Does CoolSculpting Hurt?

Does CoolSculpting Hurt? When reading up about Coolsculpting—the hottest new procedure in the cosmetic world—a patient may wonder, “Does CoolSculpting Hurt?” Well, the answer may surprise you for the better.

by Bharat Kothakota, MD MPH

Does CoolSculpting Hurt?

Does CoolSculpting Hurt? When reading up about Coolsculpting-the hottest new procedure in the cosmetic world-a patient may wonder, "Does CoolSculpting Hurt?" Well, the answer may surprise you for the better.

No, CoolSculptng does NOT hurt.

The question is simple enough to answer, and depending on the type of person you are, you'll trust us at Self Care LA right away, or you may want answers. Well, luckily, we can delve deep into the process and figure out if CoolSculpting is right for you and why it is a much safer alternative to many of the procedures of the past.

CoolSculpting Defined

Just for peace of mind (and for the readers unfamiliar to the process) CoolSculpting should be presented in all its innovative glory.

While the celebrities and heavies of the Hollywood Hills may swear by it, many people may think CoolSculpting is just some fad that is out of reach for them; this is quite untrue. While your favorite action star or reality show host may get treatments, CoolSculpting is becoming more and more accessible to those who want and need it.

A safer alternative to Liposuction and other cosmetic procedures that ask patients to go under the knife with some form of anesthesia, CoolSculpting (Cryolipolysis) is a fat-reduction treatment that uses cooler to cold temperatures for freezing unwanted layers of fat in many areas of the body.

Wait…Cool Temperatures?

Yes, you read that right. Research has shown that by applying cooler temperatures on areas of fat that have become bothersome, a patient might be able to lose up to 20-25% of extra fat on the area.

Like the name suggests, CoolSculpting uses "cool" temperatures to "sculpt" or contour a person's body to the shape or status that they deem ideal. A patient's trained and expert CoolSculpting technician will begin by asking the person to get comfortable in what looks similar to a dentists' chair, as the standard CoolSculpting treatment lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. Using a highly advanced applicator (resembling a vacuum) and a gel pad, a technician will attach the equipment to the requested area of a patient.

Here is where the only bit of slight discomfort may occur, as a little bit of tenderness and numbness can occur, but this feeling should subside in a few minutes.

The combined efforts of the applicator's vacuum to draw in the fatty tissue and use of cool temperatures freezing the fat cells. Once, frozen, the fat cells will wither away and die, never to return, although if your body isn't taken care of, new fat cells could possible come and take the deceased's place.

After the treatment has been completed, your technician will massage your skin so that the affected area will be able to regain a little bit of feeling and for your skin to begin to contour and the results that you so desperately want to see will eventually be revealed.

Should I Get CoolSculpting?

While CoolSculpting has been proven to ward results ranging anywhere between a few weeks to a few months, the non-invasive procedure is not for everyone. That's not to say that everyone can't get CoolSculpting-it is just that the procedure was designed for those who are close to or nearing their ideal body and fitness goals, needing that little extra push to achieve the body that they perceive is theirs in their mind.

Also, while CoolSculpting is as low-risk of a procedure as possible, your physician should be notified if you have any condition sensitivity to the cold or anything involved with the procedure. Some of the conditions include:

• Skin conditions like Dermatitis (skin inflammation) or Cold Urticaria (allergic reaction to the cold)
• A Hernia (a bulging of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening)
• Raynaud's Disease (excessively reduced blood flow in response to the cold)

For a full list of conditions that may affect your treatment, some technical terms to get your started, and possible side-effects, consult here.

Where Should I get CoolSculpting?

Because every person has a different body-type or genetic make-up, it is imperative that you consult with your physician before receiving treatment, especially if you're unsure as to where to get CoolSculpting done.

While we may live in a world where the "Dad bod" is still trending, the area that is most popularly requested among CoolSculpting physicians is the stomach, for obvious reasons. The stomach is where the majority of fat cells wander to and even those who are physically fit may have an extra little pouch of fat. We at Self Care LA understand what an eyesore it can be and how frustrating that may seem, especially if you've been working your lower abdominal muscles like an Olympian. CoolSculpting will be that helping hand to combat the fat, and hopefully the extra push over the hump.

Other pesky areas of the body to have CoolSculpting done on include:

• The Love Handles (oblique muscles)
• Thighs
• Lower Back ("Muffin Top")
• Arms
• Neck and Chin

Seeing Results

As previously mentioned, results tend to vary from patient to patient; some patients see results in a few weeks, while some see results after a month or two. Self Care encourages all patients to continue to strive for the body that they want and what they've been working hard for. You will see the results you desire if you keep a good mentality, clean lifestyle, and keep up with your diet and exercise-it's as simple as that. Here are some great tips to help your results:

• Positive attitude at the gym, work, and throughout your average day. Negative activity leads to stress.
• Drink enough water throughout the day; most people, believe it or not, tend to be a little dehydrated and drink more soda or flavored (sugary) beverages than water.
• Get enough sleep! 8-10 hours of sleep per night will help a person stay alert and focused throughout the day. What was it, something about "Early to bed, early to rise…"?
• Keep running and pumping that iron! Exercise, whether it's lifting weights, swimming, running, or a sport, keeps you active and in turn, will give you that healthy body you so desire.
• To keep the cosmetic aspect of your heath in check, a clean diet, high in protein and low in saturated fats and sugars will keep you looking fit as a fiddle. Tip: when you have a protein for your meal (chicken, tofu, steak, etc) be sure to have the same portion of fruits, vegetables, or grains with it. (The rule is two fists full)

If there's any confusion, let's see if we can answer a few pressing questions:

Q: So, I have to just…sit there?

A: Not at all! Doctors at Self Care LA recommend that patients bring their sleeping mask, paper and pen, current read, or phone/tablet so that they may entertain themselves for the hour or so that the treatment lasts.

Q: If I'm obese, should I not get CoolSculpting?

A: Probably not. While it wouldn't hurt to have the treatment done, it would be harder for you to see results than a patient who is closer to their body goals.

Q: It's possible that I won't see results for twelve weeks?

A: This is possible, but usually results tend to show based on a person's body type. CoolSculpting helps you in your pursuit of the body of your dreams, but it is what you do in the downtime between sessions that helps rush the results to fruition.

CoolSculpting at Self Care LA

Now that you know that CoolSculpting does not hurt and in fact is as low-risk of a procedure as it gets, it is time to stop wondering what could be and start revamping your life with a consultation at Self Care LA. Our doctors and technicians are highly trained professionals that care about their patients' well-being and body goals. Get started today and see what the future holds, with CoolSculpting!