The phrase “freezing your butt” off just started to make a little more sense. I’m sure you’ve heard of liposuction, but have you heard of “coolsculpting”? This outpatient procedure is the new cool-hot thing to do for people looking to get rid of unwanted fat without going under the knife.
In 2008 doctors from the Wellman Center at Massachusetts General Hospital built upon research from 1970 and started to test what was then called “cold-induced fat necrosis” on pigs. The experiment worked out so well they called the procedure cryolipolysis also known as “coolsculpting”.
What is CoolSculpting?
This procedure uses cold temperature to break down fat cells. Your body has certain fat cells that just won’t go away. Coolsculpting freezes off these fat cells using controlled cooling technology. Over a span of a few weeks, the body starts to naturally process the fat and eliminate those freshly killed fat cells.
The results are long-term because the fat cells don’t exist anymore. The dead cells eliminated by this procedure naturally leave the body through a normal elimination process. Any area that was not treated won’t change in fat cell distribution. Ready to sign up yet?
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What to Expect During This Process
Your first step will bemeeting with a Coolsculpting clinician for a one-on-one consultation.
You can find a coolsculpting provider at the official coolsculpting site. During this visit, you’ll discuss your goals for your look and overall holistic approach for giving you your best body. The clinician will take pictures of you from different angles and discuss with you the fatty areas you want to get rid of.
Based on this visit your clinician will design a customized treatment plan for you. Some procedures may take one day, and others might take a few visits depending on your plan and availability of coolsculpting equipment.
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During the actual procedure, a gel pad and applicator will be applied to the area of treatment. The coolsculpting applicator delivers controlled cooling to the area, and all you have to do is kick back and wait.
When the cooling applicator begins you’ll feel an extremely cold sensation. This will stop after a time. Then the suction part is applied, and after 5 to 10 minutes the area will go numb. Many patients read, browse their phone or take a nap while the procedure is going on.
The procedure usually lasts between 35-60 minutes. The length of the procedure is determined by how many areas you’re getting treated. Some offices have multiple CoolSculpting systems and applicators, so you can potentially get multiple areas treated simultaneously.
Is This Procedure for Everybody?
This procedure is designed for people withunwanted fat in targeted areas. This isn’t designed for people who are already obese. If you want to get rid of that little pouch you hate so much this might serve you well. Find out if you’re a good candidate for the surgery here.
This Procedure Sounds Expensive
The price is dependent on factors such as the number of treatments needed, the number of areas that need treatment and your body goals. The procedure generally costs between $2000-$4000.
When Will You See Results?
Some patients see results as soon as 3 weeks. You’ll start to see the most dramatic changes after 2 months. What’s cool is that your body will continue to get rid of fat cells for up to 4 to 6 months post-treatment.
Daunte Henderson, founder of the MADEMAN Foundation, author, and educator based in Chicago. You can follow him at @brotherhenderson on IG
