What Is Cold Sculpting, and How Does It Work?

Cold sculpting is a cosmetic procedure of eliminating excess fat in stubborn areas of your body by freezing. It is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that will freeze, kill, and break down fat cells. It is FDA-approved and poses fewer risks than conventional fat reduction methods. It mainly targets excess fat in areas of your body that are harder to remove through exercise and diet.

How Does It Work?

Cold sculpting is a form of cryolipolysis that breaks down fat cells using freezing temperatures. According to experts, these cells are more affected by freezing temperatures than other body cells. Even during the procedure, the cold will not damage other cells in your body, such as the skin cells.

What Does the Procedure Entail?

Your practitioner will start by vacuuming the skin above the fatty tissue area into an applicator that cools down the fat cells. During this step, you might feel a cooling sensation as the freezing temperatures numb the treatment area.

Depending on the size and area you wish to target, the cold sculpting procedure might last between 35 to 60 minutes. Fortunately, there is no downtime as you will not experience damage to the tissue or skin. After the treatment, the fat cells may take about four to six months to leave your body. During this period, you will experience an average of 20 percent fat decrease in the target area.

In some instances, patients may experience soreness like what they may experience after a minor muscle injury or intense workout. Some may experience firmness, itchiness, mild discoloration, stinging, or swelling in other cases.

Does It Work?

Cold sculpting and other cryolipolysis treatments have a high satisfaction and success rate. However, experts inform patients that the effects of the procedure apply only to the targeted area. Moreover, the treatment does not tighten your skin and does not work for everyone.

Cold sculpting is best suited for patients near their optimal body weight and with pinchable fat on the target areas. In a study in 2017, the treatment was especially effective in patients with lower body mass.

However, it is not a miracle cure. Other factors such as your lifestyle also play a role. An unhealthy lifestyle and diet mean less fat reduction regardless of the number of treatments you undergo.

Side Effects of Cold Sculpting

Since the treatment is non-invasive, it does not require anesthesia, incisions, or drugs that could result in allergic reactions. It also means the side effects and rate of complications is low compared to other invasive fat reduction treatments. But it has a few side effects that can occur in rare circumstances. They include:

• Sensitivity

• Bruising

• Localized pain

• Swelling

• Redness

According to research, the most common side effect is experiencing reduced sensation in the target area.

Studies show that the effects of the treatment can last between six to nine years. It is because the destroyed fat cells will not return. However, it does not prevent new cells from developing. It is why living a healthy lifestyle is essential in preserving the treatment results.

For more on cold sculpting, call Cooper Chiropractic and Wellness Center at (646) 941-5061 to reach our office in New York, New York.