CoolSculpting® / SculpSure® - Patients ask, Dr. Ringpfeil answers
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about CoolSculpting® / SculpSure® or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
CoolSculpting
Coolsculpting is a revolutionary treatment that uses very cold temperatures to destroy fat beneath the skin. It is a safe, non-invasive treatment that requires no downtime afterward. Effective results coupled with a no-hassle procedure have helped CoolSculpting become one of the most popular body contouring treatments available today.
Our body contouring center also offers SculpSure® as well as minimally invasive laser and power-assisted liposuction. Unlike many other practices, we have surgeons with over 12 years of experience in non-invasive body contouring. As one of the largest body contouring centers in the area, we have the knowledge, experience, and technology to help you get back your younger and more athletic body.
Not sure which of Coolsculpting® or SculpSure® is better for you?
.... we carry both. We will help you choose
Treatment Areas
CoolSculpting is used to treat excess fat on many different parts of the body, including:
- Abdomen
- Flanks or love handles
- Back
- Thighs
- Under the chin
How CoolSculpting Works
CoolSculpting uses a technology called CryolipolysisTM to safely kill unwanted fat cells in areas where fat has accumulated. A CoolSculpting session lasts about 2 hours and does not require any anesthesia. At the beginning of the session, our doctor positions the cooling applicator above the targeted area. The skin is then drawn into the applicator and the cooling process begins. During the treatment, it’s normal to feel a cold sensation, but most people do not find it painful or uncomfortable.
The New CoolAdvantage: faster, effective, more comfortable
Ringpfeil Body Contouring Center
- Experience
- Knowledge
- Technology
- Better results
- Competitive Pricing
Recovery
There is no downtime required after CoolSculpting. Patients may experience some redness, bruising, and sensitivity in the treatment area, but this should not restrict them from resuming normal activities.
Results
In the weeks following the procedure, your body will naturally eliminate the destroyed fat cells, which reduces the thickness of the fat layer in the targeted area. Most patients begin to see results in just three weeks, with the most dramatic results seen after two months. Fat will continue to be flushed from the body for up to four months. As the fat disappears, you will see the new contour of your body. Additional treatments can be performed until the desired result is achieved.
Candidates
CoolSculpting is a body contouring treatment that is appropriate for individuals with isolated areas of fat who are close to their ideal body weight. CoolSculpting should not be used for weight loss or as a treatment for obesity. At Ringpfeil Advanced Dermatology we are one of the few offices in Philadelphia to offer both Coolsculpting and SculpSure. Both devices offer their own share of pros and cons and our expertly trained team of board-certified doctors can share their expertise to decide the best treatment plan for you. Our doctor takes the time to ensure that her patients understand what can be achieved with CoolSculpting so they will have realistic expectations for the treatment.
Learn More About CoolSculpting
If you’re ready to shape your ideal body, we encourage you to meet with our dermatologic surgeon to discuss your goals. CoolSculpting can help you get the body of your dreams without undergoing surgery. To learn more and set up an initial consultation, please contact our Philadelphia office today.
I am looking at getting fat reduction. Significantly overweight – 185lbs at 5’2. Would it be worth it to get a jump start on my abdomen/flanks?
SculpSure and Coolscuting are not suited for weight reduction, but they reshape adipose tissue that does not budge with appropriate exercise. Some of our patients do however use SculpSure, Coolsculpting, or even liposuction as a personal incentive to start their diet and exercise program to combat excess weight.
How is one able to determine if belly fat is visceral or peripheral fat?
If you can grab the fat with your fingers, it is subcutaneous (belly, leg, arm etc) fat. If it is hard to grab, it is visceral and surrounds your organs deep in the abdominal cavity.
I despise my crepey arms and legs. What is the best treatment for that, it doesn’t look like ScupltSure will reduce that?
Is there any other treatment, and if so, which gets the best results?
Some people will do quite well with a series of fractionated radiofrequency treatments (Infini or Vivace). Others might choose surgery, although scarring must be considered.
Is the emsculpt procedure a good method for visceral fat in the abdomen area
Luckily, none of the external fat reducing devises such as EmSculpt, SculpSure or Coolsculting can reach visceral fat. This assures safe fat removal of subcutaneous fat without potential impact on inner organs. A high amount of visceral fat is associated with increased insulin resistance and possible development of type II diabetes. If you believe or know that you have visceral fat, you should work on eating a balanced diet as soon as possible. Please check out the teachings of Dr Neal Barnard, available every once in a while on PBS, or able to order online.
I just want only one treatment of SculpSure for my abdomen, and I have Medicare. How much would this procedure will cost me, out of pocket?
SculpSure is usually based on two treatments in the right candidate, unless it is used to smooth out skin with rare side effects after Coolsculpting or liposuction. Cost per treatment depends on extend of abdominal adipose tissue that is treated, e.g. upper or lower abdomen or both. It could be between $900 and $2200 per treatment. We would need to evaluate you to provide a specific price quote.
I have a pacemaker, can I still do this treatment?
A pacemaker is not a contraindication to SculpSure treatment.
I have been on steroids, now a low dose (4 mg daily), for almost 15 years because of an autoimmune disease. I developed “fat pads” on the lower part of both sides of my neck, leading into my shoulders, and on the back of my neck associated with the steroids. Is this anything that SculpSure could help?
While this is an off label use, SculpSure might be possible. You would need an in-person evaluation for fitting of the laser pads with your consultation.
I had a periumbilical hernia repair ~10 years ago (not sure if mesh repair or not)–is it ok to get Sculpsure for an area of lower abdominal fat that is close to, but below, the umbilical area? BMI is 19, if that matters. Thank you!
SculpSure would be feasible as long as the treatment area does not have a scar. A mesh does not usually extend widely beyond the umbilical hernia repair site and is not usually made of metal for this purpose. A metal implant would be a contraindication to laser use. If in doubt, it would be best to speak to obtain clarification from the surgeon who performed the umbilical hernia repair.
I’m interested in SculpScure procedure for the abdominal area. How many sessions are required? Is the estimated price shown per session?
If you are a candidate with a BMI below 28, You should anticipate 2 sessions. The estimate is price per session
How long is recovery?
There is not usually any recovery time. The most common side effects are a little achiness for a couple of days resembling sore muscles after work put or a slight bruise for a few days. There should be no other downtime.