At McLean Dermatology, we work very hard to help our patients’ outward appearance match how they feel inside. Some patients visit our McLean practice because they’ve become frustrated with their inability to get rid of small pockets of excess fat in the abdominal area. They lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet, but cannot seem to remove the last few inches of fat from certain areas. In such situations, your McLean Dermatology provider may suggest CoolSculpting® body contouring treatments.
This procedure is an FDA-cleared, completely non-invasive way to remove fat from the abdomen and the body’s flanks.
How CoolSculpting® Works
CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive treatment for stubborn pockets of fat on the body. The idea behind this treatment is to damage the fat cells by reducing the temperature in the area. This doesn’t destroy the cells outright but rather starts a natural fat destruction process by making the cells no longer viable.
Over several weeks, the body will remove the damaged cells from the area through the natural lymphatic process, and the treated area will shrink.
What to Expect
On the day of the CoolSculpting® appointment, you will be advised to wear loose-fitting clothing to make it easier to conduct the procedure.
You will rest comfortably in the procedure chair while the CoolSculpting® attachment is applied to the treatment area. The attachment has a gentle suction cup that pulls some of the skin and fat into the applicator. This helps cool the fat more efficiently and completely.
For the typical patient, the procedure will last about an hour, though more time may be needed in some cases. During this time, the patient is fully awake and can read a book, or magazine, or watch television. There may be mild to moderate discomfort upon application or a slight tugging and tingling sensation.
CoolSculpting® Body Contouring Results
It’s important to remember that CoolSculpting® is a very individualized treatment that focuses on each patient’s unique needs. As such, the results will vary based on your unique circumstances and goals.
After the first treatment, you will wait several weeks before coming for another consultation. This will give your body enough time to remove the damaged fat cells so the treatment site can be accurately re-assessed. Depending on the initial treatment results, additional treatments may be scheduled to target the area further.
Is CoolSculpting® Safe?
One of the most common questions we get about CoolSculpting® is if the procedure is safe. Many patients make the very logical connection that if the cold can destroy fat cells, it may also be dangerous for the skin.
However, CoolSculpting® is a completely safe treatment and doesn’t damage surrounding tissues because fat cells are much more responsive to the cooling effect. Other tissues must be brought to significantly lower temperatures to elicit the same effect. Therefore, this FDA-cleared procedure can safely destroy fat cells without causing any damage to the surrounding tissues.
Before and After Photos
Schedule CoolSculpting® Body Contouring in McLean, VA
CoolSculpting® is an effective body contouring option that can help supplement your gym time and get you the body you deserve. Treatments are non-invasive and transformative. Get in touch with our team at McLean Dermatology to learn more today.
Set up your consultation and try CoolSculpting® by calling us at (703) 356-5111.
