Getting Rid of Holiday Pounds: CoolSculpting Could Be the Answer
Thanksgiving. Christmas. Hannukah. Kwanzaa. Dozens of winter holidays and religious celebrations take place over the next three months, and many of them center around parties and food. Maybe you want to lose excess fat in certain areas to look even more amazing in this season’s holiday party dresses. Perhaps you’re worried about the fat that sticks around after the treats of the season are gone. No matter how you’re preparing for the holidays, the answer to trimming stubborn fat could be getting CoolSculpting in Columbus, Ohio.
The Basics of CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting, also known as cryolipolysis, is a nonsurgical technology that freezes stubborn fat pockets in the places that cause you the most trouble. It can reduce the thickness of a fat layer up to 25% in a single session, and results are noticeable in as little as one month. The FDA-cleared treatment targets areas such as under the chin, the abdomen, and the flanks, as well as six other areas. These areas are known as stubborn fat. The body determines how many fat cells a person has during childhood and the adolescent years. As you age, you may notice that some areas retain more fat, even if you diet or exercise. These areas vary since everybody carries weight differently, but many of them can be targeted by CoolSculpting.
How CoolSculpting Works
CoolSculpting, unlike i-Lipo, uses the cellular response to cold to help break down the fatty tissue in your body. As energy is extracted from the layers of fat, the cells die without affecting the surrounding tissue, muscle, or nerves. The fat cells then travel to your lymphatic system, which filters them out as waste.
When you visit a CoolSculpting professional, he or she will use a handheld device to perform your procedure. The healthcare provider starts by applying a gel pad and an applicator to the fat you want to be rid of. The applicator then delivers the cooling to the area before your doctor moves the suction and cooling technology to another section. As soon as the treatment is complete, he or she will massage the area, which helps to break up the frozen tissue and cells. Each CoolSculpting treatment lasts 1-3 hours, and you can work on your computer, listen to music, or read during the procedure.
Side Effects of CoolSculpting
The side effects of CoolSculpting are typically minimal. The procedure is painless for most people, although there are sensations of intense cold. This may include tingling or mild pulling and stinging. Some people experience aches and cramps during the procedure. However, once the numbness of the cold sets in, you probably won’t notice any aches or cramps. There are typically a few side effects that last for a few days afterward. They include redness, sensitive skin, and tenderness. Some patients may also notice swelling and bruising, aching, or cramping.
The Right Candidate for CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss treatment. Because it is only made to target problem areas, the best candidates for the procedure already eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and are very close to their ideal weight. Most people who fit these parameters are good candidates, but those who suffer from paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH), cryoglobulinemia, or cold agglutinin disease could see dangerous complications. Even if you do not suffer from one of these conditions, it is always necessary to speak to your regular doctor before undergoing any type of treatment.
Results of CoolSculpting
People who undergo the CoolSculpting procedure may see results in as little as one month, although three months is more common. Once the procedure is complete, people who maintain their weight will have indefinite results since the fat cells are no longer living. However, if you gain weight after the procedure, you will begin to notice fat in the treated areas again.
The Cost of CoolSculpting
The cost of CoolSculpting varies depending on several factors. Some of the variables that may change the price of your procedure include which areas you are having treated and whether you’ll be treating more than one. Many doctors and healthcare providers that perform CoolSculpting have payment options or other types of financing available. Most offer free consultations so that you can learn more about the procedure and how much it may cost.
Preparing for the CoolSculpting Procedure
There isn’t much you need to do to prepare for a CoolSculpting appointment as long as you are close to your ideal weight. Bruising is common after the procedure, but may be more noticeable if you use anti-inflammatories. Avoid aspirin or similar medications in the days before the procedure. Your doctor can provide any further instructions.
CoolSculpting is an effective procedure that is nonsurgical, noninvasive, and requires no recovery time. With proper planning and an experienced doctor, you can expect to get rid of stubborn fat and look amazing this holiday season and beyond.