What is CoolSculpting® Elite?
The CoolSculpting® Elite procedure is a noninvasive procedure that is intended to break down fat cells that are just beneath the skin by delivering controlled cooling at the surface of the skin. The CoolSculpting® Elite procedure is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental (under the chin) and submandibular (under the jawline) areas, thigh, abdomen and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll) and upper arm. It is also FDA-cleared to affect the appearance of lax tissue with submental area treatments. The CoolSculpting® Elite procedure is not a treatment for weight loss. It does not replace traditional methods such as diet, exercise, or liposuction.
What does it do?
The CoolSculpting® Elite technology uses controlled cooling to target and freeze a portion of the fat cells under your skin. In the weeks that follow treatment, the body naturally begins to process the fat cells that were frozen during treatment and removes them from the treatment site thereby affecting the appearance of the treated bulge. You may start to see changes in as early as four weeks after your CoolSculpting® Elite procedure and will experience the most dramatic results after one to three months. Your body will continue to naturally process the injured fat cells for weeks to months after your procedure. Results may take up to 6 months to become visible. Visible results can vary from person to person.
Before & After:
How is it used?
What does it feel like? The CoolSculpting® Elite System is a prescription use only device and may only be used by or on the order of a physician. Your practitioner will discuss your individual treatment plan and will select the appropriate applicator for your needs. Some applicators use vacuum and others do not. During your treatment, a gel or gelpad and applicator are applied to the targeted area. Applicators that use vacuum will draw the tissue into the applicator cup. You may feel deep pulling, tugging, and mild pinching. With a non-vacuum surface applicator, you may experience sensations of pressure. Controlled cooling is then delivered to the targeted fat so you may feel intense cold, stinging, tingling, aching or cramping as the treatment begins but these sensations typically subside as the area becomes numb. In some cases, you may feel pulsatile massage. Upon removal of the applicator, you may see a frozen bulge at the treatment area (known as a “butterstick”). The physician may apply manual massage to rewarm and smooth out the treated area.