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CoolSculpting®

No matter how much time and energy you commit to exercising or maintaining a healthy diet, there are certain regions of the body that are simply prone to excess fat accumulation. These natural “fat pockets” often prove difficult to tone with diet and exercise alone, prompting many men and women to seek out a more effective solution to achieve their desired physique. Our plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas are thrilled to offer Charleston patients treatment with CoolSculpting®, a dynamic method of non-surgical fat reduction that is designed to yield up to 30 percent of fat removal in a given area through advanced controlled-cooling technology. This widely popular treatment can allow men and women to gain a slimmer, leaner, and more contoured look in the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, flanks, and other exercise-resistant pockets of fat.

How Does CoolSculpting® Work?

CoolSculpting® is a powerful, FDA-approved non-surgical body contouring treatment that uses Cryolipolysis™ technology to deliver extremely cold temperatures to the subcutaneous fat under the skin. This can permanently destroy fat cells in the targeted regions, allowing fat to be removed by natural metabolic processes. Best of all, CoolSculpting® uses non-invasive techniques, giving patients the opportunity to minimize problem fat and sculpt the targeted areas without needles, anesthesia, or downtime. CoolSculpting® is often used to reduce fat in the following areas:

  • Abdomen
  • Thighs
  • Upper arms
  • Flanks
  • Upper back
  • “Bra roll”
  • Inner knees
  • Neck

Often considered an alternative to liposuction, CoolSculpting® can produce a 20 to 30 percent reduction in fat in just one session. If you are interested in achieving a more toned and sculpted aesthetic with this controlled-cooling treatment, our certified CoolSculpting® specialist can evaluate your concerns and develop a customized treatment plan around your unique needs.

Who is a Candidate for CoolSculpting®?

Like surgical liposuction, CoolSculpting® is most successful for patients who are already at or near their goal weight and who simply wish to achieve moderate fat reduction. That said, the best candidates for treatment aim to smooth bulges of isolated fat rather than achieve outright weight loss. In addition, potential CoolSculpting® candidates should have no uncontrolled medical conditions or experience with cold-related diseases. During your consultation, our experienced CoolSculpting® providers will review your medical history to help ensure this body sculpting treatment is the most ideal technique for your cosmetic goals.

What is Treatment with CoolSculpting® Like?

CoolSculpting® sessions are performed in-office at our Charleston practice and typically last approximately one hour. Before treatment, a clear gel pad is placed on the targeted area to provide a barrier between your skin and the handheld CoolSculpting® applicator. As cold temperatures are delivered to the fatty tissue, you may initially feel a tugging or sucking sensation. Many men and women who undergo CoolSculpting® describe the treatment as causing minimal discomfort, but it is not uncommon to feel pulling, tingling, or stinging before the region goes numb. For the remainder of treatment, patients can relax by watching movies, browsing the Internet, or even falling asleep. After your session is completed and the applicator is detached, your CoolSculpting® specialist will massage the area(s) to break up the fat cells. You may return to work, home, or your normal daily routine immediately after treatment.

When Will I See My CoolSculpting® Results?

After your CoolSculpting® treatment, the targeted fat will be naturally shed over the course of the next few months. You may notice improvement as quickly as three weeks after your session, but the most dramatic results are usually visible after two months. Fat cells will continue to be flushed out for the next four to six months. If you desire a large amount of fat reduction, or the contouring of multiple regions, multiple CoolSculpting® sessions may be required to achieve the best possible results.

How Long Do CoolSculpting® Results Last?

CoolSculpting® is designed to permanently destroy fat cells, therefore results can be very long-lasting provided that patients maintain a stable weight by living an active lifestyle. While fat cells in the treated area cannot “regrow,” any future weight gain may simply be redistributed to other parts of the body. Our CoolSculpting® professionals recommend preserving your body contours with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

How Much Does CoolSculpting® Cost?

Each of our CoolSculpting® patients are given a personalized cost estimate depending on the details of their treatment plan. While the price of CoolSculpting® is difficult to determine without evaluation of your unique needs, the following factors typically influence the overall expense:

  • The number of sessions in your treatment plan
  • The number of regions to be treated
  • The size of the targeted areas

At Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas, we accept plastic surgery financing through CareCredit®. This healthcare lending company can allow qualified patients to pay for their treatment in smaller installments, with many flexible arrangements including low- to no-interest rates. If you have any questions about the cost of CoolSculpting®, please contact our practice for more information.

Are There Any CoolSculpting® Risks?

As with any cosmetic procedure, CoolSculpting® does involve some chance of complication. Fortunately, the risk of adverse reactions is much lower with this non-invasive treatment when compared to surgical fat reduction, as the process does not require anesthesia or incisions. Serious complications with CoolSculpting® are extremely rare, but may include scarring, changes in skin sensation, frostbite, dizziness, or hyperpigmentation. The best way to ensure an optimal outcome with CoolSculpting® is to entrust a qualified and experienced CoolSculpting® provider with your body contouring treatment.

Who Should Perform CoolSculpting®?

There are many practices in the Charleston area that perform CoolSculpting®, but the experience and results offered by each CoolSculpting® provider vary widely. At Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas, our board-certified plastic surgeon-led practice maintains an unrivaled level of training and familiarity with the CoolSculpting® procedure. We uphold the strict standards of safety, ethics, and results that patients come to expect from plastic surgeons, and impart this knowledge directly to our team of qualified aesthetic professionals.

With any type of cosmetic procedure, it is critical to select a highly qualified and reputable medical professional to perform your treatment-of-interest. Before undergoing your CoolSculpting® treatment, the following tips may help you narrow down your choice of provider:

  • View before-and-after photos of real results achieved by the practice—not just the marketing photos provided by CoolSculpting®.
  • Research your CoolSculpting® provider’s training and qualifications regarding cosmetic treatments and/or aesthetic medicine.
  • Schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with a potential CoolSculpting® provider to ask any questions you may have about their training or the CoolSculpting® process.

Ready to schedule your CoolSculpting® session? To book an appointment, or to speak to a friendly member of our team, please contact Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas today.

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