NONSURGICAL BODY CONTOURING IN SAN ANGELO, TEXAS
CoolSculpting®.
Target Stubborn Fat Without Surgery.
Healthy habits can make a difference in how you look and feel, but certain pockets of fat may remain despite diet and exercise. CoolSculpting is a nonsurgical body-contouring treatment designed to reduce selected areas of pinchable fat using controlled cooling.
At the San Angelo practice of Dr. Don M. Lewis, a board-certified plastic surgeon, patients can discuss whether nonsurgical fat reduction is appropriate for their anatomy, expectations, and body-contouring goals.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION HOW COOLSCULPTING WORKSBODY CONTOURING WITHOUT INCISIONS
When Diet and Exercise Aren't Enough
Love handles, abdominal bulges, upper-arm fullness, and other localized fat deposits can be frustrating—even for people who maintain an active lifestyle.
CoolSculpting uses a process called cryolipolysis to target certain fat cells beneath the skin. It is intended for body contouring, not weight loss, and works best for appropriately selected patients who want to address specific areas rather than substantially reduce overall body weight.
Men and women with different lifestyles and body types may be candidates. The most important factors are the location and characteristics of the fat, your medical history, and whether the treatment can realistically address your concerns.
CoolSculpting is not a substitute for healthy habits, and results are not guaranteed.
Nonsurgical fat reduction with controlled cooling.
UNDERSTANDING CRYOLIPOLYSIS
How Does CoolSculpting Work?
CoolSculpting is a noninvasive fat-reduction treatment that uses carefully controlled cooling to affect targeted fat cells beneath the skin.
Depending on the treatment area and applicator, tissue may be drawn into a cooling cup using suction or treated with a different applicator design. Cooling damages susceptible fat cells, and the body gradually clears some of the affected cells over the following weeks and months.
Because the process is gradual, visible contour changes generally take time. Results vary by patient and treatment area, and some patients may benefit from additional sessions.
1. Targeted Cooling
An applicator delivers controlled cooling to a selected area of subcutaneous fat.
2. Gradual Processing
The body's natural processes gradually remove some of the fat cells affected by treatment.
3. Contour Changes
The treated fat layer may become thinner over time, producing a change in the area's appearance.
COMMON BODY-CONTOURING CONCERNS
Areas Commonly Considered for CoolSculpting
The original practice information identifies the following areas as common patient concerns. Whether a particular area can be treated depends on the device, applicator, approved indications, and individual examination.
Abdomen
Localized fullness in the upper or lower abdominal area, including concerns often described as a muffin top.
Flanks & Love Handles
Pinchable fat around the sides of the waist that may remain despite regular exercise.
Back
Selected areas of upper- or lower-back fullness, depending on the specific location and treatment suitability.
Upper Arms
Localized fat in the upper-arm area, sometimes called batwings. Loose skin may require a different approach.
Inner & Outer Thighs
Specific thigh fat deposits that affect how clothing fits or the contour of the legs.
Outer-Thigh Saddlebags
Localized fat along the outer thighs and hip region that can contribute to a fuller silhouette.
IS COOLSCULPTING RIGHT FOR YOU?
Who May Be a Good Candidate?
CoolSculpting is generally intended for people who have localized fat deposits they would like to reduce, rather than individuals seeking significant weight loss.
You May Be a Candidate If...
You have one or more localized areas of pinchable fat.
You are seeking contour refinement rather than substantial weight loss.
You understand that results develop gradually and vary.
You are willing to discuss medical conditions, treatment risks, and realistic alternatives.
Another Approach May Be Better If...
Your main concern is significant loose or hanging skin.
You want a substantial reduction in body weight.
You have certain cold-related medical conditions or other contraindications.
Your desired change would be better addressed by a surgical body-contouring procedure.
YOUR TREATMENT EXPERIENCE
What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment
Before Your Treatment
Your clinician evaluates the treatment area, reviews your medical history, and discusses the amount and location of fat, expected results, risks, and whether additional sessions might be appropriate.
During Your Treatment
An applicator is positioned over the selected area. You may feel pulling, tugging, pressure, intense cold, tingling, or discomfort. Treatment duration varies by the device, applicator, and number of areas being addressed.
After Your Treatment
Many patients return to normal activities promptly. Temporary redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, numbness, and other sensations may occur. Some side effects can persist longer.
As Results Develop
Some patients notice changes within several weeks, while more visible results often develop over approximately two to three months. Your clinician may recommend reassessment before deciding whether another session is appropriate.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Risks and Considerations of CoolSculpting
Although CoolSculpting is nonsurgical, it is still a medical procedure with potential risks. Common temporary effects can include redness, swelling, bruising, firmness, tenderness, aching, cramping, tingling, and numbness in the treated area.
Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH)
PAH is a rare but serious complication in which the treated fat tissue becomes enlarged and firm rather than shrinking. It may appear months after treatment and does not typically resolve on its own. Corrective surgery may be required. Patients should understand this risk before deciding on treatment.
Other possible complications include prolonged pain or numbness, changes in skin sensation or appearance, contour irregularities, and cold-related injury. Certain medical conditions involving sensitivity to cold, such as cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, may make treatment inappropriate.
Tell your clinician about all medical conditions, prior procedures, and any concerns involving the treatment area. A consultation is necessary to determine whether CoolSculpting is suitable for you.
EXPLORING YOUR OPTIONS
CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction
Both treatments can address localized fat, but they use different methods and involve different recovery experiences, risks, and expectations.
CoolSculpting
Method: Controlled cooling targets selected fat cells.
Incisions: No surgical incisions.
Recovery: Many patients return to regular activities quickly.
Results: Gradual changes over weeks to months.
Best suited for: Selected localized fat deposits in patients who prefer a nonsurgical approach.
Liposuction
Method: Fat is physically removed through a surgical procedure.
Incisions: Small surgical access incisions are required.
Recovery: Requires a postoperative recovery period.
Results: Fat is removed during surgery, with final contours developing as swelling resolves.
Best suited for: Patients whose goals and anatomy favor surgical fat removal.
Dr. Lewis can discuss the advantages and limitations of each approach during a body-contouring consultation.
COMMON PATIENT QUESTIONS
CoolSculpting Frequently Asked Questions
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is a nonsurgical body-contouring treatment that uses controlled cooling, called cryolipolysis, to reduce selected deposits of fat beneath the skin.
Is CoolSculpting available in San Angelo, Texas?
Dr. Don M. Lewis's practice has offered CoolSculpting in San Angelo. Call 325-655-4259 to confirm current treatment availability and arrange a consultation.
Does CoolSculpting help with weight loss?
CoolSculpting is intended for localized fat reduction and body contouring, not for significant weight loss or treatment of obesity.
How long does a CoolSculpting treatment take?
Treatment time depends on the device, applicator, and number of areas treated. Some treatment cycles take approximately 35 to 60 minutes, while others may differ. Your appointment may take longer if multiple areas are addressed.
Does CoolSculpting hurt?
Patients may experience intense cold, pulling, pressure, tingling, aching, or discomfort during treatment. Tenderness, numbness, and other sensations may continue afterward. Experiences vary.
How soon will I see CoolSculpting results?
Some changes may become noticeable after several weeks. More substantial contour changes often develop over two to three months, although individual timelines vary.
Will I need more than one treatment?
Some patients choose additional sessions to address their goals. The number and timing of treatments should be determined after an individualized assessment and review of the response to previous treatment.
Are CoolSculpting results permanent?
Fat cells affected and cleared through treatment are not expected to return, but remaining fat cells can enlarge with weight gain. Results vary, and maintaining a stable weight can help preserve the contour achieved.
Does CoolSculpting tighten loose skin?
CoolSculpting primarily targets fat, not excess skin. Patients with significant skin laxity may need to consider other treatments, including surgical body contouring.
What is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia?
Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, or PAH, is a rare complication in which treated fat tissue enlarges instead of shrinking. It can become noticeable months after treatment and may require surgery to correct.
How do I schedule a CoolSculpting consultation?
Call the office of Dr. Don M. Lewis in San Angelo at 325-655-4259 to discuss current treatment availability, candidacy, and consultation scheduling.
PERSONALIZED BODY CONTOURING
Let's Talk About Your Body-Contouring Goals
Whether you're interested in CoolSculpting or want to compare nonsurgical and surgical options, a consultation can help you understand which approach may best fit your goals.
CALL 325-655-4259