CoolSculpting and CoolTone are designed to get rid of the spots that your devotion to Barry's Bootcamp hasn't managed to budge. Given these are pretty much the closest things you can get to a fat-erasing magic wand, it's not surprising beauty enthusiasts are now more than ever opting in for a cool treatment. We caught up with Dr. Sachin Shridharani to find out exactly what the hype is about and everything you need to know if you're considering a non-invasive fat-removal procedure. Plus, the renowned surgeon shares his secret to staying in shape and his favorite luxe travel destinations.
Photo Credit: ShutterstockHaute Beauty: What is CoolTone?
Dr. Sachin Shridharani: Think of having CoolTone like doing thousands of crunches vs squats, etc. All in a concentrated 30 minutes NON-invasive procedure. CoolTone is an FDA-cleared noninvasive body contouring device that addresses toning, firming, and strengthening muscles. CoolTone uses high-frequency electromagnetic technology to stimulate muscle contractions in a manner that cannot be achieved by voluntary contractions or normal exercise. By inducing maximal muscle contractions, the device increases strength and muscle mass. Depending on your area of concern, CoolTone can be used to improve muscle tone in the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs.
HB: What does the CoolTone treatment consist of?
SS: The CoolTone device uses high-frequency electromagnetic energy to contour, firm, and build muscle in the area being treated. The device delivers high-frequency energy pulses to the area being treated, which induces supramaximal muscle contraction and enhances collagen structure, connective tissue, and blood circulation. Improved blood flow and collagen structure cause the skin to become more elastic, firm, and tight. The supramaximal muscle contraction generated by the CoolTone device causes the muscle tissue to respond by remodeling its structure. This leads to increased muscle mass and improved muscle definition and tone. CoolTone technology is a multi-faceted approach to body contouring as it simultaneously tones the muscles, tightens the skin, and reduces fat.
HB: When do you see the results from CoolTone and how long does it last?
SS: With a healthy diet and regular exercise, CoolTone treatment will have lasting results. Patients will see results immediately after CoolTone treatment and results continue to improve for several weeks after treatment. As with muscle-building from exercise and weight training, increased muscle mass with CoolTone is not permanent but can last for 6 months or longer. To maintain the results of CoolTone, it is recommended to have periodic CoolTone treatments.
HB: Who is the ideal patient for CoolTone and what are the risks?
SS: CoolTone can be used on multiple parts of the body including abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. At LUXURGERY, each patient is given a comprehensive assessment and Dr. Shridharani creates an individualized treatment plan based on the aesthetic goals, unique anatomy, and needs of the patient. The ideal patient is already relatively fit with moderate to minimal fat overlying the muscles being treated. Think of having CoolTone like doing thousands of crunches vs squats, etc. The less fat you have, the more you will be able to see your definition.
Photo Credit: ShutterstockHB: What is CoolSculpting?
SS: CoolSculpting’s distinct non-surgical technology cools and freezes unwanted fat cells. The non-surgical aspect of CoolSculpt ensures very little, to no, downtime after the procedure. CoolSculpt is FDA-approved, safe and effective. CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat reduction technology that gently and effectively targets the fat cells underneath the skin while leaving the skin itself unaffected. CoolSculpting works by freezing fat cells, causing these cells to crystallize and permanently die. The cells are naturally processed by the body and ultimately expelled.
HB: What does the CoolSculpting treatment consist of?
SS: When the treatment begins, you will feel pressure with an intense cold sensation, but these feelings quickly disappear. During the course of the procedure, one might experience pulling, numbness or a variety of other minor discomforts. Don’t be afraid to sleep, meditate, and/or return emails and phone calls during the procedure. CoolSculpting is completely non-surgical, so you can generally head back to normal activity when you get done. We commonly see patients on their lunch breaks or afternoons off. Occasionally, a patient will have some redness, minor bruising, tingling, numbness or discomfort in the treated area. These symptoms and signs will go away soon.
HB: When do you see the results?
SS: Results are not present immediately after your procedure. You may see changes as early as three weeks after your treatment. You should appreciate the best results after two months. The patient’s body will continue to expel the dead fat cells for up to six months post-treatment.
HB: How long do the results last?
SS: The results are permanent. The fat cells are crystallized/frozen by the CoolSculpt machine during your treatment. Your body will naturally breakdown the old fat cells they will be naturally excreted.
HB: Who is the ideal patient for CoolSculpting?
SS: CoolSculpting is a great option for permanent fat reduction in people who have isolated fat in areas that don’t go away when they diet and exercise. CoolSculpting is a non-surgical alternative to liposuction but is limited to the more superficial layers of fat.
HB: What are the risks with CoolSculpting?
SS: CoolSculpting is a minimally invasive procedure with little to no downtime. Rare side effects may occur. Paradoxical hyperplasia (visibly enlarged tissue volume in the treated area) may develop two to five months after treatment and requires surgical intervention for correction.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sachin ShridharaniDr. Sachin Shridharani's Fitness & Travel Summer Guide:
How do you keep in shape during the summer months?
Running in Central Park and being a weekend warrior tennis player.
Are you traveling anywhere this summer? if not, what is your ideal vacation spot when you have a chance to unwind and relax from work?
I am traveling for work quite a bit: Ireland, Las Vegas, Canada and the Hamptons. An ideal vacation spot for me is Singapore. I’ve been going there for years (before Crazy, Rich Asians) and find it to be the best of cosmopolitan life, but Asian hospitality and serenity. Plus, I have an amazing family there with who I can take side trips to Bali, Thailand, the Middle East and more!
