Cryolipolysis/Coolsculpting


What is Cryolipolysis?
Cryolipolysis is the non-invasive cooling of adipose tissue to induce lipolysis (breaking down fat cells) without damage to other tissues. The result over two to four months is a noticeable, natural-looking reduction in fat.

How does Cryolipolysis work?
A non-invasive applicator is attached to the targeted procedure area to extract energy from the underlying fat tissue while protecting the skin, nerves, muscles and other tissue. The cooled fat cells undergo apoptosis (controlled cell death) and are gradually eliminated, reducing the thickness of the fat layer.

What happens to the fat cells?
Lipids from the fat cells are slowly released and transported by the lymphatic system to be processed, much like fat from food. Because the lipid clearance process is gradual there is no harmful change in blood lipids or liver function.

How cold is “Cold”?
Lipids in fat cells crystallize at a warmer temperature than other water containing cells. This is how cryolipolsis targets only fat cells for destruction and spares other tissue such as skin, muscle, and nerves. The Coolsculpting system controls the rate of energy extraction or cooling during the procedure.

What will my results be?
Typically, each Coolsculpting treatment results in a noticeable reduction of fat in the treated area. After the initial treatment is complete, you can attain further reductions with additional treatments, resulting in an even more fat loss. Some patients find that one treatment fully addresses their goals. You and your doctor will discuss and design a plan that suits you best.

What happens during the treatment?
You and your doctor first select the area(s) to be treated. Your doctor will position the device on your body. The device will then draw the bulge up between two cooling panels. The sensation is a firm pull and pressures enough of a pull to ensure the selected tissue will be cooled most efficiently. An hour or so later, depending on your needs, you’re done.

What does it feel like?
As the cooling goes to work in the first few minutes, you will feel pressure and intense cold. This soon dissipates. Many people read, work on their laptop, or even take a nap during their treatment.

Can I return to normal activities after my treatment?
Yes, you can. The procedure is completely non-surgical, so typically you can return to normal activities immediately. Some patients experience redness, minor bruising, swelling, tingling, numbness or discomfort in the treated area, but this is temporary and will resolve completely. Often times, patients return to work after the session is over.

When will I see results?
You may start to see changes as quickly as three weeks after treatment and will experience the most dramatic results after two months. But your body is still flushing fat cells and will continue doing so for up to four to six months after treatment.

Do I need to take special supplements or follow a strict diet and exercise program?
No supplements or pills are required and you do not have to adopt new diet and exercise habits. Many patients feel more motivated to take care of themselves after the Coolsculpting treatment, too. Like they get a second lease on their body and want to start anew again by taking even better care of themselves.

How long do the results last?
When you have your Coolsculpting treatment, the affected fat cells will be eliminated. As long as you maintain your weight with your normal diet and exercise, your long-term results should remain stable.

How is the cooling delivered to the fat layer?
The coolsculpting system includes a selection of non-invasive, tissue-cooling applicators controlled by a precisely engineered monitoring system. To perform the Coolsculpting procedure, the physician attaches an applicator to the targeted procedure area to extract energy(cooling) from the underlying fat tissue. The specially designed vacuum applicator draws tissue into the applicator cup and gently holds it between two cooling panels, extracting heat according to the selected procedure profile. Sensors embedded in the applicator monitor the skin during the procedure to ensure a consistent and uniform procedure. The sensors are linked to the control console to continuously monitor and adjust cooling throughout the Coolsculpting Procedure and provide continuous feedback to the physician. A paging system automatically alerts the physician of any device or patient issues that need attention and notifies him or her when the Coolsculpting procedure is complete.

What are the results?
Clinical studies demonstrate that the Coolsculpting Procedure provides noticeable, measurable fat reduction in properly selected patients over the course of two or four months after the procedure. Additional procedures may be administered two or four months after the initial procedure to achieve the greater fat reduction.

How long do the results last?
Patients experiencing fat layer reduction show persistent results at least six months after the Coolsculpting treatment. Longer-term studies have not yet been completed. It is known that the exposure to cooling causes the fat cells to begin a process of natural removal, which gradually reduces the thickness of the fat layer. The fat cells in the treated area are gently eliminated through the body’s normal metabolism process, like fat from food. The elimination of fat cells as a result of the Coolsculpting Procedure is expected to last about as long as fat cells removed by invasive procedures such as liposuction.

How do the results compare with invasive procedures such as liposuction?
The results of the Coolsculpting Procedure are not as rapid or dramatic as invasive procedures such as liposuction. However, for patients who wish to avoid the pain, risk and recovery time associated with surgical procedures, the Coolsculpting Procedure may be the preferred option.

What are common effects after the procedure?
The Coolsculpting procedure is completely non-invasive, which allows immediate return to normal activities such as work or exercise. Redness may appear in the treated area and may last from a few minutes to a few hours. Some localized bruising or swelling may occur, which clears within a few weeks. Many patients experience a temporary dulling of sensation in the treated area, lasting one to eight weeks.

Which patients are the best candidates?
Ideal for the Coolsculpting Procedure are relatively fit but have some modest-size fat bulges that are not easily reduced through diet and exercise. They are seeking spot reduction for specific areas of fat but are not considering a surgical procedure. The Coolsculpting Procedure is not intended for weight loss or obesity, and it is not a substitute for invasive methods such as liposuction.

How is the Coolsculpting Procedure different from other procedures?
The controlled cooling of the Coolsculpting Procedure targets and eliminates only fat cells. Other treatment modalities, such as lasers, radiofrequency and focused ultrasound, affect fat cells and many affect other adjacent tissue in a way that it is not comparable to the Coolsculpting method of cryolipolysis.

What to expect during Coolsculpting?
Coolsculpting is a non-surgical procedure that may take from one to several hours, depending on your treatment plan.
No topical anesthesia or pain medication is required.
As the procedure is initiated, vacuum pressure draws tissue into an applicator cooling panels. The vacuum pressure may cause sensations of deep pulling, tugging, and pinching in the area being treated.
You also may experience intense stinging, tingling, aching or cramping. These sensations generally subside as the area becomes numb.

What to expect immediately after Coolsculpting?
Immediately after the procedure, your treated area may look or feel stiff and transient blanching (temporary whitening of the skin) may occur.
You may feel a sense of nausea or dizziness as your body naturally warms and sensation returns to your treatment area. These are normal reactions that typically resolve within minutes.
The treated area may be red for up to a few hours after the applicator is removed. This is an expected but temporary effect after Coolsculpting.
Bruising, Swelling and tenderness can occur in the treated area. This typically resolves within a week or two.
Nausea and tingling, stinging and cramping in the treatment area are often reported on treatment day.
You may feel a temporary dulling of sensation in the treated area. This is normal and typically resolves within a week hours but may last for several weeks after your procedure.
There typically is minimal recovery time after Coolsculpting. Most patients are able to return to their daily routine immediately after the procedure.

What to expect the first few days and weeks after Coolsculpting?

  • It is common for the treated area to feel bloated and look swollen in the first few days and weeks after Coolsculpting.
  • You may experience a temporary dulling of sensation that can last for several weeks.
  • At some point within the first two weeks following the procedure, you may experience one or more of the following sensations: deep itching, tingling, numbness, tenderness to the touch, pain in the treated area, strong cramping, diarrhea, muscle spasms, aching and/or soreness. Consult your doctor if these conditions persist beyond two weeks or worsen over time.
  • Following the procedure, a gradual reduction in the thickness of the fat layer will take place. You may start to see changes as early as three weeks after Coolsculpting and you will experience the most dramatic results after one to three months. Your body will continue naturally to process the injured cells from your body for approximately four months after your procedure. Visit the best Coolsculpting clinic in Mumbai.

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Dr. Shoma Sarkar is a well known celebrity dermatologist with more than 10 years of experience in the field of Aesthetic & Clinical Dermatology.

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