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Coolsculpting: Risks, Side Effects, and Results

Perfect Male And Female Upper Bodies Picture

Date Published: July 13, 2022

Imagine this: a non-invasive fat loss option that requires minimal effort on your part. Does that sound too good to be true? As it turns out, Coolsculpting is one such fat reduction treatment that's as effective as it's touted to be. By harnessing the power of advanced cryotherapies, this body contouring procedure can redefine your figure and boost your confidence, all while you sit back and relax.

But is CoolSculpting safe? As with all medical and cosmetic procedures, there are risks associated with Coolsculpting, which we aim to break down in this article. Keep reading to learn more about the side effects of this trendy treatment.

Benefits of Coolsculpting

Coolsculpting utilizes a process known as cryolipolysis to break down fat cells and ultimately shrink them. Cryolipolysis literally means "ultra-cold fat breakdown", which is precisely what happens when the treatment devices apply intensely cold temperatures to the target areas.

Once fat cells are subjected to sufficiently cold temperatures, their cell walls weaken and expel their contents. The body's metabolism then removes these contents through natural waste-removal processes, leaving the area with diminished fat cells.

Coolsculpting can be used to treat stubborn fat on a variety of areas of the body. Namely abdomen, love handles, back fat, arms, auxiliary puffs, inner thighs and above the knees. The most popular areas for women to treat are the abdomen and inner thighs, men usually treat love handles and “man boobs”.

Women often choose Coolsculpting to help with menopause belly and reshape their body. Patients report feeling better and more comfortable in their own clothes helping provide self-esteem benefits.

For many, treatment discomfort is tolerable, and appointment times are quick, making it a convenient procedure for busy schedules. Additional benefits of CoolSculpting include:

  • Non-invasive procedure (requires zero incisions or injections)
  • Long-lasting results
  • Stimulates natural processes in the body to metabolize fat
  • Can treat stubborn areas
  • No pain medication needed

Common Side Effects of Coolsculpting

With every Coolsculpting session, you will require some recovery time; however, you are usually free to continue most aspects of your daily routine without interruption.

Common side effects seen in most clients include:

  • Temporary skin discoloration (usually redness)
  • Minor swelling
  • Minor bruising
  • Skin sensitivity
  • Mild pain or aching at the treatment site

These side effects are to be expected and will typically resolve within a week or less.

Possible Risks

Despite being an immensely popular and safe procedure, Coolsculpting does come with its risks and may not be suitable for everyone.

Most notably, Coolsculpting can cause clients to gain weight in extremely rare circumstances. A condition known as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia can result in fat cells growing larger instead of smaller in response to trauma from the treatment. And although this negative side effect is primarily cosmetic, it may require corrective liposuction surgery to reverse.

Other more dangerous and painful side effects of Coolsculpting include prolonged soreness, damage to the skin and other tissues, severe swelling, and muscle cramping.

More Information on Coolsculpting

Coolsculpting is a tailored treatment, meaning no two people will have the same treatment. Treatments are customized for each person and are 30 minutes in length. Beacon Dermatology has two Coolsculpting devices to “dual sculpt” and save you time. A major benefit of this type of treatment is that patients can return to normal activity immediately after treatment, so there is no “downtime”.

Consult With A Medical Professional

To determine whether Coolsculpting is safe for you, it's best you consult your doctor or a licensed dermatologist before booking a treatment. At Beacon Dermatology, we are happy to provide complimentary consultations in which we will go over your medical history, describe the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Our body contouring clinic also offers a range of other services in case Coolsculpting isn't for you.

Call us at 587-415-0934 to try CoolSculpting in Calgary today!

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