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How Often Can You Do Cryolipolysis?

Cryolipolysis or CoolSculpting as it is more commonly known is a modern treatment for breaking down and removing fat cells without the need for surgery. 

And…

Because there is no anesthetic or cuts involved there is no recovery time and therefore very little chance of any side effects.

It is a very effective way to reduce fat cells but does this mean you should take multiple sessions and how often is safe to undergo this procedure?

What Is Cryolipolysis?

CoolSculpting is a treatment that uses cold temperatures to freeze fat cells. Tissues and cells in the human body can cope with cold temperatures however fat cells are particularly susceptible to cold. 

The procedure works by the practitioner using a vacuum applicator on the skin. This applicator has cooling panels and when they come into contact with the skin they produce a numbing effect like anesthesia. The fat cells are then cooled for up to an hour.

After the fat freezing treatment, the cells will die. They will then start to break down and liquefy and over time the body will eliminate these cells naturally. The treatment can remove up to 20-25% of fat cells in the treated body area and effects may take some time to appear.

How Long Before I Can See The Effects Of Cryolipolysis?

One of the risks of people wanting to do multiple sessions or returning to a clinic is that the effects take some time to show. It is easy for someone to become impatient when they aren’t seeing the results they want straight away.

After having a CoolSculpting session it may take up to 6-12 weeks before the true results are visible. It takes time for the body to break down and destroy the dead fat cells. Undergoing more Cryolipolysis treatments before the body is ready may be tempting but it could also end with you paying to freeze fat cells that have already died from the previous session.

How Long Must You Wait Before The Next Treatment?

Because it takes time for the cells to be eliminated it is recommended that patients wait a minimum of 1 month before returning to take another session. The recommended times between sessions are 1-4 months and many CoolSculpting clinics will recommend that you wait the full 4 months before you take another CoolSculpting session.

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

This will depend on certain factors. Cryolipolysis is not intended as a weightloss treatment and should be viewed as a way to contour and improve the appearance of the body when you are already close to your ideal weight. It can help give a toned appearance and remove stubborn bulges and areas of fat that exercise and diet haven’t been able to.

If you were around 10-15 pounds over your ideal weight then you might be an ideal candidate for Cryolipolysis. It is entirely possible that you would only need one session. If you have a particularly stubborn area then it may take 2 to 3 sessions to achieve the desired results. Someone looking to lose 5-10 pounds would most likely only need one session.

Is Coolsculpting Safe?

Because the treatment is non-invasive and uses non-surgical techniques or anesthetic then there are very few risks associated with it. There is no recovery time and patients are able to resume daily activities straight after the treatment including driving themselves home from the clinic.

There is a very small percentage (less than 1%) of people who received Cryolipolysis treatments that reported they had some side effects. The most common effects reported were slight soreness akin to someone who had exercised, redness, sensitivity, bruising, a tugging sensation, or numbness in the treated area.

There is one very rare but more serious side effect called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. This mostly affects men and appears to affect Hispanic and Latino men in particular. The side effect results in the fat cells growing larger instead of smaller and will not correct itself without treatment.

Can Anyone Have Cryolipolysis?

Like all medical treatments, you should consult a professional before undergoing a session of CoolSculpting. A good practitioner will give you a full assessment to make sure you are suitable for Cryolipolysis. There are some people who should avoid the treatment though.

People living unhealthy or sedentary lifestyles may not be suitable for Cryolipolysis. The treatment helps to destroy fat cells and contour the body but it is not a weight loss program and should not be treated as such. If a person continues to eat poorly then the fat will return in the form of new fat cells.

Also, people living with cold-related conditions such as cold urticaria, cryoglobulinemia, and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. Cryolipolysis can cause people to develop loose skin where the fat cells are destroyed so anyone who already has loose skin may need to avoid this type of treatment.

What Areas Of Your Body Can You Work On With Cryolipolysis?

People tend to focus on the parts they see as ‘problem areas’. It may be that someone has a particularly stubborn bulge or an area they dislike and Cryolipolysis can help to break down the fat cells there. 

It can be used on many areas of the body but the most common areas are under the chin, the abdomen, love handles, thighs, and the lower half of the buttocks. It can be used to improve the appearance of cellulite also in affected areas such as legs, buttocks, and arms.

Summary

If you are planning to use Cryolipolysis to improve areas of your body make sure you take the recommended recovery time that your clinic suggests before the next session. This way you will see the proper results and know that your next session is removing more fat cells and not just re-freezing the ones that are already dead. 

A good licensed practitioner will answer all your questions, show you before and after photos and testimonials. They will help you decide the best way forward for you to go and with a healthy lifestyle, Cryolipolysis could help you achieve the results you desire.

Last Updated on November 17, 2020