What is CoolSculpting? How does it work?
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that can permanently reduce fat in a targeted area by 20-30%. CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis or cryogenic lipolysis, which is a technical term used to describe fat cell destruction through the use of controlled cooling.
During your procedure, your esthetician will examine the area to be treated, and choose the proper sized applicator. She will mark the area with washable marker to be sure the applicator is placed at the best position and angle.
Next, a protective gel pad will be applied directly onto the skin. This will ensure that the skin is protected during the procedure. Then, the applicator will be placed on the treatment area. The applicator will use a gentle vacuum to draw the tissue into the treatment head.
Thin cooling panels on the walls of the treatment head will begin cooling the tissue to a specific temperature. Each area will be treated for one hour. During this time, our patients may choose to read, work on their laptop, or simply just relax.
How do you determine if someone is a good candidate? What do you do during a consult?
The consultation is the most important part of everything that we do at our office. This is when we talk about your goals, and what your options are to achieve them.
During the consultation, your esthetician will evaluate the areas that you would like to have treated, determine if you are a good candidate for body sculpting, and which technology would be most effective for you. We have three body sculpting technologies at Dr. Fechner’s office. CoolSculpting is just one option. We also have Venus Legacy.
Our patients will often combine these procedures to achieve maximum results. For instance, you might treat your flanks (love handles) with CoolSculpting, and thighs with Venus Legacy.
But this is just an example, everyone’s body is different. Your esthetician will help you design the best treatment plan for you.
Is there a quick at home way for people to determine if they may be a good candidate?
Yes, if you are an overall healthy person, and can pinch an inch, you are most likely a good candidate. However, these non-invasive body sculpting procedures are for diet and exercise resistant fat. They are not meant for weight loss. The best results will come to people who are already exercising and eating healthy.
What areas of your body net the best results with CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is best used around the midsection, and inner thighs. But if you have skin laxity in these areas, (post pregnancy, or due to a significant amount of weight loss) you may want to consider the Venus Legacy.
Venus can be used anywhere on the body that may be in need of some skin tightening…including the face. Venus will also help to smooth the appearance of cellulite, making it a wonderful treatment for thighs. For areas that might not get a good tissue draw into the CoolSculpting applicator, like the lateral thigh area, your esthetician will discuss a variety of techniques, and help you design a body sculpting treatment plan that is unique to your body.
What is your verdict on this treatment?
CoolSculpting and other non-invasive body sculpting technologies can give everyone the opportunity to have the body they have been working so hard for. Because our bodies will hold excess fat in specific areas even when we are living healthy lifestyles, we have previously been forced to settle with “almost”. But now we have so many other options.
I have a big bag of tricks to solve almost any problem at our office; all you need to do is come in for the consultation.
