There are numerous treatments available that can reduce exercise-resistant pockets of fat around the body; however, there is arguably no other method of non-surgical fat removal more popular than “fat-freezing.” This technology, also known as Cryolipolysis™, was developed by Harvard scientists who discovered that controlled cooling could ultimately be utilized to destroy fat cells. To give you a better understanding of how CoolSculpting® is able to reduce fat without causing harm to surrounding tissue, we break down the fat-freezing process below:
- First, the CoolSculpting® applicator uses suction to draw your body into the custom cooling panels, exposing the targeted fat cells to dropping temperatures. Since a gel pad is placed between your body and the cooling panels, there is generally no risk of damage to the skin or nerves. Fat cells gradually reach the temperature at which they freeze, triggering cell death.
- After the fat cells are destroyed, they are eliminated by the body within one to three months of treatment through natural metabolic processes.
- Over the following weeks, patients should notice a slimming effect in the treated area(s) as frozen fat cells are continually absorbed, resulting in a more sculpted appearance. The amount of fat reduction achieved is roughly 20 to 25 percent on average, although multiple treatments may be necessary to treat larger regions.
The fat cells eliminated by CoolSculpting® don’t return or “regrow,” but Cryolipolysis™ does not prevent remaining fat cells from shrinking or enlarging with weight fluctuation. Therefore, patients should experience permanent fat removal as long as they maintain a stable weight.
You can achieve a leaner, more contoured look in fat-abundant areas of the body with CoolSculpting®—an FDA-approved treatment considered safe and effective for smoothing stubborn pockets of fat. Don’t hesitate to contact Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas to learn more about Cryolipolysis™ or to schedule your appointment today.