Coolsculpting in King of Prussia & Exton PA
Written by Dr. Anshul Gambhir
Allergan Top 10 Locations 2023
CoolSculpting offers a cutting-edge solution for those stubborn areas of fat that resist traditional diet and exercise.
CoolSculpting: Noninvasive Fat Reduction
Dr. Gambhir says, “CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis, a process where controlled cooling at around ~12°F causes apoptosis in subcutaneous fat cells. The body then will naturally metabolize and eliminate these fat cells over several weeks, resulting in gradual, non-invasive fat reduction in targeted areas.”
How CoolSculpting Works
- Many of us have stubborn fat despite diet and exercise.
- CoolSculpting® effectively targets fat cells underneath the skin without damage to the skin or surrounding tissues. Treated fat cells are frozen and then die.
- The body naturally processes and eliminates these dead fat cells in the following weeks.
CoolSculpting Procedure Overview
The CoolSculpting procedure is a non-invasive and FDA-approved method for eliminating stubborn fat pockets. The process begins with a detailed consultation, during which our skilled technicians customize a treatment plan tailored to your specific body contouring goals. During the treatment, a controlled cooling applicator is applied to the targeted areas, freezing and destroying fat cells beneath the skin without harming surrounding tissues. The duration of each session varies based on the treated area, typically lasting between 35 to 60 minutes.
Recovery After CoolSculpting
Following a CoolSculpting session in King of Prussia, there is no downtime, allowing you to resume your regular activities immediately. While some patients may experience temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the treatment site, these effects are generally mild and short-lived. Results are not immediate, with noticeable improvements appearing gradually over the next few weeks and months as the body naturally eliminates frozen fat cells. Multiple sessions may be recommended for optimal results, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to sustaining long-term benefits.
CoolSculpting
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Consultation to Receive CoolSculpting?
Yes, we must first take a thorough medical history and ensure you are a candidate at your consultation. We look for pinch-able fat that can be suctioned into the area.
How Long Is the CoolSculpting Procedure?
For most treatment areas, the applicator itself takes roughly 60 minutes for treatment. However, we leave extra time at the beginning to take pictures, find a comfortable position, and apply the applicator. We leave extra time at the end to perform a massage, go over post-instructions, and allow the patient time to regain sensation in the treated area. Overall, you are in the office for about 90 minutes per applicator. For treatment of the outer thigh, the applicator itself takes one hour and 15 minutes for treatment. Including the preparation before and after treatment, you are in the office for roughly one hour and 45 minutes per applicator.
Does CoolSculpting Hurt?
Some patients feel minor discomfort as the suction is applied or removed, but it is a relatively comfortable procedure.
Is CoolSculpting Safe?
CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved procedure that is safe and effective.
Are There Any Side Effects?
The most common side effects are temporary bruising, swelling, aching, and tenderness. The treatment area may look or feel stiff, and transient blanching—temporary whitening of the skin—may occur. You may feel a sense of nausea or dizziness during removal of the applicator as your body naturally warms and sensation returns to the treated area. Short- and long-term numbness can occur. After removing the applicator, the treated area may appear red for a few hours. You may feel a dull sensation in the treated area that can last for several weeks after the procedure. Other changes may include deep itching, tingling, strong cramping, or muscle spasms. In rare cases, patients have experienced vasovagal symptoms during the treatment and reported freeze burn, darkened skin color, hardness, discrete nodules, or enlargement of the treatment area. Surgical intervention may be required to correct the enlargement. Treatment may cause new hernia formation or exacerbate pre-existing hernia, which may require surgical repair. Please also check our guidelines to follow after getting the CoolSculpting procedure.
When Will I See Results?
Results are typically seen 1-3 months after treatment. Full results may take up to 6 months.
Will I Need More Than One CoolSculpting Treatment?
This is different for every patient. We recommend 1-3 treatments, with at least three months between each procedure.
What Happens to the Frozen Fat Cells?
CoolSculpting freezes fat by cryolipolysis, which is the medical term for fat-freezing. When fat cells freeze, they die and are eliminated using the body’s natural process. This happens gradually, meaning you won’t necessarily notice a difference day-to-day.
Should Anyone Not Have CoolSculpting?
People who suffer from cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria are not eligible for the procedure. Patients must be able to sit or lay in an instructed position for lengthy periods to receive treatment. People with hernias, a history of hernia with or without repair, should not have abdominal CoolSculpting, as this can exacerbate the issue.
Will I Gain Fat Back in the Treated Area?
CoolSculpting helps eliminate stubborn fat pockets, but it is not a weight loss treatment. It is possible to gain weight if you do not complement treatment with a healthy diet and exercise. This weight gain will mostly happen evenly throughout your body, not just in treatment areas.