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CoolSculpting FAQ

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• What causes these fatty bulges?

  Bulges like so-called love handles and muffin tops are caused by a variety of issues, including medications, diet, activity levels, changes in metabolic rates, and fluctuations in levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. These conditions can alter fat storage patterns, resulting in particularly stubborn areas of fat accumulation.

• How does CoolSculpting work?

  This innovative procedure uses advanced cooling technology to selectively reduce fat layers. Research has shown that subcutaneous fat cells are more vulnerable to cold that surrounding tissue, enabling the CoolSculpting procedure to effectively reduce and destroy fat cells in a process involving gradual disintegration. Once the fat cells are destroyed, the body naturally clears and eliminates them. This process is called induced apoptosis and leaves adjacent tissue undamaged.

• Who is a candidate for this treatment?

  CoolSculpting is not intended as a weight loss method, meaning it is not a replacement for surgical methods of fat removal like liposuction. A good candidate for CoolSculpting will have extra fat in certain areas, but otherwise should be at a fairly normal weight. A one-on-one consultation with a certified coolsculpt technician is the best way to determine if this is the right treatment for your fatty areas.

• What is the treatment process?

  During the procedure, you will lie down or sit in a comfortable chair while an external applicator delivers carefully calibrated cooling to the treatment area, designed to target only fat cells. The extreme cold triggers a natural removal process that gradually eliminates unsightly areas of fat, smoothing bulges and rolls. You may feel pressure and intense cold as a series of applicators of different sizes and shapes are used to carefully sculpt each area. Depending on the size and amount of areas to be treated, the procedure may last from one to three hours or more, during which time you may read, use your phone or laptop or nap.

• Are there any side effects?

  After the procedure, you may have redness and tingling at the treatment sites. A few patients also have some burning, itching, pain, cramping or bloating. However, most people have relatively little discomfort, and many return to work that day.

• What can I expect afterwards?

  Most patients notice a definite and measurable reduction of fat in treated areas, with results evident as quickly as three weeks post-treatment. Gradual results continue over a period of about three months, providing a safe and gentle way to reduce body fat. Complete flushing of fat cells from the body may continue for four to six months after treatment. Although many patients see noticeable results from one visit, additional treatments may be able to provide even more enhanced sculpting effects.

• Are the results from CoolSculpting permanent?

  The cells destroyed by CoolSculpting are permanently gone. As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep your weight at the same level, you will have lasting results from the treatment. On average, one CoolSculpting session results in a 20-30% reduction of fatty tissue in the treated areas, and repeat treatments can improve results even further. If you are within 10% of your ideal body weight, one session should be sufficient to give desired results.

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