CoolSculpting® is a revolutionary fat-reduction treatment that’s become increasingly popular among people looking for an effective non-invasive way to eliminate stubborn fat from their bodies. With CoolSculpting®, you can sculpt and slim your body with precision and ease, leaving you looking and feeling your best. If you’re considering CoolSculpting® for the first time, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the process. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure you have a great CoolSculpting® experience. In this beginner’s guide to CoolSculpting®, we’ll discuss some essential tips and advice to help you prepare for your appointment and get the most out of your treatment.
Consultation With a Qualified Professional
Before you decide to undergo a CoolSculpting® procedure, it’s important to consult with a qualified professional who can assess your body and determine if you are a suitable candidate. During your consultation, you should be prepared to discuss your goals and expectations, as well as any medical conditions that may affect your treatment. Your provider will also be able to answer any questions you may have about the procedure, such as the expected results, recovery time, and any inherent risks. We highly recommend looking for a provider who has extensive experience performing the procedure and can provide you with before and after photos of their work.
Know What to Expect
Before the procedure, the provider will assess the areas to be treated and mark them with a pen. These markings are made on the edge of where your fat bulges outward when squeezed. They will act as a guide to where the applicator will be placed. You will be asked to lay down on a treatment bed and will be given pillows and blankets to help you get comfortable. A cold, wet, disposable cloth covered in gel will be applied to the treatment area. Then, a suction applicator will be placed over it. This applicator will “squeeze” your fat, pulling it towards the handpiece with a vacuum-like force.
CoolSculpting® is a relatively painless procedure, but you may experience some temporary discomfort during the treatment. The area being treated will be numb and feel cold, and you may feel a tugging or pulling sensation as the device suctions the skin and fat into the applicator. You may also feel a tingling or stinging sensation as the fat cells freeze and die.
When the cycle is done, and the applicator is removed, the technician will massage the area. The massage is an important part of the CoolSculpting® process as it creates more cell death by forcing blood back into the area. This can feel slightly awkward and uncomfortable and may give a stinging sensation due to the temperature change. However, these sensations are completely normal and don’t last long.
Immediately after your CoolSculpting® treatment, you may feel swollen, tingly, numb, or itchy in the treatment area. However, this is a non-surgical treatment with no downtime, so most patients can immediately return to work and daily activities.
Prepare for the Procedure
In preparation for your CoolSculpting® procedure, make sure to inform your provider of any medications or supplements you are taking. Certain medications may increase your risk of complications or affect the results of your treatment. For example, blood thinners and anti-inflammatories can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising. Your provider will advise you on any medications you should stop taking before the procedure. We also recommend avoiding certain activities, such as drinking alcohol and smoking, for a few days before and after the procedure. These activities can interfere with the healing process and may cause complications.
It is also important to ensure that you are adequately hydrated and nourished before the procedure. Drink plenty of water and caffeine for the 24 hours prior to your treatment. We also advise eating a light meal or a snack. Food before the treatment will maintain your blood sugar, energy, and mood during the session. Feel free to keep a bottle of water near you during your treatment. It is important to stay hydrated to help your body remove toxins.
On the day of the procedure, make sure to wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move and adjust. Additionally, avoid wearing any tight-fitting clothing, jewelry, or makeup. We also recommend bringing a change of clothing as sometimes your clothes can get wet and sticky from the gel used during the procedure.
Be Realistic About Your Expectations
First and foremost, it’s important to be aware that CoolSculpting® is not a weight-loss procedure. While CoolSculpting® can effectively reduce fat in targeted areas, it is not intended to be a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. CoolSculpting® is best suited for individuals who are at or near their ideal weight but have stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.
It is also important to understand that CoolSculpting® results can vary from person to person, and the amount of fat reduction achieved may not be the same for everyone. Some people may notice results within a few weeks, while others may take a few months.
Finally, remember that CoolSculpting® is not a substitute for a surgical procedure. It will not give the same dramatic results as liposuction or a tummy tuck. The procedure can help contour the body and improve the appearance of certain areas, such as the stomach, thighs, and arms, but it will not significantly change your overall weight.
Follow Post-Treatment Instructions
Your provider will give you specific post-treatment instructions for caring for yourself after the procedure. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of complications.
Aftercare instructions may include avoiding strenuous activity and applying ice to the treated area to reduce swelling. You will be advised to refrain from heavy exercise or anything that will increase your temperature, like taking hot showers, swimming, and hot tubs for at least two weeks after your CoolSculpting® procedure. Avoiding massages or any sort of pressure or vibration on the treated area is also important. Your provider will show you how to massage the treatment area to get better results and reduce any tingling or pain sensations.
We also recommend drinking plenty of water to help flush out any fat cells released during the CoolSculpting® procedure. But avoiding Advil, alcohol, or other blood-thinning agents is important, as they can worsen bruising. Finally, to maintain the results of your CoolSculpting® treatment, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Book a Complimentary Consultation
Finding the best provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your CoolSculpting® journey. At Clinic 805, our CoolSculpting® clinician Etsuko has over nine years of experience in body contouring procedures and has completed an advanced CoolSculpting® Master Course in 2019. Etsuko gets outstanding patient results and is known for her exceptional care and gentle touch.
If you’re ready to begin your CoolSculpting journey®, Clinic 805 is here to help. Book a consultation with us today.
