Whether you choose to go under the knife or subject yourself to pins and needles, there’s no shortage of cosmetic and plastic surgery treatments that can help you turn back the clock and reverse the aging process. There was once a time when ‘botox’ was the buzzword for those seeking a transformation but recent advancements in the cosmetic industry have meant that strange and often OTT treatments like the ‘Vampire Facelift’ or butt implants have become the norm rather than an exception.

Given the myriad options available, it is often difficult to know what really works and what doesn’t. Which is why when we heard of a new fat-loss treatment called CoolSculpting had made its way to Pakistan, we weren’t really sure what to make of it. Luckily, AestheticSciences, the distribution company bringing the technology to Pakistan, had flown in product specialist and beauty expert Geovana Macra from Dubai to explain the science behind the procedure.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is the latest in fat reduction technology, which works by freezing and killing fat cells within the targeted areas. It is an FDA-approved procedure, and is non-surgical. It is an effective tool for treating fat in areas that are particularly resistance to diet and exercise, such as post-pregnancy bulges, love handles and a double chin.

How does it work?

It really is as simple as it sounds: the technology uses controlled temperatures to literally freeze and destroy the fat from your body. Fatty areas are pinched between the CoolSculpting applicator, which then cools the area to a temperature that causes fat cells to crystallize and die. The machine currently comes equipped with five applicators that can target areas over the whole body such as the stomach, flanks, back, thighs and arms while a sixth applicator to target the chin area will be introduced by the end of the year.

CoolSculpting vs Liposuction

While liposuction also removes fat from within the body, it is an invasive procedure where a tube is inserted into the tissue after an incision is made. The CoolSculpting machine, on the other hand, is applied only to the surface of the skin. Since it is non-surgical, there is hardly any downtime and patients usually need not take a break from their every day routine.

"It is truly a walk-in, walk-out procedure," says Macra. One application takes an hour, and the patient can leave right after.

Is it for everyone?

CoolSculpting works best for spot treating problem areas such as stomach rolls and arm fat. It is not, as explained by Macra, intended for massive weight loss and patients who suffer from obesity wouldn’t benefit from it as much as a patient who just as a flabby stomach. "It’s not magic", cautions Marca so expect results to show after a couple of months. CoolSculpting works best when combined with a healthy lifestyle and good eating habits. "Don’t start gorging on junk once you’ve had CoolSculpting done on your tummy for example," explains Marca. "You might have killed the fat cells on that area but the extra fat will just get deposited on other areas of your body such as the thighs."

The bottom line

One sitting is priced between PKR 60,000 and PKR 80,000 and while that’s not an insignificant amount, it’s worth noting that many people do not need more than two to three applications. The results are long-lasting and effective. Opting for a double treatment (after a rest period of 45 days) increases the effectiveness of the treatment. As for the side-effects, expect an uncomfortable pinching sensation during the procedure as the fat gets sucked between the applicator and numbness and redness post-procedure.

Availability

CoolSculpting is available at Dr. Tasneem Nakhoda’s clinic in Clifton, Karachi and
Dr. Haroon Nabi’s The Skin Clinic in Gulberg, Lahore.