Body sculpting has been rapidly gaining in popularity in the past few years, and you have probably heard of CoolSculpting™. You are also probably aware that it is a type of body sculpting, or targeted fat removal. WarmSculpting™ is an alternative body contouring treatment using laser technology to achieve the same result.
CoolSculpting is a brand name for a device that freezes your body’s fat cells, called cryolipolysis. WarmSculpting is a tagline for SculpSure, a laser that permanently destroys fat cells using heat.
At this time, these are the only 2 non-invasive modalities that have been proven to permanently destroy a significant number of fat cells. There are many options currently available that promise to remove fat, but only have FDA approval for “the temporary reduction in the appearance of fat”. Only CoolSculpting and SculpSure (WarmSculpting) permanently destroy fat cells.
Does WarmSculpting (SculpSure) work?
Yes! It permanently destroys up to 24% of fat cells (per treatment) in the area treated without surgery, anesthesia or downtime.
Does WarmSculpting hurt?
No. Anesthesia, medications or numbing cream are not needed. SculpSure works by heating the fat cells to 45 degrees Celsius. (114 degrees Fahrenheit) That’s hot! So why doesn’t it hurt? The surface skin (where the nerves are located) is cooled by a sapphire cooling tip on the head of the laser, keeping the skin surface at a warm 39-42 degrees Celsius (102 -114 degrees Fahrenheit). Sometimes patients will get uncomfortable in the first few minutes of the treatment while their nerves are adjusting to the warmth. If this happens, we just adjust the settings so that the patient is comfortable. As the nerves get used to the warmth we can increase the temperature to keep the patient comfortable and maximize their results. Unlike CoolSculpting, in which there is no way to adjust settings, the patient has control over their comfort level.
CoolSculpting, on the other hand, can be very painful because the skin and the fat beneath the skin are both frozen. There is no ability to adjust the temperature or settings. Because the nerves are located near the surface of the skin, the nerves are subjected to freezing temperatures for the duration of the treatment. (Think about holding a block of ice on your skin for 35 minutes or more) Many patients find CoolSculpting treatments too painful to complete.
Bonus: SculpSure™ /WarmSculpting™ causes Skin Tightening!
It’s like 2 treatments in one: a great side-benefit of SculpSure’s heating the skin’s surface to 39-42 degrees Celsius is that by doing so, the skin is stimulated to increase production of collagen. More collagen means thicker, firmer, younger-looking skin. This is an especially desirable effect when melting fat as no one wants to lose fat only to be left with loose, flabby skin over that area.
Are there side effects or complications from WarmSculpting™ ?
Non-invasive options obviously have fewer side effects and complications than invasive or surgical options like liposuction. If the skin is not compromised with scalpels or needles, there is no risk of infection or scarring, minimal to no swelling or bruising, no need for anesthesia and recovery time is eliminated completely. With CoolSculpting there can be significant pain associated with the treatment as well as hard, painful nodules and potentially permanent nerve damage after treatment. CoolSculpting patients also report “shelving” or a “shark bite”, the development of a visible ridge between the area that was treated and the surrounding tissue. Some CoolSculpting patients have experienced PAH, or paradoxical adipose hyperplasia: an unusual phenomenon where the area treated actually has the opposite reaction with an explosion of fat cells in the treated area, leaving an enlarged, firm mass.
SculpSure™ (WarmSculpting™ ) works as effectively as CoolSculpting, but without the side effects and complications. There is no shelving, nerve damage, painful nodules or paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH). There is also no risk of infection or scarring, and no downtime. Patients can do a 25 minute treatment and go straight back to the office, gym, or happy hour!
Does WarmSculpting™ cause PAH (Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia)?
No, WarmSculpting™ (SculpSure™) does NOT cause PAH!
Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia is a distressing complication that some patients experience from CoolSculping™ treatments. It causes an increase in fat cells in the treated area rather than a decrease. There can be an increase of 3-4 times the amount of fat, and the increase is permanent unless there is further treatment with liposuction or surgery.
PAH has recently received a lot of publicity due to the revelation by former supermodel Linda Evangelista about her devastating experience with CoolSculpting™. She has suffered tremendous damage from the disfiguring side effect and claims it has destroyed her figure, career and self-esteem.
Who is a good candidate for WarmSculpting™ ?
WarmSculpting (SculpSure) and CoolSculpting work best for people who have pesky pockets of fat. Body sculpting works best in men and women who are eating well, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle, but are still plagued by stubborn areas of fat. Both devices are a great way of targeting those fat deposits that we get through genetics, heredity, hormonal changes, aging or weight gain that a healthy diet and exercise just don’t seem to help.
What areas can I treat with SculpSure™ ?
Most frequent areas that both men and women treat are the abdomen, flanks (“love handles”), back fat (“bra fat”, “bro fat”), inner and outer thighs, hips, below the buttocks (“banana roll”), underside of upper arms (tricep area), and more. The “double chin”, or submental area is also a very popular choice for WarmSculpting as it sharpens the jawline and profile and makes people appear both younger and thinner!
WarmSculpting™ (SculpSure™ ) is a great alternative to liposuction and CoolSculpting without the significant downtime, cost, pain and side-effects . At Skin Deep Laser MD, we think it is the best of all the body contouring options for permanent fat removal.
Call and let us help you feel confident in and out of your clothes! Dr. Riehm and her team will customize a treatment plan for you. We are currently serving the greater Fort Worth and Dallas areas, including Weatherford, Granbury, Burleson, Mansfield, Arlington, Colleyville, Stephenville, Crowley, Keller and more.
