CoolSculpting is a popular non-invasive procedure that helps sculpt and contour the body by freezing and eliminating fat cells. This procedure is FDA and Health Canada-approved and does not require surgery, which makes it an appealing option for many people. However, it is important to take the right steps on the day of your CoolSculpting treatment to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience. Below are some key steps to take on the day of your CoolSculpting treatment to help you best prepare and make the most of your experience.

Wear comfortable clothing

You are about to get a CoolSculpting procedure done on a desired area of your body. Before you leave the house be sure to first put on some loose-fitting clothing. Since CoolSculpting involves the application of a cooling device to the targeted area of fat, which can cause temporary discomfort or numbness in the skin, wearing loose and comfortable clothing can help with minimizing any discomfort during and after the treatment. In contrast, tight clothing could put pressure on the treatment area and interfere with the cooling process. It is also recommended to avoid any tight clothing that might rub or put pressure on the treated area post-treatment. Your gray sweatpants and sweater may be your go-to attire pre and post-CoolSculpting. Another clothing tip is to wear undergarments that you would wear while at home, not the fancy ones you would likely wear on a date or formal occasion. During your treatment, there is a gel that is applied to your skin and could come into contact with your clothing and underwear. You could also consider bringing an entire change of clothes to change into after your treatment is completed. The goal here is for optimal comfort and to promote post-recovery.

Avoid lotions and oils

To ensure the best possible results from a CoolSculpting treatment, it’s important to avoid using lotions and oils on the day of the procedure. One of the main reasons for avoiding lotions and oils is that they can make it difficult for the applicator to properly suction and freeze the targeted fat cells. The applicator needs to have direct contact with the skin in order to effectively freeze the fat cells, and lotions and oils can create a barrier between the applicator and the skin. This can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and make it harder to achieve the desired results. In addition, lotions and oils can cause the applicator to slide around during the treatment. This can make it difficult for the practitioner to keep the applicator in the correct position, which can also reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

Stay hydrated before and after your treatment

Staying hydrated is not only important for general health but proper intake is also key for a successful CoolSculpting procedure that displays optimal results. Staying hydrated before your treatment ensures that your skin and underlying tissue are fully hydrated. This can help to reduce the risk of complications during the treatment and make the procedure more comfortable overall. Additionally, staying hydrated can help to improve the overall effectiveness of the treatment. When the skin and underlying tissue are fully hydrated, the CoolSculpting applicator can more effectively target and freeze the fat cells, leading to better results.

Another reason why staying hydrated is important before a CoolSculpting treatment is that it can help to reduce the risk of side effects. Dehydration can lead to dry skin, itching, and other symptoms that can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to relax during the procedure. By staying hydrated, you can help to minimize these side effects and ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during the treatment. Generally it is recommended to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day before the day of your treatment and maintain that hydration level post-procedure as well.

Communicate with your practitioner

You have probably met with your practitioner weeks in advance to discuss the type of treatment you were considering and the areas you are looking to target. Prior to your meeting it is recommended to keep in touch with your practitioner for a number of reasons. The initial consultation is used to understand your goals and expectations for the treatment, and to tailor the procedure to best meet your needs. This can help to ensure that you get the best possible results from your treatment. Additionally, communicating with your practitioner before your treatment can help to identify any potential risks or complications that may arise during the procedure. For example, if you have a history of skin sensitivity or have had previous cosmetic treatments, your practitioner will need to know this information in order to take appropriate precautions during the CoolSculpting procedure.

Another reason why communication is important before a CoolSculpting treatment is that it can help you to understand the process of the treatment and what to expect during and after the procedure. This can assist to reduce anxiety and make the experience more comfortable overall. It is also crucial to communicate any medications or supplements you are taking, as well as any illnesses or medical conditions you may have, since some of them could affect the procedure and its results. Communicating with your practitioner should be done days if not weeks in advance to ensure all necessary information and precautions are accounted for.

Familiarize yourself with post-treatment instructions

When speaking with your practitioner days and weeks before your procedure you should be given post-treatment instructions before your CoolSculpting appointment. Getting to know what to do after your appointment can help you understand what to expect during the recovery period and how to best care for yourself after CoolSculpting has completed. Along with how the procedure is completed, post-care can help to ensure that you end with the best possible results. Additionally, knowing the post-treatment instructions in advance can help you to prepare for any potential side effects or complications that may arise. For example, some patients may experience mild swelling, redness or numbness in the treated area, or temporary discomfort. Knowing these side effects ahead of time can help you to be better prepared to manage them.

It is also important to know the post-treatment instructions such as the number of sessions required, the intervals between the sessions and any follow-up appointments you may have with your practitioner. Knowing this information in advance can help you to plan your schedule accordingly and make sure you complete the treatment on schedule.

Plan your recovery time

As mentioned above, knowing what to do after your CoolSculpting treatment is vital and familiarizing yourself can help with planning your recovery time. The recovery time for CoolSculpting is minimal, but you may need to avoid certain activities such as exercise, sun exposure or massage for a short period of time after the treatment. Knowing this information in advance can help you to plan your schedule accordingly and avoid any inconvenience. By planning your recovery time, you can properly schedule your treatment at your convenience and take any necessary steps to minimize any discomfort. Ultimately, this will allow you to return to your normal activities as quickly as possible.

By following these steps and working closely with your CoolSculpting provider, you can help ensure that your procedure goes smoothly and that you get the best possible results. Be patient and take care of yourself during the recovery process, and you can be on your way to achieving the body and look that you desire.