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CoolSculpting®

• What Is CoolSculpting®?
• CoolSculpting® vs. Liposuction
• Benefits of CoolSculpting®
• Areas of the Body CoolSculpting® Can Treat
• How Does CoolSculpting® Work?
• CoolSculpting® Recovery and Results
• CoolSculpting® Cost

What Is CoolSculpting®?

CoolSculpting® is an innovative non-surgical, non-invasive fat reduction method that uses cold temperatures to destroy fat cells and slim areas of the body with stubborn fat. This liposuction alternative is most often used to target fat deposits that are seemingly resistant to dieting and increased exercise. FDA-approved CoolSculpting® does not require any incisions and allows Dr. Kevin Cook to eliminate excess fat cells without damaging the surrounding healthy tissues. Our patients at Midland Plastic Surgery Center have used CoolSculpting® to gently slim and tone areas of the body including the abdomen, back, and love handles with beautiful results.

CoolSculpting® vs. Liposuction

While both CoolSculpting® and liposuction are techniques used to remove unwanted fat cells and sculpt body contours, each approach is quite radically different. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that can break down and remove fat through a small incision (or incisions) in the skin. Since liposuction is a surgical procedure, there is some trauma to the tissues in the treated area(s) that requires downtime for recovery, and the procedure can be risky. CoolSculpting®, on the other hand, is a completely non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that requires little to no downtime, and patients return to their normal activities on the same day. Sessions last an hour or less and eventually result in an average fat loss of 23% in treated areas. Compared to CoolSculpting®, surgical liposuction can remove larger quantities of fat in a single procedure and immediately reduce. Furthermore, liposuction can be performed on almost any area of the body. Most patients choose to undergo a series of treatment sessions to achieve optimal results, but unlike liposuction, CoolSculpting® fat reduction occurs gradually over an 8-16 week period.

Benefits of CoolSculpting®

This treatment offers a variety of benefits, including:

• Removal of excess fat from the abdomen and surrounding areas
• No needles, incisions, or anesthesia required
• Little to no recovery time is typically necessary

Our plastic surgeon can custom-tailor each CoolSculpting® treatment to meet your personal desires and expectations. This body sculpting procedure is popular among both men and women and can be used to complement a masculine or feminine figure. To discover how Dr. Cook can use CoolSculpting® to help you achieve your individual aesthetic goals, please schedule a consultation today.

During the consultation process, Dr. Cook will analyze your medical history, perform a thorough physical exam, and determine whether CoolSculpting® is right for you. One-on-one conversations give Dr. Cook an opportunity to carefully listen to your individual goals and concerns. By committing a significant portion of the consultation process to patient education, he empowers you to make well-informed decisions about your body and your health. Once you are determined a good candidate for the procedure, Dr. Cook can design a treatment plan to deliver your desired results.

Areas of the Body CoolSculpting® Can Treat

CoolSculpting® candidates typically have a pinchable quantity of unwanted fat at one or more of the following areas:

• Abdomen
• Flanks (love handles)
• Mid-back
• Inner or outer thighs
• Inner knees
• Arms
• Beneath the chin (double chin)
• Anterior axillary fold (the front area of the armpit)
• Mons pubis (pubic region)

These areas of the body can all be treated with a custom-tailored plan that’s based upon the location and volume of excess fat, as well as the patient’s personal goals. Various applicators and handpieces can be used to accomplish debulking and precision sculpting in the areas listed above. Using one or more treatment sessions, Dr. Cook can reduce the thickness of the superficial fat layer in the targeted treatment area to create a smoother, leaner contour. Patients should keep in mind that CoolSculpting® cannot remove or tighten excess skin. For example, a patient with sagging skin in the abdominal region may be better suited for surgical abdominoplasty. Similarly, a patient with excess skin along the upper arms may require a Brachioplasty (arm lift) to achieve the desired results.

How Does CoolSculpting® Work?

CoolSculpting® eliminates fat using a special device that is applied to the surface of the skin, cooling excess fat cells at the target site. This technique is known as cryolipolysis, which causes an inflammatory response that breaks down excess fat cells without harming the surrounding tissues. These damaged cells are then gradually filtered out of the body during the natural metabolic process. The treatment itself typically takes about one hour to complete, depending on the size and number of treatment areas. Many patients choose to read a magazine or even take a light nap during the procedure.

CoolSculpting® Recovery and Results

For some patients, the skin in the treatment area may remain red for up to three hours after the procedure; however, most patients return to their daily activities very quickly. Many individuals can go back to work or exercise normally on the same day of the procedure. As the targeted fat cells shrink and go through the metabolic process, you should see the results of your treatment continue to improve over the course of two to four months.

The fat cells eliminated with the CoolSculpting® treatment will not regenerate, though your remaining fat cells still have the ability to store fat. A healthy diet and regular exercise are imperative to maintaining the results of the procedure.

CoolSculpting® Cost

Since CoolSculpting® treatment plans are customized to suit the specific needs and goals of each patient, the cost of the procedure can vary. There are many factors that can affect the final price of CoolSculpting®, including which area or areas of the body you want to be treated and the total number of treatment sessions required to achieve your goals. During the consultation process, Dr. Cook can provide you with an accurate quote for the full cost of your CoolSculpting® treatment. Some patients are interested in taking advantage of the plastic surgery financing options available through our practice, which can make the cost of treatment more budget-friendly for qualified applicants. Loan options can include low-cost payment plans with little to no additional interest. To learn more about financing your treatment, please contact our office.

Contact Us

For more information on how CoolSculpting® can help you achieve a slimmer figure, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cook in our Midland office, please contact us today.