CoolSculpting has been around for years and yet the scientific community continues to highlight just how effective it is through studies and prospective publications. A 2021 article published in Dermatologic Therapy titled, “Significant improvement in body contour with multiple cycles of CoolSculpting: Results of a prospective study,” was a prospective analysis of adults who underwent CoolSculpting in various treatment sites. Each of the participants had 4 CoolSculpting sessions per body area initially, then another 4 cycles one month later (only if required, as some were pleased after the first rounds). Next, all participants had a follow-up appointment 12 weeks later. In total, the study included 28 people. Most were women and the mean age was in the 50s.
In total, 58 body areas were treated since CoolSculpting can target nearly any area of the body where unwanted fat occurs. Even though CoolSculpting is not a weight loss procedure and it is best if candidates are at or near goal weight, it does sculpt by freezing away unwanted fat. Also known as cryolipolysis, this non-invasive treatment uses precise freezing temperatures to “kill” fat cells, which are then metabolized and eliminated by the body. Results aren’t immediate as this process takes time, which is why researchers followed up with participants after three months. Of the 28 participants, researchers found that 27 were “responders,” or responded well to the treatment. The mean skinfold thickness decreased by 13mm at the 12-week checkup and mean satisfaction was rated as “high.” There were no adverse side effects reported during the study. According to the authors “The study shows that multiple cycles/sessions of CoolSculpting can safely improve overall treatment benefit in body contouring, with greater decrease in skinfold thickness than have typically been previously observed.”
Is CoolSculpting for You?
Men and women of all ages may be good candidates for CoolSculpting, a treatment that has been applied millions of times around the world. It is a contouring and sculpting treatment and can help you achieve results that are not possible with diet and exercise alone. It is not possible to “spot reduce” without extra help, and one of the biggest benefits of Coolsculpting is that it is completely non-invasive and pain-free. During the treatment sessions, targeted sites are isolated in a vacuum-like device so that only the target areas are exposed to precise freezing temperature. The skin itself is not harmed and there is no downtime.
Although the sensation can feel unusual the first time, it is not uncomfortable. Most candidates read, scroll through their phone, or catch up on shows during their treatment. Multiple sessions are always recommended so that your provider can gauge your progress and adjust accordingly. However, if you have a large amount of fat to lose, this should be a priority before CoolSculpting. You may (or may not) drop a few pounds on the scale after CoolSculpting is complete, as it is not designed for mass fat loss.
Complementing CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting exclusively removes unwanted targeted fat to showcase a more toned physique. It does not build muscle. Strength training is an important part of achieving the look you want as well as preventing sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss). A great complement to CoolSculpting is Emsculpt, a non-invasive treatment that builds muscles by forcing them into 20,000 supramaximal contractions in just 30 minutes. Like CoolSculpting, multiple sessions are recommended (typically 4 – 6). If you start CoolSculpting and/or Emsculpt right now, you’ll be able to show off the full results in time for summer vacations.
CoolSculpting is not an alternative to a healthy diet and lifestyle, but a means of supporting and amplifying it. Safe and effective, it is easy to squeeze into a busy lifestyle and your lunch hour. Many celebrities and non-celebs alike have discovered the power of CoolSculpting and use it as a tool to keep small areas of stubborn fat in check. Once fat is removed by any means, be it CoolSculpting or a more aggressive procedure like liposuction, those particular fat cells will never “come back” or regenerate. Unlike diet and exercise, which just shrinks fat cells, CoolSculpted fat cells are destroyed for good. To find out more about CoolSculpting and if it’s for you, schedule a complimentary consultation today. Contact Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care by calling the office or filling out the online contact form.