8,153
edits
Changes
no edit summary
[[File:CoolSculpting device.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The commercial CoolSculpting® device.]] {{DISPLAYTITLE:CoolSculpting and DIY CoolSculpting (Cryolipolysis)}} __NOTOC__CoolSculpting uses cold to reduce fat and it can be effective as long as you know the limitations; a similar effect can be achieved cheaply at home. This approach is marketed as CoolSculpting® or Cryolipolysis®. It works by chilling the skin, causing the underlying fat cells to naturally die off. This reduces the thickness of fat in the area treated. While commercial CoolSculpting requires expensive equipment, I've found that a similar effect can be produced at home for almost no cost. See [[#DIY CoolScupltingCoolSculpting| the section on DIY CoolScupltingCoolSculpting]] for details.
=What is CoolSculpting?=
CoolSculpting uses an FDA approved device to chill the skin for up to an hour<ref name="Avram-2009"/>, with a session lasting one to three hours<ref name="CSFaq"/>, producing a reduction in the fat thickness in the treated area. Animal and human studies have shown a reduction in fat thickness between 20% and 80% over 3 months following treatment<ref name="ClNelson"/>. The device sucks the skin and underlying fat into a cup<ref name="Coleman-2009"/>. More than one treatment can be used, but the results of the second treatment are not as dramatic as the first<ref name="Shek-2012"/>. CoolSculpting is considered an alternative to liposuction<ref name="StevensPietrzak2013"/>, which is the one of the most common types of plastic surgery<ref name="PlasticSurgry2013"/>. There are some initial indications that CoolSculpting may improve skin texture and laxity, with a tightening of the lose skin<ref name="CarruthersStevens2014"/>. While promising, more studies are needed.