CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is is a body contouring treatment that freezes fat cells at -5 to -10 degrees Celsius, causing them to die and be eliminated naturally by the body.

This method is known as a non-surgical fat reduction treatment because it does not damage the skin or surrounding tissues while applying cold energy directly to the fat layers under the skin.

This treatment is not used for general weight loss, but to reduce stubborn fat deposits in specific areas. Research on the effectiveness and safety of cold lipolysis suggests that the procedure may be effective for certain individuals, but this treatment is not suitable for everyone.

How was CoolSculpting Invented?

The basis of cold lipolysis (known commercially as “CoolSculpting“) dates back to some observations made in the 1970s. During this period, Drs. R. Rox Anderson and John Parrish studied a phenomenon called “popsicle panniculitis”. This is when children experience inflammation and reduction of fatty tissue in their cheeks after eating ice cream.

Anderson and Parrish realized that cold selectively affects fat tissue and can kill fat cells without damaging other surrounding tissues. This observation led to the idea that cold, when applied in a controlled manner, could selectively target fat cells and kill them without harming other tissues, which formed the basis of cold lipolysis treatment.

Thus, as a result of these observations and research, CoolSculpting, a non-invasive fat reduction method, was developed and commercially available.

How is CoolSculpting Procedure Applied?

Since CoolSculpting is based on the principle of freezing fat cells at a certain temperature level, the skin is protected from side effects such as cold bites and cold burns through the membrane with antifreeze properties. CoolSculpting, which works based on the principle of vacuuming, deforms the fat cells that it cools to -10 degrees by heating them to +10 degrees with a shock effect. Approximately 2 weeks after the 1-hour procedure, fat cells are excreted from the body through metabolic pathways (urine or sweat).

CoolSculpting Procedure

• Preparation: The area to be treated is cleaned. In some cases, a gel pad or protective barrier is placed on the skin.
• Placement of the device: The CoolSculpting device is placed on the area to be treated. This device usually contains two panels, which pull the skin tightly with a vacuum. This pulls the fat layer towards the device while compressing it between the cooling panels.
• Cooling: When the device is activated, cold energy is applied to the skin for a set period of time. During this time, fat cells are frozen in a controlled manner. During this phase, patients may often initially feel coldness, tingling, a slight feeling of compression or discomfort, but this usually subsides within a few minutes.
• Massage: Once the cooling process is complete, the device is removed and the treated area is massaged for several minutes. This can help break down the fat cells, making the results more effective.
• Aftermath: There may be mild redness, swelling, bruising or tenderness after the procedure. However, these side effects are usually temporary. Patients can usually return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

When Are The Results of CoolSculpting Visible?

Results may start to be noticeable within a few weeks, but it can often take several months to see full results. The procedure can usually reduce fat cells in a given area by about 20-25%.

Which Areas CoolSculpting Be Applied?

The areas where CoolSculpting is frequently applied, which provides the opportunity to intervene from the largest areas to the smallest areas thanks to its three different heads;

• Abdomen: Fat accumulations in the abdominal area can be problematic for many people and cold lipolysis is frequently applied to this area.
• Flanks (sides): Fat accumulations in these areas, also called “love handles”, can be treated with cold lipolysis.
• Lower back: CoolSculpting can also be used for fat deposits around the waist.
• Upper arms: Some people experience discomfort due to fat deposits in their upper arms and CoolSculpting can be applied to this area.
• Lower leg (below the knee): It can also be a treatment option for fat deposits in this part of the legs.
• Inner and outer legs: Fat deposits on the inside and outside of the legs can be reduced with CoolSculpting .
• Under the chin (double chin): CoolSculpting can also be used for stubborn fat deposits under the chin on the face.
• Bra line: CoolSculpting may also be an option for fat deposits on the upper back, around the bra line.

These are common areas where CoolSculpting is commonly performed, but the treatment can also be applied to other areas depending on individual needs and goals.

What are the Potential Side Effects of CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is generally considered a safe method, but it can cause side effects in some individuals. These side effects are usually temporary and short-lived and may disappear within a few days or weeks after treatment.

Here are some potential side effects of CoolSculpting:

• Redness, swelling and bruising: Redness, swelling and bruising may occur in the treated area. These effects usually disappear within a few hours to a few days.
• Tingling, numbness or tenderness: During or after cold lipolysis, you may feel tingling, numbness or tenderness in the treated area. This is usually temporary and may disappear within a few days to a few weeks.
• Soreness or pain: Some people may feel mild pain or soreness after treatment.
• Skin stiffness or texture changes: Rarely, skin firmness or texture changes may occur in the treated area.
• Increased fat cells (paradoxical adipose hyperplasia): In very rare cases, there are reports of increased fat cells after cold lipolysis treatment. This may result in an unexpected increase of adipose tissue in the treated area.
• Skin frostbite: Skin frostbite can occur as a result of over-cooling of the skin surface during treatment. This can occur if the appropriate device settings are not used or if the protective gel pad is not properly placed.
• Infection: Although rare, infection of the treated area may occur.

Most of these side effects are temporary and may disappear on their own. However, it is important to contact a health professional if you experience any complications or prolonged discomfort.

Who is CoolSculpting Not Suitable for?

People with severe liver and kidney disease, umbilical hernia, cold urticaria, cancer and AIDS disease, uncontrolled diabetes, low blood protein disease, skin diseases such as psoriasis, cardiovascular disease are not suitable candidates for CoolSculpting. In addition, pregnancy and breastfeeding periods and the presence of a pacemaker are also obstacles for CoolSculpting.

Are the Effects of CoolSculpting Permanent?

In order for the application to give the most successful results, it is necessary to support the treatment with plenty of water consumption, proper and healthy nutrition and appropriate exercises that are not too strenuous. In this way, it will be possible to achieve a more permanent result by increasing the success rate of CoolSculpting. The most suitable exercises to support CoolSculpting are walking and cycling.