Coolsculpting®

Germain Dermatology has always been at the forefront of fat-reducing procedures. Germain Dermatology was the first practice to offer CoolSculpting^® in South Carolina, adding it to its menu of services in 2010. In early 2013, Dr. Germain was the first provider of the state. Our practice is also the first in the area to use the CoolAdvantage Petite™ applicator, which is especially useful in de-bulking the inner thighs, and is FDA-approved to safely reduce fat from the upper arms. Germain Dermatology is proud to be a leader in advanced cosmetic procedures, and strives to stay on the cutting edge to give our patients the best options and treatments available.

As Germain Dermatology treats a high volume of patients, our experience has led us to become a CoolSculpting^® certified practice and a Crystal Rewards Preferred member. These accolades demonstrate that our practice is a leader in quality of care and treatment, and effectiveness in every patient.

Germain Dermatology, in fact, was the first practice in South Carolina to use the treatment for removing a double chin, using the CoolMini™ applicator that is specifically designed to target submental fullness (the oft-used term for fat deposits directly underneath the skin at the neck and chin area).

While a certain amount of exercise combined with a balanced diet are crucial to sustaining a healthy lifestyle (and are the first measures we take to reduce unwanted fat), these measures can only affect changes in the size of fat cells, and does not reduce the number of fat cells. This is why even the fittest people can still have those pesky pockets of fat.

And you may ask, “If you’re simply chilling fat, then why can’t I just put a 20-lb bag of ice on my muffin top?” Know that CoolSculpting^® does not actually turn fat to ice, but instead takes away heat energy from the fat cells in the treatment area. These cells are naturally more vulnerable to the effects of cooling than the skin or other bodily structures.

The CoolSculpting^® procedure causes what is known as Cryolipolysis. The term Cryolipolysis® is a combination of three other words: “cryogenic” + “lipid” + “lysis.” In lay terms, this simply means “fat-freezing breakdown,” and is the working principle behind the CoolSculpting® device. Over time, the fat cells crystallized through CoolSculpting® break down and get flushed out of the body through its own natural processes. 

The CoolSculpting^® device precisely targets and cools the treatment area to a temperature of about 39° at which fat cells crystallize and eventually die -11 degrees Celsius. The skin and other tissues in the region are left unharmed, as only the fat cells are vulnerable to these temperatures.

No pre-treatment anesthetic is required, as the CoolSculpting^® process is not expected to be painful. Cooling panels will be placed over the fatty area to draw it in via vacuum for ample and even controlled cooling.

As the machine starts to work, the patient may feel an intense cooling sensation at first, but will adjust to this quickly. Our patients are often able to read, sleep, work on electronic devices, or even nap during their CoolSculpting^® treatment session.

A depending on the number and size of the areas being treated, during which our patients have relatively little to no discomfort.

Patients are able to return to their regular activities immediately after their treatment session, as there is no downtime prescribed for CoolSculpting^®. While the treated area may have some swelling, redness, tingling, or tenderness, these temporary side effects will resolve on their own, within a few weeks.

It is important to note that while this treatment destroys exercise- and diet-resistant fat cells in isolated areas of the body, it will not result in much noticeable weight loss, and thus cannot be used as a cure or treatment for obesity. And while the destroyed fat cells are physically flushed out of the body, existing fat cells can still store fat and increase in size.

Because the Cryolipolysis^® process effectively kills fat cells, they cannot grow back. For long-term maintenance of results, we strongly recommend staying committed to a healthy lifestyle with appropriate diet and exercise, as the remaining fat cells in the body can grow with significant weight gain.

CoolSculpting^® can be applied to various areas of the body, some of which include:

• Under the chin
• Inner and outer thigh
• Abdomen
• Flank
• Bra fat
• Back fat
• Underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll)
• Upper arm

Germain Dermatology is proud to be the first dermatology practice in South Carolina to introduce the Fat Cracker in conjunction with the revolutionary CoolSculpting^® treatment. The Fat Cracker, or shock wave therapy, is a wand-like technology that uses acoustic waves to break up fat cells in the connective tissues of the abdomen, upper arm, legs, and buttocks.

When combined with the popular CoolSculpting^® procedure, “fat cracking” offers 20 percent better results and lowers post-treatment tenderness. Clinically tested with fast, visible results, the name says it all. Using the Fat Cracker makes the post-treatment massage, which is usually performed by technicians with their hands, more effective.

As an exclusive benefit to Germain Dermatology patients, there is no additional charge for this quick, gentle, and effective treatment when they purchase their CoolSculpting^® package.