How does the Coolsculpting method work?
The technique used in Coolsculpting is cryolipolysis, that is, the destruction of fat by cold. It is carried out using a device called Coolsculpting, developed by an American company, Zeltiq, which exposes the affected area to extreme cooling for an hour. Fat cells (adypocites) are destroyed and gradually eliminated in the weeks that follow.
During the session, the skin is sucked, then cooled. So that it is not too painful, a gel pad protects it. The temperature drops below zero and is continuously monitored by the device.
“Coolsclupting is the only non-surgical treatment for remodeling the body by the action of cold (cryolpypolysis) approved by the Food and Drug Administration (the American equivalent of the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products, editor’s note ) ”Recalls Doctor Bruno Tantet.
Who is Coolsulpting for?
Coolsulpting does not replace a diet. This operation works on areas where fat is localized such as love cuffs and saddlebags. People who have 30 pounds to lose should first follow a weight loss diet then consider refining their silhouette in areas where fat remains stored and for which it is difficult to lose weight, such as saddlebags. For the results to be convincing, the bead must be clearly visible and the skin elastic. “Coolsculpting won’t work wonders if you want to lose a lot of weight in no time. This technology alone will not be able to solve all your weight problems, ”explains Dr. Bruno Tantet. This technique is also contraindicated for people suffering from Raynaud’s syndrome (hypersensitivity to cold) and pregnant women.
Which areas can be treated?
The abdomen, flanks, love handles, back, inner thighs, saddlebags, arms and knees can be slimmed down by Coolsculpting. Men can also use this technique on the mammary glands. There are different applicators suitable for different areas of the body. The limit of the treatment is the size of the bead. Beyond a certain volume, the applicators cannot suck them up.
Can we repeat the operation several times?
Yes, with a three-month deadline. “As the results are visible after three months, it is preferable to wait to assess whether it is necessary to repeat the operation” explains Dr. Bruno Tantet.
Is it painful?
Patients may experience slight discomfort when the fat pad is sucked into the applicator. But the cold quickly anesthetizes the treated area. At the end of the act, the skin is red and frozen. “It is therefore necessary to massage it so that it resumes a normal appearance and that is not very pleasant” explains doctor Bruno Tantet.
What are the side effects ?
The most common side effects seen in patients are redness, slight bruising, moderate swelling, tingling, numbness or discomfort in the treated area. “But these phenomena are temporary and disappear quickly” recalls Dr. Tantet. Some more sensitive people have pain. But the pain can be managed by conventional analgesics. Patients can resume normal activity upon leaving the office.
At the end of time we see the result?
A transformation can appear as early as the first three weeks after treatment. But the most spectacular results will appear after two months. “Your body will nevertheless continue to get rid of fat cells for a period of up to four to six months after treatment,” recalls Dr. Bruno Tantet.
How much does it cost ?
It depends on the practitioners but it takes an average of 500 euros for the treatment of an area. This treatment is not covered by Social Security.
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