8 CoolSculpting Myths That Will Surprise You

How much have you spent in your quest of slimming down?

Time, probably a lot.

Money, you could have very well spent an average of S$120 a month for your gym membership.

Not to mention the sheer amount of discipline you put into incorporating a healthy and balanced diet. It may sound tough, but certainly not impossible.

However, don’t you find it frustrating when there is that one spot in your body where the fats do not seem to budge no matter what you do? You might think that you need to go to drastic measures just to get rid of it, say liposuction maybe? Well, it does not have to be.

A non-invasive body contouring procedure called CoolSculpting, also known as fat freezing, has created quite a buzz lately for its method that helps you get rid of unwanted fats without the need for surgery.

In fact, you might have seen one too many ad banners about the procedure saying “Lose weight without exercise and diet!” or “Slim down in no time!”. But, is there some truth to it?

Let us take a closer look at the procedure and shed some light on some of the myths that surround this promising body sculpting treatment.

Myth #1. You can shed weight by the pounds

One of the biggest myths that revolve around CoolSculpting is that it can help you lose weight dramatically. But the truth is that it is a non-surgical fat reduction procedure rather than a weight loss treatment. Using a controlled cooling method, it eliminates stubborn fats that are resistant to exercise and diet.

A session of CoolSculpting has been known to reduce fat around the treatment area by about 30%. This may sound a lot, but it actually only translates to roughly around one to two pounds lost.

Myth #2. It is a weight loss alternative

One has to distinguish the difference between weight loss and fat reduction. You may think that it is the same thing, but it actually is not. Weight loss happens when the fat cells become smaller when there is a balance between your calorie intake and burning. As a result, your fat cells shrink in volume, but the number remains the same. However, sometimes, weight loss can happen not because of the fat cells growing smaller, but because of muscle and fluid loss.

On the other hand, fat reduction eliminates the number of fat cells in the treated area. This results in the fewer fat cells that are gone for good. With CoolSculpting, it naturally freezes away unwanted fats, which helps you achieve a contoured body shape.

Myth #3. It can tighten the skin and improve sagginess

The effect of CoolSculpting mainly revolves around its fat reduction action underneath the skin and does not affect the top layer of your skin. This means that it is not a viable treatment for skin laxity and will not help improve skin sagging.

However, if you have good skin elasticity, it will naturally contract to match the new contours of your body as your body slowly eliminates the fat away after the treatment. If you have pre-existing skin laxity, it may not tighten or will not tighten as fast once the fats are lost. In this case, a complimentary skin tightening treatment, such as Thermage CPT, may be recommended.

Myth #4. The treatment can only be used for the tummy area

One of the best things about CoolSculpting is that it works in different areas of the body. In fact, CoolSculpting was based upon research of two renowned Harvard scientists who observed that children developed dimples because of eating popsicles.

It can be used to slim down and contour the abdomen, love handles, muffin tops, arms, and thigh area. Regardless of the area of the body, CoolSculpting targets and cools fat cells to temperatures that trigger their natural death. As the fat cells crystallize, it begins to shrink, weaken, die, and naturally eliminated as your body metabolizes them over a period of time.

Myth #5. The results are instant

While proven to be safe and effective, the results of CoolSculpting are not immediate. You will be able to notice improvements about three weeks after the treatment, as your body flushes away the frozen fat cells. However, the most dramatic change may be observed after two months and will continue six months after your treatment.

Myth #6. CoolSculpting is for everyone

Just like any cosmetic procedure, you have to be a good candidate to undergo a CoolSculpting procedure. You need to have distinct, well-defined, or discrete pockets of fat that can be pinched and pulled from the body upon consultation. It is also ideal that you have minimal skin laxity and healthy skin condition. One thing that you need to know is that CoolSculpting is not a treatment for obese patients.

Also, you are advised against the procedure if you have the following conditions:

• Cryoglobulinemia
• Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria
• Lymphedema or other conditions that affect the lymphatic system
• Fibromyalgia
• Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia

Myth #7. It is painful

Since it is non-invasive, CoolSculpting is virtually pain-free. However, you may feel intense cold, numbness, and slight discomfort in the treatment area during the first few minutes. But these are very minimal and tolerable. You can even read or sleep during your treatment.

While there may be redness, swelling, bruising, and firmness on the area after the procedure, this will completely subside after a few hours. This means that there is no downtime and you can immediately go back to work daily routine.

Myth #8. You will not gain weight after the treatment

CoolSculpting is not a quick fix and a permanent solution to weight loss. There is still no alternative to living a healthy lifestyle of regular exercise and proper diet. The procedure is no excuse for lagging on your exercise regimen and gorging on unhealthy food. The longevity of the results will be dependent on how much you take good care of your body after the treatment. If you do not eat right and exercise, you may risk reverting to your old figure and lose the benefits that have achieved from the procedure.

Your CoolSculpting procedure begins with a thorough examination of your body with a board-certified doctor. During your consultation, your doctor will determine whether you are a fit candidate and identify the areas of your body that needs to be treated. While results can be achieved with just one session, this will still depend on your body, taking into consideration your realistic expectations.

If you are tired of looking at the mirror with those unwanted bulges that do not seem to budge with exercise and diet, Dr. Tyng Tan Aesthetics and Hair Clinic is one of the clinics for a Singapore CoolSculpting treatment.

To learn more about the treatment, call us now or fill out our inquiry form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Tan today!