CoolSculpting®
CoolSculpting® is an FDA-cleared treatment that uses controlled cooling to eliminate excess fat. Often considered a non-surgical alternative to liposuction, CoolSculpting® is designed to contour regions of the body resistant to dieting and exercise, such as the abdomen, thighs, flanks, and upper arms. This technique allows for the gradual removal of fat cells in a minimally invasive treatment that can often be completed in under an hour. Due to the ease and timeliness of the CoolSculpting® system, treatment generally retains a patient satisfaction rate of over 90 percent. Board-certified plastic surgeon John Ayala, MD offers CoolSculpting® at our San Antonio med spa for patients who desire natural-looking body contouring without the needles, anesthesia, or extensive downtime associated with surgery.
- CoolSculpting® Technology
- CoolSculpting® Benefits
- CoolSculpting® Treatable Areas
- CoolSculpting® Treatment
- CoolSculpting® Results
- CoolSculpting® Cost
How Does CoolSculpting® Work?
CoolSculpting® uses a cutting-edge technique called Cryolipolysis™ to break down fatty tissue. This involves delivering cold temperatures to the targeted treatment area(s) via a handheld applicator, “freezing” fat cells while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. The body then removes the damaged fat cells and excess fatty tissue through normal metabolic processes, resulting in the gradual slimming and contouring of the treated region. Patients can reduce fat by up to 20 to 30 percent in a single area with CoolSculpting®, and additional sessions can be pursued if more reduction is desired. The procedure is considered a safe, holistic alternative to surgery. While this technique is a very popular method of fat removal, CoolSculpting® should not be considered a method of weight loss. The best candidates for treatment are healthy individuals who are at or near their goal weight.
What are the Benefits of CoolSculpting®?
As an alternative fat reduction treatment to a liposuction procedure, CoolSculpting® offers an array of benefits, including:
- No incisions, anesthesia, or surgery
- No extensive downtime
- Gradual fat loss that appears to be achieved naturally to outside observers
- Quick treatment process when compared to surgical procedures
Dr. Ayala or one of our aesthetic professionals can listen to your concerns in a consultation and evaluate whether you are a good candidate for CoolSculpting®. Together, you two can determine whether this med-spa treatment is the best solution to achieve your goals.
What Areas Can Be Treated with CoolSculpting®?
CoolSculpting® can be used to contour virtually any body area prone to excess fat accumulation, such as the:
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Flanks (“love handles”)
- Upper arms
- Mid-back (“bra rolls”)
- Inner knees
If you wish to treat multiple regions, more than one CoolSculpting® session may be necessary to achieve the best possible outcome. Dr. Ayala will help you formulate an ideal treatment plan to attain the best possible outcome.
What is Treatment with CoolSculpting® Like?
Your CoolSculpting® session will take place in our medical spa and no downtime is required after treatment. The process can usually be completed in one hour, although the exact duration of your session will vary based on how many areas are being addressed. CoolSculpting® is typically administered when a patient is sitting or lying down, depending on their areas of concern. A gel pad will be applied to the regions planned for treatment, after which a handheld applicator will be used to begin the Cryolipolysis™ process. You will feel intense cold in the treated area(s), followed by numbness. Some patients may also experience normal symptoms like tingling, stinging, tugging, or mild cramping, which should all resolve with time. After the treatment period has elapsed, the targeted regions will be massaged to optimize the outcome. Many patients report that the entire CoolSculpting® process involves minimal discomfort, with many men and women watching movies, using their laptops, or simply relaxing during their session.
How Long Does CoolSculpting® Last?
You should see the full extent of your CoolSculpting® results after two to four months and the final outcome generally improves as the body continues to flush out fatty tissue. The most dramatic results are usually experienced around two months after treatment. CoolSculpting® is designed to permanently remove fat cells in the treated area(s), and your results should be very enduring as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
How Much Does CoolSculpting® Cost?
Each patient will have a personalized CoolSculpting® session, and the price of treatment will be similarly unique to your needs. The cost of CoolSculpting® is generally determined by:
- The number of areas treated
- The number of sessions in your treatment plan
- The size of the targeted regions
After your consultation, our patient care coordinator will give you a personalized quote of your treatment expenses. Since CoolSculpting® does not require anesthesia, post-operative care, or a surgical facility, this technique can be less expensive than other body contouring procedures. Ayala Plastic Surgery accepts plastic surgery financing from CareCredit®, a payment option that can make the price of CoolSculpting® more manageable for qualified candidates. Once accepted through the easy application process, approved patients can choose from a variety of payment plans with low monthly installments and select the most ideal arrangement for their budgetary concerns. If you would like to learn more, please call our offices to speak to a member of our team.
For more information about CoolSculpting® at our San Antonio practice, please contact Ayala Plastic Surgery today.