You probably know by now that CoolSculpting is revolutionizing the way plastic surgeons are able to address pockets of fat on the body. This nonsurgical fat removal procedure can be used nearly anywhere on the body and offers its patients many incredible benefits. First approved by the FDA in 2010 for the permanent removal of fat cells, CoolSculpting is an ideal choice for patients who want both subtle and dramatic body contouring results. Even better, it seems that CoolSculpting may also offer skin tightening and firmness after treatments.
What Is CoolSculpting, Anyway?
For those who haven’t been reading about it online yet, CoolSculpting by Zeltiq is a completely nonsurgical but effective way to permanently remove fat cells from unwanted areas of the body. The unique approach to fat removal was first developed by Harvard medical scientists. It uses a special device that will target fat cells with temperatures cold enough to freeze them, causing cell death or apoptosis. Gradually, the body will metabolize these dead cells and flush them permanently.
An entire cycle of cell death and removal can take about three to four months to complete, with your CoolSculpting results emerging little by little. Most patients can expect to see a 20 to 25-percent reduction in fat cells at the targeted area. For larger fat reductions, supplemental treatments can be scheduled, spaced at intervals that allow gradual and safe cell death rates.
What Benefits Does CoolSculpting Offer?
Before there was any talk about skin-tightening as a side effect of the CoolSculpting procedure, patients have been thrilled with the many benefits that it already offered. Typically, these will include:
- No scarring from incisions, because it is completely nonsurgical.
- Minimal recovery time, which usually lasts a few hours to a day of rest. Side effects include slight swelling and bruising, but many patients are able to resume their activities without any recovery time at all.
- No downtime. Since recovery is so very minimal, you won’t need to plan a week off from work. Some patients have treatments performed on their lunch hour or at the end of the day, then head into work the following day without issue.
- No pain medications or sedation. CoolSculpting creates only minimal discomfort, which patients report eases within a day or so. A cold compress can do the job just fine, so there is no need for drugs of any kind.
- Dramatic results. Even without surgical intervention, CoolSculpting can create noticeable changes in the contours of the body.
- Buildable results. By planning several CoolSculpting visits, you can build upon your results until you achieve the contour you want.
What Can CoolSculpting Do for the Skin?
Skin tightening wasn’t on the original list of benefits for CoolSculpting when the procedure was introduced in 2010, nor is it advertised as one of its benefits today. However, recent studies and patient reviews have led plastic surgeons to see a correlation between CoolSculpting treatments and improved skin elasticity.
After liposuction surgeries, patients with less elastic skin often notice that the skin around the treatment area sags. It can’t contract on its own without additional surgery or other interventions. After a CoolSculpting treatment, this does not seem to be the case.
A recent study focused on real CoolSculpting patients in the days, weeks, and months following their treatments. The freezing treatments seem to cause a reaction in the skin cells called cryodermadstringo, which has the effect of tightening the skin. For now, this seems to occur in roughly a quarter of all CoolSculpting patients. More research can help medical scientists better understand the connection and perhaps find a way to benefit all patients with firmer skin and leaner tone. Talk to your plastic surgeon about your CoolSculpting treatments for more information.
Plan a CoolSculpting Consultation Today
The amazing benefits that CoolSculpting offers make it an ideal choice for men and women of all ages. To learn more, plan a consultation with Dr. Ran Rubinstein, who will be able toproject his expected results from your procedure with a revolutionary new technology. The VECTRA 3D Imaging system allows the surgeons at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists to modify a 3D photo of you with your planned surgical changes. This helpful tool provides the ultimate way to really see if where and how CoolSculpting could make a difference for you.
Contact Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, where Dr. Ran Rubinstein can help you to achieve the surgical results you desire.
Renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Ran Rubinstein at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Newburgh, New York. Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists is the only specialty plastic surgery practice in the Hudson Valley area with an on-site joint commission certified surgical suite. To contact Dr. Rubinstein, please call 845-863-1772. Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists is located at 200 Stony Brook Court #2 in Newburgh, New York.
