It’s easy to take the number of available nonsurgical fat reduction treatments for granted. There are multiple options using an array of technologies to accomplish the same goal: getting rid of stubborn pockets of fat in areas that resist exercise and diet. The groundbreaking treatment, though, was CoolSculpting. At our Chevy Chase, MD, and Annandale, VA, locations, we use CoolSculpting to target those trouble spots.
What makes CoolSculpting an especially attractive treatment option for men and women who want to reduce fat in specific areas is that it’s a non-invasive procedure with no downtime necessary. People who have never been to a plastic surgeon’s office may think of CoolSculpting as a “beginner’s treatment” and be unsure of what to expect. To help new CoolSculpting patients feel confident and comfortable before their consultation and treatment, we’ll describe a typical CoolSculpting patient’s journey.
CoolSculpting: Before, During, and After
Anyone getting an aesthetic treatment for the first is going to feel some anxiety along with excitement. That’s natural. Being able to anticipate what will happen during each phase of the process can enhance the excitement and soothe the nerves.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Before: The first step is to schedule a private consultation with the practice, either via the website or by phone. During this one-on-one meeting at Center for Plastic Surgery, our providers perform a thorough physical exam and evaluate the areas of concern. After the physical exam and discussion of the patient’s goals, the provider will determine if CoolSculpting is the best option. It’s important to remember that nonsurgical fat reduction can’t provide the same results as a surgical procedure such as liposuction.
- During: The CoolSculpting experience is one that most patients find comfortable, even relaxing. The provider applies an applicator that’s designed for the specific treatment area, such as the CoolMini® for under the chin and the CoolSmooth® for the outer thighs. In areas where there’s no pinchable fat, the CoolSmooth applicator is attached. As the applicator delivers the cooling energy, the skin numbs, and the process of slowly freezing the unwanted fat cells begins.
- After: No downtime is required after CoolSculpting, so patients can return to work or home immediately after their procedure. The body naturally sheds the dead fat cells through the metabolic process, and the treatment area gradually shrinks. In most cases, patients schedule 1 or 2 follow-up CoolSculpting sessions to get the optimal results.
If you’re considering CoolSculpting in the Washington, DC, area you can contact us using the online form to request a consultation. You can also contact our practice offices by phone at (703) 560-2850 (Annandale, VA) or (301) 652-7700 (Chevy Chase, MD).
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