How Long Does CoolSculpting Last?
Confidence is important. Every single one of us is beautiful inside and out and deserves to feel that way, but it’s no secret that sometimes getting to the level of confidence we want to be at requires some self-care. The good news is there’s nothing wrong with that! In this day and age, shame is no longer given a seat at the table. We are living in a time of support, empowerment, and endless resources. Everyone is encouraged to do (or not do!) whatever it may be that will help them on their journey to becoming their most comfortable, confident self!
But with endless resources comes endless options, and when it comes to self-love…well, let’s just say we get why you want to be fully informed before choosing one. After all, our “self” deserves the best treatment possible, wouldn’t you agree? That’s why we’re discussing CoolSculpting today. We’re going to explore what about this option is so exciting, and address one of the major questions that comes along with it: it is permanent?
Let’s dive in!
What is CoolSculpting?
Ever went on a diet, implemented a workout regimen, went the whole nine yards and still been unable to tackle of one area of fat in particular? Do you have a troublesome spot where stubborn fat has always been and, if the fat had its way, would always be? We get it, and you’re not alone! CoolSculpting is the safe, convenient answer to this common issue. It’s a noninvasive, nonsurgical procedure that uses controlled cooling to target and eliminate unwanted fat cells beneath the skin. For many, this is more economic, less demanding alternative to other risker, painful surgeries, such as liposuction.
Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the innovative fat removal procedure in 2010, its popularity in the United States has unsurprisingly grown, boasting an incredible 823% increase in bookings—and that’s just as of 2017!
How Does It Work?
CoolSculpting utilizes a process known as cryolipolysis, which is a procedure that has been clinically proven to target and eliminate fat cells without causing damage to surrounding skin or nerves. Basically, the area of concern is selected, the CoolSculpting device is positioned accordingly on your body, and the precise, controlled cooling is applied. Depending on your own needs and goals, the number of sessions and length of time under treatment will vary. Naturally, you will experience a cooling effect during the process, as well as some pressure. The good news is, cooling leads to numbness, and this sensation passes shortly during the treatment. During the process, the targeted fat cells are crystallized and subsequently die, to be flushed out naturally by your body! Changes may begin to appear in as little as 3 weeks, but typically the full extent of your results will appear in 2 months-time. Remember, everybody is different and reacts differently to changes. Some may take more time for the fat cells to die off and flush out. Therefore, it’s reasonable to say that some may continue to see changes for up to 6 months after treatment.
Who Does It Work For?
As stated, CoolSculpting works great for people who have tried other methods of fat reduction and been unable to target a specific stubborn area. People struggling with obesity or overweight individuals who have not yet tried other methods of weight loss are not ideal candidates. CoolSculpting can present some dangerous risks when used on people with a few specific conditions. Namely, cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PHC). Regardless of whether you have these conditions or not, it is always recommended to speak with a medical professional and disclose any health conditions or concerns prior to treatment.
Other than these specific contingencies, anyone can benefit from CoolSculpting! Whether you have the leisure time to lounge about after or need to run on over to your next obligation, CoolSculpting can fit right into your routine. Due to the nature of the treatment, it is perfectly safe and expected that everyone should be able to resume normal activities immediately following!
Safety & Side Effects
According to the aforementioned study, CoolSculpting (or cryolipolysis) does not cause nerve or skin damage. In the study, which utilized a pig model to assess the viability of the procedure on humans, it was found that while some subjects experienced a reduction in sensation, this went away within the following 4 weeks.
Typical side effects during and following the procedure are minimal and relatively tame. There may be a tugging feeling as the skin and fat is placed between the device panels, as well as possible aching, stinging, or other pain following the treatment. Some people notice mild swelling, bruising, redness, or increased sensitivity at the treatment site, but all of this typically subsides within two weeks after the treatment.
In less than 1% of cases, and typically more often in men than woman, there may be a paradoxical increase in fat cells in the treated area. Researchers are unsure of why this happens, but since it is extremely rare and not detrimental to health, it is not a major concern.
How Long Does CoolSculpting Last?
Finally, the question we’ve been waiting for. Great news: CoolSculpting is permanent! Once fat cells are treated and frozen, they will be eliminated by the body permanently. Fat cells in this particular area will not grow back. Although most people tend to notice they take even more diligent care of their body following treatment, any potential weight gain later on may be gained evenly over the body, instead of focusing in the area that was treated.
The Takeaway
Overall, CoolSculpting is indeed a long-lasting (a.k.a. permanent) solution to eliminating unwanted fat. Moreover, it is safe, convenient, and relatively pain free. When it comes to self-care, if there’s an area in particular you’ve worked at but been unable to effectively take care of, CoolSculpting is the ideal option for you. So long as it’s safe and healthy, we all deserve whatever it might be to make us confident in our own skin!
