The Before And After Of Coolsculpting
Losing weight may require diet and exercise, but following a strict diet and exercising daily can be challenging for some. In addition, many people struggle to lose weight even when following their doctor's recommendations. To reduce excess, stubborn weight without invasive surgeries, consider coolsculpting. This non-invasive procedure freezes fat, eliminating it from problem areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, back, and arms. Over time, these fat cells and fatty tissue are transferred to your body's lymphatic system to be filtered out as waste. If you are considering coolsculpting to shape your body, use this guide to ensure you are ready for the before and after of the procedure.
Before
First and foremost, you must make sure you are a good candidate for the procedure. Coolsculpting is not a magical treatment that will make you thin. However, it is a treatment to reduce stubborn fat after you have already lost or attempted to lose weight.
You should be relatively healthy and able to exercise, since you should consider working out after the treatment. Also, gaining weight is possible after coolsculpting, so you must have the discipline to stick to a healthy diet, low in sugar, white flour, and fat, after the treatment.
If you are on any medications, notify your doctor before undergoing the procedure. While non-invasive, bruising and swelling may occur during the treatment. Because of this risk, you should avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medications a few days before the procedure.
You should also prepare yourself for realistic expectations. The treatment is not used as a method to become thin in a period of hours. You will not notice any dramatic changes in your body's shape after the treatment, but you may notice results after a few weeks.
Use your smartphone to take a photo of your body the day before the procedure. Make sure the photo shows each area you will be treated. This photo will be used to compare your body before and after the treatment.
Lastly, you should prepare for the actual procedure. In most cases, coolsculpting will be conducted while you are laying down on the doctor's table. You will be completely awake during the procedure, which can take one to three hours depending on your treatment areas.
You may experience cold sensations, tingling, pulling, and light aches during the treatment. These feelings should subside after a few minutes.
After
Some patients continue having light aches and cramping after coolsculpting. Taking an over-the-counter ibuprofen is sufficient for reducing any discomfort you may experience after the treatment.
Swelling of the treated area is common afterwards, as well. Massage, hydrotherapy involving swimming or soaking in a jetted tub, and exercise will boost blood circulation, which decreases both swelling and inflammation. Ice packs can also be used to numb any sore areas of the body after coolsculpting.
You will be able to resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. If you begin experiencing any severe cramping or pain, notify your doctor immediately.
You should avoid wearing any tight clothing, since this can constrict your body and increase discomfort.
Each week after the procedure, take a photo of your body to compare to the photo you took before the treatment. You should see small changes each week. Since this is a process, it is important to note that you may not see truly noticeable results for a few months after the procedure.
While it is becoming more and more popular, most people are not prepared for the coolsculpting procedure. This guide will help you plan and prepare physically and mentally for this non-invasive treatment. Talk to doctors at facilities like Countryside Dermatology & Laser Center to learn more.
