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It’s completely normal to have excess fat in some areas of the body. In fact, it’s often a healthy thing. However, other areas can have pockets of stubborn fat that won’t disappear with diet and exercise -- such as the thighs. Patients who want to achieve a sculpted, contoured look for their leg turn to CoolSculpting, a noninvasive procedure that freezes away 20% - 25% of fat tissues with zero downtime. But although CoolSculpting is a safe, FDA-approved fat freezing treatment, side effects are still likely to occur.
So what are some of the side effects you should expect when CoolSculpting the outer thighs? Commonly, patients experience some redness, swelling, bruising, numbness, pain, or a ‘tugging sensation’ for a couple of weeks after the procedure. Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) may also occur, as the CoolSculpting applicator suctions and freezes the fat cells in the treatment area into a “stick of butter”; this side effect is extremely rare for the outer thigh, as the applicator used is non-vacuum-based.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
Thigh fat can be a source of stress among patients, especially women, who are more inclined to store fat than men as they age. As their bodies prepare for childbirth, the estrogen hormone concentrates on developing sex-specific fat in the hips, thighs, buttocks, and pelvis; these fat reserves will eventually be used by the body for breastfeeding. However, because the fat production is hormone-related, fat cells in women tend to be diet and exercise-resistant.
CoolSculpting is the ideal solution to getting rid of these stubborn bulges in the outer thigh. The medical CoolSculpting procedure relies on the concept of ‘cryolipolysis’, where subcutaneous fat breaks down when exposed to freezing temperatures. Cryolipolysis was discovered in 2008, when a Harvard researcher examined scientific literature on pediatric patients who had eaten popsicles. They found that the extreme cold can kill fat cells but leave skin cells unharmed. When the treated fat cells die, the body will break them down and flush them out of the body through the liver after a few weeks.
Soon after, the CoolSculpting technology was developed around this idea, and has since become the gold-standard, non-invasive treatment that gets rid of the excess fat deposit under the skin. It can be used to address visible fat bulges in the upper arm, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, bra fat, and even a double chin. The CoolSculpting fat freezing procedure works like this:
1) A plastic surgeon or a licensed CoolSculpting provider will sterilize the target area before treatment and apply a topical gel.
2) Once the skin is ready, the practitioner will use proprietary applicator tools to suction the skin like a vacuum, while actively cooling down the area to a freezing temperature. The applicator, however, will keep the surrounding tissues warm. Specific applicators would be used for the thigh, such as:
3) The treatment usually lasts around 45 minutes to an hour. Still, patients can relax, read, chat, or watch TV as their practitioner sculpts the thighs. Afterwards, the applicator is removed and the treated area is massaged for a more successful breakdown of unwanted fat.
CoolSculpting is often called “non-surgical liposuction”, as it has helped thousands of people achieve their body contouring goals. And compared to liposuction, CoolSculpting treatment isn’t invasive so it doesn’t require extensive recovery time at the hospital. Other benefits of CoolSculpting are:
In 2010, CoolSculpting hit the market and many people thought it was too good to be true. Since then, however, thousands of patients have contoured, toned, and tightened their thighs with CoolSculpting -- which continues to enjoy a good safety record. Still side effects may occur, such as:
During the procedure itself, your skin is exposed to intense cold. A roll of fat is placed between two cooling panels, which may feel like something is pinching and pulling your skin as the fat cells are frozen and pulled out. This may create pain, stinging, and aching sensations that gradually disappear on their own after 3 - 11 days.
You may also feel some temporary numbness in the targeted area for a few weeks, which is normal. Although these sensations can be bothersome, the skin cells, muscle tissues, and nerves are unharmed, so nothing will stop you from doing any normal activity.
For a majority of patients, they will experience side effects that are similar to frostbite, as the cold targets the fatty tissue below the skin. Temporary redness, bruising, itching, swelling, inflammation, and skin sensitivity may be felt at the treatment area and recede after a few days, although this can vary with the specific area. The abdomen, in particular, is more sensitive to these unwanted effects, while the outer thigh may experience late onset pain on the third day after treatment. The bruises can be relieved with a gentle massage, if necessary.
PAH is a rare but serious side effect to CoolSculpting, which may occur in the months following the initial treatment. In theory, cryolipolysis is supposed to chill tissue to the point that the fat cells crystalize, disintegrate, and leave the body as waste so the thigh slims down.
However, the fat cells may also harden into an unnaturally shaped lump in response to the cold; this is PAH, which expands the recently targeted fat cells instead of shrinking them. Sometimes, it is also called the “stick of butter” effect, as the fat bulge resembles the shape of the CoolSculpting applicator -- which looks like a stick of butter.
It’s not yet fully understood why PAH occurs, nor why it occurs more often in male patients. The good news is that it’s just a cosmetic side effect, rather than a life-threatening one. Unfortunately, the stick of butter won’t disappear on its own -- it has to be treated with liposuction. Patients would need to live with a noticeable bulge for 6 - 9 months until the fat softens enough to remove safely. Still, this is a rare side effect with a 0.0051% chance of occurring, especially in the thighs which use a non-suction applicator.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
For most people, CoolSculpting is a safe and effective method for reducing body fat. Compared to other forms of fat reduction, CoolSculpting freezes and flushes out fat cells so they never return. And because it’s non-invasive and non-surgical, there won’t be any incisions, scarring, or a required recovery time for patients. If you’re unhappy with the size of your thighs, self-conscious about the “thigh jiggle”, or uncomfortable in skinny jeans and shorts, then you should definitely consider CoolSculpting.
An ideal CoolSculpting patient would have good overall health and a stable weight. It’s important to note that the CoolSculpting treatment is not for weight loss or obesity, so patients should have realistic expectations for the outcome. CoolSculpting works best to dissolve fat cells that won’t go away despite diet and exercise. Patients also won’t see final results for at least 3 - 4 months after treatment, and receive the best fat and cellulite reduction after 3 - 6 sessions.
Patients with a weakened immune system or have certain conditions that change the body’s ability to handle the cold should not receive this treatment. Serious complications may occur if a patient has disorders like:
You should also avoid undergoing CoolSculpting if you:
Whether or not you have certain pre-existing conditions, it’s important to talk to your physician before seeking out a board certified plastic surgeon to CoolSculpt your thighs. Your provide should be able to answer all your questions about the treatment, how it works, expected results, and potential side effects. They should also be able to evaluate how many sessions you will need and how well the procedure will work for you, depending on your skin type and muscle mass.
Learn more: How Much Fat Must I Have to Fill Coolsculpting Cup Thighs
One of the great things about CoolSculpting is that it requires no downtime. After undergoing treatment, you can easily return to your daily life right away; there’s no issue about going back to work, driving, or exercising after the procedure. Most of the discomfort and minor side effects of the CoolSculpting procedure disappear on their own after a few days, around the same time you’ll begin to see results.
However, it’s still good to prepare yourself so you can manage any pain and minimize potential adverse reactions before and after CoolSculpting. Some pre-treatment and aftercare tips are:
Consulting with your prospective provider is the essential first step for any cosmetic surgery, so it’s important not to skip on it. Your provider should determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for CoolSculpting, based on your health history. They would also be able to answer your questions and guide you on what you should expect. If possible, you should try to meet with more than one provider to see who you think you would work best with, as not every dermatologist or aesthetician is qualified to perform CoolSculpting. For your own safety, you should work with someone who has plenty of experience performing this treatment.
Even if CoolSculpting doesn’t require any downtime, it’s best not to let yourself stress too much on the day of the treatment. Make arrangements for your schedule if needed, eat a snack to prevent nausea, and bring something you can read or play with during the procedure. Wear loose, comfortable clothing like yoga pants to minimize discomfort after CoolSculpting. And make sure to save your doctor’s number so you can report any severe side effects or ask them for aftercare tips, if needed.
Prior to the procedure, your doctor will instruct you to avoid certain products like aspirin, alcohol, vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, fish oil, and other blood-thinners, as these can trigger bruising. Remember to follow these instructions and take care of your body in the week leading up to the procedure. Eat healthy foods, get plenty of sleep, and skip on the caffeine and nicotine during this period.
As CoolSculpting is a non-surgical treatment, no anesthesia or prescription pain medications will be prescribed to relieve any post-treatment discomfort. Expect to experience some soreness in your thighs, similar to the feeling you can after an intense workout, as your body shrinks and slims down the outer thigh. You can get acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen) to help with pain, swelling, or inflammation.
Some patients don’t want to take medication to treat post-CoolSculpting discomfort. If you count yourself as one of these patients, be sure to move around after the treatment to reduce pain and inflammation. You can also ask your CoolSculpting specialist to massage the treatment area, which helps increase the efficacy of the fat-freezing process and minimize any potential side effects. Aside from massage therapy, gentle exercises, deep breathing exercises, and warm compresses may also help with pain relief.
The NJ Center for CoolSculpting in Summit, New Jersey is a leader in the revolutionary, non-surgical CoolSculpting technique. Our board-certified doctors, certified aestheticians, and licensed physician assistants are dedicated to providing the safest, most effective body contouring procedure against stubborn fat deposits.
After performing hundreds of CoolSculpting treatments each month, we are confident that we can deliver the CoolSculpting result you want to achieve. We’ll help you look and feel your best, inside and outside. Contact the NJ Center for CoolSculpting to schedule an appointment today.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
CoolSculpting and Vanquish are two body contouring procedures for fat reduction that don’t require surgery. Both work to eliminate stubborn fat cells in target areas like the thighs, upper arms, buttocks, and abdomen. While CoolSculpting is the most well-known, non-invasive fat removal treatment, Vanquish is a newer procedure that is slowly growing in popularity.
So which is better: Vanquish or CoolSculpting? It depends on what you’re looking for in a treatment. CoolSculpting works by freezing fatty cells in the treatment area, while Vanquish relies on radiofrequency to heat the unwanted body fat. Both procedures are effective and safe, but CoolSculpting has a longer track-record of success. You can also achieve your desired results with fewer treatments if you choose to undergo a CoolSculpting treatment.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
Most patients prefer a non invasive fat reduction method because a surgical procedure like liposuction takes more time, costs more money, and increases risk of complications or side effects. CoolSculpting and Vanquish are the top choices for non-surgical fat removal.
CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved non-surgical treatment that works through fat freezing technology. Since 2010, CoolSculpting has used a technology called cryolipolysis to freeze fat cells (adipose tissue) at a certain temperature, causing them to die without harming surrounding cells. The frozen, crystallized adipose tissue is then flushed away by the lymphatic system as waste.
Using a device that resembles a small vacuum, a CoolSculpting provider will draw up the unwanted fat in the treatment area between cooling panels for an hour. Afterwards, the applicator is removed and the red, raised skin is massaged to help the body process the fat cells.
According to its manufacturers, the CoolSculpting procedure can yield a 20% - 25% reduction of fat deposits in the body. The specially-designed applicators are great for smaller, pinchable areas of the body like the upper arm, double chin, love handles, inner thigh, and outer thigh. CoolSculpting can also be used on larger areas like the abdomen and the buttocks.
Read more: How Much Fat Must I Have to Fill Coolsculpting Cup Thighs
Vanquish fat reduction is a body contouring procedure that utilizes selective heating to stimulate fat loss. Approved in 2015 by the FDA, Vanquish targets fat cells through radiofrequency energy. Fat cells are not just sensitive to cold; they can also be destroyed with heat. Radiofrequency technology heats up the fat tissue to trigger apoptosis (cell death), but the treatment itself is comfortable -- like sitting in a dry sauna or under a warm blanket.
The patient lies beneath the Vanquish device and sensors assess the body fat to determine the correct energy level. The device emits a focused-field radio frequency to heat the skin to 101°F and the underlying fat layer to 120°F. As the applicator is above the body, it does not come into direct contact with the patient so it can easily treat larger areas in circumferential reduction.
Aside from eliminating 25% - 30% of the target area’s fat cells, Vanquish also uses radiofrequency for skin tightening, as the heat stimulates collagen production. With two different applicators, Vanquish can treat love handles, abdomen flabs, saddlebags, and other large sections of fat. For best results, patients should be well-hydrated before and after treatment.
| CoolSculpting | Vanquish | ||
| Number of Sessions | Each patient needs 1 - 2 sessions of CoolSculpting, which lasts around 60 minutes each. For larger areas of the body, CoolSculpting may take longer as the treatment site is broken down into four separate areas. | A Vanquish treatment can be performed in 45 minutes for large areas. However, patients would need 4 - 6 sessions, spaced 1 week apart, for maximum results. Side EffectsCoolSculpting has a high patient satisfaction rate and a long history of use. Side effects commonly occur, but these are only mild and temporary. Patients may experience aches, stinging, pain, swelling, redness, or bruising in the treated area. There is also one rare, delayed side effect that may occur: paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, where the fat cells in the target area enlarge, rather than shrink. | Minor side effects like redness, swelling, or inflammation may occur that makes the skin feel warmer and more tender than usual. Vanquish side effects go away on their own within the day. |
| Efficacy (Thighs) | CoolSculpting will treat the inner and outer thighs separately, as it is designed to target very specific areas or pockets of fat. Still, CoolSculpting can yield visible results in a shorter amount of time. | Vanquish is an effective fat reduction treatment that can manage the inner and outer thighs at the same time. However, it takes multiple sessions to get the full results. | |
| Cost | In 2017, the average price of CoolSculpting per session is around $1500. However, the cost largely depends on how large the area being treated is. A larger area or multiple areas will increase the cost, in addition to factors like where you live, your provider, and how many follow-up appointments you need. | The average cost of Vanquish is around $500 - $800 per session. Each patient will need around 4 - 6 sessions to complete the treatment. |
Thigh fat can be an unattractive source of stress for many patients, especially women, who are inclined to store more diet and exercise-resistant fat as they age. As the body prepares for pregnancy and breastfeeding, the estrogen hormones in women store additional fat reserves in the hips, thighs, buttocks, and pelvis. With proven technologies like CoolSculpting and Vanquish, this problem can easily be resolved.
Vanquish works better with large sections of loose skin. The skin around the thighs is usually firmer and pinchable, so CoolSculpting is more likely to be the appropriate choice. The CoolSculpting procedure includes proprietary applicators designed to sculpt away small pockets of fat cells and change the overall shape of the thighs. These applicators include:
With these applicators, CoolSculpting techniques can be customized to treat the inner and outer thighs, as well as the banana rolls beneath the buttocks or the distal thighs in the knee area.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
CoolSculpting is a quick and straightforward treatment that requires little preparation, but can easily enhance your appearance with long-lasting and noticeable results.
Before you undergo CoolSculpting, you’ll have an initial consultation with your provider, who will examine your body and discuss your desired outcomes. They will also ask you about your medical history, the medication you’re taking, and recent cosmetic treatments you’ve received. Your provider will use this information to decide if CoolSculpting is the right cosmetic procedure for you, and create a personalized treatment plan.
As each person’s body is unique, the number of CoolSculpting sessions depend on how many areas of the body need to be improved and how much excess fat there is. Although CoolSculpting works for most healthy adults, it’s not a weight loss method. It won’t be suitable for patients who are overweight, obese, or want to reduce a substantial amount of fat. Additionally, CoolSculpting is not recommended for patients who:
Your provider should also give you instructions to follow prior to treatment. You will be asked to avoid anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning products, which may worsen bruising. It’s also good to eat a light meal and drink plenty of water before CoolSculpting, to keep you comfortable during your session. Wear loose clothing and bring something to keep you occupied during the hour-long treatment.
When the session is about to begin, your CoolSculpting provider will sterilize the treatment site and apply a topical gel before placing the CoolSculpting applicator on your outer thigh or inner thigh. The machine will suction and cool the fat cells in the targeted area, so expect to feel a very cold, tugging sensation for the first five minutes. Afterwards, your body will grow numb and treatment will feel gentle. During this time, most patients take phone calls, watch TV, read a book, or answer emails.
Afterwards, it will take some time for the body to process and dispose of the dead fat cells. Your clothing will fit better in 4 weeks, but the full results can be seen in 8 - 12 weeks. The dramatic results are long-lasting; in fact, the fat cells are permanently gone as long as you maintain your current weight through diet and exercise. Once they see the amazing results, most CoolSculpting patients are motivated to take even better care of themselves.
Read more: Does CoolSculpting Work For Inner Thighs?
The NJ Center for CoolSculpting is the leading center for body contouring treatment in Summit, New Jersey. Our board-certified doctors, licensed aestheticians, and expert physician assistants work hard to make sure each patient achieves the optimal result in their treatment session. After performing hundreds of CoolSculpting procedures every month, we can guarantee you’ll walk out our doors with a slimmer, firmer treated area. Book an appointment with us today so you can start looking and feeling your best.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
Thigh fat is one of the most common body problems that women have. Also referred to as “sex-specific fat,” the fatty deposits around your thighs just come with being a woman, as estrogen tends to send more fat cells to the thighs and butt area. This is why cosmetic procedures such as CoolSculpting have become more popular, which is recommended for those who have light to moderate fat around the thighs. But for it to work, you do need to have enough fat.
So now you’re wondering, “How much fat must I have to fill CoolSculpting cup thighs?”. Generally, people with at least an inch of “pinchable” fat are a good candidate for the procedure, although there are other factors that will decide if the procedure is going to be safe and effective for you. You need to understand first how CoolSculpting works so you can decide if you should go and get it.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat reduction procedure for the inner thighs and does not require needles, anesthesia, and incisions. It’s based on the science of cryolipolysis, which uses the body's cellular response to cold to break down fatty tissue. It works by cooling subcutaneous fat, which is the layer of fat just under your skin. The fat cells are destroyed by the cooling process and absorbed by the body. The surrounding muscles, nerves, and other tissues will remain unaffected by the process. The digested fat cells are then sent to your body’s lymphatic system to be filtered out as waste.
As an FDA-approved procedure, CoolSculpting is a safe treatment for outer and inner thigh fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. It’s non-invasive, so it’s a great alternative for those who don’t want to undergo surgery, such as liposuction, for fat reduction. There may be some discomfort and minor side effects that come with the procedure, but these are completely normal and will dissipate shortly.
Speaking of liposuction, it’s also important to know the difference between the two procedures to set the expectations, especially when it comes to results. CoolSculpting is suitable for removing small areas of fat, while liposuction is for removing large portions of fat.
Liposuction, which was the second most popular form of cosmetic surgery in the U.S. in 2018, is an invasive procedure that involves making incisions around the area where fat is going to be removed. A numbing solution will be applied to the area and then a thin tube, called a cannula, will be inserted through the incision. The tube will suck out the fat in that area. The plastic surgeon may opt to use local or general anesthesia for the procedure, depending on the amount of fat to be removed and the number of areas for treatment. Traditional liposuction can remove fat from several areas of the body, including the abdomen, waist, hips, butt, upper arm, thighs, face, neck, and chest.
Aside from removing a larger amount of fat in the body per session, liposuction can also move fat from one part of the body to another. Fat transfer is done usually for body contouring purposes.
In terms of recovery, it can take a week after liposuction before a patient can return to her daily activities. Doing plenty of light activities, such as walking around or light housework, is encouraged to speed up the recovery time. Long periods of sitting or lying down are discouraged.
On the other hand, CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure in which fat cells are frozen, causing them to crystallize. The CoolSculpting applicator is used in the treatment area for fat freezing, no incisions and anesthesia required. Eventually, the frozen cells will be destroyed and it will be filtered out as waste by the body’s lymphatic system. The CoolSculpting technology is used mostly in the inner and outer things, back, and double chin.
Recovery time is quick and the patient can return to daily activities soon after the procedure. The effects are not seen immediately and can take a few weeks for the results to be seen in full. In some people, it can even take longer. Because the treatment only targets a few millimeters of fat just below the skin, the results are not as dramatic as liposuction. A patient may need several treatments in order to get the results that she wants.
It’s important to find a medical provider who has ample experience of CoolSculpting. Right now, there are aestheticians, dermatologists, and surgeons who can perform the fat freezing treatment, but not all of them are certified for CoolSculpting. It has to be a certified professional who has the right machines to do the job.
Once you find a good doctor, schedule a consultation so you’ll know if you’re the right candidate for CoolSculpting. You will be asked about your medical history and your weight will be measured. This is important because you need to be within 10-30 pounds of your ideal weight in order to qualify. It should be emphasized that CoolSculpting as a fat reduction treatment is more suitable for those who have lesser body fat than an obese person or those who have already lost almost all the excess fat that they can - the procedure is not designed as an overall weight loss procedure or weight gain solution. It will help you reduce the five to ten pounds of fat from your troubled areas, but it won’t help you lose the fifty pounds that you’ve gained over the past few years.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
Although CoolSculpting fat reduction is a perfectly safe and effective procedure, there are individuals that may not benefit much from it. This is why you should know what makes a patient a good candidate for the treatment.
Your doctor will place the applicator on the treatment area, in this case, your thighs. The applicator features a flat vacuum cup and large cooling plates, but there are facilities that use the flat applicator, which is helpful in those hard-to-reach areas.
You will feel a slight sucking sensation as the applicator adheres to your body, which will be followed by a soothing cooling effect. You may feel sensations of pulling, tugging, and mild pinching, as well as some tingling, stinging, and intense cold. All these are normal and totally tolerable, and definitely not a cause for alarm. As the treatment area becomes numb, these sensations will eventually subside.
After the procedure, you may experience the typical side effects - redness, bruising, swelling, itching, as well as some tenderness and cramping. Again, these are all normal and should disappear after a short while.
The duration of the CoolSculpting session will depend on the areas of your body being worked on, but usually, it takes only 35 minutes per area. So if you’re having the treatment on your thighs, that’s 35 minutes each, which totals to a little more than an hour. Naturally, if you’re having multiple areas done for treatment, it will take longer than that.
Read more: Does CoolSculpting Work For Inner Thighs?
It can take two to four months for a visible fat reduction from your CoolSculpting treatment. During this time, there should be no long-term discomfort as you wait for the results to become totally visible. You may have side effects right after treatment, but this is nothing to worry about.
As part of your aftercare, keep your body moving after the procedure in order to reduce pain and inflammation. Wear yoga pants or other comfortable clothing. If you feel more comfortable with compressed clothing, opt for Spanx or something similar to it. If you experience severe side effects (which are rare), call your doctor right away.
Anyone can learn how to use the CoolSculpting tools to perform on patients, but you should only seek treatment from those who are actually certified to do the procedure. CoolSculpting specialists must receive proper training in order to deliver safe treatment and make sure that the patient gets the results that she seeks. A certified CoolSculpting specialist should know how to handle the following:
Do you want to lose that stubborn fat that refuses to leave your inner and outer thigh? At NJ Center for CoolSculpting, firm and sleek thighs free of cellulite are definitely possible. Our staff consists of board-certified doctors, certified aestheticians, and licenses physician assistants who are collectively regarded as national leaders in body contouring. Call NJ Center for CoolSculpting now for the best body sculpting treatments and work towards getting the body you’ve always dreamed of.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
When your body experiences weight gain, certain areas are more prone to fat deposit development than others. The abdomen, the upper arm, the double chin all experience some degree of excess fat, but one particular area that a lot of patients want to fix is the inner thigh area. Fat reduction treatment for the inner thigh (and by extension, the outer thigh) has usually relied on invasive methods like liposuction - while effective, can cost you a lot in time and post-operative recovery. That's where alternatives like CoolSculpting come in.
But can a CoolSculpting treatment work on stubborn fat on the inner thigh? The CoolSculpting procedure is already effective at removing fat cells non-invasively from any area with unwanted fat. But with the right kind of CoolSculpting applicator, the fat freezing process works much better to get rid of the inner thigh and outer thigh fat without leaving behind any loose or excess skin in the treatment area.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
CoolSculpting treatments use a fat freezing process to remove unwanted fat from the fat layer without the need for a plastic surgeon or any other invasive tool. While not really a method for weight loss, it's an effective way to get visible fat reduction without a lot of effort.
A CoolSculpting session works on body fat by cooling any excess fat stores to the point of them imploding on themselves. The dead fat cells then remain in the fat layer for a while until they're removed by the body naturally. It's especially handy if you want to remove excess subcutaneous fat without having to harm the fat layers that you need, and works extremely well as a body contouring treatment.
The reason why CoolSculpting inner thighs can work so well is that the treated fat cells get removed gradually and without incisions or injections. This makes taking care of any inner thigh bulge a lot easier. With its body contouring applications, a skilled CoolSculpting specialist can precisely curve your inner thigh gap to your expected results, and any stubborn fat cells left behind get removed by your body without any side effects or complications.
One reason why inner thigh fat can be so difficult to remove is that the subcutaneous fat layer that protects the thigh from outside shocks and injury. Removing most of the body fat in that area can be dangerous, so any traditional thigh lift or liposuction involving the thighs needs to be extremely precise. However, traditional methods are often difficult to control and can't distinguish between the good fat and the bad fat - so alternatives like a CoolSculpting session have become more popular.
A CoolSculpting thighs treatment is minimally invasive, only requires one to two sessions, and can give you visible improvements in your inner thigh area after all the treated cells have been removed by your body. Without any cuts or incisions made to your thigh, you can easily go back to your usual activities and routines after your CoolSculpting session without any trouble at all.
Fat reduction treatment on the inner thighs can also be difficult because it's close to other fat deposit locations in the body like the abdomen. If there's a lot of body fat that needs to be removed, you also need to treat the adjacent areas to prevent any sagging skin from ruining the results of removing your inner thigh fat. As a versatile treatment option, the CoolSculpting procedure can naturally avoid many of the complications that come with treating excess fat, especially with the inner thigh area.
CoolSculpting treatments don't discriminate against the kind of fat that needs to be removed, so you can get your tummy tuck and inner thigh fat removal in the same session if you need to! You can even expand the effective area that you treat in your sessions with the use of the right applicator, so you can also target areas like the upper arm or reduce the amount of bra fat that you have.
One of the developments that make CoolSculpting even better at visible fat reduction and body contouring for the thighs is the approval of different applicators and procedures for thigh fat reduction treatment. In particular, the CoolFit applicator and the CoolSmooth applicator have seen a lot of success in treating stubborn fat cells in the thigh area, even with one or two treatments.
The CoolFit applicator is a special kind of CoolSculpting applicator that can work on special "problem areas" that have stubborn fat stores like the inner thigh, arms, or other limbs. Since your regular CoolSculpting applicator isn't designed to work on these areas, fat removal using the standard applicator hasn't always been as efficient as it could be. But with the CoolFit applicator, it's easier to get rid of stubborn fat cells precisely the way you want to and eliminate any fat bulges that can escape a normal CoolSculpting procedure.
Another improvement on the CoolSculpting procedure is the CoolSmooth applicator. FDA approved to work on areas of non-pinchable fat - or flat areas like the inner thigh and outer thigh - removing fat stores faster and more efficiently compared to the normal vacuum-based CoolSculpting applicators. Any dead fat cells will still be removed as per usual, but the entire process of fat freezing is easier with a CoolSmooth applicator.
CoolSculpting for thighs is an even better option when you realize that it neatly avoids one of the most common complaints patients have about any fat reduction treatment: loose or sagging skin. With methods like liposuction, the fat stores are directly removed from the treatment site in one go, which can cause the skin to sag since the sudden removal of the fat layer doesn’t cause the skin to snap back.
Your skin is elastic and can accommodate almost any kind of stretching, but it takes time for the skin to shrink back down after weight loss. The issue with most cosmetic treatments is that the rapid removal of fat leaves sagging skin behind, which can require extensive skin tightening treatments to manage. This is especially true in cases where a lot of fat is removed since the skin needs more time to shrink back.
CoolSculpting removes treated fat cells naturally and gradually, which allows the skin to adjust to the smaller treatment area. You can even combine it with other skin tightening and skin rejuvenation procedures like radiotherapy and dermal fillers for a better result once all the dead fat cells have been removed. Without the sudden vacuum left behind by significant fat removal, your skin can adjust better.
CoolSculpting is an effective way to give you a visible fat reduction, but it doesn’t mean that the results are permanent. While the fat freezing process targets and destroys any fat cells in the treated area, it doesn’t remove the body’s ability to create new fat cells there if you gain weight again. And while CoolSculpting treatments can always work years after their initial application, it’s better if you maintain the smaller fat layer that you have.
One of the best ways to do this is to stick to a lifestyle that can minimize fat development and help you keep your fat stores low. Diet and exercise are great ways of doing this, though you may have to check with your CoolSculpting provider about any possible lifestyle changes you can make after getting your treatment. For people who only have a small amount of fat that needs to be removed from their inner thighs, CoolSculpting is better used as a body contouring procedure and usually requires little changes to their routine.
CoolSculpting treatments are especially effective at removing inner thigh fat without any surgery or post-procedure recovery required. If you can get a provider that has the right CoolSculpting applicator, you’re guaranteed even better CoolSculpting results. With only one to two treatments and a little bit of time and patience, you’re well on your way to having that thigh gap you’ve always dreamed of.
Take the first step towards achieving your ideal body shape with us here at NJ Center for CoolSculpting. Call us at (908) 628-1070 to book an appointment now.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
If you eat more calories than you can burn, your body needs to store those additional calories somewhere since they aren't being used. That's where fat comes into play. Based on a study, it was found that body fat storage is highly influenced by genetic factors, especially in women. Women usually store fat in their hips, lower belly, and thighs. While men carry fat mainly in their abdomens, but are not completely off the hook with inner thigh and outer thigh fat either.
So can CoolSculpting thighs help reduce the excess fat in your thighs? Yes, CoolSculpting is a great option for men and women who want to slim down stubborn fat along their thighs. The fat reduction results of a CoolSculpting treatment in the thigh can take anywhere between three weeks and three months, depending on your metabolism. Patients can expect a reduction of between 20 and 25% of the treated fat cells with each round of treatment.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses the application of carefully controlled low temperatures to freeze fat beneath the skin. It can target stubborn fat in typical problem areas where it often collects, including both inner and outer thighs, but it also works on the lower abdomen, love handles, butt, and chin.
You cannot spot train away inner thigh fat. If you are getting impatient by not seeing the results you want from these activities, a CoolSculpting treatment will help.
As you lose or gain weight, you do not necessarily lose or create new fat cells; instead, the fat cells in your body become smaller or bigger. This is why even those who are careful about their weight and exercise can sometimes struggle with pockets of unwanted fat.
For people who have a long history of dealing with excess thigh fat, CoolSculpting might be the best solution for you. CoolSculpting helps patients with thigh fat in two ways. First by reducing the size and the curve of the outer thigh, and next is by smoothing away the bumps, waves. These bumps and waves are fat cells beneath the skin. By freezing and eliminating the outer thigh's fat cells, the bumps and waves are the first to go as soon as results start to show. This is a step closer to achieve an inner thigh gap.
The process of CoolSculpting inner thighs is simple, quick, and painless. The treatment itself is administered by professionals using a specialized CoolSculpting device. A gel pad is placed on the inner thigh to protect the skin. An applicator that looks a little like the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner is used to administer suction to the area of treatment, while paddles on the apparatus administer temperatures cold enough to freeze subcutaneous fat beneath the skin but not so cold as to damage the skin or other surrounding tissue. The applicator used is specially made to work on the inner thigh and is used to administer cooling beneath the dermis, targeting the pinchable fat of the thigh and freezing away the fat cells.
CoolSculpting for thighs is a non-invasive treatment that takes roughly 35 minutes per thigh. 35 minutes for either the inner or outer thigh. If you plan to have both inner and outer thighs treated on both legs, the total time will be more or less 2 hours.
CoolSculpting is highly beneficial for reducing fat cells from stubborn bulges on the inner thigh. Along with targeting fat on the inner area, CoolSculpting works incredibly well on the outer thigh. This is the only nonsurgical and FDA-approved treatment for visible fat reduction, delivers proven results without needles, surgery, anesthesia, or downtime.
The CoolSculpting applicator for the inner thighs is known as the CoolFit, which works best for areas that are larger as it has longer cooling plates. While other coolfit applicator involves pinching the skin in the treatment area into the device to freeze it, the applicator for the inner thighs can work simply by being pressed on the skin.
The outer thighs also require a specialized applicator. The outer thigh applicator is flat, making it better than round or curved applicators for areas of large flat skin that cannot necessarily be pinched. Areas that can be pinched include the abdomen and love handles.
CoolSculpting removes fat from the outer thigh area in the same way it works on the inner thigh. The only difference is the placement of the gel pad and applicator. For optimum results, your physician will likely recommend that you adopt an exercise program or get involved with a physical activity that focuses on the upper legs and maintain a healthy diet.
The thighs are a common area for women to store stubborn fat. This phenomenon is known as "sex-specific-fat," and it is a notorious problem for women. Excess inner and external thigh fat can form when you take in more calories than your body can use or burn off from exercise. Female hormones, mostly estrogen, direct fat to accumulate in the thighs, buttocks, and pelvis area.
Listed below are some of the common causes of fat in the inner and outer thigh.
The legs, mainly the thighs, have a large number of estrogen receptors which bind with high affinity to estrogens. When too many poor food and lifestyle choices occur over a period of time there is an increase in the fat storing form of Estrogen known as Estradiol. This hormonal imbalance can create a large amount of fat deposits around the thighs, hips and bum.
Excess fat on the thigh occurs due to the accumulation of fat deposits on the hip, thigh, and buttocks. Women have larger pelvis than men to accommodate childbirth. Fats in the pelvic area also provide cushion and protection. However, some women have excess fat deposition, which gives an unshapely appearance to their thighs.
If you don't move much and sit the whole day, much of your blood circulation becomes slow, leading to the accumulation of fat and development of cellulite. Steady state cardio exercises such as walking are a great way to reduce overall fat on the body, therefore it can help reduce fat in the inner thighs. Combine a mix of cardio exercises such as walking or riding a bike, and strength exercises such as squats and lunges to create an overall plan for the thighs to be healthy and fit.
Some studies show there's a link between thigh fat and lower back issues. Your spine should have a natural low back curve so your posture and lower back issues could be causing the accumulation of fat in your inner or outer thighs.
Heredity affects your susceptibility to gaining weight in your thighs. Body fat has a strong genetic component. If your mother has thigh fat, you are much more likely to have thigh fat deposition. What you eat can greatly influence which genes are expressed and which are not.
Yes, the results of CoolSculpting treatment for thighs have been proven for stubborn fat bulges. The effects of the CoolSculpting fat freezing procedure are not instant, but you should see a noticeable reduction over 2 to 3 months. Over the following weeks, your body will remove dead fat cells and metabolize them. The result will be slender and toned thighs.
The outcome achieved with CoolSculpting will last you a long time. Once the fat cells are frozen and destroyed, these fat cells are permanently destroyed. If you gain weight again, the remaining fat cells will expand, but they won't have the destroyed ones to expand along with them. The best way to maximize your results and keep them looking great is to eat healthy and be active.
Don't let stubborn thigh fat get you down. If you are looking for the best place to CoolSculpt your thighs and achieve that thigh gap, NJ Center for CoolSculpting is the place for you.
Our CoolSculpting specialist can help you achieve the toned and healthy thighs you have always wanted. This procedure is also applicable for fat removal in the upper abdomen, upper arm, fat bulges on the back and double chin. Schedule your free initial consultation today and get $1000 off on your first CoolSculpting thighs treatment.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
Among all the fat reduction trends on the market today, CoolSculpting is one of the newest, noninvasive procedures now available. By freezing lipid cells in unwanted areas, the process can rid your body of excess fatty pouches.
So how many times should you do CoolSculpting? You may need anywhere from 1-3 treatments, depending on how the stubborn fat bulges respond to the procedure. In some cases, multiple treatments are prescribed if the initial results did not get rid of the stubborn fat.
CoolSculpting is a patented cooling technique that reduces excess lipids in target areas. Cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012, this noninvasive procedure is based on the science of cryolipolysis. Cryolipolysis is a treatment modality which utilizes the cell’s response to cold temperatures to break down lipid tissues.
After extracting energy from the layers of lipids underneath the skin, the fat cells die gradually and are disposed of by the lymphatic system a couple of months after treatment. The procedure targets the stubborn lipids which are not responsive to diet and exercise. CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared for use on visible bulges in the following areas:
As it is still a fairly new procedure, many CoolSculpting experts don’t have an exact answer for everything just yet. However, most doctors would prescribe doing the procedure anywhere from 1-3 times.
According to a study done by a dermatologic surgeon in New York, doing a second treatment within 30 to 60 days after your initial treatment can enhance the results. The study found that the first treatment triggers an inflammatory response from the fat cells, which dissolves the lipids in 60 to 90 days. By performing a second treatment within the first 60 days, you generate a stronger inflammatory response, which destroys more fat cells
Other surgeons would suggest waiting 16 - 20 weeks so they can fully see the initial results before they recommend getting a second session. Aside from improving on the effects of the first session, a second session maximizes the effects of CoolSculpt and makes it even more permanent.
Third sessions are usually prescribed for larger areas of lipids, such as in the abdomen. Patients who are not satisfied with the initial results in the treated area may need to have multiple treatments done.
The great thing about CoolSculpting is that its effects are permanent, so long as you don’t gain additional weight. The lipids that were frozen, died, and removed by your body will not grow back. However, new lipids can grow in its place. This is why cosmetic surgeons highly recommend a healthy diet and lifestyle for many CoolSculpting patients, as it does not replace actual weight loss.
There are two main reasons to have additional sessions:
Perhaps you noticed that it didn’t contour your body the way you wanted it to, or that you didn’t fit into your clothes any better. You can then decide to have a second session, since the first procedure didn’t remove as many lipids as you hoped.
Maybe you were already happy with the initial results, but you decided you wanted to remove fat that grew to replace the dead lipids. This could happen months or even years down the line. Some surgeons observed that this happens with women who had their first session when they were in their mid-20s. These patients would then come back a few years later after they had children, as they wanted to remove the “pouch” leftover from pregnancy.
There are some risks involved for patients who continually undergo the CoolSculpting procedure. Long-term numbness in the area or even frostbite may develop due to frequent sessions.
Another risk may be losing too many lipids. In order to do lipid removal treatments, a patient must still have lipids that can be removed. Otherwise, they may risk removing too much that the treatment area would look concave or indented.
CoolSculpting is rising in popularity as the preferred treatment for unwanted lipids, as many treatments for lipid removal and weight loss are risky and are inadequate in addressing the problem. Many people have turned to this form of body contouring because it is noninvasive, permanent, effective, safe and convenient.
The NJ Center for CoolSculpting boasts a team of board-certified doctors, certified aestheticians, and licensed physician’s assistants who are leaders in body contouring solutions.
Since every patient is different, our physicians are dedicated to finding the right treatment program for body contouring. We’ll consult with you after the first procedure to determine if you will need additional sessions to keep your body looking lean and fit. We have performed thousands of CoolSculpting treatment sessions in our office, and we are committed to our patients’ safety and satisfaction.
Consult with us at our clinic in NJ, and we’ll give you $1000 off on your initial treatment.
Read more: What's Better: Sono Bello or CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a popular method of unwanted fat removal that utilizes advanced fat-freezing technology. While CoolSculpting can permanently get rid of excess fat pockets, this method of fat removal doesn’t come cheap.
So why does the CoolSculpting treatment cost a lot? Aside from its long-lasting effects, CoolSculpting is considered one of the safest, non-invasive ways to contour the body. Millions of people all over the world have tested the patented CoolSculpting method and experienced results that made spending their money worthwhile.
CoolSculpting is a noninvasive procedure that utilizes the cellular response to cold in order to break down fatty tissue. As the treatment extracts energy from the fat layers, the fat cells die gradually and leave the surrounding area unaffected. Within 3-4 months after treatment, digested cells are sent to the lymphatic system and are filtered out as waste.
CoolSculpting treatments only take 1-3 hours long. As a high-end solution for fat removal, CoolSculpting is expensive as it requires trained professionals to operate the technology and make sure they get the best results.
CoolSculpting was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012, and over four million treatments have been administered globally since. It has quickly become the preferred fat removal treatment option by patients, as it is effective, noninvasive, and safe.
Effective: Rather than collecting the fat from inside these cells as most fat reduction procedures do, CoolSculpting targets and removes these fat cells entirely from the body. Studies have found that CoolSculpting can get rid of 20%-80% excess fat in treated areas, and you can achieve visible results weeks later. As long as a patient maintains their weight and lives a healthy lifestyle, the excess fat cells will not grow back in the body and leave the treated area toned.
Noninvasive: One major reason why CoolSculpting is popular is that it is completely noninvasive, unlike traditional liposuction. It's easy and painless, as no knives, needles, or anesthesia are used on the patients. Since no incisions are made, no scars are left on CoolSculpting patients. As a non-surgical procedure, there is also zero downtime and recovery needed. There is no healing time or restrictions with CoolSculpting. Patients can resume day-to-day activities almost immediately after.
Safe: There will always be risks with most surgeries, even with the best, board-certified plastic surgeons performing minor operations. CoolSculpting is a highly rated, low-risk, noninvasive fat removal option. This means no bleeding, scarring, or complications are likely to arise. And unlike most cosmetic surgery, the procedure will not take a toll on your body. While there may be mildly uncomfortable side effects in some cases, these usually disappear after a few days.
CoolSculpting is a procedure that uses a handheld device, with applicators that resemble the nozzles of a vacuum cleaner. For most clinics, a cosmetic surgeon will place a gel pad onto the targeted area, and use an applicator to deliver controlled cooling and suction technology onto the unwanted love handles.
The state of the art CoolSculpting tool is part of the reason why the procedure tends to get expensive. The applicators are a versatile kind of technology which can address multiple areas for treatment. The chin applicator is smaller than the other CoolSculpting tools, and may cost $700-$800 to use per session, while the abdomen applicator may cost between $600-$700.
In some places, patients are charged based on how many applicators are needed during the session. Some plastic surgeons would recommend several applicators in different angles to achieve a sculpted look, while other cosmetic surgeons will decide based on the fat distribution in a specific target area. This depends on the patients, who may need 3-5 applicators over two sessions.
CoolSculpting should be performed by a trained professional. According to the American Med Spa Association (AmSpa), CoolSculpting would be considered by most states as a medical treatment. Patients are required to pass a medical exam conducted by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, which will assess if the patient can undergo the procedure. AmSpa also advises those who are interested in having CoolSculpting done to consult with a board-certified physician in person to determine what procedure is best.
Most med spas would have board-certified cosmetic surgeons among their staff, who can be consulted on how many CoolSculpting treatments are needed and how to address each area. These specialists would best know the science behind CoolSculpting, and how best to use its technology to minimize any discomfort. They would know the best methods of removing the love handles on the thighs, abdomen, upper arms, and other areas.
On average, the price of CoolSculpting is around $2000 - $4000 for one session.
However, the CoolSculpting cost is much lower than liposuction surgery. Though they produce similar results, liposuction is more expensive. Fees for the surgeon, anesthesia, operating room, and medications for liposuction are much higher compared to an average CoolSculpting cost.
With similar body contouring treatments, the CoolSculpting cost would still give the best value for its price. BodyTite costs an average of $7000, and reaches $14,000 in some cases. SculpSure is less expensive at a price range of $1400 - $1500, but it only received its FDA approval in 2015 so there is currently not much information about it.
At the NJ Center for CoolSculpting, the price is right. We offer $1000 off your first session, and you are sure to get high quality treatment in one of New Jersey’s most luxurious med spas.
Our board-certified medical practitioners can easily be consulted regarding your CoolSculpting concerns, and we are committed to providing our patients with the best CoolSculpting results. Schedule your appointment today.
Learn more: How Many Times Do You Have to Do CoolSculpting?
There are several cosmetic procedures available in the market for body fat reduction. Among the more popular options pitted against each other are Sono Bello vs CoolSculpting. Sono Bello is a form of laser liposuction, while CoolSculpting is a type of cryolipolysis - a procedure that destroys stubborn fat cells by freezing.
So is Sono Bello or CoolSculpting better for fat loss? Many patients prefer CoolSculpting over Sono Bello as it is an easy, noninvasive, and painless way of removing excess visible fat. In this article, we discuss each treatment, its pros and cons, and recommend which is the optimal procedure for reducing unwanted fat around the body.
Sono Bello is a micro laser liposuction procedure where a plastic surgeon manually removes fat through incisions in your target area, then uses a laser to melt the adipose tissue (fat) under the skin.
It is also called laser lipolysis, and bears the same risks as traditional liposuction but on a smaller scale. By utilizing a micro laser, both small and large volumes of adipose tissue can be easily extracted, while the skin in the area may even be tightened by the laser.
This procedure should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and if you have:
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment for fat reduction. It is based on the science of cryolipolysis, which uses cold temperatures to target and freeze fat cells. After destroying the excess adipose tissues with cold temperature ranging from -11 to +5 degrees Celsius, excess fat is metabolized by the lymphatic system and flushed out of the body as waste after several weeks.
This procedure is not considered a weight loss treatment because it doesn’t alter your body composition. The best candidates for CoolSculpting are patients who have pinchable fat rolls and want to trim visible excess fat. Doctors would also recommend against this procedure if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Patients with the following health conditions are also ineligible for CoolSculpting:
The major difference in deciding between Sono Bello vs CoolSculpting is that Sono Bello is a surgical procedure, while CoolSculpting is noninvasive. Other differences include:
| Sono Bello | CoolSculpting |
| Micro laser liposuction | Freezing fat cells |
| Surgical procedure | Noninvasive treatment |
| 2-4 weeks recovery needed | No recovery time needed |
Sono Bello patients will remain awake during treatment and will receive local anesthesia in the treatment area. They will also receive medication to relax and sedate them while the plastic surgeon makes incisions on their body.
The plastic surgeon will liposuction away most of the unwanted fat, then utilize the micro laser for contouring and finishing on the remaining adipose tissues. The process takes around an hour to finish per area. As this is still a surgical liposuction procedure, a Sono Bello patient may expect a recovery period of 2 - 4 weeks.
As for CoolSculpting, a gel pad will be placed on the surface of the patient’s skin to protect it from the cold. A cosmetic surgeon will apply the cold temperature through an applicator, which also suctions the fat cells upwards to the surface of the skin. It will take a cosmetic surgeon around 35-60 minutes to finish a cooling session.
Since CoolSculpting is noninvasive, no incisions are made on the skin. Neither local nor general anesthesia is injected as well. This means that patients can resume daily activities immediately after the procedure, and no recovery time is needed.
Aside from understanding the differences between both procedures, it is also worth comparing other factors such as the procedure’s effectiveness, price, and convenience, since these may help you determine which treatment is right for you.
Effectivity: CoolSculpting vs Sono Bello
Price: CoolSculpting vs Sono Bello
Convenience: CoolSculpting vs Sono Bello
Overall, if you have a larger volume of body fat, Sono Bello may be a good choice as it can remove more adipose tissues. But keep in mind that as a liposuction variant, Sono Bello has the same risks associated with traditional liposuction.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a noninvasive and easy way to trim the bulges of stubborn fat that won’t disappear with diet and exercise, then CoolSculpting would be the better option for you. This procedure has lower risks and has a fat removal rating of up to 80%.
If you’re interested in a safe and effective way to get rid of unwanted body fat, look no further than NJ’s five star CoolSculpting clinic. As the leading center for CoolSculpting in New Jersey, our board-trained cosmetic surgeons have performed over 5,000 body contouring treatments.
We will consult with you about the procedure and how to best address your target areas, so you’ll leave our high-end clinic satisfied with the results. Schedule an appointment with the NJ Center of CoolSculpting, and get $1000 off your first CoolSculpting session.
Read more: Do Ice Packs Reduce Belly Fat?
Recent internet videos tout ice packs as a home-remedy for reducing fat tissue. This DIY trend has been inspired by cryolipolysis, the science of freezing the body’s fat cells - which is also the science behind the cosmetic procedure called CoolSculpting. While cryolipolysis is not a weight loss treatment, it can tone and contour your body.
So can an ice pack shrink your belly fat? Unfortunately, there is no scientific basis for this internet fat. It is not recommended by medical professionals, as it is ineffective and dangerous. In this article we explain exactly why an ice pack should be avoided as a weight loss tool.
Cryolipolysis is the scientific term for cooling areas of the body to break down and reduce fat cells, without damaging the other tissues. While it won’t help you lose weight, it will sculpt the treatment areas to look trim and fit.
The human body has two types of fat: white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue. Each has their own function, and understanding them will help you better appreciate the concept of freezing unwanted body fat away.
White adipose tissue, or white fat cells provide your body with energy. This is the most abundant type of fat in the body, and it’s responsible for the fat around your waist and thighs. The white adipose tissues are the result of storing excess calories. When you consume too many calories, your body creates energy reserves in the form of the white adipose tissue. Each white fat cell contains a single lipid droplet, which is why it is usually white or yellowish in color.
Brown adipose tissue, or brown fat cells keep the body temperature stable by burning calories to generate heat. They are darker in color compared to the white adipose tissue because they contain many lipid droplets, and have a higher amount of iron-filled mitochondria. Brown adipose tissues are usually responsible for the fat accumulation around your neck.
These excess fat tissues are what cryolipolysis targets. When it gets cold, your body has to work more to keep you warm, and that effort burns off calories. Your body burns energy at a faster rate and depletes the brown fat lipid reserves, which reduces the amount of excess adipose tissues in the body.
This was discovered by scientists from Canada, who conducted the study by exposing a group of volunteers with high brown fat levels to cold temperatures. They found that these individuals would only start shivering at much lower temperatures, compared to those with low brown fat levels.
This indicates that their brown fat cells were hard at work keeping their bodies warm. They burned an extra 250 calories, which is a 1.8 times increase from the average calorie-burning rate. While they burned calories, the volunteers did not lose weight.
While it has been scientifically proven that cold temperatures can help you shed unwanted fat, does that mean ice packs have the same effect? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Utilizing ice packs to shrink fat tissue is not effective and even potentially dangerous for your skin. Here are the reasons why you should not attempt to use ice packs to get rid of unwanted fat tissue:
Ice packs are not an effective way of reducing fat tissue because you will not be able to get it cold enough to trigger apoptosis, or fat cell death. Ice packs cannot retain a consistent temperature, since your body transfers heat to the ice pack and warms it up.
Additionally, adipose tissues must be exposed to cold temperature ranging from -11 to +5 degrees Celsius for at least 35 minutes before they can be destroyed. Aside from being unable to keep your ice pack frozen for more than half an hour, you will not be able to monitor and regulate how cold it is. There is no way to adjust the temperature of your ice pack, and no way to know if your lipid cells are actually responding to the ice pack’s temperature.
A lipid cell typically moves inwards and away from the skin’s surface to protect themselves against cold external temperatures. Without a vacuum that will bring them up and secure them by the surface, your ice packs will not be able to penetrate the skin and freeze fat.
There are no safety mechanisms to control an ice pack with, and you will not be able to protect your skin, muscle, nerves or tissues. An ice pack must be cold enough to penetrate the adipose tissue, but not cold enough that it freezes your skin and damages the surrounding tissues in the target area.
For some patients, using a homemade ice pack may result in burns, scars, or blisters.
Many other cases reported patients suffering from frostbites after their attempt to freeze lipid cells at home. One case study found a 55-year old woman who used dry ice to create a belly ice pack, which she hoped would result in adipose tissue death. Instead, the outcome were full- and partial-thickness wounds to her abdomen, which damaged around 4% of her total body surface in that area.
Ice packs cannot isolate the treatment area, and keep the other tissues from being damaged. There is no precision in using an ice pack to reduce excess fat tissue, and it may result in damages to the skin, nerves, and muscles. Aside from frostbite, other risks include numbness, pain, and permanent tissue damage. Without supervision or guidance from a medical professional, attempts at home cryolipolysis are strongly advised against by most doctors and cosmetic surgeons.
If you are interested in removing undesired fat tissues and other love handles, CoolSculpting is a patented fat freezing cosmetic procedure cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012. While it is not a weight loss treatment, it targets the stubborn bulges in the following areas:
The patented CoolSculpting technology controls the temperature through a machine, suctions and freezes the fat tissues under the skin surface with an applicator, and protects the skin with a gel pad. It is safe, convenient, and effective.
At the NJ Center for CoolSculpting, our board-certified doctors guarantee long-lasting body contour results for all our CoolSculpting patients. We have performed over 5,000 CoolSculpting treatments at our high-end clinic, so we are experienced in consulting and guiding our clients through this procedure.
To learn more about CoolSculpting and how we can make sure you achieve your dream body, book a consultation with us today and get $1000 off your first treatment.
Read more: Can CoolSculpting Go Wrong?
