As a plastic surgeon serving the greater Richmond and Harrisonburg, VA, areas, I know summer means swimsuit season for our patients. Many men and women are looking for ways to sculpt their bodies and feel confident when showing skin. We offer many body contouring treatments at our practice, but CoolSculpting® is one of the best nonsurgical options for those who want real results without “going under the knife.”
Curious if this procedure is right for you? Here is what you need to know about CoolSculpting before heading into summer.
How does CoolSculpting work?
CoolSculpting is a noninvasive body contouring procedure that literally “freezes” away fat cells. The treatment works by holding a specialized handheld cooling device against the target area. Fatty tissue is suctioned into the device and a steady stream of cold air is applied. As the fat cells are exposed to cool temperatures, they begin to freeze and die off.
After treatment, the target areas gradually shrink in size as the cells are naturally eliminated from the body.
What areas can CoolSculpting treat?
CoolSculpting works best for targeting any areas with “pinchable” amounts of fat. Common treatment spots include:
- Upper arms
- Thighs
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Upper back
- Flanks
Ideal CoolSculpting candidates are those who are near their ideal weight but need help trimming a few lingering trouble spots. CoolSculpting is not a “weight loss treatment” and shouldn’t be used as a replacement for healthy eating and exercise.
Why is spring the best time for CoolSculpting?
Spring is the best time for CoolSculpting because treatment results need a few weeks to develop gradually. After the fat is frozen, the body begins to process the dying cells and flushes them away by the body’s natural cleansing process. While some patients may see results as early as 3 weeks after treatment, others see their most dramatic results after 1 to 3 months. Starting treatment in spring means your body will be swimsuit-ready by the time summer and warm weather fully arrive.
How do I know if CoolSculpting is right for me?
You may be a good candidate for CoolSculpting if you struggle with fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise. This FDA-approved treatment can be an excellent alternative to more invasive fat reduction procedures such as liposuction.
Our team is always ready to help guide you toward the best treatment for your needs. In a one-on-one consultation, our experts will analyze your problem areas and determine if CoolSculpting will help you reach your summer body goals.
If you’re interested in CoolSculpting and you’re in Charlottesville or other greater Richmond or Harrisonburg, VA, areas, request a consultation online. You can also contact our practice offices by phone at (434) 924-1234 (Charlottesville) or (540) 932-5771 (Fishersville).
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