Also called Cryolipolysis, CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved, non-invasive body contouring method that works by freezing away your fat cells to a point where they die and are naturally expelled by the body. Like MedicalNewsToday explains, you can expect to get rid of 20% to 25% of the fat deposits in the targeted area. And, although you’re likely to see results right after the procedure, the best results from your CoolSculpting treatment start to appear between 1 and 4 months later.
On your part, you can take certain steps to ensure that this fat-loss technique works as expected. Take a quick look at the do’s and don’ts you can follow before and after the session.
Do Choose a Certified Practitioner to Perform the Procedure
If you would like to sign up for this inch-loss option, carefully choose a certified and credentialed provider that can perform the CoolSculpting fat freezing treatment. Read up the reviews from patients that have taken the procedure from the plastic surgeon. If possible, you can also contact them to know about their satisfaction levels from the procedure. Check with friends and family members who have worked with the provider.
There are several online websites that provide authoritative information about particular surgeons and plastic surgeons that you can explore. And, if the doctor has earned awards, you’ll know that you can safely sign up with the center, and get the best results from your CoolSculpting treatment.
Do Confirm that You’re a Good Candidate
When discussing the procedure with the provider, you’ll receive recommendations about the precautions to follow. The practitioner will also assess you as a good candidate before signing you up. For instance, to get the best results from your CoolSculpting treatment, you should have attained a healthy BMI with only a few pockets of fat. In case you need more extensive fat loss, the provider may recommend options like liposuction or any other surgical methods that can get the results you’re looking for.
Do Sign Up for a Specific Area at a Time
You can get the Cryolipolysis treatment for areas such as the abdomen, thighs, back, buttocks and below the buttocks, flanks, under the armpit, under the chin or turkey wattle, and sagging skin below the upper arms. Each session takes around one hour and once the fat cells have been destroyed, the body needs time to recover and metabolize them. For this reason, you may want to target a specific area per session and let the procedure start to take effect before moving on to the next.
Do Follow the Post-Procedure Recommendations
Like this feature on RealSelf advises, to get the best results from your CoolSculpting treatment, it is essential that you get massages on the treated area for at least 5 to 10 minutes. The massages can help your body get rid of the fat cells faster. Talk to the doctor about the best compression belt or band that you can wear around the freshly-treated area. These bands can help the body accept the new contoured shape more readily. For the next couple of days after the procedure, you must drink lots of water to assist your lymphatic system in flushing out the dead fat cells. You may also want to restrict activity for a few days and get lots of rest to allow your body to recover from the session.
Don’t Give Up Your Healthy Diet and Exercise Regimen
Even after getting the Cryolipolysis, it is essential to continue with a healthy diet plan that includes lots of whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods and any food items that may contain preservatives and chemicals. To maintain the best results from your CoolSculpting treatment, make sure to exercise regularly after getting the go-ahead from the treatment provider. Like, for instance, you may need to include cardio, strength training, stretching, and flexibility-promoting moves.
While the freezing treatment does kill the fat cells, keep in mind that the remaining fat cells can absorb triglycerides and expand. As a result, you could gain back the inches you lost. Further, there is always the possibility of gaining inches in the areas that have not received the CoolSculpting treatment.
Don’t Miss Your Follow-Up Checkups and Sessions
Your practitioner may ask you to come in for checkups at fixed intervals after the initial session to assess your progress. If needed, you may be asked to come in for follow-up sessions four to six weeks apart so your body has enough time to recover between sessions. Depending on the inch-loss you’re aiming for, you may want to come in to get the procedure for different areas of your body. Talk to your provider for a customized treatment plan and follow it to gain the perfect contours you want.
Do Be Prepared for the Minor Side Effects
Even as you look forward to the best results from your CoolSculpting treatment, it is best that you prepare for the minor side effects as listed by HealthLine. These effects can occur at 3 days after the session and last up to 10 to 12 days. The severe cold that your tissues undergo results in stinging sensations along with pain and soreness. You may also see redness, bruising, swelling, and some amount of sensitivity in the treated area. All of these effects are likely to settle within a few days.
CoolSculpting or Cryolipolysis can help you by providing an incentive for adopting a healthier lifestyle. But, it is best that you don’t rely on the treatment for achieving major weight loss. For that, you need to eat a nutritious diet and exercise regularly.