What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting, commonly referred to as cryolipolysis, is a popular non-surgical contorting or cosmetic procedure. It relies on contouring technology that targets fat in specific areas of the body, and involves plastic surgeons using an applicator to freeze fat cells. The surgeon gradually breaks down and removes frozen or destroyed fat cells.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this relatively new technique in 2012. It registered cryolipolysis as a trademark of Zeltiq Aesthetics. According to Zeltiq Aesthetics, CoolSculpting can reduce the body’s fat cells by 20 to 25 per cent.
Although the fat reduction process doesn’t use heat to eliminate fat like Liposonix, it may have some major downsizes. It has noticeable effects and many primary care practitioners highlight some specific considerations that you shouldn’t overlook.
If you’re severely overweight, this treatment may not be the best option. The procedure specifically targets areas with unwanted bulges that are hard to eliminate through exercise and diet.
Let’s plunge into the details to determine the significant downsides of making CoolSculpting an unsafe option.
Is CoolSculpting or Cryolipolysis Worth the Risk?
The non-surgical procedure is preferable for cosmetic purposes. It freezes your fat cells to give a toned and smooth appearance, particularly around the stomach. People opt for this fat reduction process to eliminate fat around the buttocks and waist as well.
A CoolSculpting expert places an applicator on the areas (where fat is accumulated). The applicator sucks the skin like a vacuum and cools the specific area. The treatment is a relatively short procedure that takes 40 to 60 minutes at most. Usually, patients simply sit back and undergo the process, which does cause some discomfort.
Reasons to Avoid CoolSculpting
You might have seen or read impressive CoolSculpting-related fat loss anecdotes. However, the modern technique of the body shaping process has plenty of downsides. The body contouring procedure entails many risks. It can cause side effects, increase pain levels, and induce health-related complications.
If you’re considering undergoing CoolSculpting, make sure you take these reasons into account.
Major Downsides to CoolSculpting:
CoolSculpting has Many Negative Side Effects
When opting for any cosmetic procedure, it is crucial to consider the side effects it may cause. CoolSculpting, unfortunately, comes with a plethora of adverse side effects that can increase your recovery time.
Many people who undergo CoolSculpting report post-surgery effects like swelling, bruising, stinging, and pain throughout recovery. They also report skin issues like redness and skin sensitivity. The skin feels itchy and dry for many days after the procedure
In some cases, you will also see major bruising to due the excessive stress on the body caused by this awful treatment. Muscle cramping and stomach problems like diarrhea are some more side effects patients may experience after undergoing CoolSculpting.
These adverse side effects may last up to more than two weeks post-treatment. Besides causing pain, they interfere with your quality of life as well.
CoolSculpting Doesn’t Provide the Same Results
The fat-freezing method doesn’t provide the same results it promises. In contrast to other body-contouring procedures, CoolSculpting only offers 20 to 25 percent of total fat reduction on the average person.
CoolSculpting can be Deleterious for People with Underlying Medical Condition
CoolSculpting is not for everyone. For instance, patients suffering from a weak immune system should avoid opting for the procedure. Similarly, people with an underlying medical condition, such as a pre-existing hernia, cryoglobulinemia, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, or agglutinin disease, should avoid body-contouring treatments.
Undergoing CoolSculpting with these preexisting health issues may lead to debilitating medical conditions and increased side effects. Even if you have a skin problem like eczema or psoriasis, we recommend discussing it with your health professional first.
Results Take Time
It may take longer than you expect to see the results of your CoolSculpting procedure- close to four months, to be exact. The best case scenario is that it takes 3 to 4 weeks to see any progress, but this is rare.
There Is the Possibility for Operator Error
Another concerning downside associated with CoolSculpting is “operator error.” It refers to the surgeon making a mistake during the procedure, which negatively impacts the patient’s experience. Medical professionals use a fat-freezing device on the body, which increases the chances of error.
There Are Rare Adverse Reactions
CoolSculpting can lead to some frightening and common side effects. Your due diligence plays an important role when choosing a fat reduction procedure. Customer reviews for CoolSculpting emphasize that it can cause adverse reactions.
These occur when the treated area accumulates fat instead of getting rid of it. The only way to address this issue is to undergo surgery. The accumulated fat takes approximately five to six months to become visible.
Opting for CoolSculpting may lead to you needing surgical intervention to fix fat accumulation. Don’t forget that surgery poses several risks, along with the standard side effects of cryolipolysis. You may experience a reaction to the medication or anesthesia or face post-op recovery complications. Overall, it all may take a lot of time to recover, leading to rising medical costs.
The Treatment Can be Costly
On average, CoolSculpting costs around $3000 to $5000 per session. However, it may increase significantly for large treatment areas or when you want to treat multiple areas.
How Long Will Side Effects Last?
The side effects mentioned above, including swelling, bruising, and redness, occur immediately after CoolSculpting treatment. These may last for one to two days and sometimes for weeks. Although these are temporary side effects, they may cause serious health issues if they persist for extended periods.
It is essential to speak with your health professional if your experience severe side effects due to the CoolSculpting procedure for a longer time. Your doctor will prescribe proper precautions after assessing the side effects.
What is Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia and Why Does It Sometimes Happen After CoolSculpting?
You should also consider the possibility of Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia, or PAH, when opting for CoolSculpting. It is a rare side effect after Cryolipolysis that enlarges the treated area. It’s when your fat cells expand instead of shattering or breaking down after Cryolipolysis.
This rare side effect is more common in men than in women.
CoolSculpting technology freezes fat tissue, which crystallizes and disintegrates them as a result. This causes the particular area to slim down marginally. However, in some cases, fat cells in the treated regions start expanding after the procedure. They harden into abnormally-shaped lumps due to extreme cold.
If you develop PAH, the condition doesn’t subside with typical exercise and a diet. Patients need to undergo liposuction to remove it. However, opting for a fat removal treatment to counteract another's effects can further deteriorate the patient’s condition.
truSculpt iD Remains Your Best Option for Fat Removal & Sculpting
TruSculpt iD is the best treatment for improving laxity and removing fat. Unlike CoolSculpting, it treats your entire layer of fat and offers a minimum of 24 percent fat reduction. While being able to simultaneously enhancing skin tone and providing a unique placement versatility to treat the abdomen and other body areas.
This makes truSculpt iD the most effective option for both fat removal and body contouring.
Considering Fat Reduction in Miami, FL? Look no further!
If you’re looking to get rid of unsightly body fat and get in shape, you can choose between different options. Not sure which one is the best for you? Feel free to contact us for a consultation about different procedures and their pros and cons.