You may have heard about the roaring allegations of former model, Linda Evangelista, who claims CoolSculpting has left her ‘deformed.’ She claims that a few months after her procedure with her Dermatologist, she experienced enlargement of skin tissue in the treated areas.
As one of the largest CoolSculpting Providers in the United States, we have CoolSculpting devices in multiple locations and treat thousands of patients per year with great success and results. Our machines run around the clock, producing successful results for happy patients hour by the hour. Our CoolSculpting experts are here to break down the facts of CoolSculpting versus Linda Evangelista’s ‘deformity’ claims.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a noninvasive procedure that uses the process of cryolipolysis, or freezing of fat cells, to aid in contouring certain areas of the body. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, occurs when these cells reach negative 11 degrees Celsius. The body then rids itself of the cellular debris via bowel and bladder movements.
CoolSculpting was first FDA-approved in 2010. Since then, the machine has undergone two new series of improvements, to the CoolSculpting Advantage version, and then CoolSculpting Elite in 2021!
What areas can I have CoolSculpting done?
CoolSculpting can be performed on areas like the banana roll, bra fat, back fat, arms, abdomen, inner and outer thighs. We always will book an appointment first for the sole purpose of performing a thorough complimentary consultation to see if you are a candidate. We will map out your treatment plan and make sure the treatment will be safe for your unique body type. Then you will return at another appointment for your treatment.
What are the risks of CoolSculpting?
Just like every other procedure, CoolSculpting comes with a minimal number of risks. According to a research study conducted by Andreas Nikolis, MD, and Kaitlyn M Enright, MSc, less than 1% of patients may experience paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) after CoolSculpting (Aesthetic Surgery Journal 2021).
PAH is the gradual enlargement of fat cells, resulting in a bulky appearance. The expansion of these cells causes the area to harden and protrude, and has been referred to as the “stick of butter” phenomenon.
How do I know if I will experience PAH with CoolSculpting?
It is impossible to predict how an individual will respond to CoolSculpting treatment. Similarly to other medical services, it is imperative that CoolSculpting is performed at a reputable facility with experienced practitioners. To ensure treatment efficacy, the provider performing your CoolSculpting procedure must be familiar with the machine and its intricacies.
Am I a candidate for CoolSculpting?
Some individuals are not CoolSculpting candidates, due to the characteristics of the treatment area, medical history, or overall treatment goals. It takes experienced practitioners to be able to determine if you are a candidate. At our Practice, we ensure that our Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, or Nurses are involved in your treatment from start to finish, and under the direction of our Medical Director, Lisa Espinoza, MD.
What about Evangelista’ Claims?
We know that in rare (less than 1%) cases, PAH can be a side effect. We will and always have let patients be aware of ALL known risks before performing a treatment. This goes for every treatment we perform. If you do experience PAH from CoolSculpting, there are remedies available including liposuction to correct the side effect. These corrective procedures are often covered by the manufacturer. So, for Mrs. Evangelista, she may have experienced this rare side effect, but we have no way of knowing if she is truly ‘deformed,’ or how much the following liposuction helped or worsened the case.
What we do know is that if we perform best practices by informing patients of potential risks, ensuring the device is attached properly and the patient is comfortable, and monitoring your treatment throughout, you have a less than 1 percent chance of receiving and a 100% chance of seeing effective, permanent fat loss results. (If you follow our recommended treatment plan in full)
In order to assess each individual patient, we encourage coming in for a complimentary consultation with one of our esteemed Medical Providers. You may call today to reach us with any questions you have regarding CoolSculpting or to book a complimentary consultation at 215-862-6100.
