There are so many fad diets, dubious weight loss procedures, and cleanses available on social media that sometimes it is hard to believe there are services out there which will help you lose fat successfully. The truth is, the products, procedures, and diets that don’t work are targeted for people who have a hard time losing weight in the first place, not for people who might be close to their ideal body.
However, there are so many people out there who are at their ideal BMI who still have unwanted or stubborn fat. CoolSculpting is different. It is a relatively painless, noninvasive procedure that allows select candidates to remove fat that won’t go away with diet and exercise.
No two bodies are alike. As a philosophy, that’s sort of beautiful. However, when you’re working toward an idealized version of yourself, and you’ve done everything you can to get lean, a little extra under your arms or on your belly can be exasperating. CoolSculpting might be a good option for you if you find yourself in this position, but not everyone is the right candidate for the procedure.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a temperature-oriented fat removal procedure that bases its success on science. You may or may not know it, but the number and position of fat cells located in your body don’t vary much during your lifetime. That’s why you put weight on in specific areas and don’t put weight on in other areas. When you gain weight, your fat cells swell or grow bigger. This is part of what makes it harder to lose weight in the first place, and it is also what can make it hard to get rid of stubborn fat.
CoolSculpting targets stubborn fat through the use of cryolipolysis or the freezing of fat cells. After a few sessions, cryolipolysis freezes and kills fat cells in the treatment area. Then, in a few months, your body naturally processes them and leaves you with visibly smaller problem areas on your body.
How the Process Works
It’s good to understand the process before going in to have it completed, as it is different than many of the fat removal processes available on the market.
First, you meet with a CoolSculpting provider, like the physician assistants or nurse practitioners at Cosmetic Laser Centers, to ensure you meet all their requirements. If you do, you will consult with them about the problem areas you have on your body. CoolSculpting typically treats fat under the arms, on the abdomen, the “muffin top,” under the chin, inner thighs, and outer thighs. From there, a physician assistant or nurse practitioner will give you an estimate on how many sittings you will need to achieve the results you are looking for.
The procedure itself ranges in the amount of time according to the area(s) you are having treated. During the session, you may feel tugging and pulling. You might experience pinching and burning – however, because of the nature of the procedure, the cold numbs the treated area, and after the first few minutes, many patients don’t feel a thing. Your attention is not required during the session, so you are free to do whatever you need to – be that reading, answering emails, or playing a game on your phone. If you need a follow-up session, the office will work with your budget and schedule to set you up with your next appointment.
Requirements to Get CoolSculpting
The most important thing to remember about CoolSculpting is that it is not a weight loss procedure, like gastric bypass or gastric banding. Therefore, candidates need to be close to their ideal weight before they seek CoolSculpting. This is because, without lifestyle change, it is likely that you will regain the weight you lost as a result of CoolSculpting. Most CoolSculpting procedures reduce the fat in the targeted area by 20-25%. Therefore, it is unlikely you will see too much of a difference if you choose to get the procedure while still significantly over your BMI.
Additionally, you must meet the following requirements to be considered for a CoolSculpting procedure:
- It would be best if you had cleared CoolSculpting treatment with your medical provider to ensure you are healthy enough to receive treatment.
- You should not be undergoing treatment for cancer or have a compromised immune system.
- You need to be at least 18 years of age, and should not be over the age of 65.
- You should not have any cold sensitivities.
Why Planning Ahead Also Makes You a Good Candidate
If you meet all those physical goals, congratulations! You’re a physically-fit candidate for CoolSculpting. However, there are some other things to keep in mind when it comes to CoolSculpting – especially planning for the procedure ahead of time.
You will likely need to get more than one treatment to see lasting results, so part of being a suitable candidate is reading up about why it takes time and why you may need to get future treatments. Additionally, it will be critical for you to plan ahead and make sure you are prepared to seek additional treatments should you need them.
Why Get CoolSculpting at Cosmetic Laser Centers?
It can be intimidating to take the first step toward a cosmetic procedure like CoolSculpting. However, it can go a long way toward improving your mental health and self-esteem, which in turn contributes to your overall health. Having a CoolSculpting provider you can trust makes all the difference, and that is why you should turn to Cosmetic Laser Centers in Pittsburgh and Warrendale.
Dr. Terrance R. Krysinski, Sarah Abraham, MPA, PA, and Maria Brosovic, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C are friendly, knowledgeable medical professionals. Together, they make up the core provider team at Cosmetic Laser Centers. They are dedicated to providing comprehensive and empathetic care to all the patents in the Pittsburgh and Warrendale area – all three are dedicated not only to helping their patients look their best but to helping them feel comfortable in their skin.
Interested in finding out if you’re a candidate for CoolSculpting? Drop by one of our locations or give us a call. We can be reached at our Warrendale location at (724) 935-4200, and we can be reached at our Pittsburg location at (412) 788-1331.