If you’ve heard about Coolsculpting, you’re probably wondering if its amazing ability to freeze (and kill) fat cells on our bodies through ‘fat freezing’ (or cryolipolysis) is actually true. Well, we’re here to tell you it is. You can actually zap stubborn fat zones, putting them ‘on ice’ once and for all. But how does Coolsculpting work? And what does the process entail? Let’s dive into the science and the process behind how it can work for you.
Who should get CoolSculpting?
Coolsculpting is for both men and women who are staying on top of their weight goals, yet still trying to tackle stubborn subcutaneous fat (soft fat that sits just under the skin) that won’t move. Please note this treatment is only suitable for those over 18 years of age.
When deciding if Coolsculpting is the right treatment for you, it’s important to remember this is not a tool for weight loss. This treatment helps you move the subcutaneous fat that regular diet and exercise just can’t budge. However, if Coolsculpting is coupled with an effective diet and exercise strategy, it can be the cherry on top of your weight loss goals.
It is advised to speak with a professional prior to undergoing Coolsculpting treatment to discuss the potential risks involved and to assess your eligibility. You can benefit from an unhurried consultation and have informed consent within a medical centre environment at Azure Medical + Cosmetics in Cottesloe.
What’s involved in the Coolsculpting treatment process?
The best part about Coolsculpting is how simple the process is. So it can be broken down into 6 easy steps:
Step 1 – Initial Coolsculpting Consult
The first thing you’ll do is come in for an initial consultation. Here you’ll get a 360-degree body assessment to address your problem areas. We then design a customised treatment plan specifically for your needs. You will also be advised as to how many sessions you will likely require. You can expect each session to take roughly between 35-75 minutes, depending on the area of the body being treated.
Step 2 – Prepare for Coolsculpting
At the beginning of your Coolsculpting session, we’ll take ‘before’ photos of your focus area so we can track your progress. Then our cosmetic nurse will precisely mark up the treatment area, determining exactly where the applicators are placed.
Step 3 – Coolsculpting begins
We will then place a thermal gel and an applicator on the targeted area for between 35 – 45 minutes. (Please be aware that larger areas such as the outer thigh can take up to 75 minutes)
Step 4 – Fat freezing kicks in
Here the applicator will deliver a painless and controlled stream of cooling. This is done at a precise level that will damage and kill the targeted fat cells. The targeted nature of the fat freezing process means the skin and the surrounding cells stay protected.
Step 5 – Post-treatment massage
Once treatment has finished we remove the applicators and massage the treatment area for roughly 2 minutes. This will further encourage the breakdown of frozen fat cells that will naturally be eliminated from the body over the coming weeks. Good news, there’s no downtime. Because CoolSculpting is completely non-invasive, most people can go about their day immediately after treatment.
Step 6 – See results
You’ll start to see results over approximately 12 weeks. To show you just how much impact your Coolsculpting sessions are having you’ll return at the 6 week post treatment marker for a round of progress shots. We will then take another round at the 12 week mark or at your next planned treatment.
What areas can I treat?
Coolsculpting can be used to target areas on the body with subcutaneous fat. This is the loose fat directly under the skin that can be stubborn or hard to move, such as:
- Abdomen (tummy)
- Flanks (love handles)
- Submental (double chin)
- Upper arms (bingo wings)
- Brassiere roll (bra puff)
- Back (bra fat)
- Pseudogynaecomastia (man boobs)
- Inner thighs
- Outer thighs (saddlebags)
- Around the knees (distal thighs)
- Under the buttocks (banana rolls)
Common CoolSculpting process questions
Is there aftercare involved?
Not a lot. We just recommend sticking to comfortable clothing for a few days. You may also want to consider compression clothing. Our biggest tip is to keep moving to get the blood flowing. This will further encourage the positive results you’ll see from your Coolsculpting session.
Are there any side effects?
Good news! Not many. Because you are receiving an intense blast of cold you may feel a little numb or get some redness, swelling, slight bruising or tingling at the treatment area. This could also make the area slightly itchy and sensitive to touch. These side effects usually resolve in the first few days, but can linger for 1 – 2 weeks before resolving.
If you’re interested in seeing how Coolsculpting can work for you, our cosmetic nurses are expertly trained in our Cottesloe clinic to ensure you get the best possible results. Book your initial consultation now.
