CoolSculpting with Zeltiq recently gained FDA approval for non-surgical fat reduction. It works by applying targeted cold to the treatment area, freezing the fat just under the skin so that the cells die and are then expelled from the body. The treatment takes approximately one hour per area and results are seen in a couple of months.
One challenge with the product is the size of the applicator itself. Because it's not very large, treatment of larger areas like the stomach can take several applications before the entire area is treated. Dr. Lori Brightman of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York has been working with the Zeltiq manufacturer and says they have developed a new hand piece. Currently this new applicator is in the testing phases however, and only early data is available.
Actual Results of Dr. Lori Brightman with CoolSculpting by Zeltiq
As Dr. Brightman says, "CoolSculpting by Zeltiq has been working very hard to increase the size of the applicator. Now we have a hand piece that is 2.5 times the size of the original. I can treat an entire lower belly in less than half the time." She says that previously, it would take around 2-3 hours to treat the entire lower belly because she'd need 3 of the smaller applicators. Now, she can treat the whole lower stomach in just an hour.
CoolSculpting can be performed in other areas besides the stomach but Dr. Brightman does point out though that it's more important to identify the proper candidate as Zeltiq isn't for everyone. "First and foremost, you have to be examined by your physician. Make sure you have the right kind of fat that can be treated with this device." She says that Zeltiq is for subcutaneous fat, the fat that's attached to the skin. Visceral fat which is deeper and surrounds the organs won't be affected by this device. Following the determination that a patient is fit for the procedure, Dr. Brightman says there are several areas that can be treated. Other than the lower stomach, she says patients are also being treated in the inner thigh, love handle area, or even the upper arms.
Dr. Brightman is pleased with the device and says that she has found it to be a very useful treatment. "I think it's a very exciting, very successful, effective device and I think the beauty of these devices are that we find more indications, so I think we should keep our eyes and ears open for those."
