1324 Princess Street
Kingston ON, K7M 3E2
Website: www.ucosmetic.com
Email: nuyu@ucosmetic.com
Phone: (613) 536-LASR (5277)
Fax:
(613) 536-5108
Dr. Kim Meathrel, MD, FRCSC, Plastic Surgeon, Associate Professor of Surgery, Queen’s University
Dr. Caroline Sangers, MD, CCFP, Family Medicine, Practicing in Cosmetic Medicine
COOLSCULPTING® Non-Invasive Body Contouring
INFORMATION & TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
The Coolsculpting® procedure uses a non-invasive vacuum applicator to draw in tissue or a noninvasive surface applicator to deliver controlled cooling at the surface of the skin. This unique
cooling technology causes fat cells to be destroyed without damaging surrounding tissues. The
science behind Coolsculpting® was developed by research physicians at Harvard Medical School
in 2008. Their research was based on the long history of the use of cold-based technologies in
medicine and on observations of how cold can specifically affect tissue rich in fat cells.
Coolsculpting® is different from other non-invasive body contouring treatments. The controlled
cooling of the Coolsculpting® procedure targets and eliminates only fat cells unlike other noninvasive modalities that may not be as specific.
Non-invasive Coolsculpting® body contouring can selectively target fatty tissue around the
abdomen, flanks, male chest, back, buttocks, thighs, arms and sub-mental area under the chin.
There is minimal to no discomfort during the treatment and no downtime. You must have
pinchable fat to be able to be treated. A Coolsculpting® tissue-cooling vacuum applicator for the
appropriate area is applied by our technician to the target area, vacuum suction is initiated and
cooling is started and lasts for approximately 45-60minutes. The specially designed vacuum
applicator draws tissue into the applicator cup, gently holds it between two cooling panels and
selectively extracts energy, thus cools the underlying fat tissue while protecting the skin, nerves,
muscles and other tissues. The cooled fat cells undergo apoptosis (controlled cell death) and
their contents are gradually eliminated. Sensors in the applicator monitor the skin to ensure
consistent and uniform treatment of the area. Information from the sensors is used by the control
console to continuously adjust cooling throughout the Coolsculpting® procedure and provide
feedback to the technician. A paging system automatically alerts the technician of any device or
patient issues that need attention including when the Coolsculpting® procedure is complete.
Each application is called a treatment cycle. It may require multiple cycles to get your
Treatment2Transformation® results, that is your ideal results. These cycles can be done
consecutively at the same appointment on different treatment areas or over several appointments
on the same area (two to four months after the initial treatment) or different treatment areas (at
anytime).
Coolsculpting® is a procedure for spot fat reduction. It is not a weight-loss solution and it does
not replace living a healthy lifestyle or surgical methods such as liposuction. Studies to
determine whether the fat-reducing effects of the Coolsculpting® procedure will result in the
improved appearance of cellulite have not been completed at this time. The Coolsculpting®
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procedure will show noticeable, measurable fat reduction in properly selected patients
approximately two to four months after the procedure. The fat cells and their contents are gently
eliminated through the body’s normal metabolic processes and does not cause any or persistent
elevations in cholesterol levels. There are now long-term studies showing that fat layer
reduction persists up to five years and Coolsculpting® results are now expected to last as long as
fat cells removed by invasive procedures such as liposuction. Results from the Coolsculpting®
procedure are not as rapid or as dramatic as liposuction. Coolsculpting® does not replace
liposuction, however, it is completely non-invasive with no downtime. Coolsculpting® is
indicated for individuals within a healthy weight (eg BMI 18-25) who have fat bulges that are
not easily reduced through diet and exercise. While there may be benefits to Coolsculpting®
treatment outside this range, patients with higher body fat content may not notice as much fat
reduction or may require multiple treatment cycles in the same areas to see results. For ideal
Treatment2Transformation® results, a series of treatment cycles may be required.
Recommendations will be made at your consultation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight
throughout the treatment series and afterwards will maximize results. Once fat cells are
destroyed they cannot be regenerated however the remaining fat cells can increase or decrease in
size causing weight changes. In other words, treatments cannot stop fat cells from storing more
fat if excess calories are consumed nor can it stop new cellulite from forming if an improvement
was observed. Being well hydrated for your treatment is important for results. Results start to
appear four to six weeks after the start of treatment and continue for another four to 10 weeks
after completion of the treatment series. Results vary between individuals. Some people
exceed our expectations and some people respond below expectations. Although good
results are expected, with the focus on improvement and not perfection, every person is
unique and it is impossible to guarantee results.
During the Coolsculpting® procedure, the suction of the vacuum applicator may cause the
sensations of deep pulling, tugging and pinching and may take your breath away for a few
seconds. If a surface applicator is used (for example on the outer thighs), you may experience a
sensation of pressure. In either case, as treatment begins, you may experience intense stinging,
tingling, aching or cramping. These sensations generally subside as the area becomes numb with
cooling within a few minutes. During the procedure you will be comfortably seated and can
read, listen to music, work on your computer or just relax. Your technician will initiate
treatment and will check on you regularly. You can page your technician at anytime. A
treatment cycle will last 60 minutes. At the end of treatment, the vacuum applicator is gently
removed. The treatment area will look and feel stiff like a stick of butter. Immediately, the
technician will vigorously massage the treatment area for three to five minutes to further increase
fat cell destruction. You may feel some nausea, dizziness or rarely feel faint as your body
naturally warms the area and sensation returns to the area. These are normal responses and
resolve within minutes. Redness, bruising, swelling and tenderness may appear within the first
few hours after the treatment. The treatment area can experience dullness in sensation, look or
feel bloated or swollen in the first few days to weeks after the procedure. Deep itching,
tingling, numbness, tenderness to the touch, pain, strong cramping, diarrhea and/or muscle
spasms have also been reported after a Coolsculpting® procedure. Contact us if these conditions
persist beyond two weeks or worsen over time. Many patients experience minor post treatment
discomfort, a very small percentage (approximately 0.04%) experience delayed (3 to 4 days
after treatment) significant post treatment pain. The pain can be deep, stabbing, shooting or
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burning pain and may be continuous or intermittent. The exact cause is unknown, if it occurs it
is usually on the abdomen and it is self-limiting lasting approximately 1 to 2 weeks. There is
recommended medication that can give moderate to complete relief. Other rare side effects
include freeze burn, skin colour changes that do not resolve, hardness, discrete nodules,
paradoxical enlargement of the treatment area, hernias or worsening of existing hernias.
Surgical intervention may be required for correction. Overall, Coolsculpting® treatments result
in very high patient satisfaction. You may start to see results as early as three weeks after your
Coolsculpting® procedure with the most dramatic results between two to four months.
Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise will augment your results.
Coolsculpting® treatments may not be recommended or contraindicated if you:
-have cyroglobulinemia or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria,
-have known sensitivity to cold such as cold urticaria or severe Raynaud’s disease
causing ulcerations,
-have impaired circulation in the treatment area,
-have nerve disorders such as post-herpetic neuralgia (pain) or diabetic
neuropathy(pain or decreased sensation) or impaired skin sensation for other reasons,
-have bleeding disorders or are on blood thinners,
-are breastfeeding or pregnant,
-are less than 18 years of age,
-have an active infection or open wound at the site,
-have had recent surgery or scar tissue in the area to be treated,
-have a hernia or history of hernia in the area to be treated,
-have any active implanted devices such as a pacemaker or defibrillator,
-have skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or rashes in general,
-have been using Accutane within the last 6 to 12 months,
-have any active or under-controlled medical conditions which include (but are not
limited to): high cholesterol, thyroid, diabetes, cardiac disorders, epilepsy,
uncontrolled hypertension, liver or kidney disease, skin or any type of cancer,
AIDS/HIV or any autoimmune disease / collagen disease or neurological diseases.
Please inform us if are prone to keloid scarring, abnormal wound healing as well as very dry
or fragile skin or any medical condition that may impact wound healing. Certain medications
such as prednisone can affect skin during treatments. Please ensure we are aware of all of your
medications.
Other options for body contouring include radiofrequency (BodyFx), surgical options such as
liposuction or abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or not doing the treatment. There may be other
options not listed. If further improvements in skin tightening or cellulite are desired, you can
consider radiofrequency treatments such as Firm and Plus or BodyFx, respectively. If you do not
have enough pinchable fat for Coolsculpting®, BodyFx would be a good option for treatment.
Coolsculpting® treatments are complimented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular
exercise, hydration, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Prior to the procedure you may/will/should:
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Ensure that you have reviewed this information sheet and that you have had enough
opportunity to ask questions and have them answered to your complete satisfaction.
Ensure that you have signed the consent form.
If you exercise regularly, you should do so BEFORE the treatment as you may be sore
afterwards. However, you can exercise after the treatment at anytime.
Day of the procedure you may/will/should:
 Be well hydrated and use the washroom prior to being hooked up to the machine.
 Wear loose old clothing. You will be marked with various permanent markers that may
rub off on your clothing AND you may feel sore or be swollen after your treatment.
 Feel cool or cold from the procedure. Feel various sensations during the treatment. Page
your technician if you are concerned or if you have pain. Minimal to some discomfort is
expected.
 Let the technician know if you feel lightheaded or like you may pass out.
 After treatment continue with your normal planned activities.
 Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise will augment your results.
 You may notice redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness or a sensation of bloating in the
treatment area. These usually resolve within a few days to a few weeks.
 You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) immediately after your treatment and ibuprofen
(Motrin or Advil) the next day if you are very sore.
 Contact the clinic at any time if you have questions. We are here to help you and want
your experience to be a pleasant one
At your Treatment2Transformation® consultation,
we look forward to helping you obtain your ideal Coolsculpting® results!
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