Zeltiq is a company that has developed a new, FDA appoved, non-invasive technique for improving the body contour called “Cryolipolysis™”. The device, named Coolsculpting, has been FDA-approved in the U.S. for skin cooling and anesthetic uses for some time, and used in Europe and Canada for fat reduction since mid 2009. The technique employs cold to reduce fat cells thereby enhancing the shape of the body. It is based on work originally done by Dr. Rox Anderson’s group at Wellman Labs.
The cells in our body react to heat or cold at different temperatures levels. The research performed by Zeltiq has helped us better understand what these levels are so we can achieve body contouring through fat reduction. It works by pressing the device against the area to be treated and then becoming cold enough to target only the fat cells in that area. The body reacts with an inflammatory response which causes the body to naturally dispose of the damaged fat cells. By doing so we see a significant improvement in the shape of the body.
The Zeltiq Coolsculpting procedure is performed in a doctor’s office, typically under the supervision of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. There is no anesthesia needed or recovery time. During the procedure, tissue is drawn into a cup with mild vacuum pressure. Patients may also be slightly uncomfortable with the contact of the cold as the procedure begins, which usually goes away after the first 10 minutes or so. If you feel too uncomfortable with the cold, let your doctor know. After the treatment is completed, patients may immediately return to their normal activities including work and exercise.
Several days after the procedure, the cooled fat cells begin a process called “apoptosis” and begin to shrink. These damaged fat cells are slowly digested over several months by our bodies and removed through the liver. Coolsculpting is highly effective and is producing consistent results for local areas of fat like the love-handles or ‘man-boobs’, though larger areas of fat may require more invasive treatments.
The best candidate for Coolsculpting is someone who is in relatively good shape, but has modest areas of fat bulges that they’d like removed. It’s not an alternative to healthy diet or lifestyle.
Side effects are usually mild and related to the cold of the device which subside within 10 minutes. Skin may be red for several minutes to several hours, if this persists for more than that you should contact your doctor. Other side effects may include temporary bruising, tingling, tenderness, temporary dulling of sensation or cramping.
Recently there have been some reports about people creating cold “chambers” and placing people entirely in the chamber for a period of time as a treatment for body contouring. They claim this is akin to Cryolipolysis and charge fees to people for this. In my opinion there is no scientifically credible reason to expect this to do anything to your body other than make you very uncomfortable for a period of time.
The list of physicians on www.body-contouring.com represent some of the world's most experienced dermatologists and laser hair removal experts.
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