Cool sculpting or ‘cryolipolysis’ is a treatment procedure used for the removal of fat in some areas of the body. It is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure which means that it does not involve surgery for fat removal or re-contouring of fatty areas of the body. The procedure primarily aims at freezing the stubborn fat.

The principle on which the procedure works is that fat freezes at a higher temperature than the skin. The cryolipolysis device does the same. It freezes the fat under the skin while the skin is left intact and unharmed. (1)

Indications and Contraindications

As stated above, cryolipolysis is a procedure performed for the treatment of stubborn fat when all other methods including lifestyle modifications have already been tried. It is usually performed for removal of fat under the chin and jawline, thigh, belly, back and sides, buttocks, and upper arm.

It is avoided in case of loose or poor skin tone and certain medical conditions such as

1. Cryoglobulinemia

2. Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria

3. Cold urticaria

4. Loose skin

5. Poor skin

The procedure is also to be refrained from during pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetic neuropathy, eczema, psoriasis, a recent scar formation on the area to be treated, bleeding disorders, or use of blood-thinning agents.

Cool sculpting is not an obesity treatment. It merely tones fatty areas of the body by focussed or targeted removal of fat and re-contouring in certain areas of the body. It is not a remedy for weight loss and obese people are not good candidates for the procedure.
(2)

The Procedure:

Cool sculpting is performed by a certified specialist usually associated with the field of Plastic Surgery.

It is executed via a hand-held device. A gel is applied over the area to be treated. The applicator of the hand-held device is then placed over the fatty area to deliver cold energy.

The procedure is usually painless and only mild discomfort may be experienced which may present as a feeling of pulling, tingling, aching, cramping, or pinching. It lasts for approximately one to three hours. (1),(2)

What to Expect Post-Operatively:

For a few days after the treatment, certain side effects may be noticed such as

• Redness
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Aching
• Cramping
• Skin sensitivity

However, these symptoms resolve automatically within a period of a few days or weeks. The usual activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure.

Rarely, itching and diarrhea can occur after the procedure. When fat in the neck or chin region is treated with cryolipolysis, a feeling of fullness in the throat may occur.

The results of cool sculpting appear within a period of a few weeks to months. The specialist decides if subsequent treatment appointments are required.

The results do not solely depend on the procedure and other factors such as lifestyle modifications may have a pivotal role in the overall result in the long term. (3)

Why choose Cool Sculpting?

1. The fat that you can not seem to get rid of can be removed by cool sculpting.

2. The procedure is non-invasive i.e no incision is made into the skin.

3. Almost no longterm side effects have been reported.

4. The treatment can be done without the use of anesthesia and pain medication.

5. The most effective areas for treatment are the ​abdomen, love handles, and the back. (1)

Does it work?

Cool Sculpting has been known to have a high success rate. It has proven to be more effective than other fat removing procedures such as liposuction.

Cool sculpting does not guarantee complete removal of fat, the procedure is not effective for everyone and some individuals may experience more side effects than other people.

The aftercare required after undergoing cool sculpting is extreme and strenuous. Fat reduction for people who do not change their lifestyle and diet will be less than people who make the necessary changes.

Cool sculpting can not tighten the skin that has loosened after the procedure.

Research has shown that the procedure offered no change in liver and lipid levels giving the impression that cool sculpting is a purely cosmetic procedure as it does nothing to improve your health or overall well-being.

The most common complication that people faced after cool sculpting was decreased sensation in the areas that had undergone the procedure.

Individuals who suffer from metabolic conditions, diabetes, or an unhealthy lifestyle will quickly reaccumulate the fact that they have lost through the procedure making it ineffective. (2),(4)

Conclusion

Cool sculpting has proven to be extremely effective over other fat elimination procedures. After the procedure, the cells that are frozen by cool sculpting never return as the body eliminates them.

Since the procedure requires no incision there is no visible scarring on the body. No time off from your daily routine is required as post-procedure there is no need for bed rest. The results can be seen after 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure. 

References

1. Skin Experts. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/cryolipolysis/cryolipolysis-for-excess-fat

2. Cirino, E. (2019, October 08). CoolSculpting: Risks and Side Effects. Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/coolsculpting-risks

3. Johnson, K., Yara, S., Radloff, J., & Selinger, H. (n.d.). I Tried Coolsculpting, and Here’s What It’s Really Like. Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://www.glamour.com/story/coolsculpting-results-cost-before-after

4. 4. CoolSculpting: Does it work and is it safe? (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322060