Coolsculpting® – New joy in your own reflection
Some annoying fat deposits remain stubborn and difficult to combat, even with the help of exercise and a healthy diet. These body fat cells are no longer melted, but frozen away – mainly in aesthetic medicine practices. Coolsculpting® is the name of the cooling machine that makes it possible to remove unwanted fatty tissue through the targeted application of cold. Unlike conventional liposuction, the new type of cryolipolysis is a non-invasive treatment that does not require a scalpel, pump or scars. The method, developed in the United States by scientists at Harvard University, offers the possibility of fighting localized excess fat on the stomach, arms or hips without surgery. The procedure makes use of the high sensitivity of the body’s own fat cells. Compared to the surrounding tissue, they are particularly sensitive to cold. Targeted cold stimuli cause the cells to crystallize, resulting in the rupture of the cell membrane and their subsequent death. The destroyed cells are absorbed by the immune system and then metabolized by the liver. Other tissue forms such as muscles, organs or vessels are generally unaffected by the treatment.
How does the Coolsculpting® treatment work?
Before the treatment, the areas are cleaned and protected with a special gel cloth. The various attachments of the Coolscuplting® device have been specially developed for excess fat that protrudes from the body – a small tummy, fat pads on the thighs or buttocks, and even an annoying double chin can be treated. The attachments can be individually adjusted to the areas to be treated and create a vacuum there – the fat in the attachment is therefore the treatment area. Using sensors, the device constantly cools the skin down to plus four degrees Celsius, which means the death of the cells, but at the same time does not cause cold burns. The area to be treated also determines the duration of the treatment: the cooling modules run on the body for between 35 minutes and an hour. In the final treatment step, the iced and hardened skin is massaged to promote the successful breakdown of the destroyed fat cells.
What are the advantages of Coolsculpting® compared to conventional liposuction?
Unwanted fat deposits can be removed with Coolsculpting® almost in your lunch break thanks to the short treatment time. The non-invasive method does not require anesthesia, the patient remains fit to drive, work and could even make a phone call, sleep or read a book during the treatment. Pain is unlikely during and after the treatment. Slight pulling, tugging and pinching on the skin result from the vacuum process of the Coolsculpting® device, but these quickly subside. After the cold effect on the body can still be clearly felt at the beginning, a feeling of numbness occurs around ten minutes later and makes the skin less sensitive to temperature.
When will the results be visible?
The individual metabolism is decisive for the visibility of the results – fat cells can be broken down more slowly or more quickly by the body. The first changes become visible around four to six weeks after the treatment, and the patient can usually expect the final result three months later. Once the fat cells have been destroyed, they are gone forever – the result in the treated areas is therefore permanent. However, the patient’s awareness of their own body should not diminish afterwards and their weight should be maintained. The fat cells are only iced locally, the remaining cells can still store excess fat and form new problem areas. Coolsculpting® advertises a patient satisfaction rate of 95 percent. The gradual breakdown of fat cells produces a natural result. The treated area appears slim and firm, the body fat has been evenly broken down by the body.
Is the procedure suitable for every problem area?
It must be said at the outset that Coolsculpting® is not intended for general weight reduction. The procedure is aimed at people who are struggling with visible localized fat deposits despite exercise and diet. Large areas of fat deposits cannot always be treated with Coolsculpting®; instead, the method is used to tighten and reduce the size of the tissue. The affected areas can be analyzed during a professional consultation to discuss whether cryolipolysis is an option for reducing fatty tissue. At our clinic, the Coolsculpting® treatment can be tailored to your personal wishes in order to create an individual plan for your body, goals and budget. Find out more about cryolipolysis here.
