Cryolipolysis, also known as “freezing” fat cells, is at the heart of the fat-reduction technique known as “CoolSculpting,” which has received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition to that, it is occasionally utilized in the treatment of lipomas. The procedure is considered noninvasive, which indicates that there is no need for surgery to be performed.
However, this does not mean CoolSculpting is devoid of potential adverse effects. Although this intention does not cause ongoing pain and discomfort, these are some possible outcomes. The “cooling” effects of the procedure are the source of most of the discomfort. Discomfort may come and go as your body adjusts to the fat cell removal procedure.
Continue reading to learn more about these potential health risks, which you should discuss with a provider before beginning this process.
What Is CoolSculpting And How It Works
The CoolSculpting brand name refers to a fat-freezing procedure that freezes fat cells in targeted areas of the body to eliminate fat resistance to other weight loss methods.
After observing what takes place in fat when it is exposed to extremely low temperatures, researchers hit upon the concept of cryolipolysis. Skin can become frozen at lower temperatures than fat can. Your fat is frozen to a temperature at which the cryolipolysis device can destroy it. Still, your skin and other tissues are not affected in any way by the procedure.
Cryolipolysis is not the same as surgery, and it does not involve using needles either. Your provider will place a device on the body part that your provider intends to treat between two paddles to treat it. Your doctor will leave the paddles in place for approximately 35 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes because of how quickly they cool down. During that time, the process eliminates about 20–25 percent of the fat cells in the region that is being targeted.
Its full effects won’t become apparent for a few months, but you should start to notice some changes in just a few weeks. Throughout this period, your immune system will gradually eliminate the dead fat cells.
What Body Fat CoolSculpting Targets
Subcutaneous fat and visceral fat are the two categories of fat that are found in the human body. CoolSculpting can only target one of them.
The bulk of your total body fat is made up of subcutaneous fat. It exists in a layer beneath the skin and can be found on your arms, legs, and waist. Although subcutaneous fat is necessary for the human body, having too much of it can increase your danger of developing health problems such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. CoolSculpting is used to remove subcutaneous fat.
Visceral fat, on the other hand, wraps your major organs, such as the stomach, the intestines, and the liver. It is also possible for it to accumulate in the arteries. Visceral fat is essential for the healthy operation of your vital organs; however, having high visceral fat can contribute to insulin resistance, raise blood pressure, and increase the risk that you will experience serious health complications. CoolSculpting cannot address visceral fat.
Is CoolSculpting Safe?
The FDA has approved the use of cryolipolysis procedures such as Coolsculpting.
Cryolipolysis has been the subject of several studies, all of which have come to the same conclusion: it is a practical, risk-free substitute for procedures like liposuction, and it has few adverse effects.
However, because these treatments are relatively recent additions to the industry, studies are scarce regarding their long-term effects.
Health Risks And Side Effects Of CoolSculpting
Even though the CoolSculpting procedure is relatively safe, you still risk experiencing some side effects after your treatment. The following are some of the more familiar adverse effects associated with CoolSculpting:
Stings, Aches, And Pains
After completing your CoolSculpting procedure, you might feel some discomfort in the treatment area, such as stinging or aching. It is normal, and this could result from the extremely low temperatures used in the treatment.
A study that was conducted in 2015 looked at the findings of people who had collectively undergone 554 cryolipolysis processes over one year. According to the review results, any post-treatment stings, aches, and pains typically lasted between three and eleven days before disappearing on their own.
Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia
Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is a side effect of CoolSculpting that occurs rarely but can have serious consequences. In this stage, fat cells in the treatment area actually expand rather than shrink.
It has been found that male patients are more likely to experience paradoxical adipose hyperplasia due to cryolipolysis. However, the condition’s root cause is still a mystery.
Corrective liposuction or another type of surgery may be necessary to get rid of the enlarged fat cells caused by paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. However, this side effect is more of a cosmetic concern than a physically hazardous one.
Irritation
Your skin may become irritated if it is subjected to cold temperatures during the Coolsculpting procedure. This results in momentary swelling as well as bruising, and it makes the skin more sensitive. In most cases, the symptoms fade within a few weeks.
Who Should Avoid CoolSculpting?
Most people are good candidates for the CoolSculpting fat-reduction treatment because it is safe and effective. However, some people ought not to be subjected to this treatment. Patients who suffer from cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria are strongly discouraged from undergoing the CoolSculpting procedure.
Individuals suffering from these conditions risk experiencing severe complications after undergoing CoolSculpting.
Before making an appointment with a plastic or cosmetic surgeon to have the procedure done, you must discuss the matter with your doctor, regardless of whether or not you suffer from any of the preexisting conditions listed above.
In addition, it is essential to remember that CoolSculpting is not a treatment for excessive weight or obesity. Instead, it can help alleviate small quantities of excess fat that are difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise alone.
Takeaway
If you are a suitable candidate for it, CoolSculpting has some advantages over other procedures for the removal of fat that you can use. The process does not involve incisions, so there will be no scarring after treatment. In addition, there is no required time for rest or recovery.
So if you are interested in CoolSculpting, don’t hesitate to contact and reach out to our clinic, TEN Salon and Spa. We also offer other salon and med spa services that help address other wellness concerns.
