Preparing for the Procedure
Five days before the procedure, patients should discontinue vitamin E, ibuprofen and any other anti-inflammatory drugs because they can promote bruising. Do not drink too many liquids prior to the treatment because once the applicator is on, it is not possible to stop for a bathroom break. Patients can drive themselves home after the session so they do not need a driver.
Depending on the length of the session, patients should bring something to help them pass the time, such as a book, computer, knitting, etc. Bring a lunch or a snack if the appointment is for several applications. Because gel is used in the procedure, patients should wear loose and comfortable clothes that can be stained. A long sleeve T shirt is ideal. Disposable panties are provided if needed. Patients should wear comfortable warm socks. Are you ready to discuss CoolSculpting for yourself? Contact Fox Valley Plastic Surgery today at 920-233-1540 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Procedure
Prior to the procedure, patients are weighed and photographed. Then the body is marked to indicate the placement of the applicator. The applicator is positioned on the body, and controlled cooling is applied. As the cooling begins, patients will feel pressure and intense cold from the applicator during the first few minutes. The suction pressure of the vacuum applicator may cause sensations of deep pulling, tugging and pinching. The surface applicator may cause sensations of pressure. Patients may experience intense stinging, tingling, aching or cramping as the treatment begins. These sensations generally subside as the area becomes numb.
During the procedure, patients can read, check email, or even take a nap. The length of a CoolSculpting session varies depending on the number of areas being treated during one visit. Expect to spend 1.5 hours in the office for one application. Almost all patients need more than one application; add 1 hour for each additional application. Patients can take bathroom breaks between applications, and can eat and drink during the treatment.
On average, each CoolSculpting procedure results in a 22% reduction of fat in the treated area. When the applicator is removed, the treated area may look or feel stiff, and transient blanching (temporary whitening of the skin) may occur. The technician will manually massage the treated area. Patients may feel a sense of nausea or dizziness as the body naturally warms and sensation returns to the treatment area. These are all normal reactions that typically resolve within minutes. Bruising, swelling, and tenderness can occur in the treated area, and it may appear red for a few hours after the applicator is removed. Patient experiences differ. Some patients breeze through the treatment, while others may experience a delayed onset of the previously mentioned occurrences. Although uncommon, it is best for patients to be aware of the worst reactions of the treatment so that they can better cope.
Recovery
The procedure is non-surgical, so patients can resume normal behavior immediately. Normal activities can resume as tolerated. The treated areas will be swollen. In addition, patients may experience deep itching, tingling, numbness, tenderness to the touch, pain in the treated area, strong cramping, muscle spasms, aching, soreness and/or a burning sensation. This can last 2-4 weeks. For some patients the most difficult part of the recovery period comes 4-7 days after the procedure. Depending on the amount of applications and individual pain tolerance, narcotic medication may be needed.
In the first week, avoid activities with jarring movement, such as running, tennis, and dancing. Patients are recommended to not travel for a month after the procedure in case they recover slowly or are uncomfortable. This is an individual choice because some patients recover quickly. Other patients remain swollen for a month, and do not want to go shirtless or wear a bathing suit for several weeks. Patients who have had CoolSculpting in their abdomens, may prefer to wear loose clothing with low rise pants. Other patients prefer to wear Spanx in the treated areas to minimize movement.
In the weeks and months to follow, the body naturally processes and eliminates the treated fat cells. Patients may start to see changes as quickly as three weeks after treatment, and will experience the most dramatic results after one to three months. The body will continue to naturally flush out injured fat cells for 4-6 months after the treatment. Weight gain will prevent patients from appreciating their full results. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine after the procedure can help prevent this. Get your questions answered at a complimentary consultation by contacting Fox Valley Plastic Surgery today at 920-233-1540 to schedule a free consultation.
Potential Risks
During the procedure patients may experience deep pulling, tugging, pinching, numbness or discomfort. Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary numbness, redness, swelling, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging and pain. In rare cases, patients have experienced vasovagal symptoms during the treatment, and reported freeze burn, darker skin color, hardness, discrete nodules or enlargement of the treatment area. Surgical intervention may be required to correct the enlargement. Treatment may cause new hernia formation or exacerbate pre-existing hernia, which may require surgical repair.