THE SPIEL: It’s easy to see why CoolSculpting has become one of the most buzzed about treatments in the beauty world. This non-surgical procedure removes stubborn-to-shift pockets of fat with zero downtime, and unlike with more drastic measures such as liposuction, the results are permanent. Sounds too good to be true? The process was first developed by Harvard scientists, who observed that some children who ate lots of ice lollies acquired dimples, leading them to conclude that fat cells can be killed off when exposed to low temperatures, without damaging the skin. The resulting procedure delivers controlled cooling to fat cells, which freeze and then die. Over time, these dead cells are metabolized and eliminated through your urine. The best bit is that - because we are all born with a finite number of fat cells – once they are gone, they are gone forever. To date there have been more than 5m treatments worldwide, and smaller applicators have been developed which allow previously impossible areas, like the chin, to be treated. Other areas it can work wonders on include muffin tops, back fat or a wobbly tummys. The process takes between one to several hours and results can be seen within 6-8 weeks.
THE TESTER: I’m slim, cycle to work and enjoy swimming… but also have the kind of Maltesers habit that could probably sustain a Channel 5 documentary. When I do put on weight, it tends to settle into a paunch, so after hearing rave reviews about CoolSculpting I couldn’t wait to try it. After a consultation with the award winning Dr Claire Oliver (BDS) at her Air Aesthetics Clinic, I was assessed as suitable for treatment and changed into a pair of paper shorts. Once the area to be treated was mapped with marker pen, I made myself comfortable on the bed and a suction cup was applied. At first, the sensation was similar to holding a vacuum nozzle to your flesh, and as it began to cool the area there’s a slight discomfort – no worse than the tingly feeling your hands get after throwing snow balls. After that, the area went numb and I was free to check my emails, read my book or – as some patients have been known to do – fall asleep. The only truly uncomfortable moment was when the suction cup was removed and a frozen ‘butter stick’ of fat, which had risen to the surface, had to be massaged. This might be sore, but doesn’t last more than a few minutes, and is a vital part of the process (Trails show that it boosts effectiveness by 67%). Afterwards, I hopped off the bed and went out to lunch. Simple!
THE VERDICT: Directly after the treatment the area was tender, but not enough to inhibit any usual activities. For a few weeks after my tummy was slightly numb, but there was no bruising, and the effects became apparent sooner than I expected. Dr Claire had advised me that results are quicker in fitter people, and within weeks I could see a marked improvement. Soon, there was significantly less fat to grab, and my profile showed my stomach to be flatter than I’ve ever known it. While the treatment isn’t cheap, my results were remarkable, and three months later (as promised) the fat has stayed off. Would I recommend it? Definitely.
Grazia readers are offered a complimentary consultation for CoolSculpting during the months of April and May if they quote Grazia. Please visit: airaesthetics.co.uk