Zeltiq Body Contour: Does it Really Clear Cellulites and Aid in Weight Loss?

Zeltiq Aesthetics Inc. is a medical equipment company that manufactures the CoolSculpting System. This tool is used to hasten weight loss and remove cellulite. It runs on “cold technology” that was recently approved by the FDA. The Zeltiq body contouring procedure promises non-invasive way to slim down and banish cellulite. According to a Zeltiq rep, over time, using this tool will tighten the skin, smooth out cellulite and eliminate stored fat without surgery.

How Zeltiq Body Contouring Works

The company likens the contouring procedure to a liposuction without pain. A liposuction procedure sucks out the fat from targeted areas of the body. The Zeltiq body contour procedure does the same thing through a process called cryolipolysis.

The equipment comes with a suction device. It’s applied to problematic areas or parts of the body the patient want to trim. The suction draw out the fat between two cold plates. The area becomes so cold that the underlying fat cells start to crystalize and die. The surface of the skin remains undamaged. The dead fat cells are eliminated as waste.

Most patients swear by the procedure. However, the sensation is quite uncomfortable. Treatments will take two to three weeks, depending on the amount of fat being eliminated. Each session lasts up to one hour and cost around $700. Of course, some doctors offer discounts but in some places, each body contour procedure cost around $1,000.

But is it Effective?

There is evidence that suggests freezing fat cells could kill them. Most patients say the procedure is effective and that it offer long-term results. According to a study presented at the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery meeting, there is a 22% fat reduction in cellulite in treated areas. The story was run by the New York Times.

Then in 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration granted Zeltiq approval for its fat-loss purposes. Since then, the device is used to help patients get rid of unwanted cellulite. The technology was also approved in Canada and Europe. Although more and more people are benefiting from Zeltiq’s body contouring machine, more research is needed to determine its risks and benefits. Unfortunately, because the procedure is an elective treatment, it’s not covered by most insurance policies.

Usually, Zeltiq is recommended for individuals who have problematic spots. These spots include stomach pooch, love handles or back fat. Likely candidates should be fit and healthy. It will not work for obese people who want to lose a massive amount of weight. Also, the procedure just “shrinks” troublesome areas but it does not tone it. You still need to exercise to maintain your figure. So in many ways, this procedure is effective. However, it’s not a long-term solution to maintaining a fit physique.

Recovering From Zeltiq Body Contour Procedure

Again, killing off fat cells using two cold plates is very uncomfortable at first. The skin goes numb from the cold, followed by a sucking sensation. This means the machine is freezing the fat cells. Bruising, tenderness, muscle cramping or tingling are normal symptoms after a body contour procedure. They should go away on their own. The skin may be undamaged, but it will become tender and red for several hours after the procedure. If the skin remains red and tender for a day, consult your doctor. Apart from minor discomforts, you should be able to go back to your normal tasks after every session.