I Tried the Fat-Freezing Treatment Real Housewives Are Obsessed With & Here's What Happened

CoolSculpting, a body contouring procedure that freezes your fat cells to death, has found fans in Dorinda Medley and Kelly Dodd — so I just had to see if it lives up to the hype.

by Talia Ergas

“CoolSculpting is specifically designed for people who have unwanted fat pockets in targeted areas”

As the editor of Bravo's Lookbook, I'm always keeping a close eye on all the cosmetic treatments the Real Housewives are into. My personal process is usually more voyeuristic and less experimental (read: I get a bit squeemish around needles ... especially when they're aimed at my face). Every once in a while, though, I hear about a treatment that sounds so magical and painless, I just have to see if it lives up to the hype.

Take, for instance, CoolSculpting. The body contouring treatment first came across my radar when The Real Housewives of Orange County’s Kelly Dodd raved about it on Instagram. Kelly claimed she took a nap during the fat-reduction process and called it "so easy." Naturally, I was intrigued, but also a bit skeptical. (Kelly, after all, is not one to shy away from gruesome treatments I'll never try like microneedling.)

But then, a colleague of mine was catching up with Dorinda Medley, and The Real Housewives of New York City pal divulged that she too had tried CoolSculpting — and loved it. “CoolSculpting is amazing,” Dorinda told The Lookbook. “It is unbelievable … It’s for all those bits and bobs that no matter how much you work out, especially at my age, you can’t get rid of. It just takes off those little bits. It’s one hour, and then over the next few weeks you pee [the fat cells] out." 

Ok, so let’s recap: A treatment that eliminates fat cells with zero surgery and zero needles, that is so painless and “easy” you can do it while napping, and then you just pee out the cells?! That just sounded way too good to be true, so I had to speak with a CoolSculpting pro — and, of course, try the treatment for myself. Read on for the answers to all your burning CoolSculpting questions, and find out if it’s really as incredible as Kelly and Dorinda claim.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved body contouring technology that removes stubborn pockets of fat via freezing and killing fat cells. Along with an overall healthy lifestyle, it helps to eliminate bulges at the hips, belly, arms, thighs, and elsewhere. There is no surgery, not a single needle, and no downtime.

Can anyone get CoolSculpted?

Unfortunately, CoolSculpting is not for everyone. “The CoolSculpting fat-reduction procedure is specifically designed for [people] who have unwanted fat pockets in targeted areas,” explains Laura Dyer, MSHHS, PA-C, who has more experience performing CoolSculpting treatments than any other medical professional in the world. “Unlike weight-loss surgery (e.g., gastric bypass), the CoolSculpting procedure is not a weight-loss solution for people who are obese.” (In fact, CoolSculpting only kills 20-25 percent of fat cells in the area.) So who makes a good candidate? “People who have noticeable bulges in certain areas they’d like to get rid of an want a non-surgical alternative to liposuction,” explains Dyer, adding, “as with any medical procedure, ask you physician if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you.”

What actually happens during the procedure?

For my procedure, I chose to target what I (lovingly) refer to as my stomach "pooch." Here's what happened: First, I was asked to strip down to my underwear and put on a robe (the spa kind, not the hospital kind). Then, Dyer draped a gooey gel pad over my stomach, which, she informed me, was to protect my skin. Next, it was time to hook up the machine. (Have you ever tried turning on a vacuum and sticking the hose onto your skin? That's what this machine feels like as it grabs your fat pocket and sucks it in.) We did this on the right side of my stomach for half an hour, and then took it all apart and did it again on my left side for half an hour. (I brought my laptop and got some work done during the process. I'm impressed that Kelly was able to nap with the giant suction hooked up to her stomach.) A few weeks later I came back to do the whole thing all over again (two appointments per area is standard) and that was it! Now we wait ...

They used lots of pillows to keep me as comfortable as possible during the procedure.

Does it hurt?

It's definitely not painless, but the pain comes and goes pretty quickly (it's only the first 5 minutes) and it's never unmanageable. A few things to remember on that note: everyone's pain tolerance is different, so different people may feel more or less uncomfortable during the procedure. Also, keep in mind that I'm not a cosmetic surgery pro, so I am especially squeemish and uncomfortable with this type of thing. If you can handle botox, this should be a breeze. 
During the first five minutes, my pain level went from barely-noticable to annoying-but-manageable. Then, you start to go numb and the feeling subsides. Imagine pressing a giant ice pack to your stomach: at first it's cold, then it starts to hurt, then you go numb. That's exactly what it feels like. 

What happens after?

After my procedure was over, they released the machine and my stomach bulge spilled out, looking and feeling like what can only be described as numb butter. The technician massaged the area to break up the dead fat inside. That was the most uncomfortable part: this giant area of your body is being massaged and you can't feel a thing. The treated area stays numb for a few days to a few weeks, so showering and wearing tight jeans felt super weird for a while. Some people also experience temporary bloating and bruising afterwards, but I thankfully didn't. Then, over the span of the next three to four months, the dead fat cells leave your body at a rate of "four french fries-worth per day," according to my technician. 

How quickly do you see results?

Results are seen in approximately three months, and since I'm only one month past my procedure, I can't quite share my final verdict on that. I can, however, say that I truly am starting to see my stomach pooch flatten out, even though I've made no other changes to my daily routine. (Check back for another update once I hit the three-month mark!)

When the fat leaves your body, where does it go?

"Fat cells that are frozen gradually die off and leave the body through the body’s natural elimination process," explains Dyer. (Or, as Dorinda so eloquently put it: "You pee it out!")

Are the results permanent?

Continues Dyer, "Since the stem cell capability of your fat cells shuts off at the completion of puberty, the number of fat cells a person has typically stays the same throughout their adult life. As [a person] gains or loses weight, these fat cells either get bigger or smaller, but the number doesn’t change. However, with CoolSculpting, since we are actually causing cell death to 20-25 percent of the fat cells per treatment, once these dead fat cells are dead and eliminated, they are gone for good. That’s why the results are long-term. Untreated areas will have no change in fat cell distribution."

But what if, instead of maintaing your normal lifestyle, you start eating unhealthy and stop exercising after your treatment? "Many people, after seeing the results from their CoolSculpting procedure, feel even more motivated to stay close to their ideal weight," shares Dyer. "However, if you do gain weight, you may gain it evenly all over your body, not just in the treated areas. But once you rally back to your starting weight, you can typically appreciate the results again." Whew!

How much does it cost?

Says Dyer, "The price for CoolSculpting procedures varies depending on your areas of concern, the number of treatments needed, and your ultimate goals. Most patients opt to receive treatments in multiple body areas in order to achieve their goals. The cost typically ranges between $2,000-$4,000 for their personalized treatment plan depending on the number of areas treated." So, it's not cheap, but neither is liposuction. And if this option forgoes the cutting you open part, count me in!

The verdict ...

Overall, CoolSculpting is a nearly-painless quick fix for problem areas that diet and exercise alone can't tone. After trying it for myself, I completely agree with Kelly Dodd saying the process is "so easy." After just one month, I'm already starting to see my "pooch" shrinking, and I can't wait to see the final results. Check back in two months for an update!

6 Questions You Should Ask Before Trying Your First Fat Freezing Treatment

By Megan McIntyre

“We do have the power to change the shape of your body, but it must be done thoughtfully.”

Exercise, eating right, getting enough sleep — these are all proven ways to keep yourself at a healthy weight. But just because your weight is in check doesn’t mean that your fat is. We’re not trying to be rude. For some people, regardless of the numbers on the scale, there are (and always will be) pockets of fat that no amount of pilates and paleo can reduce.

That’s because, says Laura Dyer, MSHS, PA-C at Dr. Amy Wechsler Dermatology in NYC, everyone develops a finite number of fat cells during adolescence. Those fat cells don’t leave your body — when you gain or lose weight, she explains, it’s actually just those cells expanding and contracting. So when you work out and eat right, you are ensuring those cells are contracted and that your body stays toned. When you binge on ice cream and conveniently forget where the gym is, they expand and manifest as those annoying jiggly bits.

For many of us, though, biology and our genetics weren’t feeling friendly. As a result, we have areas — usually the hips, tummy, flanks, upper arms, double chin, and underneath the booty — that we just cannot seem to slim down. If even at your sveltest you still carried a bit of a stomach pooch, chances are its presence had nothing to do with what type of salad you ate and how many crunches you did.

However, you’ll be happy to know that we’ve hit the aesthetic jackpot in the last decade or so, with the advancement of non-surgical machines that can sculpt and eliminate even the most stubborn flab. One of the standouts in this contouring category is CoolSculpting®. This uses cryolipolysis, a method that allows you to freeze away your fat. Though it might sound too good to be true, we’re here to tell you that not only is it a reality, this writer has personally tried it — and can attest to its efficacy.

To learn if this type of body contouring may be right for you, we’ve compiled a primer filled with everything you need to know, as well as what to expect when you freeze your fat. From the process to the price, keep reading for the full answers to all the FAQ.

How does it work?

Body contouring via fat freezing is just what it sounds like: A machine quite literally freezes the fat, killing off the cells. This reduction in cells leads to a decrease in fat in the treated areas. It ensures it crystallizes only the fat cells (not the muscles and water-based ones around it). The dead fat cells are gradually processed by the body’s macrophages (a.k.a. garbage collectors) and subsequently eliminated as waste.

What do I need to do before my treatment?

According to Dyer, zero things. “Whatever you did pre-treatment — exercise, eating, etc. — is fine. There are no pre-treatment limitations.” That said, if you are having your stomach contoured, it might be best to skip a big meal — the suction involved in the process might be a teensy bit more uncomfortable if your belly is full.

What happens during my treatment?

CoolSculpting is a completely non-invasive treatment. We’ve had facials more intense and time-consuming than this. There are three parts to getting the treatment: prep, the actual suction/freezing, and massage.

To start, the area will have a gel pad applied to create a barrier and “maximize suction,” says Dyer. “We get better suction wherever there is moisture.” The machine is fitted with a handpiece, which comes in multiple shapes and sizes, depending on what you are treating. That attaches via the aforementioned suction. It’s initially a bit of an odd sensation, but that goes away fairly quickly.

Once adhered, the panels within the handpiece drop to that magical fat-freezing temperature. “It will feel cold for around eight to 10 minutes, but then it goes numb and you won’t feel much,” says Dyer. The total time of the session depends on the area being done. If you are working on your outer thigh, it will take about 75 minutes, as the panel is a singular flat one, whereas the abdomen takes only 35 minutes due to the fact that the handpiece surrounds it on three different sides.

Once the handpiece is removed, your technician will manually massage the area to break up the crystallized fat and speed up cell death. This can also be mildly uncomfortable but isn’t done for very long. Post-treatment, you can go about your day as usual, no special instructions or limitations.

What about afterwards?

Your skin will look pink for a few hours immediately after treatment, and you can expect it to feel numb for a few days afterwards. You will gradually regain feeling and your skin may feel itchy.

Dyer likens it to the sensation you get after being out in the cold weather for an extended period of time.Some patients may see some mild bruising, but that also will fade after a bit.

As for results, the numbers are pretty incredible. “Patients can expect to lose up to 20-25 percent of fat [in the treated area],” says W. Grant Stevens, M.D. F.A.C.S., the president of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and founder of Marina Plastic Surgery in California. That lost fat is permanently reduced, meaning the treated cells won’t come back — the treated cells are gone for good. He does note that most patients will need to undergo multiple treatments, spaced two months apart.

How much does it cost?

One of the best things about body contouring is how targeted it is — you can hone in on a specific area and treat it without affecting other parts. But, it’s this highly specialized nature that makes it difficult to estimate a cost without seeing a doctor. Someone who is having their double chin sculpted is going to have a different cost than someone who wants to treat their inner thighs. The amount of treatments will also vary, depending on the amount of fat. Additionally, who is performing the treatment (say, a plastic surgeon versus a body contouring technician) and where you’re receiving it are all factors that affect pricing. As a general estimate, most doctors will quote a price between $2,000 and $4,000 total for a personalized treatment plan, which includes multiple treatments on the area in question.

How do I know if it’s right for me?

Like any professional treatment, you’ll want to first meet your provider for a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for body contouring. In general, you need to have pinchable fat in the area you want treated. This could include the stomach, love handles, outer and inner thighs, bra rolls, upper arms, banana roll (a.k.a. the area underneath your booty), and double chin.

Dyer stresses that one of the most important things to realize before you consider body contouring in general is that it is not a weight-loss solution. This type of treatment works most effectively for people who generally eat healthy, exercise regularly, and haven’t had any recent weight fluctuations. It is targeted contouring that focuses on small pockets of fat in specific areas.

The machine, says Dr. Stevens, is only part of what will make this type of body contouring successful. You also need to be sure your provider understands your body, what you want, and the proper placement and technique to help you achieve it. “An accurate assessment and appropriate application results in optimal results,” he says. “Yes, it works, but you must do it correctly to achieve optimal results.” Adds Dyer, “We do have the power to change the shape of your body, but it must be done thoughtfully.”

Interested in exploring CoolSculpting? Consult with our aesthetics specialists to find a provider near you!

CoolSculpting® Treatment Important Information

The CoolSculpting procedure is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental area, thigh, abdomen and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll), and upper arm. It is also FDA-cleared to affect the appearance of lax tissue with submental area treatments.

During the procedure you may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, and cramping at the treatment site. These sensations subside as the area becomes numb. Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity, and sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after a submental area treatment. Rare side effects may also occur. The CoolSculpting procedure is not for everyone. You should not have the CoolSculpting procedure if you suffer from cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. The CoolSculpting procedure is not a treatment for obesity. Ask your doctor if CoolSculpting is right for you. To learn more about what to expect, visit the CoolSculpting website.

Dr. Amy Wechsler, Laura Dyer and Dr. W. Grant Stevens are paid Allergan consultants. 

What’s in Your Sheet Mask?

By Kathleen Hou@kathou

““The physical mask prevents the evaporation of beneficial ingredients,” Dyer says.

In recent years, it’s been permissible or a demonstrable source of Instagram pride to moisturize and look really creepy doing it. Sheet masks are everywhere — Gigi Hadid is doing them and telling Into the Gloss she looks like a “cute” murderer, Chinese actress Fan Bingbing wears them while signing autographs, and they’ve even made an appearance in our Sex Diaries as a getting-ready ritual. There is even a stand-alone store in NYC devoted to selling just sheet masks, called The Mask Bar.

Compared to face masks, which have supposedly been around since Cleopatra’s day, sheet masks are a relative newcomer to the skin-care industry. But how do these mysterious, moisturizing, burglar-looking masks actually work, and are they better for your skin than just regular face masks or moisturizers? To answer the most commonly heard questions about sheet masks ranging from what’s actually in them to how often you should do them, Cut talked to several K-beauty experts and dermatologists to find out.

What’s a sheet mask?
Simply put, it’s a mask in a “sheet” form — made of fiber, cotton, cellulose, or coconut pulp, with holes, like a soft version of a Sleep No More mask. It’s wet, cool, and usually dripping straight out of the package, because it’s infused with a liquid cocktail of hydrating ingredients. You place it on your face by lining up the holes over your eyes and mouth.

But why?
It’s relaxing (if you don’t have claustrophobia). Sheet masks work as an occlusive — a physical barrier that seals your skin with a mixture of good-for-you ingredients. Physician’s assistant Laura Dyer at Dr. Amy Wechsler Dermatology says, “The physical mask prevents the evaporation of beneficial ingredients.” Victoria Beckham’s dermatologist Harold Lancer explains that the mask “maximizes the treatment.” Think of a sheet mask as saturating your skin in a temporary but effective moisturizing sleeping bag of skin care, where good stuff gets in but nothing gets out.

What is in this thing?
Much like the human body, the primary ingredient in sheet masks is water. It’s the first ingredient listed on a $17 SK-II sheet mask or a $1 Innisfree sheet mask. Alicia Yoon, CEO of Peach & Lily explains that water is in your skin care because it’s a carrier and complementary ingredient. “Many sheet masks use botanical extracts and other ingredients that are hydrophilic, and pair best with water. Moreover, having water in the formula can help with delivery to the skin.” Water can make stronger ingredients more palatable to the skin, she adds.

After water, you may see a bunch of ingredients ending in -ol: butylene glycol and dipropylene glycol. You may be wondering — does that mean your sheet masks contain alcohol, a known dehydrator of skin? What is that doing in there, and does it make sheet masks a lie?

No, not all alcohols have the same characteristics. For example, butylene glycol is an organic alcohol that’s often used for conditioning, and is a humectant. Yoon confirms that it helps bind moisture to the skin and is one of the gentlest glycols. It also has a few other benefits. “It can help cut the viscosity in sheet-mask formulas to make the texture less sticky and heavy, it can be a solvent in the formula, and it can help prevent the formula from drying out.” In addition to the other ingredients, Dr. Lancer explains that a mask is typically infused with other ingredients like stem cells, hyaluronic acid, or peptides.

How do sheet masks get made? Can these things really be made off an assembly line?
Yes. Sarah Lee, Co-founder of Glow Recipe explains that she’s even seen workers hand-fold sheet masks with tools on a completely sterile assembly line (after going through a decontamination shower), of course. Yoon says that she’s seen sheet masks folded into a pouch, and then filled with essence, and heat-sealed. “Sometimes there is also a machine that lightly rolls over the sealed masks to spread the essence around inside of the pouch, too.”

What does a sheet mask actually do? Are there scientific studies?
Does having your skin look radiant, plumper, more bouncy, brightened, luminous, more hydrated in 10 to 12 minutes sound good to you? Then sheet masks are for you. Simply put, Dr. Lancer calls sheet masks an effective form of beauty sleep. “Sheet masks are great because it allows the skin to ‘rest’ while it is saturated in hydrating, brightening, or anti-aging ingredients and giving an extra boost to your current skin routine when you need it the most.”

Unfortunately, there are no independent scientific studies that test the benefits of sheet masks, but every expert we interviewed agree they’re a great addition to a skincare routine and add incremental benefits. Yoon adds that sheet masks have a simple, effective, moisturizing-added benefit. “Dehydrated skin means a more vulnerable skin barrier and less than ideal skin environment, which generally leads to more inflammation, faster collagen breakdown, more breakouts, and more hyperpigmentation. Sheet masks effectively gets moisture back into skin.”

How do I know which one to pick?
Don’t get too weighed down by decision fatigue. The good thing about sheet masks is that they are great for a variety of skin types and come in a lot of price points, ranging from luxury to “why is this so cheap?” prices. Dr. Lancer says, “By design, the majority of sheet masks are intended to be hydrating or soothing so there is very low risk for any adverse outcomes.” If you’re looking for hydration, hyaluronic acid, a scientifically proven ingredient that draws water to the skin is often included. For brightening, you’ll often see Vitamin C and kojic acid.

Reddit skin-care obsessives look at sheet mask ingredients, but the sheet mask material itself makes a difference. Yoon concurs that it’s not conjecture, and can contribute to the sensorial experience. “Some materials are not as good at holding some types of essences. For example, if the essence has a thicker, creamier texture, then a thin cotton mask might fall apart under the weight of that essence (imagine a thin tissue disintegrating under water).”

I personally prefer ones made of gel or plant pulp, because I feel like they cling better to my face and result in less drippage. Lee tells me that she’s seen Korean masks made of unique materials like cupro fibers (sometimes called “cotton wool,” derived from the fibers that encase cotton seeds), which hold more serum than regular cotton masks.

How often should I do it?
Michelle Yeoh sheet masks every single day, rain or shine, hungover or not, which explains a lot. Lee does up to six sheet masks in one flight alone, and even does them in traffic. One of Yoon’s friends, who is Korea’s first Playboy model, has done one every day for seven years. Most experts agree that doing them even a few times a week offers a benefit. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research or the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, agrees that once a week is a good baseline. Dr. Lancer, one of Hollywood’s busiest dermatologists for awards season often sees celebrities doing then every single day two weeks prior to an event.

How long should you leave them on for? Is there such a thing as too long?
Most sheet masks have directions for how long to leave a mask on, ranging from somewhere between 10–20 minutes. SK-II suggests 10–15 minutes on its packaging. Some people believe that the longer you leave on a sheet mask the better, but Christine Chang, co-founder of Glow Recipe believes it can actually have a reverse osmosis effect. “You should take your sheet mask off before the mask starts to feel dry. We don’t recommend leaving it on for more than 20 minutes and we never recommend sleeping in sheet masks as once the mask is dry, they can actually absorb moisture back out of your skin.”

How Models Get Ready for NYFW With Lasers, Facials and Injections

By Sara Spruch-Feiner • 02/07/18 9:15am

Ah, New York Fashion Week. It’s the perfect time for a model sighting, especially since they descend upon on the streets of New York in droves, clad in Alexander Wang leather jackets, quilted Chanel handbags and perfectly distressed vintage jeans. Sure, it’s easy to look at these preternaturally tall, lithe ladies and think, “Why can’t I wake up like that?” But here’s a secret: neither did they!

Dyer describes the sensation as a “gentle prickly and warming sensation.”

Clear & Brilliant

What it is is: Clear & Brilliant is a low-level laser treatment that models and stars return to time and time again when they need to look great, fast. “This treatment improves the overall look and quality of the skin, leaving it super glowy, dewy and illuminated. The heat from the laser helps improve fine lines, smooths skin texture, shrinks pores and stimulates collagen,” says Laura Dyer, MSHS, PA-C.

“The heat from the laser…

helps improve fine lines, smooths skin texture, shrinks pores and stimulates collagen,” says Laura Dyer, MSHS, PA-C.

Dyer confirmed that this is the best treatment for those looking to immediately brighten and smooth the skin’s appearance. “This laser helps skin to appear naturally photoshopped and perfect. Makeup goes on super smooth, photos look flawless, pores are minimized and skin appears to be glowing and fresh.” Sign us up. Treatments start at $500.

What to expect: Prior to your appointment, you don’t have to change a thing. Once you arrive at your dermatology office, your face will be slathered in numbing cream for about 15 minutes. The actual treatment is a mere seven minutes long, Dyer describes the sensation as a “gentle prickly and warming sensation.” Expect to be pink for four to six hours—it shouldn’t last for more than 24 hours. But if you simply must be somewhere, that’s fine too, you can put on makeup right after. You’ll notice improvement for about two to three months afterward.

Aquagold

“Aquagold allows us to microdose combinations…

What it is: Microneedling, as you might already know, is controversial in the beauty world. However, Aquagold is a painless alternative that infuses customized skin cocktails through just 20 microscopic needles made of 24K gold. Each of the hollow needles is smaller in diameter than a piece of hair, allowing the cocktail to penetrate the skin’s surface. What’s in these custom cocktails? A mix of hyaluronic acid, Botox, vitamin complexes and PRP.

“Aquagold allows us to microdose combinations of these results-driven products directly into the skin,” Dyer explains, “which helps to reduce pore size, even out skin tone, minimize fine lines, and improve acne scarring.” Its myriad of benefits includes helping the under eye area, pores on the nose, and horizontal neck lines. “Those with dry skin really like the increase in hydration to their skin as well,” Dyer says. Depending on your custom cocktail, treatments start at $750.

What to expect: This quick and simple treatment starts with a numbing cream applied to the entire face. Once the face is numb, the procedure doesn’t hurt—Dyer describes the feeling as more “annoying” than anything else—a mild, prickly sensation. The result? Glowy, plumped and vibrant skin for two to three months afterward.

“Your fat cells crystallize, freeze and die during the treatment,” Dyer explains.

What it is: The first (and only) FDA cleared, non-surgical fat reduction treatment. Coolsculpting uses patented cooling (well, freezing!) technology to permanently reduce those areas of fat that don’t budge, even with diet and exercise. And guess what? Supermodels have them too. There’s no surgery, no needles and, amazingly, no downtime. During Coolsculpting, “fat cells are exposed to precision cooling for a specific amount of time (35 minutes) causing 20 to 25 percent of your fat cells to crystallize, freeze and die during the treatment,” Dyer explains. The cost of procedure starts at $750 per cycle and up, depending on the size of the area treated.

What to expect: Coolsculpting doesn’t hurt—per se—but it does feel weird. The first three to five minutes feel like your skin is freezing (almost like cryo), but after that, it gets so cold you just go numb and can even have your laptop and answer emails or watch tv, while you wait for your 35 minutes to end. After the treatment you can expect to have a bit of redness for a few hours, some mild numbness for several days, some very mild tenderness and occasionally very mild swelling. After the treatment, there are zero restrictions so a patient can return immediately to all normal activities. “They can go back to work, back to the gym or anything else they would normally do,” Dyer explains. Some changes can be seen as soon as three to four weeks but give it three to four months to realize your final results.

Laura Dyer, MSHS, PA-C on the Latest Treatments in Anti-Aging and More

Trusted dermatologists and plastic surgeons based in New York, Los Angeles, and London weigh in on the latest beliefs and the most effective advanced-technology procedures and injectables.

By Sunhee Grinnell

Vanity Fair: CoolSculpting—what are the true pros and cons?

Laura Dyer: CoolSculpting is the first and only F.D.A.-cleared device for the non-surgical, permanent reduction of fat. It uses a patented cooling technology called Cryolipolysis, which causes fat cells to solidify, freeze, and die during the procedure. It safely and consistently removes 20 to 25 percent of a patient’s diet-and-exercise-resistant fat after each treatment, with no needles, no surgery, and no downtime. The true pros are that it works, it’s safe, and it’s consistently effective. There is no downtime. Plus, since the new generation of applicators last year, the treatment time is now only 35 minutes instead of the full 60 minutes. With the newer, gentler-shaped applicator, one can expect much less bruising, swelling, or tenderness after the procedure. Cons, if any, would be that some patients may need more than just one treatment.

V.F.: Any other fat-reducing procedures that you can recommend?

Laura Dyer: There are a number of treatments out there, such as SculpSure, that have recently come out. However, no treatment has been as safe, well-tolerated, and consistently effective as CoolSculpting. With over four million CoolSculpting treatments done globally over the past eight years, there is lots of data and science to back this up. The same is not true for any of the other technologies, and only time and data will tell if they are, in fact, as safe and effective and CoolSculpting.

V.F.: Tell us what’s different between traditional CoolSculpting and CoolPetit Advantage?

Laura Dyer: The CoolPetit Advantage applicator is a new-generation applicator that allows for a shorter treatment time and less side effects, but compared to the CoolAdvantage applicators, the CoolPetit is a bit smaller, allowing us to treat smaller diet-and-exercise-resistant bulges, and it is F.D.A.-cleared to treat arms.

V.F.: Instead of Botox and fillers, what about one’s own fat injections? Too many risks, because, unlike the typical injections, it’s not reversible?

Laura Dyer: There are several disadvantages with fat injections. First of all, when injecting fat, a provider has to overfill to about 100 percent of the desired correction. This is because 50 percent of what is injected will not take and will die. Which 50 percent will die is not always an exact science. It is hard to finesse and treat delicate areas and create good symmetry with fat, knowing you have to overfill and knowing that fat globules are much larger and less precise than a smooth hyaluronic-acid product. Fat injections can be great to create a new body, shape such a Brazilian butt lift, however, aren't always a great option for filling a patient’s face. Unlike Botox and the H.A.-based fillers that have F.D.A. clearance and that we are currently using now, that can last from one to two years depending on the filler. And because these fillers are fully reversible with an antidote called Vitrase, as a provider we have very good control over what we are injecting, and we know what to expect in regards to results, precision, and longevity of the product. With the new fillers on the market, such as Voluma, Vollure, and Volbella, that last up to two years, 18 months, and 12 months, respectively, there is really no need to undergo the risks, recovery, uncertainty, and downsides of fat injections for treating delicate areas of the face.

Dyer is the Physician Assistant at Dr. Amy Wechsler Dermatology

45 East 85th Street, New York, NY 10028

(212) 396-2500