CoolSculpting: Achieve Refined Contours without Surgery 

Why Do I Have Stubborn Problem Areas?

Many patients ask us why stubborn areas of fat are still present despite a healthy diet and exercise. It is important to understand that the number of fat cells is usually determined during childhood and adolescence–and this number varies little during adulthood. Because each individual carries fat in different areas, these stubborn fat pockets can vary significantly depending on the case.

How CoolSculpting Works

The clinical name for CoolSculpting is cryolipolysis, which means “fat freezing.” When fat cells are frozen, they die and the body naturally eliminates them a few months later. Because fat freezes at a higher temperature than surrounding tissues, there is no damage to the skin or nerves. The result is a more toned, sculpted appearance. 

Exploring Your Candidacy

CoolSculpting is an excellent option for those with small bulges of unwanted fat. For example, if the area is pinchable, then the procedure will likely deliver the desired results. The noninvasive, nonsurgical procedure is commonly used to treat the:

• Thighs
• Back
• Abdomen
• Arms
• Buttocks
• Flanks
• Jawline
• Underneath the chin

Patients with larger areas of stubborn fat deposits may be better suited for liposuction. In other words, CoolSculpting is intended for contouring one or two smaller areas, while liposuction is more effective for multiple areas.

When diet and exercise are not enough, CoolSculpting can help reduce fat by up to 25 percent–without surgery.

While CoolSculpting is a wonderful option for many patients, it is not right for everyone. This procedure is not recommended for individuals with poor circulation, certain bleeding disorders, Raynaud’s disease, or other conditions that cause extreme sensitivity to cold. During a consultation at our Denton plastic surgery practice, Dr. Hermann will discuss your personal cosmetic goals as well as your medical history to determine if CoolSculpting is right for you.

Benefits of CoolSculpting

Because it is nonsurgical and non-invasive, CoolSculpting requires no downtime so it is a good option for patients with busy, active lifestyles. It is also more affordable compared to other body contouring procedures, making it an excellent solution for those with a limited budget.

CoolSculpting can target specific areas of concern with maximum accuracy. This means that Dr. Hermann can reshape your body according to your unique contouring goals.

Is CoolSculpting Safe?

CoolSculpting has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of the abdomen and flanks since 2012. Since that time, it has been cleared for multiple areas of the body. Clinical trials have confirmed the safety and efficacy of the procedure. In fact, a 2009 study found that CoolSculpting does not increase fat levels in the bloodstream, nor does it cause harm to the liver.

Preparing for Treatment

While this procedure does not require much preparation, it is important that patients are close to their ideal weight before considering CoolSculpting. Furthermore, we recommend that individuals avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications a couple of days before the procedure, as they can make bruising worse.

What to Expect

In most cases, CoolSculpting can be completed in about 30 to 60 minutes at our office. To prepare the treatment area, Dr. Hermann places a clear gel pad on the skin. This serves as a barrier so that the cooling panel does not make the skin too cold. Due to the nature of the treatment, local anesthesia is typically not necessary. Next, the patented CoolSculpting applicator is placed over the area. Patients can expect to feel a slight sucking sensation at this point. As the treatment continues, many individuals describe pulling, stinging, tugging, aching, cramping, tingling, mild pinching, or intense cold. The skin becomes numb, however, so these sensations will begin to subside.

While treatment is underway, patients can read, watch TV, answer emails, listen to music, or even take a nap. Due to the non-invasive nature of the procedure, most individuals are able to relax and destress during their visit.

Once the CoolSculpting treatment is over, Dr. Hermann briefly massages the targeted area. This helps break up the fat cells and promote fat reduction. While many patients see dramatic results after just one treatment, multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired goal. During your initial consultation, Dr. Hermann can customize an appropriate treatment plan.

Healing and Recovery

Following a CoolSculpting procedure, patients can resume normal activities right away. However, post-treatment side effects are common and may include:

• Redness
• Tenderness
• Aching
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Cramping
• Skin sensitivity

These symptoms are not concerning and should diminish over the next several weeks. If you notice an increase in these side effects after the first few days, contact our Denton practice for further instructions.

How Long Does It Take to See the Effects?

It takes time for the frozen fat cells to leave the body. Many patients see initial effects as soon as three weeks, with full results occurring between three to six months. According to recent research, 79 percent of CoolSculpting patients noticed a significant improvement in the way their clothes fit following treatment.

How to Maintain Your Results

As long as a healthy lifestyle is maintained, patients should be able to enjoy the results of CoolSculpting for years to come. Retreatment is typically not necessary unless you wish to treat another area of the body. Keep in mind that CoolSculpting is not intended as a treatment for obesity, and should only be used to eliminate stubborn fat in patients who are near their goal weight.

Contact Our Practice Today

Do you have stubborn areas of fat that aren't responding to a healthy lifestyle? You could be a candidate for CoolSculpting. To learn more, contact North Texas Breast & Plastic Surgery Center in Denton online or call us at (940) 387-4900. We offer convenient care to residents in Lewisville, Flower Mound, and surrounding areas.