8,153
edits
Changes
no edit summary
The effects of CoolSculpting should start within a few weeks, but the full effect may take 3-4 months<ref name="Zelickson-2009"/>. Tests indicate that the changes are noticeable after 2-7 weeks (average 4 weeks)<ref name="Shek-2012"/>.
=CoolSculpting and Massage=
A 2014 study looked at CoolSculpting followed immediately by 2 minutes of massage, and compared the results with CoolSculpting alone<ref name="Boey-2014"/>. Subjects received the CoolSculpting on both sides of their body, but massage only on one side, the other acting as a control. The study found that the addition of massage improved fat reduction by 68% after two months and 44% after four months. Samples of the fat tissue showed increasing inflammation, peaking at 30 days post treatment, with no signs of necrosis or fibrosis at any time (0-120 days). The massage and non-massage samples groups were similar, but quite small. The massage was described as "1 minute using a vigorous kneading motion followed by 1 minute of circular massage using the pads of the fingers."
=DIY CoolSculpting=
Having reviewed the evidence for the commercial CoolSculpting, I wondered if it would be possible to replicate the effects by simply applying ice to the skin. An early study of CoolSculpting showed a reduction in the fat levels from temperatures of -1c/31f, though not as great a loss as colder temperatures<ref name="Manstein-2008"/>. The levels of fat on my legs are noticeably lower than other parts of my body, which might be the result of regular icing. There is evidence that applying ice to the skin produces an inflammation response in just a few minutes<ref name="Avram-2009"/>, so this approach seems viable.