What To Know Before Coolsculpting With CoolSculpting, you only lose the fat you want to lose, unlike with liposuction or other intrusive treatments. The cooled region has a distinct border that makes it easy to spot the treated area. This results in noticeably softer skin almost instantly. Depending on the individual and the desired outcome, anywhere from four to six treatments spaced one month apart may be required. Cryolipolysis, or CoolSculpting, is a non-surgical procedure that involves the freezing of fat cells to eliminate them. By selectively chilling problem areas of fat, CoolSculpting aids the body’s natural metabolic processes in eliminating that fat. Read on to learn more on what to eat after coolsculpting and what to avoid before coolsculpting. Office-based cosmetic procedures are often controversial. While for some these treatments are a necessary part of self-care, others see them as inextricably linked to superficial ideals of beauty. It doesn’t matter how you personally feel about them, the popularity of noninvasive procedures like Botox, fillers, lasers, and body-contouring gadgets is hard to deny. The CoolSculpting procedure is among these options. Although fat-freezing may sound like something out of the far future, the practice has actually been around for a long time. In 2010, the FDA authorized the device as a nonsurgical treatment for love handles; since then, it has expanded its indications to include treatment of belly fat, bra fat, pockets on the thighs, buttocks, and arms, and even chub under the chin. You can use CoolSculpting on pretty much any area of unwanted fat: According to Harvard Medical School, approximately eight million treatments have been performed worldwide using the only noninvasive fat-freezing equipment on the market. However, the procedure has been making headlines for the wrong reasons as of late. Recently, supermodel Linda Evangelista filed a lawsuit against Zeltique Aesthetics Inc., the company that makes the CoolSculpting device, claiming that the procedure caused her to suffer from paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) in 2016. (PAH is characterized by a thick, expanded, and lumpy mass of fat that develops in previously thin areas.) Although uncommon, this side effect is deeply unsettling. Evangelista claims she was physically disfigured from two revisional liposuction procedures. New York City dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry calls the incident “devastating” and says it has sparked a “needed dialogue” about the hazards of all noninvasive procedures. The potential difficulties are now front and center. This should serve as a warning that even if a procedure is described as “cosmetic” or “noninvasive,” that doesn’t imply something won’t go wrong. Get it straight: CoolSculpting isn’t magic. To what end does CoolSculpting serve? While an aesthetician at a spa or salon can technically perform CoolSculpting, any licensed medical professional will tell you that it’s best to have a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon perform the procedure. Even though CoolSculpting isn’t invasive, it’s still best to have it done by a doctor because it’s not as simple as getting a facial. It’s also not cheap: The cost of a treatment might range from $750-$1,000, per treated area, depending on its size. When you get a CoolSculpting procedure, what can you expect? You might be wondering at this very moment, “Is it hurt?” Marmur, who has tried the treatment herself, describes a “odd suctioning feeling” in the beginning, followed by a “steadily increasing coldness” as the gadget delivers the cold into the fat layer. “It’s awkward and strange, but it’s not painful.” Most people need two treatments to get optimal results, which is a reduction of about 26 percent of fat, and should start to notice the fat layer shrinking after six to 12 weeks. Those results typically improve for six months post-treatment. The skin may feel numb and tingly after treatment, and there may be some discomfort further down for a week or two, as described by Marmur. Redness, bruises, and swelling of the skin are also possible. The area may also feel solid, but that rigidity should ease and disappear after a few days. This momentary stiffness is natural and is the result of the fat layer becoming frozen. An overgrowth of new fat cells grows in the specific treatment area, the opposite of what you were attempting to achieve, and this is the most dangerous potential adverse effect of CoolSculpting, as Evangelista regrettably discovered. Eight to twenty-four weeks following the operation, this usually happens. This new fat isn’t like the squishy, flabby fat you had previously eliminated, either. You may see a protruding, lumpy mass beneath the surface of the skin; it is uneven, rough, and dense. No evidence supports the hypothesis that PAH is caused by an overactive wound-healing response gone awry. It’s like a keloid scar, explains Marmur. A hypertrophic scar forms when the body’s natural healing response produces an excessive amount of scar tissue in one region, resulting in a scar that is elevated, big, and stiff. We don’t know for sure, but PAH may share a similar mechanism. The data was retrieved from a poll. It’s possible that the same material is presented in a different way on their website, or that you’ll find more details there. As Bruce Katz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, put it, “this problem could happen to anyone following a CoolSculpting operation, and the risk factors are unclear.” He had samples of PAH fat evaluated by a pathologist to see if there was anything odd about them. We determined that these were typical adipose tissue cells, he explains. “There was just a sudden surge in their population in that one spot.” The mechanisms behind PAH, its causes, and the identification of those at increased risk remain mysteries to the medical community. Henry says he tells patients that even if adverse effects are extremely unlikely, they are nonetheless conceivable. Rather than trying to convince someone to take less risk than they should, I would rather give them all the knowledge I have. We need answers, and hopefully the Linda Evangelista case will spur more research into PAH. You should be aware of this, though: This kind of PAH occurs infrequently. How is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease dealt with? Understanding whether CoolSculpting is the Right Choice for You It’s important that the doctor doing your procedure has extensive experience with the machine. Katz suggests inquiring about the doctor’s level of experience with such treatments and requesting before-and-after pictures. Do your research and ask your doctor a ton of questions at your consultation about everything from potential side effects and recovery to the expected level of pain. This recommendation applies whether you’re thinking about fat freezing, laser treatments, or injectables for cosmetic purposes. When asked what they should do, Henry exclaims, “We want you to google all the badness and bring in a huge list of questions!” Also, take the time to read the waiver. Every doctor will have you fill out a medical history form (which includes questions about current drugs and any known allergies) and a consent form before performing any procedures. Marmur comments, “This sets out all the possible side effects and risks associated.” I strongly suggest that all of my patients read this entire document before signing it and that they come prepared with any questions they may have. You need to learn the facts and argue for yourself. And if you’re on the fence about any cosmetic operation, she says, don’t do it. Pay attention to the intuitive messages your gut is sending you. It’s okay if you’re not ready right now; life happens. To lessen the likelihood of bruising after CoolSculpting, you should abstain from alcohol and caffeine for three days beforehand. To get the most out of your CoolSculpting results, it’s important to stick to, or at least make some changes to, your diet and exercise routine. Since CoolSculpting will be strapped to your body for an hour, you might be curious about its operation. Cryolipolysis, the method by which the CoolSculpting machine gets rid of fat by freezing it, is how it actually works. This is done mostly to get rid of the pockets of fat that refuse to go away no matter how much you diet or exercise. Because it only eliminates about 20% of the subcutaneous fat in the treatment area (the fat right under the skin and above the muscle), CoolSculpting is not the wave of a magic wand that will miraculously set you free from 50 extra pounds. Eating right and doing out regularly will help you lose the stubborn fat stored deep within your body. There is no need for anesthetic or needles, and the operation is painless. It specifically eliminates fat cells without damaging the nerves and muscles that may be in close proximity. After a few months, the lymphatic system will flush these waste fat cells out, and they won’t return. If you are in otherwise good condition but have some stubborn fat bulges that you just can’t seem to shift, CoolSculpting may be the solution for you. Fat in the upper and lower belly, inner and outer thighs, flanks (love handles), bra and back fat, subcutaneous fat on the buttocks, upper arms, and chin can all be reduced with CoolSculpting. Knowing more about the procedure will help you feel more at ease during it. You can predict the outcome if you understand how it operates. Safeguard Your Skin Fourth, Reevaluate Your Medications Refrain from Smoking (If Only for a While) You should wear loose clothes for your CoolSculpting treatment. Most offices offer disposable clothing for the treatment, but you’ll feel more comfortable if you arrive in loose and comfy clothes that you can wear after the treatment. Alternatively, you can bring a change of clothing. Don’t wear your fancier underwear because they may come in contact with the gel used for skin protection, and stain. Dr. Marmur recommends not using any concentration of the active substance higher than 5%, along with taking things slowly and seeking professional advice. In addition to avoiding sun exposure and using LED green light, Dr. Marmur recommends using mandelic acid and tranexamic acid to treat hyperpigmentation at home. She also mentions that glycolic acid and salicylic acid are two more commonly used AHAs and BHAs for treating hyperpigmentation at home. Dr. Marmur agrees that scrubbing and other mechanical exfoliants should be avoided because they might make hyperpigmentation much worse. Instead of using pads, which create more waste, she recommends massaging liquids and serums into the skin directly. She emphasizes never brushing, scrubbing, or rubbing chemical exfoliants onto skin that is prone to excess pigment, as this will have the opposite effect intended. “Treat your skin like a baby, always wear sunscreen, and ask your dermatologist for advice on how to fight hyperpigmentation.” The five greatest at-home treatments for hyperpigmentation, including serums, cleansers, and face masks, are detailed here. For hyperpigmentation, the best tranexamic acid serum is Naturium. 5% Tranexamic Acid, Topical AMAZON Spend $20 to SAVE $20 SEE ON AMAZON To diminish existing hyperpigmentation and prevent the appearance of new dark spots, tranexamic acid is commonly used and tolerated. The Tranexamic Topical Acid 5% from Naturium has a high concentration of the active component, and it is bolstered by kojic acid, licorice root extract, and niacinamide, all of which are powerful brightening substances. This synergy makes it one of the best hyperpigmentation treatments available for under twenty bucks, and the inclusion of moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid means your skin won’t be left feeling tight and parched. Second, Honest Beauty Resurfacing Serum, The Best AHA Serum for Hyperpigmentation AMAZON See on Amazon for $23 The Resurfacing Serum from Honest Beauty includes glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid—three alpha hydroxy acids—to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide gives double the skin care benefits by helping to reduce hyperpigmentation and decrease inflammation, and additional ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe leaf juice all work to soothe and moisturize skin. It’s a fantastic low-cost introduction to chemical exfoliants, costing less than $25. Use it at night for optimal effects, and don’t forget to put on sunscreen in the morning (as is the case with any AHA product). Third, a hyperpigmentation-fighting BHA exfoliant is a must. AMAZON See on Amazon for $32 Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant has over 40,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, and scores of reviews highlight its effectiveness in combating hyperpigmentation. Green tea extract calms and provides antioxidant protection while a tried and true blend of 2% salicylic acid unclogs pores and removes dead skin. This is a good option if hyperpigmentation, acne, or blackheads are your main skin concerns because of the pore-clearing advantages of salicylic acid. Discoloration Repair Serum, which contains tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and bakuchiol extract, is another great option for treating hyperpigmentation, despite receiving fewer ratings on Amazon. The Full Strength Exfoliating Mask Made From Green Apple Juice Is The Greatest Mask For Hyperpigmentation. AMAZON SAVE $49 GET IT ON AMAZON NOW To get a deep chemical treatment for your skin in just 10 minutes, use Juice Beauty’s Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask. The BHA salicylic acid works in tandem with the AHAs malic, glycolic, and lactic acids to exfoliate dead skin and smooth the skin’s surface. Aloe leaf juice, grape seed extract, and glycerin all aid in hydration, while bakuchiol and vitamin C brighten the skin. The mask is made with largely natural (and organic) ingredients, however it could potentially irritate sensitive skin. This is why the manufacturer advises first trying the mask out on your arm. AMAZON See on Amazon for $85 Use this versatile treatment as a leave-on serum before bed, or as a mask for hypersensitive skin and rinse it off after 15 minutes. Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Lactic Acid Therapy has gained cult status due to its gentle yet effective ability to enhance the skin’s brightness and smoothness. Licorice root extract and lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, work together to lighten dark spots and uneven skin tone, while squalane, arnica, aloe leaf, and prickly pear, all calming and moisturizing, help keep the formula in check. It’s easy on the skin, lasts a long time, and plays well with others because of its lightweight texture. Dermalogica’s Daily Glycolic Cleanser is another great option. AMAZON See on Amazon for $35. A cleanser with chemical exfoliants, such as Dermalogica’s Daily Glycolic Cleanser, is a wonderful place to start; the active ingredient is rinsed off after use, unlike a peel (as opposed to treatments and serums that are left on and therefore pose a higher risk of irritation). The glycolic acid in this cleanser works as an exfoliant, removing the dulling layer of dead skin cells that can lead to hyperpigmentation if left unchecked. You’ll discover skin-conditioning ingredients including jojoba seed oil, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, calendula, and allantoin here. In order to maintain your new body shape after CoolSculpting, it’s important to eat a diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Indulging in baked goods and favorite dishes every once in a while is fine, but making junk food a regular component of your diet is not. Approximately 20–25% of subcutaneous fat can be eliminated with CoolSculpting, a non-invasive procedure. This indicates that the remaining 75%-80% of fat cells can “puff back up” if a healthy lifestyle isn’t maintained. After having CoolSculpting done at Forever Slim MedSpa in Wayland, Massachusetts, can I eat normally again? After getting CoolSculpting, can I eat whatever I want? Pounds can creep back fast if you are not watching closely. Liquid calories hidden in coffees, snacks, sweetened drinks, and alcoholic beverages can add up. Have a plan to eat in moderation during holidays and parties and avoid eating while distracted by the computer or driving. To avoid regaining fat after CoolSculpting, your diet should consist mostly of healthy foods – lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Infrequently Indulging in baked goods and favorite foods is okay, but junk food shouldn’t be a regular part of your diet. Make a plan to eat in moderation before parties, holidays, and vacations. Keep snacking between meals to a minimum and avoid distracted eating because overeating is easy when you aren’t paying complete attention to what you eat. Dullness. Dark spots. Acne scars. Fine lines and wrinkles. What do all of these skin concerns have in common? They can be treated with medical-grade chemical peels. Depending on your aesthetic goals and needs, chemical peels are available in an array of potencies and have the ability to resurface the skin for more even tone and texture. For those looking to achieve glow-inducing results at-home, less concentrated chemical exfoliators can slough away dead skin cells for a more radiant complexion. Here, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about in-office chemical peels and at-home chemical exfoliators. Professional chemical peels employ chemical solutions of varying strengths to target and remove the outer layers of the skin. “The benefits of a medical-grade chemical peel are endless,” says Lizette Ludwig, RN, an aesthetic nurse and injector in southern California. As she explains, they are a good option for anyone looking to address skin imperfections. “Chemical peels allow you to remove dead skin cells and address fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone in a safe and effective way,” she shares. Professional chemical peels can be broken down into three categories: These classifications are based on the potency of the peels and the ingredients used in the chemical solution. “Ingredients found in medical-grade peels usually include alpha hydroxy acids (lactic acid and glycolic acid), beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol,” Ludwig says. Below is an overview of each: Superficial chemical peels, the mildest of the bunch, are safe for most skin types because they just remove the epidermis (the skin’s outermost layer). In addition to alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, enzymes and other naturally exfoliating substances can be used to create these peels, as noted by Ludwig. Superficial peels, which target the epidermis, are not particularly effective on their own but yield cumulative benefits over a series of treatments. The healing phase includes temporary dryness and flaking that can last up to five days. PEELS OF MEDIUM-STRENGTH CHEMICALS ROUGH CHEMICAL SCRUBBERS Expert Chemical Peel Procedures Patients are typically given after-care instructions upon discharge, regardless of the peel strength they selected. If you want to know how to take care of your skin after a peel, Ludwig recommends talking to your doctor about it. You may need to alter your normal skin care regimen for a few days before and after even the mildest peel. Preventative antiviral treatment may be recommended if you want to undergo a medium or deep peel. RISKS OF CHEMICAL PEELING Comparing Chemical Peels Performed by a Professional to Those Used at Home Chemical Scrubs for the Bathroom Ludwig advises cautiously perusing the product label before settling on a remedy. She continues, “I advise seeking out brightening components like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), vitamin C, and active enzymes derived from pumpkin, papaya, and pineapple.” Make sure you read the ingredient list carefully because each item has a specific function. SAFETY & OUTCOME STUDIES ON CHEMICAL EXFOLIANTS Is there anything else you can do to avoid getting a reddish complexion? If you opt to exfoliate at home, Ludwig suggests skipping active serums like retinol on such days. She recommends exfoliating once or twice weekly, preferably on days that you don’t use any other actives. I think less is more,” she opines. The microbiome of our skin might be upset by excessive exfoliation.
What To Know Before Coolsculpting
Cryolipolysis, which literally means “cold (cryo) fat (lipo) destruction,” is the biological process by which CoolSculpting eliminates localized fat (lysis). Fat freezes at a higher temperature than other tissue, therefore the intense cold can target the subcutaneous fat layer without injuring the skin around it. When the fat cells freeze, they crystallize; when they thaw (in the following day or two), the fat melts down and is flushed out via the lymphatic system (you basically pee it out). Liposuction, Smartlipo, and other forms of traditional fat removal fall within the category of minimally invasive or invasive surgery. Although they are effective at eliminating fat for good, they require more recovery time and often anesthesia.
To prevent damage to the skin, a gel pad is applied before the applicator is vacuum-sealed in place. For at least thirty minutes, you’ll be seated while this device does its thing. In order to remove the frozen fat cells, New York dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD, adds that a massage is performed after the therapy. The procedure itself might take anywhere from 30 minutes to 45 minutes to complete, depending on the extent of the affected area.How long does it take to see results?
There are some side effects—and risks
It has been estimated that worldwide, paradoxical adipose hyperplasia occurs in one out of every 4,000 treatments (or 0.025 percent of the time). In the last eight or nine years, Henry has performed hundreds of CoolSculpting treatments with no Adverse complications. However, Katz believes that PAH is underreported and “may be more common than once thought” (despite the fact that he does not perform CoolSculpting in his office). Since 2018, he has successfully treated seven patients with PAH.
In most cases, liposuction or laser-assisted lipo can get rid of the excess fat. According to Katz, “I have successfully treated seven cases of PAH with Smartlipo,” a laser procedure that involves heating and liquefying thick fat before suctioning it away. I’ve had great success with no skin abnormalities or scarring, but the patient will have edema for about three days thereafter and will need to wear a compression garment to keep pressure on the area. Since 2012, Marmur’s practice has performed hundreds of CoolSculpting procedures, yet there has been just one case of PAH. After a week of anti-inflammatory oral steroids, her PAH completely resolved itself within a month.
The first caveat is that this method is not designed for widespread weight reduction. Spot reduction with CoolSculpting is ideal for trouble spots like the stomach and love handles that are resistant to diet and exercise. A good candidate is within a few pounds of her target weight, but has a little extra fat to pinch off in one or two places. The muffin top has arrived.What To Avoid Before Coolsculpting
Developing wholesome routines is critical for optimal CoolSculpting outcomes. You’ll get better and faster benefits if you’re already at or near your healthy weight. If you aren’t, consult a doctor about what foods and exercises would be ideal for you. If you’re more than five pounds over or under your target weight, you won’t notice much of a difference. Similarly, keeping your progress going is futile unless you actually do it. Do not risk introducing new fat stores by consuming immediately following the procedures. Proper lifestyle choices mean everything.
It goes without saying that your skin needs to be in good shape and undamaged before undergoing CoolSculpting. You should take care to shield your skin from the suction and massage that will be part of the therapy. If you want to help, get it ready for CoolSculpting. Avoid getting a tan before getting CoolSculpting done, as this can make the treated region more sensitive. Avoid the sun in the days leading up to your treatment, or postpone it completely if you believe you could get sunburned; the suctioning action of the therapy might be uncomfortable if you do. You should do the same for any wounds you have, including cuts, bruises, and so on. If you have them, you should wait to get therapy. Avoid anything that could trigger them in the days coming up to your treatment if you don’t already.
Avoid using blood-thinning medications or supplements for several days prior to your CoolSculpting session. This is because taking blood-thinning medication before to therapy can make bruising more likely. Aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, and St. John’s Wort are among the medications and supplements you should avoid. Talk to your doctor about possible substitutes for any medications you take routinely. Finally, know that some herbs, like ginger and turmeric, can reduce blood volume. Why risk getting bruises from the CoolSculpting applicator if you don’t have to?
Before beginning treatment, it’s important to note that smoking should be avoided as well. If you’re trying to get better, smoking could be holding you back. Avoid smoking for at least a week before your CoolSculpting procedure.
7. Make the Treatment as Pleasant as Possible
Paula’s Choice Liquid BHA Exfoliant, 2% by Paula’s Choice
Lactic Acid Sunday Riley’s Good GenesWhat To Eat After Coolsculpting
After getting CoolSculpted, you can’t just eat whatever you want.
Fat Freezing is not meant to replace a healthy diet and regular exercise, but it can be helpful in reducing stubborn fat in problem areas. Diets that work best after CoolSculpting involve lots of fresh produce and lean proteins to curb your appetite and prevent you from bingeing. Furthermore, extreme diet products are not only ineffective but also potentially dangerous.Sneaky Calories
What To Eat After CoolSculpting
What Is a Chemical Peel?
SUPERFICIAL CHEMICAL PEELS
The results of medium-depth chemical peels are more noticeable with just one treatment than those of light peels, and they fall in the middle of the range. Ludwig asserts, “Skin will be noticeably smoother with even tone and blemish removal.” Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is commonly used in chemical peels because of its ability to penetrate the skin and remove layers deeper than the epidermis. After a peel, you can expect your skin to peel, be red, and possibly swell for three to ten days.
Naturally, the most potent and invasive chemical peels are the deep ones. They typically involve a highly concentrated TCA or phenol formulation that can reach the dermal basal layer. Ludwig explains that the increased depth enables for the creation of “dramatically smoother” and “younger-looking” skin. She explains that deep peels are effective against sun spots, scars, and wrinkles. Deep peels are effective, but they can be unpleasant and take a long time to heal because of their intensity. Full healing may take several weeks or months, requiring several weeks of rest.
A chemical solution is applied to the face and (perhaps) the neck during a medical-grade chemical peel. A gauze pad is used to either dab the chemical solution onto the skin or rub it in more forcefully. Tingle (mild to medium peels) or burn (deep peels) during application is normal (deep peels). If a client is experiencing tingling or burning, “I like to give them a little fan,” Ludwig says. Some chemical peels require the solution to be “neutralized” after the prescribed amount of time has passed, though this is rarely necessary with most chemicals.
Chemical peels are best administered by a trained dermatologist or esthetician in a medical setting. As we’ve observed, some people have tried medical-grade procedures (such TCA peels) at home with risky and devastating outcomes as part of the DIY dermatology movement fostered by social media and social alienation. Ludwig recommends against purchasing chemical treatments marketed online since they are often supplied illegally and can damage skin permanently. Only a trained medical expert should perform chemical peels.
You won’t get the same chemical concentration with an at-home chemical exfoliant or treatment as you would from a professional peel, which is the fundamental difference between the two. Both forms may contain similar active ingredients, but the difference in strength is substantial. According to Ludwig, glycolic acid concentrations used at home are limited to roughly 10%, whereas those used by medical professionals can reach as high as 70%.
At-home chemical exfoliators and enzyme treatments can give you a subtle and maintained shine if you use them regularly to cure moderate cases of uneven skin tone and texture or to preserve your complexion in between professional treatments.
At-home exfoliating products can cause discomfort, but they are unlikely to cause your skin to peel or flake like a professional treatment would. When it comes to DIY peels, Ludwig advises taking the time to read all the instructions. The general recommendation is to remove it after 10–15 minutes and work up to leaving it on overnight.