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Bill Klaproth: You've probably heard about it. Maybe even thought about it. So what is CoolSculpting? And is it right for you? Let's find out with Jessica Brubaker, a nurse practitioner at Plastic Anesthetic Surgical Associates at UPMC Lititz. This is Healthier You, a podcast from UPMC Pinnacle, I'm Bill Klaproth. Jessica, thank you so much for your time. So first off, what is CoolSculpting? And can you talk us through the process of how and why it works?

Jessica Brubaker: Absolutely CoolSculpting is a non-invasive form of fat reduction. The science behind CoolSculpting is basically in layman's terms, the fat cells are frozen resulting in cell destruction. The targeted areas are marked during the consultation in the office to determine if they'd be an appropriate candidate for the procedure. The skin is cleaned and an applicator's placed under the treatment site. The applicator remains intact for the time of the treatment and it's removed at the end of the treatment. The treatment area is then massaged for two minutes after the treatment is complete. CoolSculpting does not disrupt the skin. It typically has minimal side effects as well.

Host: So, how does this work? You're freezing the fat cells, what happens then? How do you lose weight because of the freezing of the fat cells?

Jessica: So it isn't typically marketed for weight loss. It's more for fat destruction. So to decrease the fat pocket in a certain area, not necessarily for weight loss itself. The applicator is very cold and at the time of the treatment, it freezes the cells. So over time, the body excretes those cells and your body will no longer have those cells anymore.

Host: Alright, very good. So it's not necessarily weight loss. You're destroying the fat cells, which in turn will decrease your waistline. Got it. So now is this safe, you mentioned there isn't any damage to the skin, is that right?

Jessica: Correct. It is considered a safe procedure. We do a very good job of weeding out who is the correct candidate for the procedure, but it is considered to be a very safe procedure.

Host: Okay. And then will this work for everyone? And then who is the ideal candidate for cool sculpting?

Jessica: Basically, if you have pinchable fat, it is treatable. So certain sites are FDA approved in the United States for treatment. Those sites are the abdomen, flanks, thighs, bra fat, back fat, upper arms, and the fat underneath your chin.

Host: Okay. Pinchable fat.

Jessica: Pinchable fat. Correct.

Host: And are there any limitations to where I can get CoolSculpting done on my body?

Jessica: If it is not FDA approved, we do not perform the treatment in those areas.

Host: Okay got it. And then I'm just thinking, is this an alternative to liposuction?

Jessica: Yes. It is a non-invasive form of fat reduction, so the patient would be left without scars afterwards from the insertion of the liposuction instruments, which is definitely a positive. Some patients prefer not to have surgery, not to be under anesthesia, so this definitely is an alternative.

Host: And then how quickly can someone expect to see results?

Jessica: Typically, it takes six to eight weeks for the body to excrete those fat cells.

Host: So, let me ask you this, this freezing of the fat cells, does it hurt? Are there any side effects? And if there are, how long will they last?

Jessica: Typically, the procedure is not painful. Sometimes there is a pinching in the beginning when you're placing the applicator, we can always remove that and reapply it. It is at times uncomfortable when the procedure starts because it is cooling and squeezing the skin. That typically lasts for about five minutes and then that discomfort subsides. As far as side effects, we don't typically see side effects from the procedure itself. Sometimes there's complaints as far as the impact on the nerve from the procedure, and you can get some numbness, some tingling at the treatment site, and that typically subsides within a few weeks.

Host: And then how many sessions does it generally take?

Jessica: So it depends on the person. It depends on the targeted treatment area and it depends on how much fat is present. So some clients are very happy with their results after one treatment. Multiple times it takes up to four treatments per site. So we tell our patients, each treatment is typically a 20 to 25% fat reduction per targeted area.

Host: Okay got it. And then is this something where you come back once every three days or once a week? How frequent are the return visits?

Jessica: It depends on the patient and how fast they're expecting their results. So typically it takes six to eight weeks to see the results from the first treatment, you can return as early as the next day. Most patients based on the financial investment, want to see the results prior to returning. So typically we do a treatment and then we wait about two months, have the patient come back and see how far they've progressed with the fat destruction.

Host: Okay that's interesting. And then how much downtime after a treatment?

Jessica: There is no downtime.

Host: Oh, so you go right back to your normal activities.

Jessica: Absolutely. We've had patients that have come in for treatment over their lunch break.

Host: I love that. Now talk about convenience. That's great. So then what can someone expect at their first appointment?

Jessica: So the first appointment is a free consultation. We take photos at that time, we mark the treatment area and we set the expectations. We determined whether or not they are an appropriate candidate and then we schedule the appointment if appropriate for treatment.

Host: Well, this sounds like a great way for anyone, man, or woman, to be able to target certain areas of their body that they're unhappy with. So lastly then Jessica, and thank you for your time. What is the cost?

Jessica: Well, we do not publish our price. However, we do have complimentary consultations and we're offering one to $200 off per treatment at this time.

Host: Wow really good. Well, this seems again like a great alternative to liposuction, and thank you so much for explaining this to us. We really appreciate it. Thank you, Jessica, we appreciate your time, thanks.

Jessica: Absolutely. My pleasure.

Host: That's Jessica Brubaker, and to schedule a consultation, please call (717) 625-3509. And for more information, please visit UPMCPinnacle.com/plastic surgery. And if you found this podcast helpful, please share it on your social channels. And check out the full podcast library for topics of interest to you. This is Healthier You a podcast from UPMC Pinnacle I'm Bill Klaproth. Thanks for listening.