Here’s a video non-invasive fat removal with Coolsculpting. This treatment takes advantage of the fact that fat cells are more susceptible to cold than other  tissue.

by Steven E. Zimmet, MD, Zimmet Vein and Dermatology, Austin, Texas

Cryolipolysis: A New Non-Invasive Method to Reduce Fat

CoolSculpting™ by ZELTIQ™ is a new, FDA-approved non-invasive treatment to gently and effectively reduce fat in targeted areas of the body that results in a noticeable, natural-looking fat reduction in the treated areas. The CoolSculpting procedure uses advanced cooling technology to selectively target fat bulges and eliminate fat cells through a gradual process that does not harm the surrounding tissues. This procedure can reduce unwanted abdominal fat, love handles (flanks), back and bra fat.

During the procedure, a non-invasive applicator is applied to the skin surface to deliver precisely controlled cooling to target and eliminate fat cells in specific areas of the body. As they are exposed to cooling, the fat cells begin a process of natural cell removal. The fat cells in the treated area are gradually eliminated through the body’s normal metabolic processes, similar to how fat from food is eliminated. The result is a reduction in fat bulges that is visible in most patients in about two to four months.

How It Works

Coolsculpting by Zeltiq takes advantage of the fact that fat cells are more susceptible to cold than other tissue. After treatment, an inflammatory response occurs which causes the body to naturally dispose of the damaged fat cells. This leads to a significant improvement in the shape of the body in about 8 of 10 patients.

The Science

The initial cryolipolysis research and testing on patients was conducted by Drs. Dieter Manstein and R. Rox Anderson at The Wellman Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, a teaching affiliate for Harvard Medical School.

Does It Hurt?

With this non-invasive procedure, there are no needles, no incisions, and no need for anesthesia. The CoolSculpting procedure is comfortable for most patients; you can read, work on your laptop computer, listen to music or just relax.

An In-Office Procedure

The Zeltiq Coolsculpting procedure is performed in a doctor’s office. During the hour-long procedure, tissue is drawn into a cup with mild vacuum pressure. Patients may also be slightly uncomfortable with the contact of the cold as the procedure begins, which usually goes away after the first 10 minutes or so. Most patients typically resume their routine activities, including returning to work and exercise regimens on the same day as the procedure.

What Are the Results?

After the treatment the cooled fat cells begin to undergo “apoptosis,”  a process where they begin to shrink. These damaged fat cells are gradually digested and removed. Coolsculpting has been shown to be highly effective for local areas of fat like love-handles, back/bra fat, and other localized areas of fat. Typical reductions average about a 22% reduction of fat in the area treated.

Who Are the Best Candidates?

The best candidate for CoolSculpting is someone who is in reasonably good shape, but has modest areas of fat bulges. This is not meant to replace healthy eating or exercise. This is not a method to achieve significant weight loss.

Are There Side Effects?

Side effects are typically mild and temporary. The skin is usually red after treatment, but normally clears within a few hours. Other side effects include temporary bruising, tingling, tenderness, and temporary numbing in the area. About 1/2500 patients experience significant pain that has lasted between 2 weeks and 2 months.

Call Zimmet Vein & Dermatology for more information on Zeltiq in Austin.