CoolSculpting, sometimes referred to as cryolipolysis, is one of the most popular body contouring techniques on the market. At River Region Dermatology and Laser in Montgomery, AL, we are proud to offer this treatment due to the number of benefits it brings to the table, including efficiency and efficacy. Today, we’re taking a closer look at how long this treatment takes, how effective it is, who qualifies, and more. Let’s get started.

How Long Does CoolSculpting Take?

You can generally expect a CoolSculpting session to take between 15 and 60 minutes to complete. We can’t give you a better idea of what to expect until we have evaluated your areas of concern and discussed your goals. Sometimes, sessions can take closer to 90 minutes. However, this is usually only the case if there are several large areas that need to be treated.

How Soon Will I Be Able To See My Desired Results?

You can generally expect to see your final results four to six weeks after your final treatment session. The number of treatment sessions you will need to achieve your desired results depends on a number of factors, but people who are at or near their ideal weight usually need only one or two cryolipolysis sessions. On the other hand, people with a significant amount of weight left to lose may need five or six sessions before they see desireable contours.

How Often Can I Get Treatment?

Generally, we schedule cryolipolysis sessions four to six weeks apart so we can gauge your progress and determine whether you need a follow-up session. If you need three sessions spaced one month apart to see your desired results, you should be able to see the contours you’ve worked so hard for after roughly three to 3.5 months. If you need six sessions spaced one month apart, it will be roughly six to 6.5 months before you are satisfied with your contours.

What Can I Do To See My Final Results Faster?

Since the results of this treatment are driven by your lymphatic system, you need to support the efficiency of your lymphatic system to see your final results faster. One effective step you can take is to drink more hydrating fluids if your urine is not very pale. If you are dehydrated, your body will slow down the lymphatic system to use water for more vital functions.

Another effective step you can take is to eat nutritious foods. If you are lacking the essential nutrients your body needs for proper functioning, more vital functions will be prioritized over processing and flushing out dead fat cells. You can also support your lymphatic system by supporting your cardiovascular system. Aim to get 2.5 to five hours of cardio per week.

How Long Will the Results of My Treatment Last?

CoolSculpting results are considered permanent. During this treatment, 26 to 80% of the localized subcutaneous fat cells are frozen to death. After about a month or so, your lymphatic system finishes its long task of processing and eliminating all of the fat cells killed during the treatment. Your body will never grow new fat cells to replace the eliminated fat cells if you are at least 25 years of age.

Nonetheless, you should understand that your final results may not last forever. Once your course of treatments is complete, there will still be a lot of fat cells left in the treated areas. If you consume an excess of calories, there is a chance that the fat cells that remain in the treated areas will expand to store the extra fuel for future use.

Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?

The best CoolSculpting candidate does not suffer from Raynaud’s disease or any other medical condition that makes their skin extremely sensitive to cold temperatures. They are no more than 10 pounds from their goal weight and feel confident they can maintain their body fat percentage once their course of treatments is over. Furthermore, they are in good overall health and neither pregnant nor nursing.

Note, even though the best cryolipolysis candidate is no more than 10 pounds from their goal weight, you may still qualify if you have more than 10 pounds to lose. As long as you do not suffer from obesity, there is a chance this treatment will be safe and effective for you. Also, you should keep in mind that this treatment may not necessarily be right for you if you are at your goal weight. It is important that there is enough excess subcutaneous fat in an area of concern.

Schedule an Appointment Today

You shouldn’t be surprised if your CoolSculpting session takes 15 to 20 minutes if you are only treating one area of concern. On the other hand, your session may take between 60 and 90 minutes if you are treating several areas of concern. You can generally expect to see your final results four to six weeks after your final session. Contact us today at River Region Dermatology and Laser in Montgomery, AL to schedule an appointment and find out if this treatment is right for you.