Last updated September, 2019
Coolsculpting is an effective cosmetic dermatology procedure to help smooth the skin for a tighter, toned look. You might have unwanted bulges along the tummy or thighs that you have worked hard at trying to tone up at the gym but haven’t had much luck, and that’s where a treatment like this comes in. It can easily smooth your skin and give you the look you want without going under the knife. However, like all good things there are some side effects that can take place after a Coolsculpting treatment so it’s always a good idea to learn about all treatments before trying any first.
What is Coolsculpting?
Coolsculpting is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that freezes away fat cells to help give a smooth, toned appearance, especially around trouble areas along the stomach, waist and buttock area. An applicator will be placed on the area of concern and will suck the skin almost like a vacuum while actively cooling the area. The treatment can last around an hour and most patients are able to just sit back and relax while enduring it.
The Pros of Coolsculpting Treatments
There are many excellent reasons why a person might choose Coolsculpting over any other cosmetic procedure that claims to offer the same results. Here are a few of the most common benefits:
- The procedure can be done in a dermatologist office: Instead of having to go to the hospital, you can easily have this procedure done in the comfort of your doctor’s office during your lunch break.
- There is no pain: While you might feel a sucking sensation during the treatment along with feeling cold in the area of concentration, the overall treatment does not hurt.
- There is no downtime: You can get this procedure done and go right back to work the same day. You don’t have to worry about taking it easy or about changing any bandages.
- The results are impressive: You’ll be able to see results within a few treatments and they will last as long as you continue with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
The Cons of Coolsculpting Treatments
While this type of treatment can be an excellent choice for many who want to look and feel their best without undergoing surgery, there are things to consider beforehand. This is not a treatment that will help anyone who is severely overweight. This treatment is for people who need help with unwanted bulges in problem areas that they have not been able to get rid of on their own with diet and exercise.
Common Side Effects
There are also some side effects to consider before you undergo any Coolsculpting treatments. Below are a few of the common side effects some people have endured after their treatment:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Reduced sensation in targeted area
While these side effects can be bothersome, they are temporary and won’t stop you from going about your day-to-day routine. This type of treatment does not harm the skin cells or the muscle tissues since it does not cut into the area, just merely massages and freezes the unwanted fat cells.
Extreme Side Effects
The common side effects are the ones that most people endure after their Coolsculpting procedure, but there are certain occasions where others have experienced more severe problems such as the following:
- Extreme pain around the area
- Severe numbing on the skin
- Bloated along the area of contact
How Long Will Side Effects Last?
The common side effects of redness, bruising and swelling can occur right after the treatment and last for a day or a couple of weeks. Usually these side effects are not permanent and don’t last long, but if you find that you’re experiencing these problems for a longer period of time, it’s best to speak with your doctor. The more severe side effects can last only a few days but they can be also last for much longer and should be checked out by a doctor if the problem still persists in a few days after the initial treatment.
Your doctor will go over all the side effects that can be endured after Coolsculpting and will go over all the proper precautions so that you will get the best results without any aggravated extreme side effects.
The Importance of a Good Consultation
Like with any procedure, you should always get a proper consultation with a trained professional to learn more about the treatment, how it works, what the results are and what side effects can be endured. A proper consultation will allow you to speak with a doctor but also get a quick evaluation to help determine how many sessions you will need and how well the procedure will work on your given skin type and muscle mass. Be sure to work with a dermatologist who works primarily with cosmetic treatments such as Coolsculpting so that you get the best results possible. You want someone who is used to using treatments like this and who will be able to answer all of your questions before and after the procedure.
Author: Dr. Flor A. Mayoral
