Cryolipolysis: non-invasive fat removal

Although we live in a time of rapid progress in cosmetic procedures and devices, there are few advances that are truly revolutionary. The development of BOTOX® and the use of fillers as volumizers shifted our understanding of what we could accomplish, without surgery or downtime. Now, with the development of CoolSculpting as a device that can remove fat without surgery or downtime, we appear to be about to make another major step forward.

CoolSculpting on Dr. Oz Want to see CoolScultping in action? Watch these clips from the Dr. Oz Show. First, Dr. Oz describes the process... then a member of the studio audience has her fat frozen away right on the set! Dr. Oz: Cutting-Edge Plastic Surgery, Part 1 Dr. Oz: Cutting-Edge Plastic Surgery, Part 2

For many years, researchers attempted to find a non-invasive, no-downtime way to safely remove fat, without success. There have been a number of devices that have been marketed claiming to do this, but they have failed to produce lasting benefit. Now, with the introduction of CoolSculpting, this goal has been achieved.

It has long been recognized that when children eat popsicles, and rest them against their chins, they can develop a dent in their chin, which has been labeled "popsicle panniculitis." Because the fat of children contains many stem cells, the indentation recovers.

Based on this observation, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital looked at the effect of cold on the skin. They found that by cooling the skin and keeping it at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, some of the fat could be destroyed, while the skin, muscle, and nerves survived. This procedure is called cryolipolysis. (Watch an animation of the cryolipolysis process.)

The CoolSculpting device evolved from this research. Like liposuction, it is a spot removal device, rather than a weight reduction device. 20-25% of the fat is removed with each treatment. Results are visible as early as 6 weeks, but, like liposuction, final results are seen at 2-4 months. If further reduction is desired, additional treatments can be performed.

The treatment is generally pain-free, although some patients might experience redness, minor bruising, numbness or discomfort in the treated area, but only temporarily; you can read, use a computer or talk on the phone while the machine does its work. Furthermore, there is little to no downtime, and most patients are able to resume normal activities the same day. One additional and amazing feature of this treatment is the very high success rate. There are very few non-responders.

Who are the best candidates for cryolipolysis?

Both men and women can benefit from cryolipolysis. There are no absolute age limitations for cryolipolysis. It is important to remember that cryolipolysis is not a treatment for obesity. It aims to mold the body into a more pleasing shape. People who are relatively close to their desired weight will get a more noticeable response than people who are significantly overweight.

If you are interested in cryolipolysis, what is the next step?

The next step is to call California Skin & Laser Center at 800-500-5842 and schedule an evaluation. At that time, Dr. Bock will advise you whether you are a candidate for this procedure, and what other possibilities exist for improving your appearance.

Why should you choose California Skin & Laser Center for your cryolipolysis?

At California Skin & Laser Center, we want you to have an excellent outcome and to feel that your needs and concerns have been promptly addressed in a caring and sensitive fashion. We strive diligently to ensure your satisfaction, your comfort, your privacy, and your safety. All treatments are supervised or performed by a board-certified dermatologist with many years of successful experience in a large variety of cosmetic procedures. Many treatment modalities are available, and we can recommend the one or two that are most likely to meet your needs; we're here to meet your needs and help you realize your aspirations. At our clinic in Stockton, CA, we serve communities throughout San Joaquin County and the Central Valley, including Lodi, Sacramento, Tracy, Manteca, Modesto, Galt, and Valley Springs; many of our patients also come from the San Francisco Bay Area.