Fat, Freeze!

Is Cool Sculpting by Zeltiq a new answer for fat removal?

Do you work out on a regular basis and eat healthily, yet still have trouble spots? If you don’t want to get anywhere near a needle, then Cool Sculpting by Zeltiq could be your answer.

FDA-approved Cool Sculpting is a non-invasive, one-hour procedure that freezes fat in tough-to-tone areas, such as your lower abdomen, love handles, upper back and inner and outer thighs, by placing it (yes, the fat) between two cooling plates.

“It’s meant for small areas of fat that don’t budge with diet and exercise,” explains Carolyn Jacob, MD, founder and medical director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. “It won’t change your weight, but it will change the shape.” And because it’s non-invasive, Dr. Jacob, who offers the procedure at her practice, assures you that you can go right back to your normal routine after treatment, with no down time.

Dr. Jacob has been offering this procedure since 2009 and performs about 30 a month; she reports that patients lose about 20 percent of fat in the treated areas. “The fat cells disintegrate into their component parts and are reused as fuel,” says Dr. Jacob. While the results are permanent, she warns that you can, as always, gain weight back in those areas if you alter your diet and exercise routine.

Jessica Manzer, a patient in her mid-20s, recently had the procedure done at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology on her lower abdomen. At the eight-week point, she reported that she began to see results. “Although it might not be noticeable to my friends, I can still see a difference,” she says. Dr. Jacobs adds that she should continue to see results over the next two months.

Ms. Manzer admits that the actual procedure was uncomfortable at first, but her body adapted to it as the hour passed. “My stomach felt numb and tingly for at least two weeks after I had the Cool Sculpting,” Ms. Manzer says. “It didn’t hurt, but it was a little uncomfortable.” Although she might not have it done again, she says that she would recommend the procedure.

Cool Sculpting costs between $600-$2,000, depending on how many areas you want treated and how often the procedure is performed. Patients see better results with more than one procedure. For more information, visit www.chicagodermatology.com.

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