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Freezing fat: An option for ‘problem spots’

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CoolSculpting® is an FDA-approved, nonsurgical option for eliminating “problem spots,” such as love handles and lingering belly fat.

Free CoolSculpting consults now in Marshfield. Schedule one today by calling 715-387-5557.

Eating right? Check. Exercising? Check. “Problem spots” still there? Check …

Without a doubt, a healthful diet and daily dose of activity are the best ways to lose and keep off weight. Unfortunately, genetics may not always agree when it comes to your tummy, love handles, butt and thighs where fat may linger long after you’ve dropped additional pounds.

For some, a nonsurgical weight-loss option called CoolSculpting® may be the answer.

Freezing away fat: How it works

CoolSculpting® is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medical procedure that, in simplest terms, freezes fat cells away for good.

Over 2-3 one-hour sessions, a machine cools the targeted area. This process kills fat cells, which your body then naturally processes and eliminates.

While not as powerful as liposuction, it doesn’t require incisions, anesthesia or downtime. Also, results are subtler, making it an ideal option for “problem spots.”

“For anyone looking to remove those pesky areas like love handles, which may stick around due to genetics and not lack of personal effort, CoolSculpting® is worth considering,” said Dr. Michael Harl, a plastic surgeon at Marshfield Clinic Health System. “More than 1 million CoolSculpting® procedures have been performed worldwide and we’ve found it to be safe and effective.”

Who qualifies?

If your body mass index is 35 or less and you don’t have any diseases triggered by cold, then it’s likely you’re a candidate, Harl said.

The procedure is elective, though, meaning health insurance doesn’t cover the cost.

Those who qualify usually start seeing results in about 3 weeks with the final results by 3 months.

“Many people don’t have time to recover from a surgery because of busy schedules, work and family obligations,” Harl said. “With CoolSculpting® you have no activity restrictions after treatment. If you feel like it, you could even go to the gym on the same day.”

What to expect with CoolSculpting®

Some patients report a bit of discomfort during the procedure. This results from the machine sucking targeted fat into a small chamber where it’s cooled.

“Think about it like a combination between a vacuum and freezer,” Harl said. “Some patients have said it feels like pulling, combined with a cold feeling that may include stinging.”

Discomfort lessens after about 10 minutes when the skin becomes numb, Harl said.

Occasionally, people do not see improvement after the first treatment and require repeat treatment. Typically, the improvement in contour is maintained over time because those fat cells are gone, Harl said.

For more information on CoolSculpting®, click here. Or, to schedule an assessment call Marshfield Clinic Plastic Surgery, 715-387-5557.

20 responses to “Freezing fat: An option for ‘problem spots’”

  1. Barbara PHILAVANH

    How much does it cost and is it covered under insurance companies

    1. Kirsten Shakal, Shine365 Editor

      Hey, Barbara. For any pricing inquiries, connect with the Clinic's fee estimators: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/patient-resources/billing/fee-estimates. They will be able to answer your questions regarding cost and insurance coverage.

      Thank you for reading Shine365. -Kirstie

  2. Lynn Retz

    What is the cost of cool sculpting?

    1. Kirsten Shakal, Shine365 Editor

      Hey, Lynn. For any pricing inquiries, you should connect with the Clinic's fee estimators: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/patient-resources/billing/fee-estimates.

      Thank you for reading Shine365. -Kirstie

    2. Debra birdsey

      What is the cost of procedure

      1. Kirsten Shakal, Shine365 Editor

        Hi, Debra. For pricing inquiries, please contact the Clinic's fee estimators: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/patient-resources/billing/fee-estimates.

        Thank you,
        Kirstie

  3. Gary J

    I am 67 5ft 6 weigh 240 Have had bypass and have diabetes I have Man boobs that have always been there even when I was in shape. Can this help me?

    1. Kirsten Shakal

      Gary – We can’t be sure; each case is different. I recommend contacting Plastic Surgery directly: 715-387-5557 -Kirstie, Marshfield Clinic

  4. Jeanne Heck

    I am 91 years old and would like to reduce the size of my hips and buttocks. I have maintained the same weight for a number of years but I guess I've been redistributing. Would this procedure be available to me?

    1. John Tracy

      Jeanne – We can’t be sure; each case is different. I recommend contacting Plastic Surgery directly: 715-387-5557 -John, Marshfield Clinic.

  5. Ginna

    I have the weight in my upper middle torso that I know to be a dangerous place for weight to be. I would love to be able to try this procedure. I've gained this weight in this area because I have Fibromyalgia, two knees that need replacing, etc… I only have Badger Care so I would have to know how much these individual procedures cost.

    1. Kirsten Shakal

      Hey, Ginna. For any pricing inquiries, you should connect with the Clinic's fee estimators: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/patient-resources/billing/fee-estimates. -Kirstie, Marshfield Clinic

  6. BARBARA

    HOW DOES ONE MEASURE HIS OWN BMI? OR MUST IT BE DONE BY A DOC?

    1. Kirsten Shakal

      Barbara, you can use a calculator like this one: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm, but as noted, "This calculator is not intended to replace the evaluation of a healthcare professional,” so if you have any questions or concerns about your BMI, please contact your provider. -Kirstie, Marshfield Clinic

  7. Donna Rickel

    Weird smelling urine isn't the only by-product of asparagus. The juice can cause a rash for the unlucky few. For many years I would get a rash mostly on my left hand every spring. About 15 years ago I read that asparagus juice/sap could cause a rash (celery can also bother some people that way.) The next year I made sure to wash my hands well when I got home from picking wild asparagus. Since then I have never had that itchy springtime rash. It probably appeared only on my left hand because that's where I carried the spears which I snapped off with my right. Now if I could just get rid of that smell…
    Donna Rickel

    1. Kirsten Shakal

      Hey, Donna. I think you meant to share this under another wellness post: https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/wellness/weird-food-side-effects/. Either way, we appreciate the feedback. Thanks for reading. -Kirstie, Marshfield Clinic

  8. shirleywalsh

    Is this a research program? Thank you

    1. John Tracy

      No. This is an elective procedure.

  9. Sandy Kalmakoff

    Just curious what the cost of this procedure is, per visit.

    Thank you.
    Sandy Kalmakoff

    1. Kirsten Shakal

      Sandy, the best way to get any pricing information is by connecting with the Clinic's fee estimators: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/patient-resources/billing/fee-estimates. Thanks for reading. -Kirstie, Marshfield Clinic

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