Massaging After CoolSculpting
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared fat freezing, body-contouring procedure which helps get rid of stubborn fat in areas such as the love handles and belly fat. It’s a noninvasive treatment that uses a technique called cryolipolysis – it simply freezes the fat cells. CoolSculpting can be used to treat additional areas such as the sub-mental area (under the chin), buttocks, inner and outer thighs and arms. Research has shown that cryolipolysis can reduce fat in the treated area by 25 percent. It’s important to understand that CoolSculpting is not a weight loss treatment. It’s a fat reduction treatment which helps remove stubborn fat deposits in specific areas of the body.
What to expect during your CoolSculpting Procedure?
During the treatment, you’ll be able to read a magazine, listen to music or chat with a friend to keep you busy while the procedure is in session. Your CoolSculpting provider will mark and massage the area that’s going to be treated. A gel pack will then be put on the skin for protection and the applicator will be applied to the targeted area. The treatment can take 35 minutes to 1 hour or more depending on the type of applicator being used and how many areas of the body are being treated in one session. Upon application, the paddle will start to cool the skin to about 4 degrees Celsius – this temperature will freeze and kill the fat cells without harming the skin. During the duration of the treatment, you may feel a pulling sensation which is completely normal, this is due to the suction of the applicator. After your CoolSculpting session, Zeltiq recommends that your CoolSculpting provider massages the area for about 2 minutes – this will help break down the fat cells and increase blood flow to the area.
Importance of massaging after CoolSculpting Treatment
Your post-treatment massage not only helps break down fat cells but also improves the results by up to 70%. The massage consists of kneading motions followed by a minute of circular movement using the fingers. A manual massage can help reduce swelling and/or bruising that can be caused by CoolSculpting. A minute massage also helps accelerate the elimination process of fat cells. All of the dead fat cells are permanently eliminated from the body through lymphatic drainage.
Post CoolSculpting Treatment: Side Effects and Downtime
With plastic surgery or liposuction, you’ll end up experiencing downtime and you’ll need recovery time because it is a surgical fat removal procedure that is done by a plastic surgeon. it involves anesthesia and there is a chance of developing serious side effects such as: blood clots. However with CoolSculpting, there is no downtime, you can resume your daily activities right away. There’s no need for recovery time because it’s a noninvasive procedure that can be done by your dermatologist and patients don’t need to follow any post-treatment guidelines. Side effects of CoolSculpting are usually minor.
Your body will gradually begin to eliminate the dead fat cells over time, so it takes about 3-4 months to see the full CoolSculpting results. After the procedure you may experience swelling or numbness in the treatment area – this is completely normal. Wearing compression garments can help with the swelling and it’ll make you feel more comfortable as your body begins to process the fat cells. Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen for a few weeks because inflammation is the body’s natural response in helping to eliminate the dead fat cells.
Maintaining CoolSculpting Results
Continuing a healthy lifestyle such as having an exercise regimen is strongly suggested to keep up with the post CoolSculpting results. If you gain weight after your treatment, the bulges of fat can return again as new fat tissue begins to form. Exercising will definitely help improve your results faster. Having a proper diet that includes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, etc. will help you maintain your weight and keep your desired results. Stay away from processed foods, frozen meals, and sugary snacks. We all know the importance of drinking water and what benefits it provides to our overall health, it’s also just as important after your CoolSculpting treatment. In-taking more water will help your body get rid of the dead fat cells more quickly.
Patients see amazing results after just one treatment, however, they may want a follow-up appointment to see if they can further enhance their results. An additional treatment can maximize your results by targeting even more layers of fat resulting in faster fat reduction and better body contouring.
View our CoolSculpting before and after photos
Find out more about CoolSculpting
If you’re someone that has stubborn fat, and you want to avoid having downtime and surgical procedures, it’s time you consult with a dermatologist and see if CoolSculpting is right for you.
Dr. Michele S. Green, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC, is a trusted source in CoolSculpting, giving you the best look that you deserve. To learn more contact us online today or call 212-535-3088.