When we start a new diet, we wish to keep up the results for as long as possible. But according to Gary Foster, Ph.D., and Clinical Director of the Weight and Eating Disorders Program at the University of Pennsylvania, nearly 65% of dieters regain all the pounds they’ve lost within 3 years. The new spot fat reduction method could be the answer to this problem. It can make you feel hotter with just a little help from some cold.
We want to give you a brief presentation of a fat freezing procedure that promises safe, fast, long-lasting fat burning results.
What is fat freezing?
Fat freezing or cool sculpting is a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. It’s an innovative cosmetology treatment that can contour your body by freezing fat cells for a period of time in order to decrease the amount of them that develop.
It helps you to reduce fat which is not the same thing as losing weight. It’s all about fat cells which our bodies finish producing during our teenage years. This fixed number of cells doesn’t change by dieting and working out. Losing weight just means that these cells become smaller. Once the weight is regained, they get bigger.
After a cool sculpting procedure, fat cells are eliminated for good so that they won’t migrate to another part of your body. This treatment may not change your weight, but it will definitely change the way you look.
How was it discovered?
The medical term for killing fat cells by using cold temperatures is referred to as cryolipolysis. It was discovered by scientists Dieter Manstein, MD and R. Rox Anderson, MD, who noticed that some children who loved eating popsicles got fat degradation in their cheeks. They realized that these ice pops were freezing and eliminating fat cells in this area.
That’s how the idea that cold could target fat cells emerged and was later developed to be a popular body sculpting procedure to help people look slimmer without dieting, working out, or damaging the skin.
How does it work?
During cool sculpting procedures, patients rest in a chair for up to two hours. The treatment requires the use of rounded paddles that suction a problematic area on the skin like a vacuum. These cooling panels gently target and crystallize fat cells underneath the skin. During the process, the skin temperature is monitored by doctors to make sure that it’s not harmful to your body.
Once treated, fat cells are frozen by a controlled cooling machine and die. Over time, they leave the body through a natural elimination process. They are gone forever, which is why you can enjoy the sculpted look for a longer time.
Users can experience mild discomfort during the process, Only a few people reported any strong pain at the beginning. In fact, most people feel quite relaxed and even take naps or enjoy a movie while the machine does all the work.
What body parts does cool sculpting target?
Fat freezing is approved for a limited number of body parts. Here are some of the most common problem areas that can be effectively treated:
- Double chin
- Bra fat
- Back fat
- Abdomen
- Flank of sides
- Hips
- Fat underneath the buttocks
- Inner and outer thighs
Who is it for?
Coolsculpting isn’t for everyone. The treatment is designed for those who are looking for mild improvement and want to lose stubborn fat that won’t go away with exercise or diet. There are many factors that need to be considered by a doctor before the procedure like the age of a patient and their skin quality. Is the skin elastic enough? Will it look good after the fat is removed? Moreover, if someone has thick tissue, it will be difficult to achieve good results.
The most important question doctors ask is if it’s good for your health. Before trying a treatment you need to consult a doctor. There are several medical conditions that can make the procedure a risky one.
How soon will you see results?
The results can vary from person to person. It can take anywhere from several weeks to 3 months to see an improvement.
The results aren’t always predictable. Different parts of your body may not react the same way to the treatment. Sometimes patients can face mild asymmetry. In this case, you can consider having additional procedures to solve a problem. The discussions about further treatments can take place once your final results are revealed.
Usually, after 90 days of a single fat freezing session, patients can see a 20% — 25% reduction of fat in the treated body part. In most cases, one procedure is enough to gain the best possible results.
Is it safe?
As it has been performed thousands of times, cryolipolysis has been proven to be safe. It is a noninvasive procedure — that’s why the risks are very low. This cosmetology treatment has its obvious advantages compared to other fat reduction techniques.
- No surgery
- No anesthesia
- No invasive techniques
- No recovery time
Surely, there is no procedure that comes completely without risk. Some people can experience side effects shortly after treatment like:
- Mild soreness
- Temporary numbness
Scientists have conducted studies proving that side effects appear but on very rare occasion. They reported cryolipolysis to be a safe and effective procedure.
