The term “body sculpting” refers to a range of cosmetic treatments with one thing in common: they all target and remove stubborn fat deposits in common problem areas like the belly, the buttocks, the thighs, and the chin. At ALC Med Spa in Gurnee, IL, we offer two of the most popular body sculpting treatments in the form of CoolSculpting and Kybella. Let’s answer the question you have in mind “does body sculpting really work?”.
These two non-invasive, FDA-approved treatments are very different, but both are effective when it comes to getting rid of frustrating body fat that won’t respond to diet or exercise.
What is Body Sculpting?
“Body sculpting” refers to the range of non-invasive treatments that can effectively melt away stubborn body fat, getting rid of bulges and bellies that refuse to go away no matter how many carbs you cut or miles you run. Using the science of body fat, these quick, painless, non-invasive treatments can isolate and kill fat cells, leaving the treated area slimmer. Best of all, in killing the fat cells themselves, these treatments offer a permanent solution to the fat deposits millions of Americans have been battling to get rid of for years.
How Does it Work?
Body sculpting treatments all work for different reasons, but they all work on the same principle: they kill fat cells. The number of fat cells in the human body stays fairly steady after adolescence and early adulthood. The cells expand when we gain weight, filling with excess nutrients, and they shrink when we lose weight and those nutrients are consumed by the body.
They will occasionally die off thanks to intense exercise, but they’re tough to get rid of. That’s why areas where fat is most commonly stored, like on the belly or under the chin, can be so stubborn: the cells might shrink, but they’re still there.
Body sculpting treatments like CoolSculpting and Kybella work by targeting those fat cells and killing them once and for all. The treatments work differently, but the results are the same. The fat cells are destroyed and processed by the body, eliminating bulges and fat deposits. The results are permanent as long as you maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
CoolSculpting FAQ
What is It?
CoolSculpting is a body sculpting technique that uses the controlled application of cold temperatures to treat stubborn fat deposits. This FDA-approved, scientifically proven treatment can reduce fat by up to 20-25% in the targeted area, with each non-invasive treatment taking as little as thirty minutes from start to finish. It can be used to flush out fat on the belly, the buttocks, thighs, and even under the chin.
How Does it Work?
CoolSculpting works thanks to the unique properties of the human body’s fat cells. They are more sensitive to temperature changes than other tissue cells, which means that they freeze at a slightly higher temperature than their surrounding tissue. By applying carefully controlled cold temperatures to the area of treatment, the CoolSculpting technique can freeze fat without causing any damage to the skin, muscle, or other tissues. When the fat cells crystalize, their structure is compromised and they die off.
Our practitioners accomplish this using a special applicator that provides suction on the treated area, isolating it, before paddles on the applicator conduct cold onto the skin and into the surrounding tissue. Once the cold temperature is being applied, all you have to do is relax. You can read a book, watch your favorite show, or get a little work done. When the treatment is complete, you’ll be able to walk out and go back to your normal daily routine with no downtime whatsoever.
What Does it Feel Like?
When the CoolSculpting machine is first turned on, it begins applying suction and cold to the area of treatment, and most patients report it feeling odd rather than painful. Soon, the area of treatment goes numb thanks to the cold and you’re free to relax. We at ALC Med Spa will even provide you with complimentary food, wine, and other refreshments if you want them.
When your treatment is over, the treated area will require some time to thaw out. Once it does, there may be a touch of swelling or redness that will quickly disappear. In fact, CoolSculpting is hailed for its top-notch safety rating.
How Quickly Will I See Results?
No body sculpting treatment is instantaneous. It takes the body some time to flush out dead fat cells. In the case of CoolSculpting, some people report seeing results starting around three weeks after the first treatment. For others, it can take two to three months before visible results appear. Those results often continue to improve over time as the body flushes out more and more fat cells and eliminates them. When all is said and done, most will see a 20-25% reduction in fat in the treated zone.
Kybella FAQ
What is it?
Kybella is the world’s only FDA-approved injectable treatment for a double chin. For now, it’s only approved for that one region of the body. It’s a non-surgical, minimally invasive way to melt the fat deposits that cause a double chin, and it does this using a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid, an acid that occurs naturally in the body and breaks down fat.
How Does it Work?
Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring enzyme in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When it’s injected into the chin, it does its work on the fat cells there, destroying them. This then triggers the body to remove the dead cells, reducing the appearance of a double chin. When it comes to Kybella though, one injection isn’t enough. A single Kybella treatment consists of forty to fifty injections under the chin, which usually takes around 15-20 minutes from start to finish.
What is the Treatment Like?
While Kybella is an injection, it’s done by our skilled medical professionals using an extremely fine needle. We also apply a numbing agent to the treatment area, further reducing any potential pain. You’ll feel a bit of pinching just like you would with any shot, and some people will see a little swelling or bruising under the chin after injections.
This should disappear quickly and can be helped along with a cold pack. After your treatment is complete, you’ll be able to go back to your normal daily routine with zero downtime.
With Kybella, multiple treatments are often needed, with one month in between each treatment. The number of treatments you receive, up to six, will depend upon your desired results. Those results, however, should be permanent as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
How Quickly Will I See Results?
Just as with CoolSculpting, it will take a little time for you to see your full Kybella results. Most people will begin to see their results after twelve weeks or two treatments, with full results being visible around the six-month mark. Those results are impressive, though; with four treatments, many people see up to a 70% reduction in fat in the treated area.
Who is a Good Candidate for Body Sculpting?
These treatments are proven to be effective, but that doesn’t mean they are right for everyone. You are a good candidate for one or both of them if you meet most of the following criteria:
1. You are Near Your Ideal Body Weight
One of the most important things to remember about these treatments is that they are not meant for weight loss. They are cosmetic treatments that can improve the appearance of fat bulges and problem areas, but they are not a substitute for diet and exercise. In fact, the best candidates for treatments like Kybella and CoolSculpting are at or near their ideal body weight but have stubborn fat deposits that aren’t responsive to such activities.
People who are obese or overweight and want to shed pounds should talk to their physician and formulate a diet and exercise plan that works for them.
2. You Lead a Healthy Lifestyle
The results that CoolSculpting, Kybella, and other such treatments provide can be permanent, but you’ll need to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle in order for them to be so. While these treatments are effective at eliminating fat cells, they don’t eliminate all of them. Gaining weight will still cause the remaining cells to expand, diluting the results of the treatment. Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly will help you keep the look these treatments give you for years to come.
3. You Have Ruled Out Surgical Options
Invasive surgery has plenty of downsides, not least of which is the recovery time. If you have ruled out invasive cosmetic procedures like liposuction, a treatment like CoolSculpting or Kybella is the next best thing. It may not be as thorough as the surgical option, but it’s much less expensive and faster, with zero downtime.
4. Your Skin Has Good Elasticity
This is especially important for chin treatments with either CoolSculpting or Kybella. As the body flushes fat cells away, the skin around the treated area should mold to the new contours of the tissues underneath it. If the skin has poor elasticity, it may not mold as well, leaving saggy skin behind. If you are unsure of how elastic your skin is, you can discuss this with our medical professionals.
5. You Have Realistic Goals
These treatments aren’t going to give you six-pack abs or a chiseled jawline overnight. It usually takes several weeks to see the full results from a CoolSculpting treatment, and Kybella can take even longer. These results are noticeable, but you will not see a complete reduction in body fat in the treated area.
With CoolSculpting, you can expect a 20-25% reduction, and with Kybella you can expect a 50% reduction in fat after two treatments and as much as 70% with four treatments. The results are visible and permanent, but they aren’t a substitute for diet, exercise, and an all-around healthy lifestyle. As long as you keep your expectations realistic and your mind positive, you’ll be pleased with your results.
6. You’re Okay With Needles
This should go without saying, but if you’re the kind of person who flinches at the sight of a single needle, a Kybella treatment might not be the best choice for you!
Conclusion
Body sculpting treatments like CoolSculpting and Kybella are growing in popularity for a reason: they’re safe, quick, and effective. They enable people to get the results they’ve been striving for through diet and exercise in the form of a treatment that can be given over a lunch break. If you fit the above criteria and want to learn more about these treatments, give ALC Med Spa in Gurnee, IL a call to set up a consultation.
