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CoolSculpting® FAQs: Body Sculpting vs. Weight Loss

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important, but cosmetic fat reduction can help you to “fine tune” your cosmetic results and more quickly achieve your body contouring goals. The West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University team can work with you to create a personalized plan for CoolSculpting® treatments in St. Louis, as well as provide information about the process. Read on to discover the questions we frequently hear from women and men who want to address stubborn fat without surgery:

Q: What is CoolSculpting®?

A: CoolSculpting® is a safe, non-surgical body sculpting method that allows patients to get sleeker, more balanced contours by using a device to freeze fat cells. The temperature drop triggers natural processes to remove the resulting crystallized fat cells from the treatment area. This breakthrough procedure does not require incisions, unlike traditional surgical techniques, such as liposuction.

Q: How does CoolSculpting® work?

A: A special applicator is used to apply controlled cooling to tissue where excess fat cells gather. The surrounding skin, muscles, and more are left unaffected, while fat is brought down to a temperature that destroys it. These cells are gradually metabolized and eliminated from the body.

Q: Who is a good candidate for CoolSculpting®?

A: Adults who are close to their ideal weight and maintain good physical health but want to reduce grabbable sections of subcutaneous (under-the-skin) fat from various areas of the body can benefit from the treatment.

Q: Can CoolSculpting® help you lose weight?

A: If you’re overweight and trying to lose unwanted flab from all over the body, or are looking to improve your overall, long-term health, CoolSculpting® is not the strategy for you. The treatment is designed to get rid of fat cells that cause cosmetic issues, such as love handles, muffin tops, or a double chin.

Q: How does CoolSculpting® differ from weight loss?

A: Everyone gains a certain number of fat cells during childhood and adolescence. This number stabilizes during adulthood and doesn’t change much even when you lose or gain a few pounds. When you lose weight, you aren’t actually shedding fat cells. The cells simply shrink as they release some of their lipids. Because of that, spot reduction via diet and exercise is not a viable solution. This means that people may find it virtually impossible to get rid of stubborn fat from specific places. CoolSculpting® solves this problem by treating the fat cells in isolated sites.

Looking to try CoolSculpting® or other forms of body contouring? The St. Louis-based team at West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University can help you find the solution for your needs. For further details, call (314) 996-8800 or request an appointment.