For centuries, people have been looking for ways to achieve the silhouette of their dreams. Yet, the process can be overly complicated — from trendy diets to a long list of cosmetic enhancements, it’s easy to become confused about what works. One of the procedures that seems to cause the most confusion is fat freezing. What does the process entail? Does it really work? Is it painful? Are there any risks and/or side effects?
What is fat freezing?
Fat freezing (also known as cryolipolysis, CryoLipo, or Coolsculpting) is a noninvasive procedure designed to remove subcutaneous fat — the type of fat that lays just under the skin and shows up as muffin tops when your waistband is a bit too tight. Unlike liposuction, there’s no risk of bleeding or infections, and it doesn’t require downtime afterward. The treatment takes less than an hour. However, depending on your desired results, you may need more than one treatment.
Does fat freezing really work?
Freezing fat does work for people who desire to lose a few inches from the treated area. The ideal candidate is someone who’s already close to their ideal body weight, but who has stubborn fat that refuses to disappear despite eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
It’s also crucial to point out that cryolipolysis only targets subcutaneous fat, and not fat that surrounds your internal organs. Therefore, it’s a good solution to help you fit into your favorite dress, but won’t do anything for your overall health. It’s also not meant to be used as a weight-loss solution.
The procedure causes patients to experience pulling and tugging sensations, as well as intense cold over the treated areas. Since freezing temperatures are required for the process, you’ll notice redness and skin sensitivity afterward.
Once your liver has processed all of the broken down fat cells, you’ll notice up to one inch of reduction in size in the treated area. Depending on the amount of fat you want to freeze, you may have to return for a second session.
Although Coolsculpting has benefits over liposuction — such as no incisions or scarring — the procedure may result in pain that can last for several months. For patients who want to reduce stubborn fat, Innovations Medical offers Awake Liposuction.
What is Awake Liposuction?
Awake Liposuction is performed under local (tumescent) anesthesia, so you stay awake and general anesthesia is not needed. Fat is removed through small incisions with a thin cannula, and SmartLipo laser energy is often added to help tighten the skin. Unlike fat freezing, which damages fat cells so the body clears them over several months, liposuction removes the fat cells during the procedure.
Common side effects include swelling, bruising, and soreness in the treated area, which improve over the following weeks. Many patients return to light activities within a few days; your provider will review your recovery plan at consultation.
Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. It is designed to contour specific areas, and results last longer when you keep a stable weight.
If You’re Thinking About Cosmetic Enhancements, Contact Innovations Medical
If you’re looking to reshape your body and boost your self-confidence, Innovations Medical is here for you. We’ll answer your questions and resolve any concerns you have about cosmetic procedures. We’ve been helping our patients look their best since 2005, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.
To explore cosmetic options and learn how Innovations Medical can bounce back your body, call us at (972) 944-5831 or schedule a consultation.
