidates should not consider CoolSculpting if they have a history of Raynaud’s disease or have severe sensitivity to cold temperatures. 

Personal Consultation

Every treatment process begins with your initial consultation with Dr. Rotemberg. Together, you’ll discuss your goals and the desired outcome for your body to determine the best path forward. Click here to book your appointment, or call today at (305) 539-7083, and a member of her staff will help you out.

Preparation

One of the many great things about CoolSculpting is that it requires little-to-no preparation. Just make sure to stay healthy and at your ideal weight. To prevent bruising, avoid anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin. Patients should also abstain from smoking during the week leading up to their treatment.

Procedure

One of Dr. Rotemberg’s trained specialists will use a handheld device with applicators akin to vacuum nozzles.

First, your specialist will apply a special gel pad and applicator to your abdomen. This applicator will be sending cool temperatures to it. Your specialist will then move the device over your skin while directing suction and cooling to the waist.

Pain is minimal, with some patients reporting mild pulling or pinching feelings. 

Your specialist will then massage your core after your treatment to break up any lingering frozen deep tissue. Your body will then proceed to absorb the destroyed fat cells. CoolSculpting can take up to one to three hours a session, depending on your level of treatment. Reported complications are uncommon and appear to resolve without intervention.^[4] 

Recovery

CoolSculpting requires almost no recovery or downtime. Many can continue their routine activities almost immediately following treatment. There may be some mild redness and soreness, but that typically fades within a few weeks.

Results

CoolSculpting can effectively reduce fatty areas by 25%, with results remaining six months after treatment. Patients will be able to see their full results within three months after their procedure.

If you have a particularly large and stubborn area of fat, you will most likely need to schedule multiple CoolSculpting appointments.

CoolSculpting does not prevent new fat from forming, so Dr. Rotemberg recommends that you maintain a healthy lifestyle following your treatment.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Botox

Botox is an injectable neuromodulator that relaxes the muscles, preventing wrinkles and fine lines and providing the face a smoother complexion. Studies have found Botox to be both safe and successful for a wide variety of indications.

Injectable Fillers

Injectable fillers are gels used to “fill” in deep facial creases and lines. They are helpful in giving the face added volume and smoother texture.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a procedure that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny needles to activate the body’s collagen-producing process. It is also referred to as collagen induction therapy.

HydraFacial

A HydraFacial is a specifically branded treatment that utilizes water to clean, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate the face.

Laser Facial

A laser facial is a laser-assisted facial treatment that can restore, reverse, or rebuild the skin by creating microchannels that promote uniform healing through the production of new collagen.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a process for improving and smoothing the facial skin where the outer layer is “peeled” off using a unique corrosive solution.

Plasma Pen

Plasma Pen treatment is a revolutionary anti-aging treatment that lifts the skin and reduces aging signs by emitting ionized gas or plasma, which charges the air above the skin. A jolt of electricity removes and diminishes skin imperfections. The heat from the electricity vaporizes a tiny section of skin and creates an instant tightening effect.

If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read so far, we recommend you check out the Rotemberg Blog. You’ll find a wide range of content like advice, helpful information about procedures, testimonials, and unique special interest stories.

Don’t forget to stay up-to-date and follow her on social media. Come share your thoughts with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube. We look forward to seeing you soon. 

FAQ

References

1. Avram, M.M. and Harry, R.S. (2009), Cryolipolysis™ for subcutaneous fat layer reduction. Lasers Surg. Med., 41: 703-708. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.20864
2. Julius Few, MD, Renato Saltz, MD, Mark Beaty, MD, Michael Kelly, MD, Kiya Movassaghi, MD, DMD, Keith A Marcus, MD, David Sieber, MD, A Jay Burns, MD, Sara Sangha, Ph.D., Cryolipolysis: Clinical Best Practices and Other Nonclinical Considerations, Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2020, ojaa010, https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojaa010
3. W. Grant Stevens, MD, FACS, Laura K. Pietrzak, MSHS, PA-C, Michelle A. Spring, MD, Broad Overview of a Clinical and Commercial Experience With CoolSculpting, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 33, Issue 6, August 2013, Pages 835–846, https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820X13494757
4. Chase D. Derrick, MD, Sachin M. Shridharani, MD, Justin M. Broyles, MD, The Safety and Efficacy of Cryolipolysis: A Systematic Review of Available Literature, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 35, Issue 7, September/October 2015, Pages 830–836, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjv039