Dr Shobhan Manoharan from www.costhetics.com.au is a Laser and aesthetic dermatologist and the Director of Brisbane Skin and Westside Dermatology in Brisbane. Recently he took some time to discuss a new fat reduction treatment with us – CoolSculpting.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a device for non-invasive fat reduction that works by the principle of cryolipolysis. Fat, or adipose tissue, is selectively cooled to a temperature that results in cell destruction, without damage to surrounding tissue. The resulting inflammation then carries the remnants away by your body’s own immune and lymphatic system. Over the following 2-4 months, the remaining adipose cells are compacted, leaving a thinner fat layer.
Who is it best suited to?
CoolSculpting also known as fat freezing is suited to anyone with stubborn pockets of fat that won’t budge with diet and exercise. There are applicators that can sculpt small pockets of fat, and larger applicators to ‘de-bulk’ those with excess fat around the abdomen area. It is not suitable for morbidly obese individuals.
How many treatments are required and how often?
Everybody is different which is why a consultation is so important to assess the area and discuss expectations. Usually no more than 1-2 treatments are required and these can be performed 8-12 weeks apart.
What areas does it work best on?
Previously, CoolSculpting could only treat fat bulges on the abdomen and ‘love handles’. With the development of new applicators almost any area of stubborn fat can now be treated. Common treatment areas are upper and lower abdomen, inner and outer thighs, arms, and even the back.
What kinds of results should be expected?
Studies have shown a reduction in subcutaneous fatty tissue by up to 50% or 1cm after one treatment. On average, patients will get about 20% fat reduction in the treated area after 3 months.
Are there any potential side effects?
CS is a very safe procedure, which selectively targets the fatty tissue, while sparing and protecting the surrounding tissue. There is also no evidence for increased cholesterol or fat levels in the bloods consistently after treatment.
Some patients may develop a bruise in the areas treated, which usually settles within a week or so.
Transient burning or tingling (paraesthesia) or reduction of sensation may occasionally be seen. If required, the appropriate pain medications will settle this and sensation soon returns to normal.
In very rare instances (<0.0051%) there may be a paradoxical overgrowth of adipose cells in the treated area. This is rare and fortunately we have not encountered this.
What should we look out for when choosing a practitioner to perform CoolSculpting?
Body sculpting can be an art form so it is important that the practitioner has received adequate training and has performed many CoolSculpting procedures. It is also important that the practitioner takes the time and listens to the patient, understanding what their area of concern is and discussing their expectations. At our practice, CoolSculpting assessments and procedures are all performed by experienced Registered Nurses.
How much does CoolSculpting cost?
Prices start from $780 with the average treatment costing $1500 per treatment area. A consultation is essential to determine what type of applicator is required and if more than one treatment is needed.
Dr Shobhan Manoharan from www.costhetics.com.au
Laser and aesthetic dermatologist
Director, Brisbane Skin and Westside Dermatology, Brisbane
Hi, I’m Anna the Editor of Beauty and Lace.
Interesting article. I am amazed at what they can do now to reduce fat.
It looks and I’m sure the results are terrific but it does seem expensive.There are some great sculpting body creams out there as well.