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What Should You Not Do Before CoolSculpting?

Individuals looking to remove some excess fat from stubborn, difficult-to-target locations on the body and further shape their figure without surgical intervention can turn to the non-invasive procedure of Coolsculpting. This innovative fat reduction treatment has helped countless people rid their bodies of stubborn fat pockets, correct asymmetries, and achieve the body image that brings them the most confidence and self-esteem.

When pursuing a treatment, there are a few CoolSculpting precautions that we recommend you take to ensure that you accomplish the desired results from your CoolSculpting procedure. This article will discuss the recommended precautions you should consider before undergoing a CoolSculpting treatment and provide an in-depth look into the procedure itself.

What Is CoolSculpting, and How Does It Work?

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat-freezing treatment that uses cryolipolysis to destroy fat cells from hard-to-target areas on the body. CoolSculpting works by safely delivering targeted low temperatures to fat cells beneath the skin’s surface. The fat cells freeze, become crystalized, and die, allowing them to be processed through the body naturally.

What Things Should You Avoid Before CoolSculpting?

During your CoolSculpting preparation, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid using and doing, including:

Avoid Blood-Thinning Medications and Supplements

Common pain relief medications like Advil, Ibuprofen, and vitamins that include fish oil have blood thinning properties that could make you more susceptible to bruising. It’s best to discontinue their use a week before your session unless advised otherwise by your primary care doctor.

Avoid Aggressive Skin Treatment

The Coolsculpting treatment involves massaging and suctioning the area being treated. If your skin is cut or bruised, you might need to postpone your treatment until the wound is healed. Your skin care before CoolSculpting should include a gentle body wash and lightweight moisturizer. Set aside all harsh exfoliants until a few days after your session.

No Tanning Beds or Excessive Sun Exposure

Avoid tanning beds and sun exposure. Tanning can cause your skin to be more sensitive to treatment. To help minimize discomfort, it’s best to protect the skin from sunburn by staying out of the sun a week before your treatment.

Do Not Shave or Wax the Treatment Area

This precaution goes hand in hand with avoiding aggressive skin treatments. The skin around the treatment area will need to be free of any nicks, razor bumps, or irritation. To ensure your comfort, postpone shaving or waxing until after your treatment.

Wear Comfortable, Loose-Fitting Clothing

Swap out your favorite pair of jeans for a comfortable set of sweats, joggers, or yoga pants and large flowing tops. CoolSculpting sessions may require you to sit for a while, and your provider will need easy access to the treatment area. To ensure you are relaxed and at ease throughout your treatment, wear your favorite comfort outfit to your session.

Avoid Eating Large Meals Before Session

Eating a large meal can alter your CoolSculpting results by making you appear bloated. On the day of your appointment, choose a nutrient-dense meal that is high in protein, fruits, and vegetables to aid your metabolism and help you look lean and fit.

Manage Expectations About Results

While CoolSculpting can create incredible body contouring results, it is not a substitute for diet and exercise. Patients should be at or near their goal weight and at a healthy BMI for their body type. Additionally, CoolSculpting is not an immediate fix. It is a process that involves several weeks after your treatment, where your body dispels the damaged fat cells.

Refrain From Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol dries out the body and can make it difficult for it to metabolize and flush toxins efficiently. Instead of hitting the bars with friends the night before, focus on reaching your target water intake for the day to hydrate your skin, muscles, and organs.

Avoid Smoking

Nicotine and tobacco use can impede your healing process as it hinders proper blood flow, delaying your results. We recommend that you stop smoking a week before your appointment and for at least a week during your CoolSculpting recovery to encourage blood flow to the treatment area.

Be Cautious with Certain Medical Conditions

There are some medical conditions that may prevent you from having CoolSculpting treatments. Specifically, if you have a disease that affects your lymphatic system, you should not have a CoolSculpting treatment. This is because the lymphatic system is responsible for moving the dead fat away from the treatment area. Additionally, patients with any cold-sensitive disorders should speak with their doctors before pursuing CoolSculpting.

Partner With an Expert for Your CoolSculpting Treatment

Partnering with a licensed and trained professional will ensure your safety and success with CoolSculpting treatments. When searching for a provider, be sure to explore their qualifications, their experience with CoolSculpting, and their gallery of results. They should have clinical training using the CoolSculpting device, as well as a prolific eye for body contouring to create natural, balanced results.

Schedule Your CoolSculpting Consultation at Desert Med Aesthetics Today!

CoolSculpting can be used on various areas of the body, including the stomach, arms, legs, back, face, and much more. If you’re ready to learn more about how CoolSculpting, performed by the qualified professionals at Desert Med Aesthetics and overseen by Dr. Doriana Cosgrove, can help you reach your ideal body goals, contact our office in Palm Desert, CA by calling (760) 777-8772 or by completing our online consultation form.