Rima DeFatta, MD

Fat is best FROZEN, not BURNED

Rima DeFatta, MD
Otolaryngology
DeFatta ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery
Altoona

A new FDA cleared, non-invasive method to freeze stubborn fat is upon us…but is it just another fad? Now this is definitely not a weight loss solution but rather, as the name implies, a “sculpting” solution. It is intended specifically for unwanted fat in target areas and it has been scientifically studied and proven.

The Idea

Harvard University physician scientists Drs. Dieter Manstein and Rox Anderson hypothesized that fat cells are destroyed and eliminated from the body when they are exposed to intensely cold temperatures. This process, called cryolipolysis, was eventually proven from the initial observation that some children developed dimpling in the cheeks due to eating popsicles frequently. The idea that cold can selectively affect fat, without damaging surrounding tissues, was the insight behind the proven science on which the CoolSculpting technology is based.

The Science

Drs. Manstein and Anderson discovered that fat was much more sensitive to cold than nerves, skin, muscle and other body tissue. They were able to pinpoint a precise temperature that maximized the destruction of fat, while leaving all of the other structures unharmed.

When fat cells are exposed to these cold temperatures, they become injured and gradually are destroyed and eliminated by the body. Fortunately, this happens without any increase in either cholesterol or fat levels in the blood. Research has also revealed that 20–25% of fat in the abdomen was reduced using only one treatment of this technology. Additional treatments have been shown to continue to reduce the fat by nearly the same amount.

Why destroying fat cells matters and why it works?

Science has shown that the number of fat cells in our bodies typically stabilizes sometime in our teenage years. When we gain weight, these fat cells simply grow in size but the number does not multiply. Therefore, when fat cells are subjected to the CoolSculpting treatment, they are destroyed and removed, thereby decreasing that localized area’s fat stores and the body cannot create more fat cells in that area.

What to expect from the treatment:

At DeFatta Facial Plastic Surgery, we are proud to offer the latest CoolAdvantage applicators which offer several advantages over older technology:

Treatment time is nearly 50% shorter. The majority of treatment areas can be targeted in just 35 minutes.
The enhanced design increases tissue contact with the applicator for efficient and complete cooling. This is done with less vacuum intensity to increase comfort and decrease bruising.
Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the CoolSculpting procedure. Some find it convenient to have it done over their lunch break or between errands.

Collectively, this all translates into better patient outcomes because the procedure is so well tolerated. While some patients may see results as early as three weeks after their first treatment, the most dramatic results are usually seen between one and three months following treatment.

Wondering if you are a candidate?

Good candidates for the CoolSculpting procedure have noticeable bulges in specific areas: submental area (chin and upper neck), thigh (inner and outer), abdomen (belly fat) and flank (hips), bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll), and upper arm (hanging fat). This is a completely non-surgical, convenient, and an effective alternative to liposuction.