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CoolSculpting: Where Does the Fat Go?

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Our Approach to Surgery is Anything but Plastic

CoolSculpting is a very popular procedure as it is a non-surgical and non-invasive option that permanently removes fat from the body with little to no downtime. This highly effective and FDA-cleared treatment can be used on many areas of the body, including the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back, double chin, and more.

One of the most common questions patients have regarding CoolSculpting is, “Where does the fat go?” After all, CoolSculpting isn’t like liposuction, where fat is manually removed. To understand where fat cells go after CoolSculpting, you first should know how the procedure works to remove them.

How Does CoolSculpting Work?

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical method of permanently removing fat and an effective body-contouring procedure. CoolSculpting works through a process called cryolipolysis, which essentially means “fat freezing.” Using the CoolSculpting device, fat cells are frozen without damaging surrounding tissue, effectively breaking down the cells. CoolSculpting is commonly used to reduce fat on the abdomen, thighs, hips, or back, among other treatment areas.

Where Does Fat Go After CoolSculpting?

After CoolSculpting, fat cells become waste within the body. Because of this, the body’s lymphatic system naturally eliminates the dead fat cells. This process is gradual, natural, and safe. Patients will likely see the results of their CoolSculpting treatment gradually appear over the weeks to months after the procedure. Aside from these visible differences, the elimination of the frozen fat cells is not noticeable or uncomfortable.

Can I Regain Fat After CoolSculpting?

As fat cells do not regenerate, this means that the cells are removed permanently from the treatment area. Everyone is born with a certain number of fat cells, which grow or shrink to store calories for future energy use. When these fat cells are removed, the body does not replace them with new cells.

CoolSculpting removes, on average, 25% of the fat cells in the treatment area. It is still possible for you to gain weight in the future, and the remaining fat cells will expand as normal. However, the overall body contour will likely be permanently changed, and you will be more likely to store weight in areas outside of the treated problem area.

To maintain CoolSculpting results, and overall health, you should prioritize a healthy, balanced diet and exercise routine. Remember that CoolSculpting is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure. Individual results may vary.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about CoolSculpting or to see if you are a candidate, schedule a consultation with CARE Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC. Call our office at (919) 335-9298 or request your appointment online

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