Although a healthy diet and an intense exercise regimen may help reduce fat accumulation in the belly and sides, no lifestyle changes seem to be able to shrink the dreaded double chin. Unfortunately, the double chin is also a problem that worsens with age, in both men and women.
In the past, reducing problem fatty areas required surgical intervention. However, advances in modern medicine have made improving your appearance easier than ever. Although many different options exist, today’s solutions are safer, non-invasive, and more affordable than ever. CoolSculpting is the newest innovation in cosmetic procedures and is growing in popularity per year. It is especially beneficial for those with excess fat in trouble areas, such as the double chin.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting employs a procedure known as cryolipolysis, which was developed in 2007 by Dieter Manstein, Hans Laubach, Kanna Watanabe, William Farinelli, David Zurakowski, and R. Rox Anderson, as a non-invasive, fat-reducing method. After controlled studies, the researchers realized that it was possible to freeze the skin, without damage, for prolonged periods of time to reduce subcutaneous fat (extra fat cells).
In 2010, CoolSculpting was approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Today, CoolSculpting or Cryolipolysis, is often used as a non-surgical technique for body contouring and reducing fat in certain areas, such as the double chin. It is considered a welcome alternative to other more invasive, surgical methods, such as liposuction, which have an increased risk of complications.
CoolSculpting Popularity
In general, body contouring is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in North America.
According to a 2013 article in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, CoolSculpting increased by 233% in 2011 and 823% in 2012.
By 2013, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery had reported that it surpassed the popularity of breast augmentation.
In 2015, they reported that while liposuction remained the most popular surgical procedure, non-surgical procedures, such as CoolSculpting, were a close second at 42% of the market share.
CoolSculpting Vs Liposuction
Although both CoolSculpting and liposuction permanently destroy fat cells in target areas and both are used to reduce fat, they are drastically different in their methods, safety, and recovery time.
Liposuction is an invasive, surgical process done under anesthesia. Complications can be very serious, such as allergic reactions and blood clots. A suction tool vacuums fat out of the problem area from a small incision made in the skin. The procedure lasts 1-2 hours, and only requires a single session.
Coolsculpting, on the other hand, is non-invasive and non-surgical, with minimal and very rare side effects.
CoolSculpting Costs
A quick survey of Canadian CoolSculpting providers reveals that average prices range from $750 CAD for small areas, to $1, 500 CAD for a larger area.
In the US, CoolSculpting costs anywhere from $2, 000-$4, 000 USD. However, for small areas, many providers begin at $500 USD.
A double chin costs approximately $1, 4000 USD, and in Canada about $1, 000-$2, 000 CAD depending on geographic location.
Prices are per session (usually about 1 hour) and CoolSculpting requires more than one session at times.
Liposuction and CoolSculpting costs are very similar, with liposuction being slightly cheaper.
CoolSculpting Procedure
CoolSculpting is a proven method for getting rid of a double chin. It is also beneficial for the abdomen (belly), thighs, lower back, sides, buttocks, and arms.
Trained professionals or plastic surgeons use a special tool to clamp down and freeze the target roll of fat. The fat bulge is then vacuumed into an applicator.
The procedure is very simple and one can read or watch TV throughout.
Sessions last one hour for small areas of the body, while specifically the chin area takes about 35 minutes. If needed, sessions are spread out several weeks apart for best results.
CoolSculpting Recovery and Results
Unlike liposuction, no downtime is required with CoolSculpting. Regular activity can be resumed immediately.
Some patients may experience a bit of soreness and redness in the chin area.
In the following weeks, the frozen fat cells are naturally eliminated by the liver. Results should be seen within a few weeks and fat cells are eliminated within 4-6 months.
Final CoolSculpting results can be seen in 1 or 2 visits and last indefinitely. Although fat cells do not regenerate, they may return with weight gain.
Coolsculpting does not help with cellulite or loose skin.
In 2009, a cryolipolysis study was published by Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which re-asserted that CoolSculpting resulted in substantial fat reduction, without damage to the skin. In addition, no long-term nerve fibre changes and skin damage were reported.
In 2016, a study published by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, followed two cases, which revealed that cryolipolysis reduced subcutaneous fat, six and nine years post-treatment.
Warnings
Although safe, CoolSculpting is not recommended for those with cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria.
Various studies and years of research have revealed that cosmetic alteration of a body does not have to be invasive or costly. CoolSculpting remains one of the most popular methods of double chin reduction in both Canada and the United States.