With summer around the corner, many resort to non-invasive cosmetic treatments to enhance their body and get it ready for bikini season. A lot of them actually work and give you a ton of results, while others carry risks that you need to be aware of. CoolSculpting is one method that eliminates fat from the body, but how safe is it? We gather the information below that will help you understand what it is and if it’s worth it.
What is CoolSculpting?
Also known as Cryolipolysis, it’s a fat-freezing non-invasive treatment that helps reduce fat cells. The FDA gave it the name CoolSculpting when it first approved it back in 2010. And from then on, it has become a very popular treatment sought out by many. But how does it work? Basically, it uses freezing temperatures that are applied to an area with stubborn fat cells and helps reduce them. The good news is that it won’t affect any of your other cells in the process or permanently damage your skin and tissues.
What to expect from the treatment
During the procedure, a physician or professional will use an applicator of rounded paddles with a suction cup to target a specific area that holds stubborn fat cells. It sucks all the fat close to the surface and freezes it at about 4 degrees Celsius. It can take around one or two hours and the procedure itself doesn’t hurt, but the area you’ve had work on might feel a little numb. Don’t worry, that feeling eventually fades away. Results will start showing in a mere month with up to 25% of fat reduction and you’ll be ready to show off your new body.
Risks and Side Effects
As with any medical or cosmetic treatment, there are a few side effects that you need to look out for. One of them is a sense of tugging in the area you’re working on during the procedure itself. A week after the procedure, your skin might feel a little itchy and sore. Studies have also shown that patients suffered from pain, stinging, or aching of the treatment site and it lasted for two weeks. You may also notice some redness, swelling, bruising, or skin sensitivity. However, all these side effects go away after a few weeks.
Are you an eligible candidate for CoolSculpting?
This procedure is available to anyone looking for mild improvements in areas where fat seems to not disappear. However, it’s not recommended for people with auto-immune diseases like Cryoglobulinemia, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, or cold agglutinins because they’re prone to creating blood clots as well as damaging the cells. It’s also not recommended for someone who leads an unhealthy lifestyle. Although CoolSculpting is a permanent solution for some, you have to maintain your weight by leading a healthy lifestyle to keep the weight off. There’s a chance that those fat cells come back if you don’t work on keeping them at bay.
Final Verdict: Is it Safe?
CoolSculpting isn’t a weight-loss treatment; if that’s what you’re looking for, then your doctor will recommend leading a healthier lifestyle with diet and exercise. However, research has shown that the risks are very low since it’s a non-invasive treatment. It’s considered one of the safest cosmetic treatments and it’s not life-threatening at all; you won’t even end up with an ugly scar. To avoid any severe risks, try not to DIY this procedure with products you can buy yourself. Instead, be sure you’re getting this procedure at a certified dermatologist.
Get Ready for Bikini Season
The bottom line is that CoolSculpting is only recommended if you’ve reached your ideal weight and you’re looking for a long-term plan of getting rid of stubborn fat pockets. Discuss with your doctor if you’re an ideal candidate, get your research prepared, and cover all the basics to stay safe. You’ll see results in no time and you’ll be ready for that summer bod!