Non-Surgical Body Contouring Excellence

Some men and women may discover that even after they reach a healthy weight, isolated areas of fat remain that take away from the slimmer body contour. These stubborn fat deposits often do not respond to diet and exercise alone and require cosmetic treatment to remove them. In the past, that typically meant a surgical procedure like liposuction, which involves anesthesia, incisions, and downtime. While liposuction may still be a good option for some patients, many can avoid the surgery without sacrificing their results with a revolutionary procedure known as CoolSculpting.

While CoolSculpting is now available for our patients at The Appearance Care Center™ under the medical guidance of Dr. Maas, Dr. Maas did not offer CoolSculpting immediately following its introduction into the U.S. market. He felt the original device was not predictable enough to offer consistent results, so he waited and watched for improvements before bringing the technology to his own patients. Now that advancements have been made in both the applicators and technology, CoolSculpting has evolved into an effective method of fat reduction involving minimal discomfort and downtime that Dr. Maas is confident to offer to his patients.

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Coolsculpting with Dr. Maas

Before introducing it in his own office, Dr. Maas became a patient and had the procedure performed on himself. As an experiment, he treated just one side of his love handles, leaving the other side untreated as a basis of comparison. After seeing how well this device eliminated the treated love handle, he finally added CoolSculpting to his list of treatments offered at The Appearance Care Center™.

The increasingly popular CoolSculpting is a safe solution that produces great results for those seeking to reduce visibly fatty areas. It’s a noninvasive treatment that creates no scarring, unlike surgical techniques such as liposuction, and is notably comfortable. You can rest assured that the highly qualified team at The Appearance Care Center™ has become very experienced at delivering this procedure for our patients. We are proud to be one of the top CoolSculpting destinations for patients in San Francisco. Our techniques ensure that your treatment is a comfortable one, with no downtime, and that it delivers significant and noticeable results.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is the only method of fat reduction in the Bay Area that uses controlled cooling to safely target fat that has previously been resistant to diet and exercise. This FDA-approved body contouring device produces results that are proven, noticeable, and long-lasting, offering patients another option in body sculpting without significant discomfort or a recovery period afterward. The cooling approach is often preferred over treatments that heat the fat cells to destroy them, as there are fewer risks and side effects associated with the cooling method.

The art of freezing away fat, a process known as cryolipolysis, actually comes down to science. Fat cells freeze at higher temperatures than surrounding tissues. CoolSculpting technology safely delivers precisely controlled cooling to gently and effectively target the fat cells underneath the skin. The treated fat cells are frozen and destroyed. Over time, the body naturally processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells, resulting in a more sculpted body contour.

CoolSculpting treatment plans can be customized to address the unique needs of each individual patient. Since its inception, new applicators have allowed for even greater versatility of the device. For example, the new CoolMini applicator allows for the treatment of smaller areas, such as the submental fat underneath the chin. Standard applicators can be used to address the midsection, muffin top, love handles, saddlebags, hips, and thighs.

At The Appearance Care Center™, we carry multiple CoolSculpting devices as well as a variety of CoolSculpting applicators. This provides us the opportunity to perform CoolSculpting on two areas of the body simultaneously — a process called DualSculpting. DualSculpting allows for two distinct areas, such as the chin and the belly, to be worked on at the same time, which makes the procedure significantly more efficient and convenient for our patients with multiple areas of concern. DualSculpting is particularly useful for treating symmetrical areas such as the thighs or arms when preserving symmetry is essential to shaping an attractive and healthy physique.

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About the Procedure

CoolSculpting is performed at The Appearance Care CenterTM on Clay Street on an outpatient basis. On the day of the procedure, patients are advised to wear loose, comfortable clothing and, if desired, to bring something for entertainment during the treatment.

The first appointment will begin with a consultation to discuss your concerns and identify your goals. Weight, measurements, and photographs will be taken to gauge your progress during follow-up appointments. Patients do not require any anesthesia prior to a CoolSculpting treatment. Most report the procedure to be painless—and even relaxing in some cases. You may experience a slight tugging or pinching sensation when the applicator is placed onto an area where improvement is desired. Patients typically find that any discomfort they feel is minimal and manageable. Because of its cooling nature, a CoolSculpting treatment naturally acts as an anesthetic, further reducing any discomfort felt.

After the area of fat to be treated is identified, a cool protective gel pad and the applicators are placed onto the skin and the machine begins to deliver the concentrated cooling energy directly into the treatment area. The applicator acts as a vacuum by sucking the bulge of fat in between two cooling panels. The cryolipolysis process freezes fat cells deep beneath the skin without harming any of the surrounding tissues. The frozen fat cells eventually die off and the body naturally flushes them out via the lymphatic system. The entire procedure is quick and comfortable. During the one-hour treatment session, patients often check their emails, read, or even take a nap. Results are noticeable within several months.

San Francisco CoolSculpting at The Appearance Care Center™

Dr. Maas and the expert staff at The Appearance Care Center™ have added a few refinements to the CoolSculpting procedure to enhance the results of the treatment and speed up the recovery process. When patients come in for their initial consultation, they can learn more about these refinements, which will help to ensure they receive the best possible outcome from their CoolSculpting in San Francisco.

For example, we use a special massage device after CoolSculpting treatments to smooth out the fat reduction and enhance the results of the procedure overall. The massage also reduces the amount of discomfort patients experience in the days following a CoolSculpting procedure. Dr. Maas wants to ensure that every patient receives the best possible results from their CoolSculpting treatment.

It’s been shown in studies that massaging an area where CoolSculpting is performed optimizes the smoothness of the skin. This can be the more uncomfortable part of the treatment, but it is essential for achieving the best outcome. Patients describe the sensation as a numbness, similar to having an arm fall asleep and experiencing a strange tingling sensation as it regains feeling. We use an adaptive massager post-treatment to reduce discomfort.

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Introduction to CoolSculpting®

Post-Operative Care

There is no downtime after a CoolSculpting treatment, which means patients can usually return to their regular activities right away. There may be some redness and swelling in the treatment area after the procedure, which some patients may find uncomfortable. In these cases, oral pain medication may be used to manage the discomfort in the first couple of days after the procedure. However, the majority of patients do not require any type of pain medication and are able to return to work and moderate activities on the same day or the day after their procedure.

You should avoid using anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, for six weeks after treatment. Your body will naturally produce an inflammatory response after the procedure which is its way of removing the fat cells. Taking anti-inflammatory medications can inhibit your results.

When to Expect Results

CoolSculpting results do not appear right away. The body requires time to eliminate the treated fat cells, so patients typically will not know what their final results will look like for a number of months. It takes approximately 90 days for optimal results to be apparent. During that time, patients often notice a gradual reduction in fatty areas as the cells are removed by the body and the treatment area starts to shrink. One CoolSculpting treatment can eliminate up to 25 percent of the fat in the treatment area, according to some studies.

While some patients may see sufficient results after a single treatment session, others may choose to undergo additional treatment sessions to further enhance their results. Treatments are usually spaced three to four months apart since this is the amount of time necessary to see the full results of the previous treatment session. Individualized treatment plans are geared to the patient’s specific body, aesthetic goals, and budget. Once results become evident, they can be long-lasting. The treated fat cells are completely destroyed and will not return.

However, patients who do not maintain a healthy weight after the procedure could find that the remaining fat cells may enlarge, interfering with the results of the initial treatment. Patients can prevent this from occurring by adhering to a healthy diet and exercise program after the procedure. After having a CoolSculpting treatment performed is the optimal time to ensure that you take care of your body so that fat does not build up again in the problem areas where it is so common. Think of it as having a clean slate or an opportunity to start again. 

A well-balanced diet and regular exercise will help prevent those bulges from potentially redeveloping and promote greater well-being in your life overall.

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Learn More About Your Options for Body Contouring in San Francisco

If you’re seeking a noninvasive treatment for unwanted fat that is resistant to diet and exercise, CoolSculpting could be an excellent option. There’s no downtime required and virtually no discomfort both during the treatment and during recovery. Though it is comfortable, and perhaps even relaxing, CoolSculpting can be very effective for the right candidate.

A series of hour-long sessions can help reduce the bulging areas on your body—whether it be around the thighs, arms, chin, or belly—and set you on the path to the more flattering figure you desire.

Dr. Maas and his team at The Appearance Care Center™ are excited to help you achieve your physical goals. Interested in learning more about CoolSculpting in San Francisco? Please contact us today.

The information about CoolSculpting was reviewed by Corey S. Maas MD™. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.

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CoolSculpting FAQ

Am I a good candidate for CoolSculpting?

How much does the CoolSculpting procedure cost?

How long is each session? How many sessions will I need?

Can I have more than one area treated with CoolSculpting?

Where does the fat go? Are the results permanent?

What does it feel like?

Is the CoolSculpting procedure safe?

Are there any side effects?

Can I return to normal activities after my treatment?

When will I see results?

Do I need to take special supplements or follow a strict diet and exercise program?

What happens if I gain weight down the road?

Am I a good candidate for CoolSculpting?

Good candidates have noticeable bulges in certain areas they’d like to get rid of. The CoolSculpting fat reduction procedure is specifically designed for those who have unwanted fat that resists diet and exercise. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, the CoolSculpting procedure is not a weight loss solution for people who are obese. It is, however, a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. Request a one-on-one consultation with us to determine if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you.

How much does the CoolSculpting procedure cost?

The price for CoolSculpting procedures varies depending on your areas of concern, the number of sessions needed, and your ultimate goals. We will help create a customized treatment plan, in person, that’s tailored to your body, your goals, and your budget.

How long is each session? How many sessions will I need?

We will help you create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. The length of your CoolSculpting session will vary depending on the number of areas being treated during one visit. You can expect symmetrical areas, such as the legs or arms, to be done in one session with DualSculpting. We may schedule additional sessions in order to meet your goals.

Can I have more than one area treated with CoolSculpting?

Because we carry multiple CoolSculpting applicators, multiple areas where excess fat cells are prominent can be treated. If you’re interested in having love handles treated but also wish for excess fat cells in the arms to be worked on, it’s entirely possible to have it all done at once.

Where does the fat go? Are the results permanent?

Once the treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen), your body processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells. Once the treated fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good. Legal Info here.

What does it feel like?

As the cooling begins during the first few minutes, you will feel pressure and intense cold. This soon dissipates. Many people read, watch videos, work on their laptop, or even take a nap during their treatment.

Is the CoolSculpting procedure safe?

The CoolSculpting procedure is FDA-cleared for the flank (love handles), abdomen, and thigh. With over one million CoolSculpting treatments performed worldwide, it is proven to be a safe and effective treatment for non-surgical fat reduction.

Are there any side effects?

During the procedure, you may experience deep pulling, tugging, pinching, numbness or discomfort. Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary numbness, redness, swelling, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, and pain. Rare side effects may also occur. The CoolSculpting procedure is not for everyone. You should not have the CoolSculpting procedure if you suffer from cryoglobulinemia or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. The CoolSculpting procedure is not a treatment for obesity. As with any medical procedure, ask us if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you.

Can I return to normal activities after my treatment?

Yes, you can. The CoolSculpting procedure is completely non-surgical, so typically you can return to normal activities immediately. Oftentimes, patients return to work after their CoolSculpting session is over.

When will I see results?

You may start to see changes as quickly as three weeks after your treatment and will experience the most dramatic results after two months. But your body will still flush out fat cells and continue doing so for up to four to six months after treatment.

Do I need to take special supplements or follow a strict diet and exercise program?

No supplements or pills are required, and you do not have to adopt a new diet and exercise habit. Many patients feel more motivated to take care of themselves after their CoolSculpting treatment. It is as if they get a second lease on their body and want to start anew again by taking even better care of themselves.

What happens if I gain weight down the road?

Many people, after seeing the results from their CoolSculpting procedure, take even better care of themselves. However, if you do gain weight, you may gain it evenly all over your body, not just in the treated areas.

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