By now, you’ve probably heard of CoolSculpting— perhaps at your doctor’s office or through something you’ve read online. It’s one of the hottest (and coldest!) new body contouring treatments to enter the world of aesthetic medicine. Now that it’s been around for a few years, all kinds of people are interested in CoolSculpting, especially for addressing stubborn places, such as the abdomen and arms. But even though it’s a safe and non-invasive procedure, it’s not right for everyone.
With that in mind, who can benefit from CoolSculpting treatments? Is it worth getting the treatment if you’re not the “ideal” candidate? Read on to learn more about these common (and important) questions as you evaluate your options.
About CoolSculpting
Before we dive into who can benefit from CoolSculpting, it’s important to be familiar with the basics of how the treatment works and what it can accomplish. Knowing what the procedure involves and the kinds of results you can expect will help you decide if the treatment is right for you.
CoolSculpting is also known as cryolipolysis, which is a process that is used to get rid of stubborn fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. Basically, it works by chilling unwanted fat at a low enough temperature to destroy the cells. Once that occurs, the body gradually disposes of the fat cells over the next few months. The result is a reduction in the treated areas, with minimal pain involved.
The treatment is safe and comfortable, requiring no anesthesia or downtime. Almost any area of the body can be treated, including small areas with the CoolMini device. Some plastic surgeons offer the Dualsculpting option, which allows patients to treat two areas (such as both love handles or thighs) simultaneously for reduced treatment times.
Most people only need one treatment to reduce fat in the area by up to 25%, but some patients elect to have a second treatment session for enhanced results.
Ideal Candidates for CoolSculpting
In a perfect world, all Coolsculpting candidates would be healthy adults who already live healthy lifestyle. They would eat a nutrient-rich diet full of vegetables, fruits, and protein, and they’d exercise regularly. They wouldn’t smoke and they would limit their alcohol intake. They would maintain a stable weight before and after the treatment, and they would see the procedure as a way to put the “finishing touches” on weight loss.
Of course, very few people are “ideal” candidates for the treatment — and that’s okay! You can be a good candidate for CoolSculpting without meeting all of the criteria perfectly. For example, if you’re not already eating well and exercising, you could use CoolSculpting treatments as the motivation to improve your lifestyle.
Could You Benefit From CoolSculpting?
Choosing a cosmetic procedure is a very personal process. There are lots of options available, both surgical and non-surgical, and it’s important to be very honest with yourself about what you want, especially when dealing with problem areas and tissue concerns.
If you’re frustrated with the shape of your body or you’re struggling with “problem areas,” then Coolsculpting could be a good option for you. To get started, make an appointment with a qualified provider, like Dr. Vitenas, who can discuss your goals and determine if CoolSculpting is the best choice for you. However, you might also benefit from traditional liposuction if you’re looking for more dramatic results, based on your personal experience and concerns regarding your target weight and skin appearance.
Looking at before and after photos can be very helpful in deciding if a procedure is right for you. Not only will this allow you to see what’s possible, but it will also give you information about the limitations of the procedure, particularly in addressing problem areas and specific tissue types. Part of being a good candidate for CoolSculpting is having realistic expectations about the treatment.
If you’re impressed with the CoolSculpting results you see, then it might be time to schedule a consultation with a provider. If not, you might want to think about other options.
When CoolSculpting Isn’t the Right Fit
If you still have quite a bit of weight to lose in order to reach your target weight, then it may be a good idea to hold off on the CoolSculpting treatment. Prospective patients need to understand that this is not a weight-loss procedure and will destroy only small amounts of fat.
While it’s not unsafe to undergo the procedure if you are overweight or obese, the results will be disappointing. It’s best to wait until you are happy with your progress and you can maintain a stable weight. If you do not practice good lifestyle habits after the procedure, you are likely to gain weight once again, negating the improvements to your problem areas.
CoolSculpting is also not appropriate for pregnant women or people with Lymphatic diseases. It’s also not a good idea for people who have certain chronic health conditions or have recently undergone surgery to have CoolSculpting treatments. Each patient’s candidacy is assessed individually and is based on a number of different factors, including health history and specific concerns.
Learn More About CoolSculpting From an Expert
You can do all the online research you want, but there’s nothing more valuable than discussing CoolSculpting with an experienced plastic surgeon if you’re considering the procedure.
A skilled, board-certified surgeon will be honest with you about your candidacy and help you find the right treatment plan for your goals, whether that includes CoolSculpting or not. A consultation with a provider will help you learn the facts about CoolSculpting and empower you with the information you need to make the decision that’s right for you.
If you’re looking for expert advice in Houston, Texas, then come to Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery and meet with acclaimed plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Vitenas. Dr. Vitenas offers CoolSculpting and other body contouring options at his office and will help guide you to the best solution for your needs based on your experience, target weight, skin condition, and specific problem areas. Call 281-484-0088 to schedule your consultation.
