Has the demand for cosmetic surgery declined since the turn of the Millennium? Or have visually-oriented social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube spawned a generation of women (and men!) who are far less squeamish about going under the knife?
You might think that the plastic surgery industry has grown, but in fact, it has declined by a surprising 16%. Or perhaps it’s not so surprising when you look at the overall landscape of elective cosmetic procedures. That’s because minimally invasive treatments like Coolsculpting, Botox, and Kybella have skyrocketed. In the past 20 years, the number of these procedures has increased by some 137%!
Today we’re taking a look at what happens after Coolsculpting and how this procedure could benefit you.
First, What Is CoolSculpting?
This non-invasive technique was approved by the FDA in 2012. It uses a process called cryolipolysis — essentially, a fancy term for “freezing” — to destroy fat cells.
Coolsculpting is most commonly used on the so-called “problem areas” of the body, where fat can settle. Once it has made itself at home in the thighs, abdomen, upper arm, or sides, that fat can be incredibly difficult to shed.
The treatment only takes a few hours, does not require anesthesia, and doesn’t’ require much in the way of recovery. Of course, these qualities pale in comparison to the most obvious advantage of Coolsculpting treatment. It helps people eliminate excess lumps and bumps, look better in clothing, and feel fantastic about themselves!
What To Do After CoolSculpting
One of the major benefits of this procedure is that it requires hardly any recovery time. For the most part, you can resume your normal activities the minute you leave the medical spa. There are a few things to bear in mind once your procedure is complete, however.
1. Expect Minor Side Effects
Some people report swelling, redness, and soreness in the treated area. The area might feel tender, as though you have a large bruise there. It could also be numb for a little while.
These side effects are all completely normal and are usually minor. They will likely subside in a couple of days, or within a few weeks at the outside.
2. There May Be Some Twinges, Too
Three to five days after the procedure, some patients will experience nerve twinges. That’s because the nerve endings, which were affected by the CoolSculpting process, are regenerating. This will typically feel like small zaps, like when you touch another person and experience a shock.
Don’t be alarmed if this occurs. As with the redness and soreness, it will be short-lived.
3. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Do you know that pair of skinny jeans that are buried deep in your drawer? The ones that used to be your favorites, but that you haven’t been able to squeeze into in a while? Unfortunately, you won’t be able to slip into them right away.
For starters, the area of your body that was treated with CoolSculpting will probably be a little swollen. It won’t feel good to wear tight clothing. Stick to your softest, coziest sweatshirts and leggings or throw on a loose, comfy sundress for now.
4. You Might Not See Immediate Results
Although you will likely walk away from the spa feeling fine, you won’t look quite as fine in the mirror — yet. It takes some time for your body to flush out the fat cells that have been frozen. In fact, the process can continue for about six months after the procedure.
Be patient; you will start to see results in about three weeks. After two to three months, you may notice that the compliments start rolling in. That’s because the results of your CoolSculpting are now thoroughly apparent!
5. Don’t Think of CoolSculpting As Carte Blanche to Eat More
It’s important to understand the purpose, and the limitations, of this treatment. CoolSculpting is not weight-loss surgery and does not treat obesity. It is designed to remove subcutaneous fat, which is located just below the skin. It won’t have any effect on visceral fat, which is deeper within the body and which only responds to diet and exercise.
Before the doctor performs the CoolSculpting procedure, they will require you to be at your goal weight, or within just a few pounds of it. After your procedure, maintaining a healthy weight through good nutritional habits and regular exercise is crucial.
6. Stay Hydrated
The actual CoolSculpting procedure is only part of the process. After it has been performed and you have gone home, your body is responsible for the remainder of treatment. For the next six months or so, it will flush out those frozen fat cells, little by little.
Staying well-hydrated is important to this process. Drinking plenty of water can help our body flush out the fat cells a little faster. Of course, being hydrated is crucial for overall well-being, too. Bf you need a little extra encouragement, remind yourself why you wanted to eliminate stubborn fat in the first place.
9. Enjoy Your Sleek New Self!
Everyone knows how discouraging and disheartening it can be to try on clothes only to have them fit poorly in one area or another. Maybe those chic high-waisted slacks are long enough and roomy in the hips and thighs, but too constricting at the waist. Or try as you may, you just can’t zip that last inch or two of your jean zipper.
CoolSculpting is intended to help with just this type of problem. So put on the pieces that make you feel most fabulous; go ahead and flaunt it now that you’ve got it!
Ready to Get Started?
CoolSculpting can’t erase years of overeating or help you drop significant amounts of weight. What it may be able to do is help you zip up those pants, go down a size, and generally look and feel better!
So many of our patients have embraced a brand new life after CoolSculpting.
Take a look at these reviews from real people, and be sure to contact us if you have questions or would like to book a consult.