Quick And Painless Fat Reduction

No Surgery – No Downtime!

Allure Medical Spa in Shelby Township, Macomb County, is the first center to offer Zeltiq™ in the Detroit Metropolitan Area, as well as the state of Michigan. Zeltiq™ (pronounced zel `teek) uses cold energy to break up fat cells.

The term “cryolipolyisis” refers to:
Cryo=Cold
Lipo=Fat
Lysis= break up.

This is also known as “CoolSculpting” The term CoolSculpting™ should not be confused with CoolLipo which is laser liposuction.

What is Zeltiq™ CoolSculpting™?

This process involves using cool energy to remove fat from areas without surgery. It is the first FDA approved device that destroys fat cells without surgery. The other things that might cause fat pockets to look better without surgery can/do cause tightening, and do have benefit. Yet this is the only device proven to actually permanently destroy fat cells, and the reduction is actually from less fat, not just squished fat. Common areas for non surgical fat removal include belly, flanks, back, saddle bags and thighs. It can work on the arms and neck of some people, but the machine is not currently very adept to those smaller areas.

How was it discovered?

It was discovered that exposing fat cells (adipocytes) to cold for a prolonged period of time would lead to death of the cell. Scientists affiliated with Harvard University discovered that if they could precisely control the cold energy applied to the skin, they could destroy fat cells, at the same time having no effect on the skin. This led to the development of Zeltiq™.

How does it work?

Zeltiq™ is the device that performs cryolipolysis. A special pad is put on the skin to protect the skin’s surface. The machine has a treatment head that suctions itself to your skin to assure complete contact. It quickly cools the tissue to a predetermined level. Your doctor has the ability to alter the treatment temperature as well as use different head sizes that allows for control of the depth of fat removal as well surface area. Another word that is commonly used to describe this technique is CoolSculpting™. Continuous cooling is applied above the temperature of freezing. The temperature is at a level that is safe for the skin, blood vessels and nerves, but destructive to the fat cells.

Where does the fat go?

Once the fat cells are destroyed (dead), the body recognizes that they are no longer needed and a gradual process occurs where the fat cells and fat material is cleared away. The fat cells are degraded by enzymes. The actual fat is transported through the lymphatics, and converted to energy just like the fat that you eat. It is no different than the fat that you consume in a meal. This is a natural process, and your body is already fully equipped to handle the destroyed fat cells and remove them as well as manage the fat that is released. This process is gradual and takes a few weeks to months, so a slow gradual improvement is noted. You may see this as soon as a month but it will continue to improve for up to about 3 months.

How much improvement is expected?

This is a rapidly evolving answer. When it was first discovered, it was tested on thin layers of fat, and it was noted that there was about 20% reduction of the fat thickness. But it was tested on thin layers. This led to the development of larger treatment devices, more aggressive energies and further enhancements that we work with now. According to the company representatives that work with the doctors that did the first clinical trials, there is about 5-8 mm of fat reduction per treatment or about 20-22%. As this device is in application longer (it was FDA approved for the removal of fat in September 2010, but was used on an “off label” setting before that).

Is there any downtime?

No downtime at all. There may be temporary redness and numbness to the skin. But since there are no needles, incisions, or anything put inside the body at all, you can resume all activities immediately.

What is the risk?

This is a very safe procedure. There have been no reported cases of skin injury to date. A common side effect is temporary numbness. Since this is quite common, a clinical study was done which showed that the nerves were not injured. Numbness goes away after a reasonable period of time. Since the fat is released, there was a question as to whether this fat load in the blood system and lymphatics could cause harm. Again, clinical research was done and it was shown that this was of no concern. Your body is perfectly capable of handling the slow steady release of fat, just like it is when we eat a meal.

Does it hurt?

There is an intense sucking sensation for a few minutes (5-10 typically) that goes away. The procedure takes an hour per area, so you will only feel the suction for a small period of time.

Can it be repeated?

Yes. Since a percentage of fat is removed with each treatment, additional treatments will be expected to give you better results. Most people do 1-3 treatments separated by 1-2 months.

Who is a good candidate?

The better answer might be who is not a good candidate: If you are obese, gaining weight, not in control of your weight, this is not for you. A lifestyle change is needed. A good candidate is within 25 or so pounds of their ideal body weight and has bulges of fat that are isolated, the lower belly and flanks are perfect examples. The nature of the device does not allow treatment of large areas without considerable time and expense.

Is there a cost for the consult?

No, it is free. One of our physicians, Dr. Charles Mok, Dr. Jamie Hope, or Dr. Brett Kotlus will evaluate you and work with you to decide if Zeltiq™ is right for you. Zeltiq™ cryolipolysis is offered exclusively at Allure Medical Spa, located in Shelby Township, Macomb County, Michigan (MI). We are located approximately 45 minutes north of Detroit, and approximately 25-45 minutes from Troy, Royal Oak, Bloomfield, Birmingham and Flint Michigan.

Patient photos before and after CoolSculpting™ by Zeltiq™.

Before and 6 weeks after CoolSculpting™

Before and 6 weeks after CoolSculpting™

Before and 6 weeks after CoolSculpting™

Before and 2 months after CoolSculpting™, +0.7 kg.

Before and 2 months after procedure, +0.2 kg

Before 1 month after 2nd Procedure, -2.0 kg