Fat Freezing Treatments NYC With CoolSculpting

Whenever the weather gets warmer, buzz about CoolSculpting, also known as “fat freezing,” begins to fly around. For many patients, wearing tank tops or swimsuits can point out stubborn areas of unwanted fat on the body in places like the abdomen, upper arms, thighs, or along the upper back (often referred to as “bra fat”). Sometimes, despite a healthy diet and exercise regimen, stubborn excess fat can remain in problem areas across the body. For patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle but who have areas of the body that would benefit from body contouring, fat-freezing treatment offers a solution. Dr. Green was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to offer CoolSculpting fat freezing in her NYC private dermatology office.

Fat freezing, better known as CoolSculpting, is an FDA-cleared, non-surgical fat reduction procedure that targets stubborn fat to optimize body sculpting.  CoolSculpting procedures can freeze fat cells within the treatment area, triggering cell death, and these dead fat cells are then metabolized naturally in the body, never to return. Through this method, patients can permanently eliminate subcutaneous fat (the soft fat stored right underneath the skin) through safe and effective non-surgical fat reduction treatment with no recovery time necessary. Though CoolSculpting is not a substitute for a balanced diet and exercise routine, it can be an excellent way to remove unwanted fat in targeted areas without the need for invasive surgical procedures like liposuction that a plastic surgeon might offer.

If you’re frustrated by the appearance of stubborn fat, such as love handles or belly fat, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green is here to help. Dr. Green is an expert in non-invasive fat removal and works with patients to create a treatment plan that best fits their lifestyle. Dr. Michele Green was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to use CoolSculpting in her private Upper East side office. An expert in non-invasive cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Green utilizes the most cutting-edge technology in cellulite and fat reduction, such as QWO and Kybella injections, Velashape, and CoolSculpting. If there are stubborn areas of fat that you have been unable to lose despite weight loss and dieting, then this method of fat freezing may be the best option for you.

What is fat freezing?

Fat freezing is a non-invasive procedure by which fat cells are eliminated by applying cold temperatures. Fat cells naturally freeze at a higher temperature than other cells in the body, which means that fat freezing can effectively eliminate fat cells without downtime. The most popular and effective fat-freezing technique is CoolSculpting, which was FDA-approved in 2010 to eliminate stubborn fat and is delivered through an in-office applicator. CoolSculpting delivers cold temperatures to the treatment area, causing the fat cells in the targeted area to go through apoptosis, which is the phase where fat cells are destroyed and metabolized by the body. Though results along the treated area are not immediate, patients can see the fat layer in the targeted area continue to decrease for several weeks post-treatment as the body metabolizes the dead fat cells.

What is cryolipolysis?

Cryolipolysis is the scientific term for the elimination of fat cells through the application of cold-temperature gel pads. The process of cryolipolysis was first discovered by two medical researchers at Harvard, who noticed that when children consumed a good amount of popsicles, they would experience fat degradation–as evidenced by the appearance of dimples. It was then that fat freezing was explored in earnest as a way to eliminate stubborn body fat. As cryolipolysis was further explored, CoolSculpting was developed to apply fat freezing safely and effectively without requiring invasive procedures. Though cryolipolysis is not a replacement for weight loss or routine wellness habits, it can be an excellent approach for fat loss in targeted body areas.

CoolSculpting patient before and after – 10 months post treatment

How does fat freezing work?

The process for in-office fat-freezing procedures, such as CoolSculpting, is simple and convenient. First, you’ll meet with Dr. Green for an initial consultation to discuss your medical history, as well as your individual needs and goals. From there, Dr. Green will develop a body sculpting treatment plan for you. The CoolSculpting procedure typically takes 35 to 75 minutes, depending on the size of the applicator and the treated area.

The procedure itself is painless–patients typically experience a sensation akin to being out in cold temperatures along the treatment area. This sensation typically subsides after the first five minutes of the procedure. No downtime is needed after the session, meaning patients can immediately return to their normal activities. Over the next few weeks, these dead fat cells are eliminated through the body’s natural metabolic processes. Patients can expect cosmetic results to continue to improve for up to six months after their CoolSculpting procedure.

What does fat freezing do?

Fat freezing is an effective tool for non-surgical fat reduction that requires no downtime. It’s an excellent solution for patients with pockets of stubborn, unwanted fat, and it can also temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite. Additionally, a recent study suggests that CoolSculpting may have a firming effect on loose skin.

CoolScupting is an exciting body contouring treatment, as it can also be combined with various other cosmetic treatments. Dr. Green often combines CoolSculpting with injectables like Kybella and Botox, and Thermage to rejuvenate the neck and jawline. In addition, Dr. Green can pair CoolSculpting with Thermage FLX skin tightening treatment and other skin care procedures to further rejuvenate the look and feel of the treated area.

It’s important to note that CoolSculpting is not a replacement for weight loss or a solution for obesity, and patients should be within 30 lbs of their ideal weight before engaging in CoolSculpting treatment. CoolSculpting is a great tool for patients with an area on the body that they want to contour more effectively. Still, it should not be considered a replacement for regular exercise, a balanced diet, or other wellness habits.

Does fat-freezing work?

Not only does fat freezing work, but it also is one of the most popular non-invasive fat reduction techniques available today. CoolSculpting is FDA-approved to permanently remove fat cells from various areas of the body, including under the chin and along the upper back, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and knees. Typically, patients can expect a decrease in fat cells in the treated area by 25%, and repeat treatments in the same area can produce up to a 30% decrease in fat cells. Dr. Green was one of the first dermatologists to incorporate CoolSculpting into her practice and is an expert in providing optimal results for each patient.

What is Coolsculpting for fat freezing

CoolSculpting offers various applicators to reduce stubborn fat all over the body successfully. In her boutique Upper East Side doctor’s office, Dr. Green offers the CoolCore, CoolCurve, CoolFit, CoolMini, CoolPetite, CoolSmooth, and CoolAdvantage Plus applicators for CoolSculpting procedures.

The CoolCore applicator is designed to treat the flank area, as well as specific fat bulges in the abdomen, and can be used for bra fat in some cases. The CoolCurve applicator has a larger curve than the CoolCore, and can easily treat love handles or flanks. The CoolFit applicator is tailored to treat the inner thighs and upper arms. The CoolMini is a uniquely small applicator that is excellent for treating small pockets of fat and is particularly effective in treating submental fat (double chin). The CoolPetite applicator can be applied to small areas of stubborn fat on the back, flanks, stomach, inner knees, or banana rolls. The CoolSmooth applicator is custom-made to treat the outer thighs. Lastly, the CoolAdvantage applicator combines the power of the CoolFit, CoolCurve, and CoolCore to treat a larger surface area in record time. It can treat the abdomen, banana rolls, flanks, inner thighs, hips, love handles, and upper arms.

Does CoolSculpting work?

CoolSculpting is a safe and effective fat-freezing body contouring treatment that works to eliminate stubborn areas of fat via cryolipolysis permanently. When applied to the areas of excess fat, the CoolSculpting applicator works to freeze the fat cells in the area while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. The cold temperatures cause the fat cells to rupture and be metabolized by the body, thereby slimming and contouring the treatment area. With each CoolSculpting session, the fat concentration in the treatment area can be decreased by up to 25%. With each subsequent session, fat cell concentration will continue to decrease for an overall reduction in fat bulges by up to 40%. According to a study reported on by the CoolSculpting manufacturers, 79% of patients who received CoolSculpting fat-freezing treatment felt more comfortable and confident in their clothing.

Does cryotherapy work on belly fat?

Yes! When patients ask whether CoolSculpting works on belly fat, it does! Subcutaneous fat, located under the skin, can stubbornly remain in many areas of the body even when patients engage in a regular workout routine and healthy eating. One such area of the body is the stomach, or abdomen, which can accumulate and retain fat as a frustrating part of the natural aging process. For patients at or near their ideal body weight and looking to contour the abdomen for a flat belly, CoolSculpting is the ideal cosmetic procedure. To address belly fat, Dr. Green typically employs the CoolPetite applicator to contour the abdominal area perfectly.

Does at-home fat freezing work?

No. Fat freezing is a medical procedure; it is not recommended that patients engage in fat freezing at home. Only an expert healthcare professional can offer the safe and desired results from a fat-freezing procedure. Additionally, at-home fat freezing–such as applying ice or purchasing an “at home” applicator–is ineffective, as the only FDA-approved technique for fat freezing is CoolSculpting. When you work with Dr. Green, she will be able to assess the targeted treatment areas of the body to determine which applicator, session amount, and approach will best meet your needs.

Do fat-freezing belts work?

Currently, there are a variety of fat-freezing belts and at-home applicators that are advertised as inexpensive methods for cryolipolysis. However, CoolSculpting is the only fat-freezing technology FDA-approved for fat loss. Though at-home devices may tout incredible results, they are not proven to work, and most cooling devices only chill the outer layer of the skin, unable to engage with freezing subcutaneous fat. When applying fat-freezing technology, it’s best to stick with what works: CoolSculpting with Dr. Michele Green in NYC.

Do home fat-freezing machines work?

At-home fat-freezing machines are not nearly as effective as in-office fat reduction procedures, such as CoolSculpting, and are far less safe. Any cosmetic treatment you hope to use at home will be far less powerful and consequently far less effective at achieving your desired results. Using ice or other inappropriate measures can leave you with scarring or other complications. Furthermore, to obtain the best results from any procedure, it is best to seek out an expert practitioner. A lack of experience when performing fat-freezing cosmetic procedures may damage your skin.

Is Freezing Fat Safe?

When offered in-office by an expert dermatologist, fat freezing is an extremely safe and effective treatment method to reduce fat and improve body contouring. CoolSculpting is a safe option for many patients with stubborn fat, though some are contraindicated for the procedure. CoolSculpting is contraindicated for patients with cold agglutinin disease, cryoglobulinemia, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. In addition, those who are pregnant should avoid CoolSculpting treatment.

Are there any side effects or downtime associated with CoolSculpting?

Side effects of CoolSculpting are typically minimal and mild. During the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort with the cooling sensation, though this typically resolves within the first five minutes of a session. After a CoolSculpting procedure, patients may experience mild bruising, numbness, redness, swelling, or tingling, which should dissipate shortly after the treatment. A rare side effect of CoolSculpting has been reported called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia.

CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment that reduces the size of stubborn fat bulges through a process known as fat freezing. In contrast, liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves the removal or transfer of fat from the treatment area. Liposuction is performed by a plastic surgeon and works via a small incision where an instrument known as a cannula is inserted to remove fat cells from the area. Surgical liposuction can dramatically reduce the amount of fat in the treatment area—however, the immediate change in the area’s circumference results in high skin laxity following the procedure. With CoolSculpting, the width or circumference of the treatment area is gradually reduced as the body flushes out the fat cells over time, meaning that there is no increased skin laxity associated with the procedure. Any surgical procedure also comes with an increased risk of serious side effects and significant downtime, unlike CoolSculpting, which requires no recovery time following the procedure.

What is the downside of CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a safe and effective treatment for fat reduction and removal, with most patients seeing up to a 25% reduction in fat bulges at the treatment site. There are very few side effects associated with the treatment – some redness, swelling, and tingling at the treatment site might occur directly following the procedure. Still, these symptoms should resolve on their own within a few days. In some very rare cases, there is a chance that patients will develop paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. Patients need to note that CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss treatment, meaning that CoolSculpting is best used for slimming down an area with stubborn fat pockets rather than helping a patient lose weight. To achieve a more dramatic reduction in fat bulges via a cosmetic procedure, patients would need to undergo liposuction to remove higher concentrations of fat cells at the treatment area of the body.

How many sessions of fat-freezing do I need?

The number of sessions of CoolSculpting necessary depends on several factors, including your unique treatment goals and body composition. Many patients only require one treatment session to achieve their desired results, as each session decreases the concentration of fat cells in the treatment area by up to 25%. Additional treatment sessions can help to further decrease the circumference of the treatment area by up to 40% overall. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, you will discuss your goals for the procedure, and Dr. Green will examine the treatment area or areas to determine the treatment schedule that will best meet your needs.

How long do the effects of fat freezing last?

As fat freezing destroys fat cells in a targeted area, the results of fat freezing are truly permanent; the fat cells that are eliminated cannot regrow. However, patients with vast weight fluctuation may experience a return of stubborn fat that consists of other fat cells that remain in the body if they gain weight again. We recommend that patients continue to practice good wellness behaviors before, during, and after CoolSculpting treatment to enjoy the best possible treatment results.

3 Months Before and After Coolsculpting in Lower Abdomen / Flanks 

How much does fat freezing cost?

The cost of CoolSculpting varies widely depending on the area of the body being treated, the amount of fat in the treatment area, and the expertise of your provider. Generally, the cost of a CoolSculpting procedure varies per treatment area and starts at $750 per area, and multiple applicators may be needed to treat certain areas of the body. Dr. Green’s office may be running specials, and it is best to contact them directly for pricing. For many of our patients, permanent fat reduction and body contouring without any need for downtime are well worth the cost.

Who is a good candidate for fat-freezing cosmetic procedures?

A good candidate for a fat-freezing cosmetic procedure is an individual in overall good physical and mental health who is interested in targeting pockets of stubborn fat that have not responded well to maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise. Fat-freezing with CoolSculpting is not intended to be a weight loss treatment, and good candidates for the procedure should be at or near their ideal weight. The best way to determine whether you are a good candidate for a fat-freezing treatment like CoolSculpting is to consult an expert in non-surgical fat reduction and body contouring, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in New York City.

How to get started with fat-freezing treatments

Despite our best efforts to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, some stubborn fat bulges remain. Surgical procedures for fat reduction can require extensive recovery time, have many potential side effects, are invasive, and may be quite costly. Luckily, there are cosmetic treatment options for non-surgical fat reduction available at Dr. Green’s. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat-freezing treatment that can remove up to 25% of excess fat cells in a treatment area. If you’re frustrated by areas of unwanted fat, CoolSculpting with Dr. Green in NYC may be the non-surgical solution you’ve been waiting for.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients worldwide with the best non-invasive cosmetic treatment options available, including non-surgical fat reduction and body contouring. For her dedication to her patients and expertise, she is consistently voted one of the best dermatologists in NYC by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly Best Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that incorporates the cosmetic treatment options best suited to your specific concerns and ideal aesthetic and body contouring goals. To start creating your customized treatment plan for non-surgical fat reduction and body contouring with Dr. Green, contact us online today or call our NYC office at 212-535-3088.