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CoolSculpting, everything you need to know about reshaping ice therapy

Freezes and dissolves fat. They are the actions exercised by CoolSculpting a device that reduces the cushions by acting directly on the fat cells with a biological process called «cryolipolysis», which literally means cold (cryo) which destroys (lysis) the fat (lipo). A fast and non-surgical path which gives measurable results in centimeters and promises a defined profile and smoother silhouette. “There are several machines that are based on this principle, that of Allergan has a plus because it was certified as a safe medical treatment in 2010 by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) which monitors the safety of drugs, food and even medical devices. It is not invasive and does not require recovery times, ”he explains Claudio Carenzio, cosmetic surgeon Image Regenerative Clinic. So what happened to Linda Evangelista? The icon of the 1990s claimed to have developed a condition called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, a very rare and even serious side effect: adipocytes become larger rather than smaller. It is not fully understood why this occurs and it does not go away on its own. «It is a swelling of the tissues due to lumpy deposits and can be corrected with liposuction. In reality, from the images and documentation available to the model, it would seem to be more of a weight gain than a consequence of this type of intervention “, emphasizes the doctor.

When it works

It should not be confused with cryotherapy, the treatment of cold that subjects the body to very low temperatures (-130 °) to alleviate pain and inflammation, or cryosculpture, which combines cold with low intensity radiofrequency to promote the absorption of fat-dissolving drugs to improve the condition of the skin with cellulite. It is, in fact, a medical device that is not used to lose weight and should not be used on large areas of the body. «Cryolipolysis is designed exclusively for stubborn fat deposits that are difficult to eliminate with physical activity or with nutrition. It is therefore suitable for accumulations on the thighs, arms, hips, saddlebags, belly, buttocks and even the chin », Claudio Carenzio explains.

How it works

The tool that uses the cold for remodeling can only be used by doctors such as dermatologists or plastic surgeons. After applying a protective gel sheet, soaked in fructose to protect against burns, special suction cup-like heads are positioned to suck target tissues, to cool and crystallize fat cells at sub-zero temperatures, ranging from -11 ° to -13 °. Tissues, nerves and muscles are not damaged. During the procedure it is possible to feel a sensation of traction and the very low temperatures can be annoying until the skin becomes numb. At the end of the treatment, which can last from half an hour to an hour depending on the affected surface and the extent of the thickening, you may feel a tingling that disappears in a few minutes. With the machine turned off, the expert performs an energetic massage which serves to break the frozen fat cells, reducing them into very fine particles, which will then be naturally eliminated from the body through the lymphatic system. “With the solicitations, an inflammatory reaction is triggered that attracts macrophages, cells that devour the fragmented lipids,” adds the doctor. At the end of the session you can return to normal activities.

After the session and the results

The most common reactions are temporary redness, mild swelling, soreness, localized bruising, bruising, and skin sensitivity caused by exposure to cold temperatures. “In the short term it seems that the problem has worsened, but all the inconveniences naturally disappear within a few days,” explains Carenzio. “The fat cells are permanently eliminated, usually you see a reduction in thickening and swelling and a more toned appearance within two months, when the inflammation has passed and a retraction of the scar tissue forms. On average, a single session is enough to reduce up to 23-27% fat in the affected area, ”says the doctor. The cost is around 600 euros per treated area.

Who can do it and who can’t

Cryolipolysis is not for everyone. It is suitable for those who are of normal weight and want to get rid of roundness and excesses and follow a balanced diet. “It is not suitable for those suffering from obesity because it does not act on deep fat, and for those with neuropathic pathologies, carriers of pace maker, dilated varices, pregnancy and breastfeeding », warns Carenzio.

The right approach

Linda Evangelista’s heartbreaking ordeal must be a warning to seriously evaluate any aesthetic medicine procedure: these are not miracle treatments, they require commitment to maintain results and can have side effects. It is important to consult with your GP before undergoing any procedures, because individual medical history can make them risky. Furthermore, it is also necessary to pay attention to the professional to whom you are addressing, and it is essential to make sure that the identified specialist has a lot of experience in the use of the device. In the meantime, you can begin to become familiar with the cold by using specific cosmetics with a cooling effect on roundness and bearings.

Other stories of Vanity Fair that may interest you

– Linda Evangelista “disfigured” by an aesthetic treatment: what is better to know first

– The stars transformed by aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery

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