Have you been making resolutions to lose weight, but the right moment just hasn’t come? We understand. It’s a challenge.
Luckily, there is CoolSculpting – a quick and effective treatment that freezes your fat cells and makes them vanish forever. To get the best results, you need to know how to prepare for CoolSculpting.
In this article, our medical professionals at Vibrant Skin Bar share their recommendations about the things to do and avoid before the treatment to ensure the treatment goes smoothly.
How Do I Prepare for a CoolSculpting Session?
During the initial consultation before the treatment, medical providers explain to how to prepare for CoolSculpting. Following their instructions reduces the risk of unwanted side effects and helps optimize the results of CoolSculpting.
1. Have Realistic Expectations
CoolSculpting destroys about 20% of the subcutaneous fat in the treatment area – the fat right underneath the skin and above the muscle. You are a good candidate if you’re generally fit and healthy, struggling with some fat bulges you can’t remove. However, CoolSculpting is not primarily a weight loss treatment and can’t help patients with over 20 pounds of excess weight.
The procedure is non-invasive. It doesn’t involve anesthesia or needles. It targets and kills fat cells without affecting other tissues such as nerves and muscles. In the months that follow, the lymphatic system filters out those dead fat cells as waste. Once they are gone, they won’t come back.
Note: This article explains how CoolSculpting for weight loss actually works and what results can you expect.
2. Be Prepared to Modify Your Diet
Forming healthy habits is vital for achieving the best results with CoolSculpting. If you are already within five pounds of your ideal weight, the treatment will be more effective, and you will see the results more quickly. If you’re not, talk to your medical provider to find the best healthy diet and exercise regimen, and stick to your new lifestyle habits.
Maintaining CoolSculpting results requires an effort on your part. Don’t risk creating new deposits of fat by overeating after the treatments.
3. Protect Your Skin
Your skin needs to be healthy and intact during the CoolSculpting procedure. The treatment involves suction and massage of the CoolSculpting area, so you want to protect the skin by preparing it for the treatment.
Avoid the sun and tanning beds for a few weeks before the procedure, as the area that will be treated with CoolSculpting can get more sensitive. If you have a sunburn, the treatment will be unpleasant.
Also, postpone your CoolSculpting treatment if you have any cuts, bruises, or other wounds. Avoid activities that might cause them in the days leading to the treatment.
Note: If you are looking for a professional CoolSculpting treatment in Phoenix, look no more. The medical professionals at Vibrant Skin Bar will prepare you for the treatment during the initial consultation as well as the aftercare tips after the treatment.
4. Avoid Blood-Thinning Medication
Medical providers advise patients to avoid medications and supplements that can thin the blood for several days before the CoolSculpting treatment. Taking blood thinners before the treatment can increase bruising.
Medications and supplements to avoid include aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, and St. John’s Wort. If you’re taking any medication regularly, talk to your doctor to consider alternatives. Lastly, be aware that some herbs can thin the blood, such as ginger and turmeric.
5. Stop Smoking (At Least for a While)
Smoking can slow the recovery process and delay results. If you can, refrain from smoking for a week before CoolSculpting.
6. Bring Entertainment (or Work) with You
Bring something with you to help pass the time during your CoolSculpting session, which usually takes about an hour. If you’ve booked multiple sessions, that means you will spend hours at the clinic or med spa. Patients usually bring books, magazines, or iPads. You can read, watch a TV show, listen to a podcast, answer emails, or work on a presentation — whatever you need the additional hour or two for.
Note: If you want to find out more details, check out our article how long does CoolSculpting last and find out.
7. Wear Comfortable Clothes
Wear loose clothing to your CoolSculpting treatment. Most offices offer disposable clothing for the treatment, but you’ll feel more comfortable if you have your own loose and comfy clothes to wear afterwards. Alternatively, you can bring a change of clothing.
Your underwear may get stained if it comes in contact with the gel used for skin protection, so plan what to wear accordingly.
8. Eat a Light Snack Before the Session
As the CoolSculpting treatment can last for hours, we advise you to eat a light meal or a snack so you don’t get hungry and nervous. Eating before the treatment will help you maintain your blood sugar, energy, and mood during the session.
9. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water before and throughout the treatment to help your body remove the toxins. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sodas because they dehydrate the body, and keep a bottle of water near you.
Note: Learn more about CoolSculpting aftercare to make sure you do everything in your power to achieve the best results.
Conclusion
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive method of eliminating fat. It involves much less risk than surgery, but patients should still adhere to their providers’ advice on how to prepare for CoolSculpting. Following their tips ensures a smooth procedure and a relaxed patient, leading to better results.
