Aesthetic Clinic in Singapore
Coolsculpting
To help us achieve our desired body shape and contour, there are a variety of aesthetic procedures available—ranging from invasive procedures, like liposuction, to non-invasive procedures such as radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound and cryolipolysis.
WHAT IS CYROLIPOLYSIS?
“Cryo” means cold, and “lipolysis” refers to the process of fat breaking down.
Freezing fat tissues to a temperature as low as -11°C causes programmed cell death of the adipocyte (fat cell). This triggers an inflammatory response and our immune system removes the dead cells over a period of time (up to 3 months from clinical studies).
FAT REDUCTION USING COOLSCULPTING®
WHAT IS COOLSCULPTING®?
It is the ONLY patented technology by the US company Allergan, that uses cryolipolysis to treat unwanted fat on our body. Other forms of cryolipolysis from various companies are not called CoolSculpting.
CoolSculpting is FDA approved for fat reduction for the following areas:
- Abdomen
- Flanks
- Thighs (inner & outer)
- Double-chin
- Underarms
- Banana-roll at the buttock
In addition, CoolSculpting®utilises the patented CoolControl® and Freeze Detect® systems to ensure appropriate treatment temperatures. These systems minimise the risk of tissue damage during treatment by detecting abnormal temperature changes within the treatment applicators during treatment.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
It works by safely freezing the unwanted bulge of fat and causing the fat to undergo a 'programmed death'. Our immune system then removes the dead fat cells from the area over a period of time. Studies show at least a 20% reduction in the thickness of fat (measured by ultrasound) with a single treatment. The best results can be seen 3 months after a single treatment.
The Coolsculpting system has five different applicators for treatment over different areas. Each applicator has its own treatment cycle duration:
1. CoolsmoothPRO
Placement : Outer thigh (Saddlebag)
Cycle Duration : 75 min
2. Cool Mini
Placement : Submental fat, axilla fat, distal thight (knee fat)
Cycle Duration : 45 min
3. CoolAdvantage petite
Placement : For small to medium areas of the upper arms, back, flanks, abdomen, banana roll, inner thigh, bra fat and chest
Cycle Duration : 35 min
4. CoolAdvantage
Placement : For large areas of fat in the upper arms, back, flanks, abdomen, banana roll, inner thigh, bra fat and chest
Cycle Duration : 35 min
5. CoolAdvantage Plus
Placement : For very large areas of fat in the flanks, abdomen and back
Cycle Duration : 45 min
Depending on the size and location of the area to be treated, our specialised team will assess and recommend the number of treatment cycles required to achieve your desired body contour.
As each treatment cycle varies between 35 to 75 min, we will stage the entire treatment plan into multiple sessions.
During treatment, a gel pad and applicator are applied to the targeted area. Applicators that use vacuum will draw the tissue into the applicator cup where you may feel pulling, tugging and mild pinching. With a non-vacuum surface applicator, you may experience a mild pressure sensation. Controlled cooling is then delivered to the targeted fat, so you may feel intense cold, along with sensations like tingling, aching or cramping initially. These sensations typically subside after the area becomes numb, usually within 4-5 minutes. The Coolsculpting® treatment process is relatively comfortable and pain free thereafter.
WHEN CAN YOU NOTICE RESULTS?
Most people start to notice results after one to two weeks. Clinical studies show that the fat reduction results continue to improve over a period of 3 months. However, one can choose to repeat the treatment of a similar area after a 1-month interval.
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
Common side effects:
- Mild swelling and redness over treated areas. This usually disappears within a couple of days by itself.
- Numbness and tingling over treated areas. This usually resolves spontaneously in 2-3 weeks.
- Tenderness and aching over treated areas. This usually resolves in 1-2 weeks.
- Shooting pain sensation over treated areas. This is uncommon and can be triggered with movement of the body (eg. when turning in your sleep). Usually no medication is required as symptoms are tolerable and can take up to 4 weeks to disappear by itself. Sometimes an oral antihistamine may be required for patients who may find it unbearable.
- Bruising. Usually resolves in 1-2 weeks.
Less common side effects include paradoxical hyperplasia, late onset pain, freeze burn, hyperpigmentation, fat hardening.
ARE THE RESULTS PERMANENT?
Studies have shown that the results on the abdomen and flank can last for several years if the patient does not increase their weight from the start of treatment.
CAN I REPEAT THE TREATMENT ON THE SAME AREAS?
Yes, at 1-monthly intervals. Since we know that a single treatment helps to reduce the fat thickness by 20%, one can repeat the treatment on bigger areas to achieve the desired result.
HOW DO I GET THE BEST RESULTS WITH COOLSCULPTING®?
CoolSculpting® treatments need to go hand-in-hand with lifestyle measures to maintain an ideal weight.
It works best when combined with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. Our doctors will advise on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while doing CoolSculpting®.
WHO SHOULD AVOID IT?
Patients with fat skinfold of less than 2cm are not suitable for Coolsculpting® as there is insufficient subcutaneous fat to fill the applicators.
Conversely, Coolsculpting® is not a treatment for obesity. Coolsculpting is effective for fat reduction and body contouring over targeted areas, but is not considered a form of weight loss.
The following conditions are not recommended for Coolsculpting®:
- Recent surgery or scar tissue in the are to be treated
- Hernia in or adjacent to the treatment site
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Cryoglobulinemia, a disorder where proteins in the blood react to cold by causing the blood vessels to block up
- Cold agglutinin disease, an autoimmune condition, where temperature change destroys red blood cells
- Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, a condition where red blood cells die in response to temperature change
- Raynaud’s disease, where the fingers turn white or blue when exposed to cool temperatures. This symptom can be associated with other autoimmune diseases.
- Chilblains
- Impaired circulation or skin sensation at the treatment area from vascular diseases
- Neuropathic disorders, where the nerves on the skin are damaged by medical conditions(eg. diabetes mellitus).
- Rashes, eczemaor psoriasis in the area to be treated
- Blood disorders, or use of blood thinning medications
- Implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers or defibrillators for the heart.
- Allergy to propylene glycol or isopropyl alcohol
- Chronic pain conditions
- Severe anxietydisorders
