Hello! I am so excited to be your CoolSculpting® expert here at Treasure Valley Dermatology. As I have performed consultations for our patients, I have had many of the same questions come up. I wanted to take the time share some common questions and their answers.
CoolSculpting is a device that has been cleared by the FDA for permanent reduction of stubborn fat pockets on the body. It has also been cleared for skin tightening on the sub-mental area (that spot under your chin).
CoolSculpting uses a technology called Cryolipolysis. This is when fat cells are cooled and frozen causing irreversible damage to the fat cells and the body can then safely eliminate those damaged cells. When the fat cells are removed they never come back, leading to a permanent reduction in fat in the area that is treated!
Because fat cells freeze before the skin does, we can use the CoolSculpting applicators to freeze the fat through the skin, without causing damage to the skin.
No, CoolSculpting is not a surgical procedure. There are no needles, blades, or bandages. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure designed for body contouring.
When you are ready for a CoolSculpting treatment, we clean the skin and apply a specialized applicator which is designed to fit the size and shape of the area we are treating. Gentle suction draws the pocket of fat into the applicator. After I make sure the applicator is secure we turn on the cooling and your treatment begins.
Treasure Valley Dermatology is using the latest applicators for the CoolSculpting machine. The advanced technology with these newer applicators allow us to perform treatments in 35 - 45 minutes.
CoolSculpting is not painful. You will feel some mild tingling or pinching in the area as the machine initiates the suction and cooling features. These sensations are temporary and subside for most patients within the first 5-10 minutes.
The best results with CoolSculpting will occur after completing all of the treatments recommended during your free consultation. Every body is different and we take the time to customize each treatment plan according to your specific goals. Each treatment can lead to a 25-30% reduction of fat cells in the area. Initial results will be visible in 30-60 days. The peak results will be seen about 12 weeks after your last treatment.
Most patients are a candidate for CoolSculpting, that’s why it is such a great treatment! We like to say “If you can pinch and inch” then you are a candidate for CoolSculpting. It is important to remember that CoolSculpting is not a weight loss technique, and only works for fat that is below the skin (subcutaneous fat), and not for deeper fat around your internal organs. Patients who are physically active have the best results with CoolSculpting, but nearly anyone can benefit. There are a few medical conditions that may exclude a patient as a CoolSculpting candidate, but these are rare and will be addressed during your consultation.
CoolSculpting leads to a permanent reduction in fat in the area that is treated, which is why it is such a revolutionary treatment. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle after CoolSculpting. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle before and after your treatment, you’ll see permanent results. If you eat poorly and don’t exercise you can still gain weight and your results may be difficult to see.
CoolSculpting was first developed by dermatologists. As a board certified dermatologist, Dr. Dustin Portela supervises all our CoolSculpting treatments. When evaluating the risks and benefits of any treatment you want a physician who is trained and qualified to help you make the decision that is right for you. Many clinics in Boise offer CoolSculpting yet they are supervised by lesser trained nurse practitioners, or doctors with no formal training in cosmetic procedures. Only dermatologists and plastic surgeons receive the much-needed specialized training in cosmetic procedures for YEARS as part of their education. You can be confident that your CoolSculpting treatment is supervised by more than someone with a few weekend courses under their belt.
CoolSculpting is an affordable treatment for the permanent reduction of fat. Every body type is unique and I can help personalize a treatment to meet your goals. CoolSculpting offers permanent results for less than the cost of liposuction without all the risk of general anesthesia, swelling and bruising, and recovery time.
Scheduling a CoolSculpting consultation is easy! You can call Treasure Valley Dermatology at 208-519-4333 and ask for a CoolSculpting consultation with Cheyanne. We’ll provide a comfortable atmosphere to discuss your treatment goals and to discuss expectations.
I look forward to meeting you and being a part of your CoolSculpting journey.