Chemical Peel Vs. Laser: Which Treatment Is Best for You?

Advances in the cosmetics industry have brought forth numerous ways to reverse the signs of aging. Chemical peels and laser therapy are among the most popular anti-aging treatments because of their versatility and the multiple benefits they offer. Both treatments have several levels of intensity, providing customizable options for the patient’s skin concerns.

Let’s look at how chemical peels are different from laser resurfacing, which conditions they treat, and how to determine what’s best for you.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment. Exfoliation is achieved by the application of chemical solutions that penetrate the skin. They cause controlled damage, removing dead cells and promoting the growth of new, youthful-looking skin.

Types of Chemical Peels

There are three types of chemical peels:

Light peels provide subtle results that last about one month and require no downtime.
Medium peels penetrate deeper skin layers and provide more visible results but need recovery time of up to one week.
Deep peels cause a dramatic skin transformation that lasts for years, but the procedure carries more risk and requires anesthesia and recovery time of up to several months.

Skin experts often recommend laser resurfacing instead of deep peels because the two treatments provide similar results, with the laser therapy carrying less risk of complications.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser resurfacing involves using a laser device that sends controlled pulsed light to the target area. The light energy heats skin layers and stimulates increased collagen production. The procedure tightens skin, improves tone, and reduces irregularities such as wrinkles, acne scars, and blemishes.

Note: Read our article and learn about BBL laser treatment.

Types of Laser Techniques

All laser techniques are grouped into two main categories:

Non-ablative lasers that heat the skin to stimulate collagen production without peeling the skin’s top layer. They promote cell turnover and bring rejuvenated skin to the surface.
Ablative laser treatments peel off the skin’s outer layer (epidermis) and heat the underlying layer (dermis). This stimulates the production of collagen. They are more invasive than non-ablative treatments and produce more dramatic results but require more downtime.

Note: Find out what are the benefits of collagen for the skin and how can you restore it.

Chemical Peel Vs. Laser: What Are the Differences?

The following table sums up the main differences between chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments.

	Chemical Peel	Laser Treatment
How it works	A chemical solution removes the skin’s top layers to bring new, improved skin to the surface.	A laser device heats the outer skin layers to stimulate collagen production and bring new, improved skin to the surface.
Conditions it treats	Age spots, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, acne scars.	Fine lines and deep wrinkles, acne scars, blemishes, sagging skin.
Risks and side effects	Common: redness, swelling, itching, scaling. Severe: infection, scarring, discoloration. Deep peels may cause liver, heart, or kidney damage.	Common: redness, swelling, itching Severe: infection, scarring, hyperpigmentation.
Recovery time	No downtime for light peels. Up to one week for medium peels. Up to several months for deep peels.	Up to two weeks.
Results duration	One month for light peels. Four to six months for medium peels. Several years for deep peels.	Several years.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Chemical Peel and Laser?

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are good for treating sun-damaged skin, age spots, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, acne, and fine lines. Medium and deep peels effectively remove atrophic scars that are left by severe acne or chickenpox.

Note: Find out how to remove age spots and what treatment might work for you.

Laser

Photo facial laser therapy targets pigmentation issues and fine lines. Halo Pro resurfacing is a better solution for more prominent wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, blemishes, and deep scars. It also tightens pores and treats skin laxity.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser Procedure

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve the use of chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin. Light peels don’t require a numbing cream and anesthesia before the procedure. Medium peels may require sedation. Deep peels require IV sedation and local or general anesthesia.

The medical provider brushes a chemical solution to the target area and leaves it to penetrate the skin for 10-30 minutes, depending on the chemical peel type. The provider then washes your face and neutralizes the chemical solution.

Laser

For non-ablative laser treatment, you may receive a numbing cream. Some ablative techniques, such as CO2 laser therapy, require sedation and anesthesia.

The medical provider handles a laser device to send pulsating light to the target area during the treatment. Unlike chemical peels that cover the whole treatment area (i.e., the face), lasers can provide spot treatment, focusing on one specific area – a scar, crow’s feet, etc.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser Ideal Candidate

If you want to rejuvenate your skin, reverse the effects of sun damage, or remove acne and acne scars, you are a good candidate for chemical peels and laser therapy. Your medical provider will help you choose the best treatment for your skin condition.

You need to resolve an active skin infection, open wound, cold sores, or acne breakout before you can get a peel or laser treatment.

Pregnancy, keloid scarring, and the use of certain medications may prevent you from having the treatment.

Note: Find what is the best chemical peel for acne scars and how to choose the best treatment for your skin.

Does Skin Tone Affect What Treatment I Get?

Your skin tone will largely affect what treatment your medical provider recommends. Peels and laser resurfacing are both equally effective for lighter skin tones. Patients with darker complexions may benefit more from chemical peels as laser treatments pose the risk of unwanted results.

Consult your medical provider to determine the best course of action for your skin tone and the issue you want to treat.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser Results

Chemical peels improve the tone and texture of sun-damaged skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars, and rejuvenate the skin.

Light chemical peels require maintenance treatments every four to six weeks, while deep peels provide long-lasting results.

The benefits of laser therapy are similar to the benefits of chemical peels, but laser resurfacing is more effective at reducing acne scars and deep wrinkles.

The results after a laser treatment may last up to five years, depending on the laser treatment type.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser Risks and Side Effects

Chemical peels and laser treatments are generally safe when performed by licensed and experienced medical professionals. The safety of the procedure also depends on your adherence to pre and post-treatment skincare routines recommended by your medical provider. However, there are some side effects that these two treatments may cause:

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels may cause the following reactions:

Common side effects	Rare side effects
Redness Swelling Itching Scaling Pigmentation	Infection Scarring Heart, kidney, liver damage (with deep peels)

Laser

Laser resurfacing may cause the following reactions:

Common side effects	Rare side effects
Redness Swelling Itching Pigmentation	Infection Scarring Acne (with an ablative laser) Scarring (with an ablative laser) Ectropion or turning of the eyelid (with an ablative laser)

The types of chemical peel and laser therapy determine their potential risks.

Deep chemical peel risks are comparable to those of laser resurfacing. Light chemical peel risks are comparable to those of photo laser treatments.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser Aftercare

Follow your medical provider’s aftercare recommendations to minimize the risks of side effects and complications from chemical peels and laser resurfacing.

Here are some general aftercare tips:

Avoid the sun, tanning beds, saunas, hot tubs.
Avoid intensive physical activity.
Use gentle skin care products.
Use moisturizers regularly.
Apply sunscreen when outdoors.

Note: If you are wondering how to choose a sunscreen, check out our article and find out the things you need to consider.

Chemical Peel vs. Laser Cost

The cost of a chemical peel and laser treatment depends on the type of treatment, the severity of the skin issue, and the medical provider’s expertise and location.

At Vibrant Skin Bar, light chemical peels cost $99, medium chemical peels cost $125, and laser treatments cost from $349 for photo facial laser therapy to $1,200 for Vibrant resurfacing laser treatment.

Chemical Peel Vs. Laser: Which One Is Better?

Chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments provide similar effects, but the procedures are different. Depending on your skin issue, one may be better than the other. You will determine this during a consultation with your medical provider.

Chemical peels are usually better for patients with darker skin, while patients with deep wrinkles or scars benefit more from laser therapy. Sometimes, skin experts recommend a combination of these two treatments for the best results.

Your skin goals, budget, and how much time you can spend in recovery will also affect your choice of treatment.

Conclusion

Chemical peels and laser therapy are highly effective procedures for the treatment of damaged skin and they both leave you with a younger-looking complexion.

Think about the pros and cons of each treatment and consult with a trusted medical provider to determine the best way to reverse signs of aging and enjoy a youthful glow.

Chemical Peel Aftercare: 11 Dos and Don’ts

Imagine seeing improvement in pigment, wrinkles and scars with one simple treatment - a chemical peel!

Chemical peels can in fact do that to a large extent. They don’t remove all skin imperfections, but they reveal visibly younger, smoother, and brighter skin after one or a series of treatments.

The effectiveness of a chemical peel depends on the type of peel, its intensity, and how well you treat your skin after the procedure.

Today we’ll help you understand the importance of adequate chemical peel aftercare and give you general tips on what to do and what to avoid after a chemical peel.

What to Do After a Chemical Peel

1. Listen to Your Chemical Peel Provider

Choose a board-certified medical professional for the treatment because chemical peels use acid solutions to penetrate the skin. It requires medical knowledge and experience. To ensure the safety of the treatment, follow your medical provider’s instructions on how to care for your skin after the treatment. They know best what’s been done to your skin and how to ensure the effectiveness of the chemical peel.

2. Wash Your Skin with Lukewarm Water

The skin is very sensitive after a chemical peel. Cold or hot water may feel uncomfortable and aggravate your skin. To avoid any skin irritation, use cool or lukewarm water when you rinse your face.

3. Use a Sunscreen

Elta MD UV Pure broad-spectrum sunscreen

Resurfaced skin after a chemical peel is more sensitive to UV rays. If you expose it to the sun, it may cause inflammation. Sunscreen is always an essential skincare product, but is a must after a chemical peel because it protects the skin while its natural skin barrier is still weak. Make sure you use it whenever you go outside or spend time near a window.

We recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Elta MD UV Pure is a great choice for patients after a chemical peel treatment because it checks all the boxes as a highly protective sun-blocking product for all skin types, including sensitive.

4. Use Gentle Skincare Products

In line with the above recommendations, use skincare products that won’t irritate and additionally dry out your sensitive skin. Go for soap-free cleansers and water-based moisturizers without harsh ingredients. Avoid retinol, exfoliating agents, and other abrasive components.

Your medical provider may recommend a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to use after the treatment to ensure your skin stays clean and well hydrated. The Vibrant Skin Bar team suggests SkinMedica’s Facial Cleanser because it doesn’t strip the face of its natural oils. The cleanser’s soothing and calming properties are suitable for all skin types.

5. Moisturize

Osmosis MD Infuse Nutrient Activating Mist

Skin is dryer than usual after a chemical peel, and you need to hydrate it. Your medical provider may recommend a heavy-duty ointment after a deep peel. After light or medium peels, Replenish Hydrating Cream is a great choice because it thoroughly hydrates and soothes sensitive skin.

A moisturizer improves your skin’s natural protective barrier. Apply it several times a day or whenever your skin feels tight and you need to soften it to ease the discomfort. If you feel that you need extra hydration, look for gentle hydrating mists that you can spray on your face throughout the day without applying pressure on the skin. Osmosis MD Infuse Nutrient Activating Mist restores moisture while fortifying your skins natural barrier with antioxidants.

6. Avoid Other Cosmetic Treatments

To prevent unnecessary damage to sensitive skin, wait about two weeks before you get another cosmetic treatment. That includes facial waxing, Botox, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, and other potentially abrasive procedures.

What Not to Do After a Chemical Peel

1. Don’t Touch, Pick, or Scratch

Medical providers warn against applying pressure on treated skin after most cosmetic treatments. Chemical peels not only expose raw, sensitive skin, but they also cause the top layers of skin to peel. This may frustrate patients and tempt them to remove the peeling skin with their fingers.

Peeling, touching, picking, or scratching the skin after a chemical peel can lead to bleeding, infections, breakouts, and scarring. Use a moisturizer instead and let the skin shed off naturally to avoid complications.

2. Don’t Exfoliate

You’ve already exfoliated your skin with a chemical peel. The newly resurfaced skin is free of dead cells, oil, and dirt, so additional exfoliation can only irritate it and cause damage. Wait about one week for light and medium peels or until the skin is fully healed to exfoliate it.

Read our article on chemical peel types to choose the right peel for your skin issue.

3. Don’t Use Too Many Skincare Products

Swap your usual beauty routine for a minimal skincare regime. After a chemical peel, it’s best to stick to a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Avoid retinol creams and heavier products with active ingredients and irritants.

After a medium peel, wait about one week to resume your usual skincare routine. After a deep peel, you will have to wait longer for your skin to completely heal.

4. Don’t Expose Your Skin to Excessive Heat

Avoid exposure to the sun, tanning beds, saunas, hot tubs, and other sources of heat. Excessive heat and sweating can irritate the skin, cause an infection, and extend recovery time after a chemical peel.

5. Avoid Strenuous Physical Activity

Avoid intensive workouts for the same reason you would avoid saunas. Strenuous physical activity causes excessive sweating and increases blood circulation, which can intensify the side effects of your chemical peel and delay recovery.

Conclusion

Chemical peels are an excellent way to take years off your skin. However, it’s important to stick to best aftercare practices to ensure the treatment’s safety and effectiveness. Most importantly, listen to your medical provider and stick to their post-treatment advice for the best results.

Types of Chemical Peels: Which One Is Best for You?

Chemical peels are the most popular cosmetic procedures after Botox and dermal fillers. They are anti-aging, skin resurfacing treatments that provide a range of benefits, including reduced wrinkles, brighter skin tone, improved skin texture, and diminished scars and blemishes.

This article breaks down the three main chemical peel types and provides information on the most common chemical peel acid solutions. Knowing how chemical peels work will help you determine which type is suitable for you.

What Are the Three Types of Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels vary in strength depending on the combination and percentage of chemical acids used for the treatment. The patient’s medical provider creates a customized chemical peel plan based on skin type, skin concern, and aesthetic goals.

Light Chemical Peels (Superficial Chemical Peels)

Light chemical peels exfoliate the uppermost skin layers (epidermis) and speed up skin cell turnover to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and help with discoloration.

The treatment doesn’t require any recovery time because the acids are used in low concentrations. Patients may experience slight redness and swelling that disappear within seven days. A series of four to six treatments is typically required for effective results.

Light chemical peels usually contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and/or beta hydroxy acids (BHA).

Note: Check out how our AHA/BHA exfoliating cleanser can benefit your skin.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA) – Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel

Alpha-hydroxy acids are the mildest chemical peel solutions. They are suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. AHAs include lactic, citric, mandelic, tartaric, and glycolic acid.

Glycolic acid is an excellent exfoliator because it consists of small molecules that deeply penetrate skin layers without causing irritation. The exfoliation stimulates collagen and elastin production, resulting in a smoother, younger-looking complexion with less visible imperfections.

Glycolic acid is the most commonly used solution for light peels, but skin experts also use it in higher concentrations for deeper peels.

Note: Check out our list of products for sensitive skin.

Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHA) – Salicylic Acid Chemical Peel

Beta-hydroxy acids are oil soluble and penetrate deeper than AHAs because they attach to the skin’s natural oils. For this reason, they are suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

Salicylic acid is the most common BHA, with powerful antibacterial and pore-unclogging properties that help reduce acne. It also stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture, reducing mild acne scars, and promoting smoother, healthier skin.

Note: Find out what are the best skin care products for oily, acne-prone skin.

Medium Chemical Peels

Medium chemical peels penetrate epidermal and dermal layers, exfoliate dead skin cells, oil buildup, and dirt, and stimulate collagen production. They treat age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration, and mild to moderate acne scars.

Depending on the intensity of the peel and depth of penetration, medium peels cause redness, swelling, skin peeling, and require recovery of up to two weeks. For best results, patients need one to three treatments.

Medium chemical peels are usually made up of different concentrations of trichloracetic acid (TCA). They may also contain glycolic acid or some other combination of chemical solutions.

Note: There are various benefits of collagen for the skin. Find out how to maintain and increase its levels.

Trichloracetic Acid Chemical Peels (TCA)

TCA is used for medium and deep peels, depending on the concentration of acid. Peels with TCA help address moderate acne scars, deep wrinkles, and pigmentation. They are suitable for darker skin tones. They are also used for acne scar spot treatments.

Jessner’s Solution Chemical Peel

Jessner’s solution is a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. Depending on the acid concentration, it is used as a light or medium chemical peel. It effectively treats acne and mild acne scars, improves tone and texture, and controls sebum production. It is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

Note: Learn about different types of acne scars and find out what is the best chemical peel for acne scars.

Deep Chemical Peels

Deep chemical peels usually use carbolic acid (phenol) to penetrate all skin layers and dramatically transform the skin.

Phenol peels treat severe atrophic scars and provide visible anti-aging effects. The results last for years with only one treatment. However, recovery time may extend to several months. Skin experts often recommend laser resurfacing instead due to the intensity of the deep peel treatment.

Phenol Chemical Peels

Phenol penetrates the deepest of all chemical peel solutions. It requires sedation and local anesthesia. Side effects include redness, swelling, peeling, and blistering. Aftercare often includes taking antiviral medications, wearing bandages, and applying ointment to the treated area.

However, the results of phenol peels are impressive. The skin appears younger, and all skin imperfections due to sun damage and aging are reduced or eliminated.

Which Type of Chemical Peel Should You Choose?

There is no universal best chemical peel. Each patient requires a different approach, depending on their skin type and concern.

For example, patients with darker skin tones should avoid phenol peels because they may permanently lighten their skin. These patients are more likely to benefit from medium peels with weaker TCA concentrations, medium peels with glycolic acid, or superficial peels with mandelic acid.

Patients with acne-prone skin are often treated with light BHA peels, while patients with deep acne scars may only need a spot treatment with TCA.

The best way to determine the right chemical peel for your skin is to consult an experienced skin professional with a medical degree. This will ensure the maximum safety and effectiveness of the procedure.

Vibrant Skin Bar skin experts offer professional light chemical peels to resurface a brighter, glowing complexion without downtime.

Our medium peels are designed for patients who want to see more dramatic anti-aging effects on thein their skin tone and texture.

Regardless of the type of peel you choose, it is essential to use sunscreen post-treatment to avoid damaging the sensitive, newly resurfaced skin.

Conclusion

Chemical peels are among the most versatile cosmetic treatments, providing a wide range of skin benefits – from a reduction in wrinkles and age spots to youthful, glowing skin.

To achieve your desired look, make sure you find a reputable, board-certified medical provider who will create a customized chemical peel for your particular skin concern.

Dissolving Lip Fillers

Lip fillers are one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and for good reason: in just half an hour, lip fillers provide subtly enhanced or visibly bigger lips. The results are usually stunning, and you can maintain them with regular treatments.

But what if you don’t like the results?

Luckily, you have options. Read on to find out how you can dissolve lip fillers.

How Can You Dissolve Lip Fillers?

Patients who experience lip asymmetries, lumps and nodules, oversized lips, or other undesired effects of the treatment can dissolve lip fillers in two ways – naturally or with lip filler dissolving injections administered by a licensed medical professional.

The Natural Way

FDA-approved lip fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a sugar compound that appears naturally in the body. It gradually breaks down on its own, providing temporary results that last 6 to 12 months.

Also, lips move more than other facial areas, making lip fillers dissolve more quickly than other types of filler.

Patients who are unhappy with the results can wait until the filler dissolves naturally or request a filler dissolving injection.

Injections

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme found in many organisms and it is used in medicine for various purposes. The cosmetics industry uses hyaluronidase injections to speed up hyaluronic acid breakdown.

The enzyme is injected into the patient’s lips in a procedure similar to injecting lip fillers. The procedure is safe when performed by experienced medical professionals.

Patients see the effects of the procedure within a few days.

Sometimes dermal fillers don’t dissolve fully or evenly after one procedure. If that happens, you will need to repeat the hyaluronidase treatment.

Which Lip Fillers Can Be Dissolved?

FDA-approved dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, and calcium hydroxylapatite. All of them dissolve naturally, but the effects can last for up to two years.

Only hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using a hyaluronidase injection. Since all approved lip fillers are made from HA, you should be able to reverse the effects of the treatment quickly.

What Does the Procedure for Dissolving Lip Fillers Look Like

Medical providers use hyaluronidase in off-label treatments to degrade hyaluronic acid fillers. Often, the procedure for dissolving lip fillers is the only option for patients whose lip filler treatment was performed by an untrained, non-medical cosmetic practitioner.

The Procedure

The lip filler dissolving treatment starts with a patch test. The medical provider administers a needle into the patient’s arm with a dose of hyaluronidase to see if they develop an allergic reaction. If no allergic reaction occurs, the provider undergoes the lip filler dissolving procedure after half an hour.

The provider first numbs the patient’s lips with a numbing cream. Then they inject hyaluronidase using several small needles. The procedure takes 10-15 minutes.

The enzyme breaks down dermal fillers gradually. The effects typically appear within 48 hours after the procedure but, in some cases, it may take up to two weeks.

How Long Does It Take to Dissolve Lip Fillers?

Lip fillers are not permanent. Patients who want their fillers dissolved naturally need to wait between 6 and 12 months.

A reverse treatment using a hyaluronidase injection dissolves lip fillers within a few days.

Things You Should Know Before Dissolving Lip Fillers

Like any other treatment that includes needles and injections, dissolving lip fillers carries potential risks and side-effects. Before you book the procedure, here’s what you should know.

Is Dissolving Lip Fillers Painful?

Lips are full of nerve endings and sensitive to pain. That is why it may sting a little when the injection is inserted into the lips. Most aesthetic professionals apply a numbing cream before administering hyaluronidase.

Can I Dissolve Lip Fillers at Home?

You cannot dissolve lip fillers at home. Only licensed medical professionals can administer the enzyme hyaluronidase. However, you can wait for your dermal fillers to dissolve on their own.

What Are the Risks of Dissolving Lip Fillers?

The biggest risk is that hyaluronidase can potentially degrade your natural hyaluronic acid rather than just the foreign filler. If that happens, you will have thinner lips than expected. That is why you should only let an experienced professional perform this treatment or wait for your lip fillers to dissolve naturally.

There is also a risk of an allergic reaction. Medical providers typically perform a patch test prior to the injection.

Are There Side-Effects of Dissolving Lip Fillers?

Swelling and bruising are common side effects of dissolving lip fillers with injections, but they subside within a few days.

On rare occasions, the lips become thinner than anticipated. This can be resolved with another round of fillers in a reputable med spa, such as Vibrant Skin Bar.

Conclusion

Patients who visit qualified medical providers to inject lip fillers are usually happy with the treatment.

However, if you experience unpleasant results, a hyaluronidase injection can help. Talk to our medical staff at Vibrant Skin Bar for advice on how to dissolve your lip filler and achieve your desired aesthetic goals.

Cryotherapy Benefits {+Alternatives}

Cryotherapy is a method of treating a medical condition by exposing the body to extremely low temperatures. The innovative cold therapy method called whole-body cryotherapy is rapidly gaining momentum worldwide. However, there are few proven benefits, and the FDA warns people to use caution when opting for this treatment.

This article lists eleven cryotherapy benefits and explores potential risks and safe alternative treatments.

Potential Cryotherapy Benefits

Cryotherapy is touted as beneficial for various medical conditions, from sports injuries to dementia. There have been several studies in the past that confirm the healing potential of cryotherapy. However, no comprehensive study has been conducted yet, as this method only recently became popular for its healing properties.

Here are the benefits observed by scientists, cryotherapy providers, and patients.

1. Aids the Treatment of Skin Conditions

Cold therapy may reduce inflammation, minimize oxidative stress, and improve blood circulation. It can treat skin lesions, warts, and skin tags, improves overall complexion, and enhances skin quality.

Cold therapy has been used in medicine for skin conditions since the 19th century. Doctors used liquid air, liquid oxygen, carbon dioxide, and liquid nitrogen to treat warts, herpes zoster, skin cancers, and other skin diseases.

2. Reduces Signs of Aging

Localized cryotherapy is also gaining popularity as an anti-aging treatment. User experience shows facial cryotherapy sessions speed up cell turnover (shedding dead skin cells and creating new cells), increase collagen production, tighten sagging skin on the face and neck, and prevent premature skin aging.

3. Promotes Weight Loss

Cryotherapy can burn 500-800 calories in several minutes. The body is exposed to extreme changes in temperature, from normal to freezing, and the organism works hard to keep the body warm. This increase in energy expenditure can burn extra calories. Cryotherapy sessions, in combination with regular exercise and healthy dieting, may promote weight loss.

4. Reduces Inflammation

Some clinical trials suggest that whole-body cryotherapy increases the production of anti-inflammatory proteins and decreases pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, reducing inflammation.

The anti-inflammatory effect is explained through vasoconstriction at the muscular level. When the body is subjected to freezing temperatures, the blood vessels constrict, and less blood flows to the inflamed area, temporarily numbing the pain.

5. Alleviates Migraine

Limited research and anecdotal evidence show that cold therapy can reduce migraine symptoms, especially if the therapy is applied at the onset of symptoms. The logic behind it is that freezing temperatures cool down the blood passing through the neck arteries to the head, reduce inflammation, and numb migraine pain.

6. Reduces Pain

Cryotherapy can alleviate post-surgical pain and discomfort and help the body recover from sports injuries (trauma, muscle overuse). When blood vessels constrict at low temperatures, the decreased blood circulation temporarily numbs the sensation of pain. Cryotherapy shows promising results in reducing chronic pain, including arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but more research is needed to corroborate this claim.

7. Improves Joint Mobility

Whole-body cryotherapy is also showing great potential in treating painful joints. Some of the most common causes of painful joints and issues with joint mobility are arthritis and sports injuries. Apart from shots and surgery, joint disorders are successfully treated with localized cold therapy that provides temporary pain relief.

8. Helps with Mood Disorders

A randomized control study from 2020 looked at 92 adults diagnosed with depressive symptoms who were exposed to ten cryotherapy sessions. Researchers found evidence that whole-body cryotherapy helps with mood disorders, especially depression, and can improve the patient’s quality of life. This is because when exposed to freezing temperatures, the body produces increased levels of adrenaline and endorphins (“happy hormones”). However, these effects are short-term and do not guarantee a permanent solution.

Note: Learn how cryotherapy differs from ice baths, and how the two treatments help enhance mood.

9. Reduces Oxidative Stress

Scientists believe that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of many diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and chronic kidney disease. Since cryotherapy produces antioxidant responses in the body, it may help mitigate oxidative stress linked to numerous medical conditions.

10. May Prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Since it is believed that oxidative stress and inflammatory responses trigger Alzheimer’s, and cryotherapy is thought to reduce oxidative effects and inflammation, it may present a powerful way to prevent this debilitating disease. Anecdotal evidence thus far shows improvement in patients’ cognitive functions and memory after cryotherapy.

11. Helps Treat Low-Risk Tumors

Cryotherapy is an established medical practice for removing different types of tumors, from skin warts to precancerous conditions of the cervix. Skin tumors are treated locally, and internal tumors are treated with cryosurgery.

Is Cryotherapy Safe?

Prolonged exposure to freezing conditions can damage your skin. Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) carries greater risks because it subjects your body to extremely low temperatures. It is particularly unsafe for patients with an underlying medical condition.

Potential risks of cryotherapy include the following:

Frostbite – Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can lead to mild frostbite and permanent tissue damage.
Discomfort, shivering, or dizziness – Depending on your health condition and cold tolerance, you may experience any of these during or after a WBC session.
Headache – Cryotherapy advocates claim the treatment effectively reduces migraines and neck pain. However, a study showed that whole-body cryotherapy induced reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, a neurological condition accompanied by splitting headaches.
Rash (cold panniculitis) – The cold may damage the fatty tissue beneath your skin, forming small bumps or scaly patches. The rash may appear days after whole-body cryotherapy and can take weeks to heal.
Cerebral bleeding – A reported case involved a 61-year-old woman treated with cryotherapy for psoriatic arthritis.
Sudden and temporary memory loss – A case of a 63-year-old male shows that WBC can lead to transient global amnesia, although the evidence is inconclusive.
Urticaria – A controlled trial showed that cryotherapy can be a risk factor for urticaria or hives.
Suffocation – The FDA warns that WBC may cause asphyxiation (suffocation), especially when liquid nitrogen is used for cooling.

The FDA has not approved any whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) equipment for safety or efficacy and has not cleared any of the devices for medical treatment. Moreover, cryotherapy can worsen the following health conditions:

Heart disease
High blood pressure
Poor blood circulation
Lung disease
Cold-triggered allergy
Neuropathy in the legs

Discuss potential complications, risks, and benefits of cryotherapy with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an underlying medical condition.

Cryotherapy Alternatives

Numerous cosmetic treatments and procedures can provide similar health benefits and help you attain your beauty goals. You can avoid potential complications associated with whole-body cryotherapy with the following alternative options.

Light Therapy

Red light therapy (RLT) involves using a laser or LED device emitting red and near-infrared light to improve the skin on a cellular level. It can help you achieve the following goals:

Minimize wrinkles
Lose weight
Fight acne
Reduce inflammation
Heal wounds
Repair muscles and tissues
Increase collagen and elastin production

Note: Learn about the differences between collagen and elastin.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

A lymphatic drainage massage involves gentle, rhythmic movements and light pressure that stimulate the lymphatic flow to remove excess fluid, toxins, and waste. This skin-rejuvenating treatment offers the following benefits:

Reduced fluid retention
Reduced swelling
Improved circulation
Stress relief
Deep relaxation
May boost immunity
May help alleviate eczema
May reduce cellulite

CoolSculpting and Cooltone

CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved cosmetic treatment based on cryolipolysis, a method that uses cold temperatures to freeze fat deposits on the thighs, arms, flanks, back fat, stomach, buttocks, and chin.

This non-invasive fat-freezing technology can help you achieve the following:

Targeted fat reduction
Tighter skin
Even skin texture
Smoother contours
Improved elasticity
Reduced cellulite (not a guaranteed result)

Cooltone is a muscle-toning cosmetic solution ideal for physically active individuals who want to tighten and strengthen their existing muscles. Since it is not a weight loss treatment, it is best suited for people looking to firm and tone their abdominal muscles, buttocks, and thighs.

Note: Compare CoolSculpting vs. Cooltone to learn how to use them to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Rejuvenating Facial Treatments

Facial treatments enhance skin health and address various skin conditions. They help cleanse the pores, remove excess sebum, hydrate, and nourish all skin layers.

Oxygen facial - A wand-like device uses high-pressure air to exfoliate dead skin cells and infuse the skin with hydrating serums, resulting in plumper and smoother skin.
HydraFacial - A medical-grade device unclogs pores and deeply hydrates the skin using potent moisturizing serums. This facial effectively eliminates toxins and brightens the complexion.
Laser resurfacing – The laser device stimulates collagen, remodels the skin and treats spider veins, acne scars, blemishes, warts, fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

Note: Learn how Oxygen Infusion and HydraFacial treatments differ and what results to expect.

Weight Loss Therapy

Medical weight loss is a medically supervised program tailored for patients who want to lose excess weight, get back in shape, and start a healthy lifestyle. This doctor-assisted program can help you:

Achieve your ideal weight
Maintain an optimal BMI
Adopt a balanced diet
Tailor an exercise regime
Choose metabolism-boosting supplements

Conclusion

Cryotherapy is an innovative healing method that may provide numerous health benefits but is not well-researched and lacks conclusive scientific backing. There are many alternative solutions worth considering that may provide the same or better results. You can rejuvenate the skin, reduce inflammation, and attain your ideal weight with the safe and effective cosmetic and medical treatments listed in this article.

For more information on this topic, reach out to our friendly Vibrant Skin Bar team.

Cryotherapy vs. Ice Bath: Which One Is Better?

Exposing the body to cold temperatures may feel uncomfortable, but studies show it provides numerous health benefits. The cold constricts blood vessels and slows down blood flow, relieving pain and helping the body heal faster after injury or stress.

Ice baths are a popular method of recovering after an injury, especially in sports. In recent years, people have been embracing another cold therapy method called cryotherapy.

So, how does cryotherapy differ from an ice bath?

In this article, we discuss their key differences, as well as the pros and cons of each method.

Cryotherapy vs. Ice Bath: What Is the Difference?

The main differences between cryotherapy and an ice bath are their safety profile and the benefits they provide.

	Cryotherapy	Ice Bath
The procedure	The patient is enclosed in a cryotherapy chamber that emits cold air which stimulates the body’s natural healing processes.	The patient is submerged in cold water which stimulates the body’s natural healing processes.
Temperatures used	Below -212°F	50°F to 60°F
Duration	3 minutes	10—20 minutes
Risks and side effects	Side effects: Discomfort due to extreme cold, numbness, increased blood pressure, tingling, redness. Risks: Impaired breathing.	Side effects: Discomfort due to extreme cold, numbness, increased blood pressure, tingling, redness. Risks: Hypothermia, cardiac arrest.
Benefits	Reduces muscle soreness and pain Decreases inflammation after injury Speeds up recovery after injury Reduces stress Improves skin tone and texture Reduces signs of aging Helps with weight loss Improves the mood	Reduces muscle soreness and pain Decreases inflammation after injury Speeds up recovery after injury Reduces stress

Benefits

One of the main benefits of cryotherapy and ice baths is reduced healing time after a sports injury.

The cold causes blood vessels to constrict. After the session, the blood vessels expand, helping to flush out toxins and reduce inflammation.

Cryotherapy provides additional benefits:

Increased collagen production
Faster cell turnover
Tighter skin
Faster calorie burn, aiding in weight loss
Increased adrenaline and endorphin levels, enhancing the mood

Time

There isn’t a consensus on the ideal duration of ice baths. They typically last 10 to 20 minutes. Spending more than 20 minutes in freezing water may lead to frostbite.

A cryotherapy session takes 3 minutes and is performed in a controlled environment with a medical provider who supervises the procedure.

Equipment

The equipment used for an ice bath is a tub (at home or the gym), cold water, and ice.

Cryotherapy is performed in a cryotherapy chamber in a medical clinic or med spa.

Flexibility

Ice baths work best if performed two hours after a workout session.

For sports practitioners, cryotherapy is effective before and after workout. To achieve its other benefits (anti-aging, mood-enhancing, etc.), the treatment can be effectively performed at any time.

Temperature

For best results, the temperature of an ice bath ranges between 50°F and 60°F. At this temperature, water penetrates the skin, causing an uncomfortable freezing sensation.

The temperature of the air emitted in a cryotherapy chamber is below -212°F. However, due to its dryness, the cold air causes less discomfort than ice baths.

Effectiveness

Ice baths and cryotherapy are equally effective at relieving muscle pain or providing a subjective feeling of pain relief.

However, cryotherapy is a more effective treatment for general health because it provides a broader range of benefits.

Safety

Ice baths carry more risk than cryotherapy because athletes often perform them unsupervised. High blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, or other health conditions combined with an ice bath may result in heart complications. Spending more than 20 minutes in freezing water may lead to frostbite.

Cryotherapy is performed in a controlled environment with a medical provider who supervises the procedure and modifies the temperature according to the body’s reactions.

Side Effects

Common cryotherapy and ice bath side effects include:

Discomfort due to freezing temperatures
Tingling
Redness
Numbness
Increased blood pressure

With ice baths, patients also face the risk of hypothermia and cardiac arrest.

Note: Impaired breathing is a very rare side effect of cryotherapy. It doesn’t pose a serious threat and is quickly mitigated by the medical provider who controls and adjusts oxygen levels during the procedure.

Cryotherapy vs. Ice Bath: Which One Is Better?

Cryotherapy and ice baths effectively decrease soreness, pain, and inflammation after a sports injury. However, cryotherapy involves less risk, lasts only three minutes, and provides other health and beauty benefits.

Conclusion

Patient experiences and some studies show that cold therapy treatments like ice baths and cryotherapy significantly decrease muscle pain and reduce stress. To achieve these effects, opt for cryotherapy, which is both the safer method and can also provide additional benefits.

Dermaplaning Aftercare: Everything you Need to Know

Dermaplaning involves using a surgical scalpel to exfoliate the skin’s top layer of dead cells and impurities and scrape off vellus hair, resulting in smooth and glowing skin. The treatment is highly popular because it provides instantaneous results with no downtime, allowing people to transform their looks before significant events.

Though safe and non-invasive, the treatment’s effectiveness depends on proper aftercare. This article provides dermaplaning aftercare tips to help you enjoy the full benefits of the treatment.

What Should You Do After Dermaplaning?

The following guidelines will help you better plan your activities after the procedure.

Use Gentle Skincare Products

After dermaplaning, the skin is often sensitive and dry so use only essential products in your skincare routine - a cleanser, serum/moisturizer, and sunscreen. Ensure the products are mild, without acids, retinol, or other potentially abrasive ingredients. Follow this routine for at least 48 hours post-procedure.

Note: Find out what are the best products for sensitive skin.

Hydrate Your Skin

Choose serums and moisturizers with potent hydrating agents, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera. They will provide the hydration you skin needs after dermaplaning.

Use SPF

Sunscreen is your best defense against skin damage from UV rays. Use it whenever you leave the house, especially after cosmetic treatments that make your skin vulnerable, like dermaplaning. For best protection, use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ products.

Note: Can’t pick a sunscreen? Read our blog post on how to choose the best sunscreen for your skin type.

Hydrate Your Body

Topical products that nurture your skin are essential after dermaplaning. The other important factor is hydrating your body from within. While your skin is healing, drink at least eight glasses of water throughout the day and eat fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content.

Rest

Always aim at getting seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep during the night, especially after a cosmetic treatment when your skin needs more attention and nurturing. Lack of rest and poor-quality sleep minimize the effects of dermaplaning.

Avoid Strenuous Exercise

Your skin after dermaplaning is raw, sensitive, and prone to infections from impurities and bacteria. Skin experts recommend avoiding high-intensity activities 24 hours after the treatment because they cause excessive sweating and higher chances of dirt and bacteria entering the pores.

What to Avoid After Dermaplaning?

It is also important to avoid certain things in your daily routine to enhance dermaplaning effects.

Don't Expose Your Skin to Sun and High Heat

Ultraviolet rays are particularly harsh on the newly resurfaced skin after dermaplaning. Avoid it for the first several days, and if you must go out, wear an SPF, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Also, avoid saunas and other sources of high heat because they cause excessive sweating and increase the chance of infections.

Don't Expose Your Skin to Hot Water

The skin is very sensitive after dermaplaning. Hot water can irritate and additionally dry it out. Use only lukewarm water to wash your face.

Don't Apply Pressure to Your Skin

Touching, rubbing, scratching, and picking the skin after dermaplaning increases the chance of spreading dirt and bacteria over a sensitive area.

Don't Expose Your Skin to Chlorine/Avoid Swimming Pools

Chlorine can additionally dry out sensitive skin after dermaplaning. Avoid places with chlorinated water, such as swimming pools, at least three days after the treatment.

Don’t Use Makeup

Refrain from using makeup for 24 hours because your skin needs to “breathe” to fully heal after dermaplaning.

Don't Do Other Facial Treatments

Avoid other facial treatments for two weeks after dermaplaning to prevent skin irritation.

Conclusion

Dermaplaning provides a quick solution to dull, tired skin, but you need to follow aftercare recommendations for optimal results.

If you’re in the area, visit our offices in the heart of Arcadia and let us transform your skin from dull to vibrant and glowing in less than an hour!

Dysport Vs. Restylane: Which One Is Better?

Many people have heard about Botox as an anti-aging procedure, but there is a whole range of lesser-known but equally effective rejuvenation cosmetic treatments available.

This article outlines the main characteristics of two amazing beauty treatments, Dysport and Restylane, and helps you decide which is more suitable for your skin goals.

Dysport Overview

Dysport is a neurotoxin injectable similar to Botox. Its main ingredient is the Botulinum toxin derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Other Dysport ingredients include the protein albumin and lactose. The contents are diluted with saline prior to injection.

Once injected into the target muscle, Dysport blocks the nerves from the brain that regulate muscle contraction. This process smooths overlying skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Dysport is FDA-approved for glabellar lines – wrinkles between the eyebrows. Skin professionals also use it off-label to treat crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and for jaw slimming.

Note: Learn how Dysport differs from Botox.

Restylane Overview

Restylane is among the safest and most popular dermal fillers. Its main ingredient is hyaluronic acid derived from Streptococcus bacteria. Restylane products also contain lidocaine to reduce potential pain and discomfort. The contents of the filler are diluted with saline prior to injection.

Hyaluronic acid attracts and binds moisture, producing a lifting effect. Once injected into the target area, Restylane fillers plump up hollow facial areas, volumize the skin, and smooth fine lines, wrinkles, and folds.

The Restylane brand includes a series of products, each of which is FDA-approved for different skin concerns.

Note: Read our article on Restylane types to find more details about each Restylane product.

Restylane Vs. Dysport

Restylane and Dysport differ in many aspects, including the areas they treat and the duration of their results. The following table sums up the main differences between these anti-aging treatments.

	Restylane	Dysport
What is it?	Hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler injectable	Botulinum toxin type A injectable
Benefits	Helps retain moistureBuilds collagenVolumizes the skinCorrects facial volume lossReduces the appearance of wrinkles and foldsRejuvenates the skinProvides natural-looking results	Paralyzes muscles that cause wrinkle formationReduces the appearance of existing wrinklesSmooths the skinProvides natural-looking results
Treatment areas	Cheeks, jawline, nasolabial folds, lips, chin, back of the hands	Glabellar lines
Results duration	Up to 18 months	Up to six months
Side Effects	Common: Redness, swelling, bruising, lumps. Rare: Infection, scarring, allergies, blurred vision, stroke.	Common: Swelling, redness, pain. Rare: Nausea, blurred vision, breathing problems, muscle weakness.
Cost	$625 – $749	$270 – $810 ($4.5 per unit)

The Benefits

Restylane has a series of products for different skin concerns. They help:

Augment the cheeks
Volumize the lips
Lift the midface area
Reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds
Reduce perioral lines
Define the jawline
Volumize the back of the hands

Dysport provides the following benefits in FDA-approved and off-label procedures:

Minimizes glabellar lines
Reduces forehead wrinkles
Reduces crow’s feet
Sculpts the jaw by paralyzing masseter muscles
Reduces the appearance of prominent neck bands
Provides a sensual pout in a procedure called the lip flip

What Areas Can Be Treated?

Restylane products are FDA-approved to correct, plump up, and smooth the following areas:

Cheeks
Chin
Marionette lines
Lips
Nasolabial folds
Perioral lines
Back of the hands

Dysport is FDA-approved to treat glabellar lines. Its off label uses include the treatment of these regions:

Forehead
Eyes (crow’s feet)
Jawline
Neck

The Results

Restylane results appear immediately after a session. They can last up to 18 months.

Dysport results are visible a few days after the injection. They can last up to six months.

Both products require maintenance treatments to prolong the desired appearance.

Side Effects

Skin experts highly regard Restylane for its safety profile. Once injected into the skin, the patient’s body recognizes and accepts Restylane products because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar compound.

However, the treatment can still cause side effects. They are usually mild and last about two weeks. They include:

Swelling
Bruising
Redness
Pain
Lumps
Tenderness

Rare and severe side effects include:

Infection
Scarring
Blurred vision
Allergic reaction
Stroke

In most cases, Dysport patients don’t experience any side effects, or they experience mild swelling, redness, and pain.

Rare and severe side effects include:

Nausea
Vision issues
Breathing problems
Muscle weakness

Cost

The total cost of neurotoxin injectables or dermal fillers depends on the patient’s goals and the medical provider’s expertise.

At Vibrant Skin Bar, Restylane products cost $625 – $749 per syringe.

One Dysport unit costs $4.50, so one treatment usually ranges between $270 and $810.

Can Dysport and Restylane Be Used Together?

Many patients want to address more than one skin concern. That is why cosmetic professionals combine Dysport and Restylane in their treatments. For example, the two products can be used together to define and slim the jawline or volumize the lips and create an attractive pout.

If you choose an experienced medical provider for your Dysport and Restylane session, they will know which products can best achieve your aesthetic goals.

Conclusion

Neurotoxin injectables and dermal fillers are among the most popular cosmetic treatments because they provide dramatic anti-aging effects without surgery.

Consider a Dysport and Restylane treatment if you want to get rid of wrinkles and lift sagging skin. Always ensure you consult an experienced cosmetic professional, as they will help you determine the best strategy for your beauty goals.

How Quickly Does Kybella Work & What to Expect?

People with excess fat under the chin don’t have many options to resolve this aesthetic concern. The area is immune to low-calorie diets and exercise, and until recently, surgery was the only solution for a double chin.

In 2015, the FDA approved Kybella, an innovative cosmetic injectable for the removal of submental fat.

This article focuses on those aspects of Kybella that patients are most curious about: how long it takes for Kybella to work and how long the results last.

how long does it take for kybella to work

How Long Does Kybella Take to Work?

Kybella injections contain deoxycholic acid, which immediately starts dissolving fat cells in the submental area. However, it takes time for the lymphatic system to remove destroyed fat cells from our bodies, so patients usually notice results four to six weeks after the treatment.

How Many Treatments Are Needed for Kybella to Work?

Patients need up to six Kybella treatments. The number of sessions depends on the amount of fat under the chin. For mild excess fat, patients can achieve their goals after one or two treatments. A lot of fat under the chin and on the neck usually requires six treatments. The treatments are spaced four to six weeks apart.

Note: Find out how Kybella differs from CoolSculpting.

How to Make Kybella Work Faster

There are some things a patient can do to speed up recovery and see the effects of the treatment sooner.

Drink More Water

The lymphatic system removes fat cells after Kybella. To assist it, drink at least eight cups of water daily. This will ensure you stay hydrated and help the lymph to flow smoothly. When you are dehydrated, lymph becomes thicker and moves with difficulty, obstructing removal of waste and toxins.

Do Light Exercise

Avoid vigorous exercise to reduce bruising and swelling after Kybella treatment. However, light exercise, such as walking, Pilates, and casual bicycle riding, is a good way to increase your heart rate and circulation, improving lymphatic flow.

Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Alcohol and nicotine constrict blood vessels, inhibiting oxygen and nutrient delivery to the lymphatic system and reducing its efficiency. Try to avoid alcohol and cigarettes for one month.

Improve Your Diet

Eat hydrating, nutrient-rich foods that encourage lymphatic flow, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid salty and processed foods that cause water retention and increase bloating in the treated area, delaying the results. Try to eat clean for at least four weeks.

Note: Read our blog post for more Kybella aftercare tips.

Are Kybella Results Permanent?

Kybella results are permanent. The fat cells under the chin are destroyed for good, and the patients experience a fat reduction of up to 25% in the treated area. However, eating in excess can cause the surrounding fat cells to expand, bringing back the double chin.

Conclusion

Kybella is a quick, minimally invasive, and effective treatment for a double chin. It helps tighten the jawline and improve the patient’s profile, positively impacting their confidence. Make sure to book your Kybella treatment with medical professionals who have years of experience improving their patients’ looks with cosmetic injections.

Are you looking to get Kybella or other injectables in the Phoenix, AZ area? Our team of professionals will be more than happy to discuss your goals with you and determine the best way to achieve them. Contact us for a consultation!

How Long Does CoolSculpting Last?

Many healthy, average-weight men and women are turning to cosmetic treatments to further enhance their physique. CoolSculpting is one of the most popular body contouring treatments today because it precisely targets those fat areas that won’t go away with diet and exercise.

People choose CoolSculpting over liposuction and other alternatives because:

The procedure is quick.
There is no downtime.
The destroyed fat cells are permanently eliminated.

Let’s see how long it takes for CoolSculpting to take effect and how long you will enjoy the results of this treatment.

How Long Does CoolSculpting Take?

One CoolSculpting session may take 35 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the treated area. For example, the area under the chin will take less time than upper or lower back fat.

The CoolSculpting device may treat up to two areas per session. If you want more than two areas treated, you will need more than one session, which adds to the total treatment time.

How Long Does CoolSculpting Take to Work?

The initial results of CoolSculpting will be seen 30-60 days after the procedure.

The number of CoolSculpting treatments needed for one area depends on your desired results and how your body reacts to the treatment. Based on clinical studies and patient reports, the average fat reduction is up to 20% after one CoolSculpting treatment. You need to wait about four to six weeks between treatments.

For further fat reduction in the treated area, you may opt for more treatments.

It takes time for the body to flush out frozen and destroyed fat cells, so you can expect to see the final results up to six months after the last treatment.

How Long Do CoolSculpting Results Last?

The effects of CoolSculpting are permanent. CoolSculpting freezes and kills fat cells in the targeted area, and the body naturally eliminates them as waste. Once the fat cells are gone, they don’t return.

However, CoolSculpting is not a weight-loss treatment. If you overeat, you will gain weight in other parts of the body.

Note: For a healthy, long-term solution, consider medical weight loss.

Can You Gain Fat Back After CoolSculpting?

Though CoolSculpting permanently destroys targeted fat cells, patients can still accumulate fat in the treated area. Excessive food intake and insufficient physical levels lead to weight gain, which results in the generation of new fat cells and the growth of the remaining fat cells in the treated area.

Conclusion

CoolSculpting is an innovative body contouring technique that helps you lose persistent fat and maintain a lean, sculpted figure. Much of the treatment’s popularity stems from the fact that it is safe, quick, and offers long-lasting results. These perks put CoolSculpting high on the list of beauty enhancement procedures in today’s aesthetic medicine.

If you plan to schedule a CoolSculpting treatment, check out our article on how to prepare for a CoolSculpting session.

To learn more about how CoolSculpting compares with other treatments, read our articles CoolSculpting vs. CoolTone and CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction.