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The idea of fat freezing has recently gained traction as it promises to instigate the natural breakdown of fat cells and their eventual elimination from the body.
With its rise in popularity came the rise of DIY methods, with numerous at-home devices and techniques saturating the market.
So can you freeze your fat cells using at-home methods? We don’t recommend it. As tempting as it may be to consider a DIY CoolSculpting solution, it won’t deliver the same safe and effective results as a proper medical treatment.
The drawbacks, such as the risk of hypothermia and tissue damage, far outweigh the possible benefits.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
When you attempt to administer cryolipolysis (the fat freezing process) by yourself using ice packs, fat freezing products, or DIY devices, you won’t have the same precision or control as professional tools. Incorrect temperature application increases the risk of frostbite, severe skin burns, and permanent tissue damage.
Home treatments lack the customization that comes with professional fat freezing treatments. If you don’t take into careful consideration of your underlying health issues, medical history, and body goals, you’re adding unnecessary risk to your fat reduction journey.
For example, doctors would want to rule out various health conditions (e.g., cryoglobulinemia, cold urticaria) where cryolipolysis could cause serious complications.
DIY fat freezing techniques come with an inherent degree of risk. Should something go wrong, there may not be a quick or easy solution at hand, causing you to seek immediate professional intervention.
The risks of attempting to freeze your fat home far outweigh any perceived benefits. It’s simply a gamble. Don’t sacrifice the quality of any cosmetic treatment for the sake of convenience, cost-saving, and regrettable shortcuts. Fat freezing is best left in the capable hands of medical professionals who have the training to perform it safely and effectively.
One of the most common DIY methods people often resort to involves the use of cold temperatures, specifically in the form of ice cubes. In theory, when ice is applied to the skin, the underlying fat cells freeze and induce apoptosis (the process of programmed cell death).
This isn’t exactly true. Achieving the right temperature to selectively target fat cells without damaging the skin or underlying tissue is a delicate balancing act. That said, it’s nearly impossible to maintain a consistent temperature with ice cubes.
Just like with cubes, cold packs may not reach the necessary temperatures to instigate fat cell death, leading to unsatisfactory results. Conversely, if they become too cold, they may cause harm to your body.
Various body creams are marketed as non-invasive procedures for fat reductions. These products claim to work by cooling the skin, supposedly leading to fat cell death.
Take note, however, these creams cannot penetrate deeply enough to affect the subcutaneous fat cell layer and thus its fat reduction effect is negligible.
DIY fat freezing machines are becoming more popular as brands attempt to capitalize on the desire for convenient at-home treatments. These devices typically promise a user-friendly experience, mimicking the function of professional cryolipolysis treatments.
Using such devices without a thorough understanding of the procedure, body anatomy, and potential risks can lead to unnecessary complications. Instructions or tutorial videos are not a substitute for the years of medical training that a healthcare professional goes through.
The Lipo-Belt device consists of specially designed cold packs that are inserted into a belt or other wearables that can target fat in specific areas. It shares the same drawbacks as other DIY methods.
It can’t achieve the same precision and ideal temperature as a professionally administered fat freezing treatment nor can it effectively reduce fat. It also operates on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Unlike professional cosmetic treatments, it doesn’t take into account individual differences in fat distribution, underlying health conditions, and medical history, among others.
CoolSculpting, an FDA-approved fat freezing procedure, is a testament to the power of cryolipolysis. This fat freezing technology relies on the fact that fat tissues freeze at higher temperatures than other cells. The side effects are also typically mild and temporary.
Contrary to DIY CoolSculpting methods that can dangerously lower body temperatures and exacerbate potential side effects, this medical procedure is conducted using an applicator that regulates its temperature.
It’s designed to drop the temperature of the fat tissues to a point where the cells crystallize and undergo apoptosis, without affecting the normal body temperature.
Basically, how the treatment works is that it causes damage to the fat tissues over a period of time and, once damaged, these cells signal your body’s immune system to gradually remove them.
This process of elimination typically takes a few weeks to months. It’s the ideal option for individuals who are close to their goal weight but struggle with persistent fat pockets that diet and exercise can’t reduce.
Keep in mind that while CoolSculpting helps with body contouring, you would still need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to maintain results.
For one, you would need to implement portion control and a well-rounded diet. Two, incorporate a combination of cardiovascular exercises and strength training. And lastly, aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night. Ask your doctor for other habits you could do to support your results and overall well-being.
The benefits of a CoolSculpting fat freezing session go beyond physical transformation. They far outweigh the convenience and cost savings of DIY methods. These are some of the pros of CoolSculpting so that you can make a more informed, health-conscious decision:
Unlike some weight loss procedures, this fat freezing technology is entirely non-invasive – meaning there’s no need for needles, anesthesia, or recovery time.
Unlike one-size-fits-all DIY fat freezing methods, medical professionals can customize a CoolSculpting treatment based on your specific goals, body type, and fat distribution, making each session more effective.
One of the best parts of CoolSculpting is its ability to be highly targeted. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn neck fat or bulges in other areas, this procedure can be calibrated to deal with specific problem areas.
This fat freezing procedure is backed by numerous clinical trials that demonstrate its safety and efficacy, setting it apart from DIY methods. A single CoolSculpting treatment can reduce fat in the targeted area by up to 25%. This fat percentage can increase with additional sessions per treatment area.
Once the dead cells are eliminated by the body, they cannot regenerate. This doesn’t mean you won’t gain weight, as existing fat cells still expand but, rather, the treated area should remain relatively smaller.
As patients see a reduction in stubborn fat pockets, their self-image significantly improves. The results often motivate patients to maintain or even improve their health and fitness routines.
While DIY CoolSculpting methods may promise convenience, they fall short when it comes to safety and effectiveness. They can never replicate the accuracy required in temperature control and effective natural cell death that’s achievable with cosmetic procedures administered by licensed professionals.
At the NJ Center of CoolSculpting, we pride ourselves on operating within the bounds of safety and efficiency, which is why we only use FDA-approved CoolSculpting equipment.
We’re committed to providing our patients with the best fat freezing treatments to help them eliminate unwanted body fat, as well as the unwanted risks that come with DIY methods.
Learn more about fat freezing by booking a consultation today.
Up to 25% Fat Reduction With CoolSculpting: Treat Yourself Today!
