CoolSculpting is an alternative to burn accumulated fat that has been all the rage in recent years. Using the action of cold, this aesthetic treatment promises the elimination of fat, as well as reducing its volume and softening moderate cellulite. Many celebrities have proven its benefits, thanks to its few risks and great results. Do you want to know everything about CoolSculpting? Keep reading!
Well, CoolSculpting is the only technique approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Community to permanently eliminate localized fat. Through a cooling technology that selectively eliminates fat cells. Through a natural and gradual procedure that does not cause damage to the skin.
It was in the year 2000, when scientists from Harvard University began to work on this technique based on the theory that fat is more vulnerable to cold than adjacent tissues, therefore, it could be eliminated by applying cold without damage the skin.
What is CoolSculpting?
This treatment is based on the destruction of fat cells by means of low temperatures. When the fat cools down, it turns into a solid state and allows the body to eliminate it.
This technology has been a revolution within the aesthetic field, since, although the amount of fat that is removed is not much, it is the first time that fat has been removed in a non-surgical way. Currently these techniques have evolved and allow greater fat removal and can be applied in more areas.
Fat cells are affected by entering a process of natural or apoptotic death. The body gradually eliminates these cells as part of the normal metabolic process, helping to eliminate around 20% of the fat in treated areas. The results are noticeable between 1 and 4 months after treatment. The fat that is eliminated does not go to the bloodstream or the liver and will not affect cholesterol levels, triglycerides or liver function, making this a technique that is not only effective, but also very safe without surgery.
How is the CoolSculpting treatment?
CoolSculpting is completely personalized for each patient. Depending on the area to be treated and the initial state, each session can last between 35 and 60 minutes. Subsequently, the applicators to be used are chosen and the number of necessary sessions is established.
Normally, after two sessions, the fat of the treated areas is reduced by 20%, during the weeks after the treatment, being able to see results between 1 and 4 months.
After a CoolSculpting session a recovery period is not necessary. The reducing effect begins to be seen around the third week. You can see a total change after 2 or 3 months, when the body eliminates fat deposits. When the adipocytes disappear, the results are permanent. It is important to note that this will only be possible if a healthy lifestyle is maintained, with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Contraindications of CoolSculpting
Like any aesthetic treatment in CoolSculpting there are also some contraindications. In this case, the fact that it is related to the use of cold and the suction to which the tissue to be treated is subjected makes it contraindicated in various situations and pathologies. Let’s look at some of these:
- Cold-related illnesses, such as hives or hypersensitivity to cold, Raynaud’s disease, Cryoglobulinemia.
- Hypoproteinemia
- Coagulopathy or use of anticoagulants, due to the suction applied in the CoolSculpting could cause bruising in this type of patient.
- Pregnancy or lactation.
- Presence of hernias in the abdomen.
- Scars in the treatment area
- Active skin lesions, dermatitis, active psoriasis, open wounds, extremely sensitive or fragile skin in the area to be treated. As well as a history of recurrent skin infection.
- Chronic diseases with functional involvement of organs.
- Autoimmune diseases with skin involvement.
- Peripheral neuropathies of immune origin, due to metabolic endocrine disorders (Diabetes), infectious, toxic.
- Immunosuppressive states (HIV).
- Use of immunosuppressive medication (prolonged steroid treatments)
- History of deep vein thrombosis in the current or treatment area, varicose veins, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis.
- Post-surgical patients or recent surgeries in the area to be treated,
- Active or recent malignant pathology, at least 5 years ago (cancer), use of anticancer drugs.
- Precancerous/neoplastic or suspicious lesions in the treatment area.
- Any synthetic filler procedure (eg silicone) in or adjacent to the treatment area.
Side effects
CoolSculpting is one of the safest and most reliable weight loss and fat removal treatments. Being a non-invasive procedure, it does not require recovery time or rest after its application.
However, in the worst case, a negative effect may occur as a result of the application of the treatment. But, this is not related to the technique, but to diseases or conditions that the patient presents. In other words, it will not be the product of CoolSculpting as such, but of the conjunction of both. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the contraindications and inform the specialists in this treatment to avoid inconveniences.
Similarly, the fact that CoolSculpting is approved by the FDA and by the research of great scientists. It is a seal of guarantee that this procedure is safe. Specialists point out that possible side effects, such as redness, numbness or irritation, disappear within hours or a few days.
Also, the side effects caused by CoolSculpting are generally very bearable and do not usually cause any problem to lead a completely normal life immediately after the procedure. Let us know some side effects of this treatment:
- Redness of the treated area. This usually lasts a few minutes to several hours.
- Localized bruising associated with the suction process.
- Changes in skin sensitivity, such as a feeling of numbness in the treated area. This can last up to 8 weeks.
- Tiredness, with the possibility of a feverish state lasting less than 24 hours.
- Pain during the procedure, mainly the first 10 minutes of treatment, of low intensity.
- Subsequent discomfort in the treated area lasting about 7 to 10 days, accompanied by possible inflammation, but not limiting for daily activity.
- Exceptionally: Superficial skin injury associated with the freezing effect, Color changes (hyper or hypo pigmentation).
This article is informative and is not intended to serve as a diagnosis, prescription or treatment of any type of ailment. This information does not replace the consultation of a doctor, specialist or health professional.